Star Bar Ginza is a bar in Tokyo.
Star Bar Ginza in Tokyo's Ginza is Hisashi Kishi's pressed-tin temple of classic cocktail technique since 2000. The Sidecar is the order on a first visit.
Editorially verified May 19, 2026 by Lewis Vaughan, TableJourney editor. Source.
Food program: Tinned snacks, charcuterie
Tip: Cover charge applies. Wear smart casual; phone reservations are accepted but the standing space at the counter turns fast.
Address: Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan
Fuglen Tokyo in Tomigaya turns into a Scandinavian cocktail bar after 19:00. Norwegian-trained bartenders, vintage Scandi furniture (all for sale).
Signature drink: Aquavit-based cocktails by Halvor Digernes
Food: Norwegian brown cheese, light snacks
Tip: Open until 01:00 Wed-Sun. The aquavit Old Fashioned is the move; Mondays and Tuesdays close at 23:00.
Omoide Yokocho in Tokyo's Shinjuku is the post-war yakitori alley north of the west exit, 70 tiny eateries seating six to eight. Highballs and meat.
Signature drink: Highball and yakitori sticks
Food: 70 yakitori, grilled offal, ramen stalls
Tip: Most stalls open from 17:00; weekend nights are tight. Bring cash and a willingness to share a counter.
Shinjuku Golden Gai in Tokyo's Kabukicho is six narrow alleys of 200 themed bars, each seating four to ten guests. Music, film, literature, every micro-genre.
Signature drink: Whatever the master pours
Food: Snacks, occasional small plates
Tip: Many bars charge a 500-1,500 yen seating fee. Look for English-friendly signs or guided tours after 21:00.
SG Club in Tokyo's Jinnan is Shingo Gokan's two-floor cocktail bar, Asia's 50 Best No. 9 in 2023. Order the showa-era cocktails on the two floors.
Signature drink: Showa-era cocktails on the two floors
Food: Tapas-style bites and snacks
Tip: Reservations advised for Friday and Saturday. The sip floor is the quieter calmer counter.
Bar Trench in Tokyo's Ebisu-Nishi is the absinthe and classic-cocktail counter Rogerio Igarashi Vaz opened in 2010. Asia's 50 Best Bars, back-alley den.
Signature drink: Absinthe-led classic cocktails
Food: Snacks and charcuterie
Tip: Reserve for groups; the back-room booth is the prized seat. Cash and cards. Open Sun-Thu to 02:00, Fri-Sat to 03:00.
Gen Yamamoto in Tokyo's Azabu-Juban serves an eight-seat seasonal cocktail tasting flight only. Four or six courses of seasonal-ingredient cocktails, no food.
Signature drink: Seasonal tasting flight of cocktails
Food: No food
Tip: Two seatings nightly; phone or email reservation only. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Strict no-phone policy at the counter.
