The Bellwood is a bar in Tokyo.
The Bellwood in Shibuya is Atsushi Suzuki's Taisho-era cafe-themed cocktail bar in Tokyo, kaiseki-as-cocktail menu, hidden 12-piece omakase counter at back.
Food program: Nigiri counter at Bell Sushi in the back
Tip: Reserve via TableCheck; the kaiseki cocktail set takes 90 minutes. Closed Tuesdays.
Address: Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Memento Mori in Tokyo's Shimokitazawa is the cinema-inspired cocktail bar with a projector running silent movies. Modern cocktails, low-lit film-club.
Signature drink: Cinema-inspired modern cocktails
Food: Snacks and small plates
Tip: Closed Mondays. Walk-in welcome; the back-room is the calmer seating after 21:00.
Gold Bar at Tokyo EDITION Toranomon is a Golden Age cocktail room above the city, classic Martini and Manhattan rebuilds, Japanese spirits as the base notes.
Signature drink: Modern Martini variation
Food: Bar bites
Tip: Open daily 17:00-01:00; window seats face Toranomon Hills and Tokyo Tower.
Bar High Five in Tokyo's Ginza is Hidetsugu Ueno's basement cocktail counter, World's 50 Best Bars 2011-2023. Hand-cut ice, custom drinks to your taste.
Signature drink: Custom-made spec to your preference
Food: Replenished complimentary snacks
Tip: Cover charge is 1,000 yen with snacks. Open Mon-Sat from 17:00, closed Sundays and national holidays; arrive early for a seat at the counter.
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.
Signature drink: Sidecar with hand-cut Ninja ice
Food: Tinned snacks, charcuterie
Tip: Cover charge applies. Wear smart casual; phone reservations are accepted but the standing space at the counter turns fast.
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.
