Nightlife | Tokyo City Guide

Access to this reservation-only cocktail bar in Ebisu is hidden behind a bank of lockers. I didn’t read the instructions the first time I visited so ended up wandering around the building lost, until a local shop keeper took pity on me and showed me the secret entrance. Inside you’ll find a warm, beautifully lit space. I have to admit that it doesn’t feel especially Japanese, so you could be in a cocktail bar in any major city in the world. A very lovely cocktail bar that is.

This bar is probably the most stylish bar in Golden Gai, and with three floors, also one of the largest. So maybe start your night here, before checking out the many unique bars in this area, the majority of which only seat a handful of people at any one time.

If you’re looking for the canonical Tokyo bar experience, then it’s probably a toss up between here and Bar High Five. Think immaculately tailored bar staff, meticulously shaving ice diamonds while preparing your perfect drink based on your preferences (i.e. no menus). This bar has the added benefit of being on the 50 best list.

Bar Martha is one of a number of “listening bars” in Tokyo. So go here with a few friends, order some Japanese Whiskey, and enjoy the eclectic mix of vinyl music the local taste makers will select for your listening pleasure. Just remember not to talk too loudly, or you may be asked to leave. This place has received a bunch of 1 star reviews for tourists as a result, which helps keep the idiots out.

While not the most atmospheric of venues, this whisky specialist does amazing tastings flights for those interested in trying a variety of brands. As a result, I blame this bar for my newfound love of Japanese whiskey.

Voted the best cocktail bar in Asia. They have no menu. Instead, tell the bartender what you like, and they’ll mix you up something amazing. This bar only seats around a dozen people, so get there early if you want to grab a seat.

One of many tiny, ramshackled bars in Nonbei Yokocho, next to Shibuya Station. I love the various Tokyo alleyways and have spent many a fun evening sipping Yamazaki 12 while bar hopping in this slightly seedy neighbourhood.

Currently on the list of the top cocktail bars in the world. This bar contains a tiny 4 seat sushi bar which offers an inventive drink and sushi pairing menu. I enjoyed the sushi so much on my last trip that I’ll definitely be back.

This globally regarded jazz bar is the Tokyo equivalent of Ronnie Scott's in London, but with much better food (sorry Ronnie). As such it sees a constant flow of international artists come through the doors, as well as some amazing home grown talent. It’s a very upmarket, bougie experience  as you would expect for its Ayoma location. For something a little more grungy, try Jazz Spot Intro or The Pit Inn Shinjuku.

Along with Bar Martha I’d also highly recommend Bar Trak (another great listening bar), Bar Tram (a high end bar specialising in Absinth cocktails) and Bar Trench (another great absinth bar).

For me, this is one of the best bars in the world. It only seats eight people, is so popular that you have to book months ahead, and you have no choice in what you drink. Instead, Gen will serve you a multi-course cocktail tasting menu, from seasonal ingredients, created from scratch every day. The place is super austere, with no dim lighting or music. Instead, your focus is on watching the master at work, and savouring his ingenious creations.

Tokyo has a number of tiny little lanes called yokocho which are packed with standing bars and restaurants. Some have evocative names like Memory Lane and Piss Alley. If you’ve seen the TV show, Midnight Diner you know exactly what I mean. One of the best places to start is Golden Gai in Shinjuku. It gives you a real sense of what old Tokyo used to look and feel like.

This tiny live Jazz bar next to Takadanobaba Station was my favorite find on my last trip. It features a constant rotation of live musicians late into the night, including an 11 hour all night jam session on Saturdays. As such, lots of famous musicians playing at other more expensive venues like Blue Note might end up here afterwards for a 2am jam session. I should note that this place is small. Like impossible to move once you've sat down, if there was a fire we’d all die, kinda small. But this only adds to the charm. Will definitely be back.

I’m always a bit dubious of bars that specialise in a particular ingredient. Especially when that ingredient is Cacao. Mostly because I generally favour short, dry drinks rather than something that resembles a chocolate smoothie. As such I was a little nervous trying this cocktail bar. I shouldn't have been. The drinks on offer are both tasty and sophisticated, rather than sweet and gimmicky. I probably wouldn’t spend an evening here, but for an early drink or two to get the evening started, it’s a perfect jumping off ground. If you’re feeling peckish afterwards, the Toranomon Yokocho food court has some nice options.

From the people behind Mixology Laboratory comes this 12 seat cocktail bar at the top of the Ginza Six building, specialising in drinks made from tea. There’s a wonderful new Tsutaya Books store a few floors below, that focuses on art monographs. Just be careful going there after a few cocktails or you may clear out your bank account.

For a slightly more down- to-earth Jazz experience than Blue Note Tokyo, try the wonderful Pit Inn. Set in a Shunjuku basement, they have a daily rotation of lunch and evening shows featuring predominantly local Japanese musicians. Most shows can be booked in advance, either online or over the phone, with payment on the door when you arrive.