(Source: Internet). is a small but edgy wine shop with an impressive variety of vino. Inspired by the 1920s-style speakeasies of New York, this suave record bar is filled with vintage vinyls ranging from jazz to R&B. In fact, in Omoide Yokocho also known as Memory Lane and Piss Alley eating yakitori and drinking beer go hand-in-hand, as one is rarely ordered without the other. Note: Google Maps shows its permanently closed, but recent reviews indicate otherwise. The historic restaurants at Omoide Yokocho date to the late-1940s, blossoming out of the Tokyos post-war wreckage. That's not like normal in Japan at all. pieces and new sofas have been added as well. Nestled in the famous Golden Gai, its owned by the grandson of award-winning novelist Komimasa Tanaka. Japan visitors can use our Tokyo Beer Guide to create an epic Tokyo bar crawl or meet fellow travelers and join a guide in one of the Tokyo Pub Crawl tours on Viator. 17. 501 wants its customers to get to know the people who make the wines that are sold here, much as farm-to-table restaurants want their diners to know where their product originates from. Around the corner from two-Michelin-star restaurant. The museum is free to tour and there is a tasting room on-site that sells beer and snacks. Additionally, these go beyond just basic bar nibbles. The area is highly renowned for its cafes, restaurants, and international fashion houses. The nightlife establishment is situated, as its name would imply, behind a black and yellow entryway at the top of the Aoyama Tunnel. Sampling Japans national beverage, Sake, is an absolute must when visiting Tokyo! Besides serving some of the best lemon sours in the city, the bar alsooffers up a delightfully moreish curry toast for anyone craving a hot snack to go with their booze. Shibuya FiledIMAGE / Shutterstock.com Atmosphere: Wild Price: Affordable Crowd: Young We start with one of the most popular and populous places in Tokyo. Together, Yasuhiro and Junko have made the ideal setting for showcasing their skills: Yasuhiro with drinks and Junko with food. Using the helpful tags that indicated sweetness levels, we selected six bottles for our sake tasting and took them to our table. Expect traditional dishes like green curry (1,540 11,48 USD) and a fantastic pad thai in addition to unusual selections like okonomiyaki made in the style of Thailand (1,650 12,3 USD). It was the jovial atmosphere that drew us into Diamond Bar and the epic entertainment is why we stayed for more than one round. Re: Hostess Bars For Foreigners that speak english. As if that wasnt good enough, from 5:30 to 7:00pm, the caf offers select drinks at happy hour prices. The Open Book is a fortunate exception in Golden Gai, where most closed doors signify a members-only policy. The drink-of-choice at Kamiya Bar is their signature Denki Bran or Electric Brandy. , its owned by the grandson of award-winning novelist Komimasa Tanaka. There are nearly 200 Golden Gai bars jam-packed into six narrow alleys. It comes as no surprise that Japan takes its drinks as seriously as it does food. The drink selection at The Grey Room focuses on classic Japanese drinks infused with Indian-inspired flavours. (Source: Internet). Located in the northwest corner of Minato Ward, Aoyama () is one of Tokyos wealthiest neighborhoods. Located on the east side of the Sumida River near the Kasuga Dori Bridge, we wouldnt necessarily recommend someone going out of their way to track down this specific Tokyo bar. Map | Reviews. Be part of Asia's most authentic travel community, Even if youre not a big partier, youve got to get a taste of the epic. This luxurious cocktail bar is a place to indulge, whether its for afternoon tea or late-night drinks. Once inside, Flying Bumblebee feels like a secret you just cant keep to yourself because of the dim lighting, modern aesthetic, and trip-hop soundtrack. Ginza and Roppongi may charge you $1000 a night. Owner Shinobu Ishigaki uses a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables to make his signature drinks at this basement bar, which is only a short distance from Shibuya Station. We, however, just wanting the view found some of the best rooftop bars in Tokyo. The old-school beer hall dates to 1880 and holds the title of being Tokyos oldest Western-style bar. The Bellwood. Ask a Japanese friend to show you around. The Tokyo pub is the size of a train carriage, so it fills up quickly. Lose yourself in the sights, the lights, and the sounds. Famous for combining world-class talent, a high-end sound system, and top-notch production, Womb is a premier spot to enjoy electronic music in the city. Thanks to these bars, clubs, and other nighttime hangouts, theres never any shortage of Tokyo nightlife for foreigners and locals to explore. Local and international DJs keep the crowds dancing all night long to tunes ranging from techno to hip-hop. Depending on what you require, the Shibuya and Shinjuku neighborhoods are both fantastic at different times. We arrived with a list of the best Tokyo bars in Golden Gai, only to find the recommended establishments closed. A door inside Bar Triad, reveals a hidden stairway leading to the floor above, and from there, patrons can enter the annex, a bar within a bar. Also read: 10 Best Samurai Movies of All Time & Their Notable Filming Locations, Image credit (L-R): The Open Book Official Instagram Page; mainichichu. There are numerous Tokyo rooftop bars that dot the skyline, allowing patrons a birds-eye view of the modern city. If youve successfully made a reservation, head to the coffee shop, pull up the secret website on your phone and show the barista who will guide you to the hidden doorway. is the single must-visit spot for whisky lovers. If you want to stick to beer or wine, keep an eye out for the specials board to uncover the more adventurous items. Food-wise, the bar chow is as good as the drinks, thanks to. It is free to enter the Sky Room, but drinks need to be purchased. Heres what you need to know about going out for drinks and having a good time in Tokyo, from happy hours through after hours. The fundamental rule is to avoid serving customers drinks next to them. You might be able to find non-smoking seating, but dont count on it everywhere. In fact, we think small standing bars and historic pubs are the best bars in Tokyo for visitors to get a true sense of the Japanese drinking culture. Seriously crazy about travel, we have been in the air and on the road full time since 2014. The bars in Tokyo are as intriguing and unique as the city itself. If your reservation was successful, go to the coffee shop, access the secret webpage on your phone, and show it to the barista. We've got the best low price bars for you! The establishments on Hoppy Street are also known for cooking delicious stew; each restaurant serves its own version of beef soup to hungry guests. You will, however, be receiving value for your money, so relax. First-time visitors should find the ambience to be far less frightening than at Ginzas bartending temples because the quality is typically very excellent indeed. The first three are frequently the most well-liked by visitors from abroad, although the others are also excellent for a night out. You are immediately made to feel at home as soon as you enter. After all, this is, place in Tokyo to score lesser-known natural wine labels, especially bottles from. , a cosy little wine bar thats so famous that theres frequently a line of hungry (and thirsty) patrons winding outside the doorstep. Here, youll get a taste of the more grown-up side of Tokyo nightlife. Designed by the same people behind New Yorks Twilo, its been long recognised as one of the top clubs in Tokyo. They are quite committed to keeping this well-kept secret. Use this link to Google Maps to route yourself to all the Best Tokyo Bars! Reservations are required at this coffee cocktail specialty bar in order to get a spot, and accessing the hidden booking site requires breaking into the Janai Coffee website. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. To help other travelers find their way to our recommended places to drink in Tokyo, we included a map link, as well as a Tokyo Bar Map at the end of the post. , a beautifully designed bar lounge headlined by leading female bartender Yukiyo Kurihara. While most . There are very few things Celia wont do for a good story, but her favourite ones always involve the beach, animals, or any type of outdoor activity. (Source: Internet). 11 Best Foreigner-Friendly Bars in Tokyo | Tokyo Cheapo The restaurant's shelves are stacked with rare books selected by the operators of 'mobile library' Paradise Books. She was born and raised in Tokyo and have been here for nearly 25 years. Just your everyday coffee shopor is it? As the name would suggest, the cocktails at this upmarket bar close to Ginza Station are created with fresh, in-season fruits. and use an everyday 18-135mm lens (that is perfect for Tokyo cityscapes!). As much as we like the boisterous atmosphere at the most happening bars in Tokyo, we also enjoy finding places that are completely off the radar. There is no set attire to follow for a night out in the Tokyo nightlife. Map | Reviews. As opposed to other speakeasies, finding Janai Coffee requires more effort than simply looking for a hidden door. Rogerio Igarashi Vaz has concocted since setting up this outpost. Faramarz is the finest location to visit if you want to understand more about how tequila is made. Think about bringing a jacket or wearing clothing that conceals any tattoos you can see. Faramarz is the finest location to visit if you want to understand more about how tequila is made. They behave in a manner that is reminiscent of an old-fashioned magic show: not overly showy, a little enigmatic, and always coming to a satisfying conclusion. Along with some of the citys greatest lemon sours, the bar serves a pleasantly moreish curry toast to anyone in need of a hot bite to accompany their drink. Nightlife in Ginza One of Tokyo's most luxurious areas, you have to dress to impress to get into Ginza's most exclusive bars and nightclubs. Food-wise, the bar chow is as good as the drinks, thanks to Spice Lab Tokyo on the upper floor. Junko, a veteran of various Thai eateries in the city, offers an excellent selection of foods on a weekly-changing menu. It is meant to pair with dishes like the Thai-inspired ramen, which is available every night at 11 p.m. Along with specialty bars like wine bars, cocktail bars, and bars that are perfect for foreign tourists, Japans nightlife and bar industry is as diversified as its culinary sector. When creating this list, we paid close attention to beverages of the highest caliber. See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which is fantastic for beginner photogs!) Igarashi also provides a range of absinthe (starting at 1,540 11,48 USD), which you may consume via a conventional fountain or in a cocktail. From the 8th level, open-air viewing platform, guests have a perfect view of the gate, Nakamise shopping street and the temple. A10 has a different set of music selectors each night who pick and mix different sounds for the turntable as the bartenders whip up cocktails. Faramarz, a bar run by bartender Faramarz Khademhosseini (Ferri, for short), features shelves with copper backs stocked with everything from vintage bottles of Jose Cuervo Reserva to Cazadores Aejo Cristalino, a 100% blue agave tequila. You can order Chef Ivalus empanadas and BBQ pork sliders from the bar food menu to munch while drinking a fresh margarita or bloody maria. Trying to plan a fun night out on a budget? Even the sound system has been upgraded with Taguchi amps and the acoustic design has been adjusted so that people in every corner of the space will be able to hear the live music better. Even the sound system has been improved using Taguchi amps, and the acoustic layout has been modified to improve the sound quality for listeners in every area of the venue. Prim and stuffy places with an expensive drink menu typically come to mind when one thinks about Ginza bars. There are cozy whiskey bars serving pours from rare bottles, quirky gamer bars with Nintendo systems, and glitzy cocktail bars where white-jacket bartenders serve balanced cocktails in the city's high-rises. After being briefed by the bartender, we perused the selection of sake available for sampling. Tokyo Nightlife Guide: 12 Best Bars & Clubs to Enjoy the Local Scene 16 41 comments Top OdaibaBay 4 yr. ago I'm going to guess that there's a lot more to "very aggressive with foreigners" than those people let on. Drinks range from classic highballs from the 19th century, like the Mamie Taylor, to original creations from the bar, like the Gingerbread Manhattan (both 1,760 13,12 USD). Just your everyday coffee shopor is it? Updated in June 2020 Strange things happen in the Big Mikan's witching hours, when the sober, family-oriented, and conservative wardens of civilized society are tucked happily in their futons and dreaming of short excursions to the safe, Japan-approved getaways of Hawaii and Guam. Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Terms of Service, Disclosure and Privacy Policy, 2023 JetSettingFools.com | Part of JSF Media LLC | All Rights Reserved. Instead of chugging booze, guests of Bar Gen Yamamoto will be treated to four-, six-, or seven-course tasting menus, an inventive cocktail twist on. It can be a fun theme, hip interior design, a unique menu, or even a welcoming, unhurried service that puts you at ease. The interiors and sound system were built with the help of artists and other creatives who earned their stripes at Japanese outdoor festivals, and the result is a quirky crisscross of tastes and sensibilities.Open the door that looks like the entrance to a Prohibition-era speakeasy and youll soon find yourself in a flashy neo-Asian cavern decorated with daruma dolls and neon signs. Along with specialty bars like wine bars, cocktail bars, and bars that are perfect for foreign tourists, Japans nightlife and bar industry is as diversified as its culinary sector. Address: 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Also read: 12 Best Tokyo Districts and Neighbourhoods to Visit on Your Holiday. But if you ask us, Vents tucked-away location only adds to the chic clubs mystique. Known for its shopping and famous crowded intersection, Shibuya also has a unique and pulsating nightlife as well as a drinking culture. Looking for a view instead? The young, chatty bartender was matching shots with her barstool regulars. Tokyo is a city that begs to be photographed! There are entire menus devoted exclusively to mojitos and martinis, in addition to a wide selection of inventive drinks like Ishigakis award-winning Claudia (a martini with pineapple juice and caramel syrup) and Polar Star (aquavit, apple syrup, and lemon juice). Think you know every nondescript nook and clandestine cranny Tokyo has to offer? Kris prefers wearing these shoes by Merrell. 1,760). 501 wants its patrons to get acquainted with the people who produce the wines stocked here. A relative newcomer to the Tokyo nightlife scene, Warp Shinjuku easily commands the attention of the citys most avid partygoers. Richly coloured woods, vinyl records, and low lights create an atmosphere that appeals to both youngsters and the more experienced. Each night at A10, a separate group of music selectors chooses and combines various sounds for the turntable as the bartenders mix drinks. Address: Festae Omotesando Building, Minato, Image credit: V2 TOKYO Official Facebook Page. Written by The comfortable space is spread out over two floors. But few know about the bars secret pop-up, the Trench Annex. Now and then, international DJs will visit this rooftop bar in Tokyo to get the party started. So as much as wed love to keep these fanciful hideouts to ourselves, well spill the beans just this once in the firm belief that these hidden bars and speakeasies are so nifty that everyone ought to experience them. Theres no need to get up and go because you can order from a constantly changing menu of savory and sweet appetizers to go with your drinks. Sweet or dry? Advertise | Cut through the noise with integrated The entrance of this speakeasy is hidden in plain sight, so only those who know what theyre looking for are able to access it. At the bar in the back of the store, you may buy glasses of wine together with seasonal dishes from a weekly food menu designed to go with the wines from the cellar. The kind of bar that seems bound to gain popularity by word-of-mouth is Flying Bumblebee, which is tucked away in a basement on a sleepy Daikanyama side street. Price does not include sales tax. One thing Tokyo bars are not, however, is cheap. Getting a seat at this coffee cocktail speciality bar requires a reservation, and making a reservation requires cracking the Janai Coffee website to access the secret booking site. Established by the crew behind electronic music festival Zipang, Dbris in Daikanyama puts on a wide range of events, from club nights to art exhibitions and film screenings. We dont want to spoil all the fun, so well leave you with this tip: when on the Janai Coffee website, pay special attention to the shop logo and trace clockwise. The interiors and sound system were built with the help of artists and other creatives who earned their stripes at Japanese outdoor festivals, and the result is a quirky crisscross of tastes and sensibilities. Despite its age, this low-key hideout feels timeless. One side of the bar is dedicated to its signature lemon sours, with jars of homemade lemon syrup and special double-chamber filters stationed behind the rustic counter,while the other side is its iconic open bookcase of wooden shelves stacked with prized novels that guests can freely browse. Classics like the negroni, pisco sour, and, appropriately, James Bonds preferred vesper drink are all included on the standard menu. It is concluded with an unexpected miso flavor. This lively bar was even featured in the film Babel! We have tried a few bars and clubs especially with the help of the Tokyo Pub Crawl (which is pretty great btw) We've been looking at some reviews of popular nightlife venues but a lot of them are mixed. Map | Reviews, Deathmatch in Hell is a Tokyo rock bar in Golden Gai. As experience-driven travelers, we sought out local Tokyo drinking holes, but couldnt resist checking out some of the top Tokyo nightlife for foreigners, too. Theres a high chance Gen Yamamoto served as the model for bartenders choice menus, which you may have ordered in the past. (Source: Internet). The best feature of Guzzle is that there is an English menu and no table or cover charge. Tokyo has it all when it comes to nightlife. Behind a nondescript door on the second floor of an old office building in Shibuya is one of the citys greatest izakayas specialising in lemon sour cocktails. She loves traveling and always wants to introduce her beautiful Japan to travelers from all over the world. The admission fee of300 will grant you access to the main floor as well as the Red Bar found on the floor above. Map | Reviews, The Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center sits across the street from the Sensoji Temple Thunder Gate. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! Bars are thought to be among the finest venues to meet women in part because it is usually extremely easy to strike up a conversation with a girl there. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy. Do note that A10 charges a 1,100 cover per person. The cocktail menu, which features inventive concoctions like the frozen coffee-based Udabra made with Bacardi Ocho, caf con leche, and sesame, is the brainchild of legendary bartender and Chivas Masters World Champion Atsushi Suzuki.