The local take
Sake is the common thread: standing bars where the bartender pours by recommendation, an old neighborhood liquor shop that serves a glass at the counter, and self-serve tasting rooms with a long menu of sake, shochu and fruit wines. Shinjuku's narrow alleys hide bars that seat only a handful of people, Ginza leans toward quiet counters lined with rare spirits, and some cocktail lounges stay open until close to dawn.
For something bigger, there are rooftop bars with views over Shibuya and live jazz with dinner. Drinking often starts early, right after work, and moves from place to place. Each bar below carries a short note from the local guide who chose it, and the chips separate bars, cocktail bars and live music.
BarsBar Albatross
Bar Albatross is a famous bar in lively Golden-gai with another location in Omoide Yakocho.
Tokyo, ShinjukuRecommended by Kenji K.
Live MusicBlue Note Tokyo
The Blue Note is a jazz club in Tokyo's Minato district.
Tokyo, Minato-kuRecommended by Kenji K.
BarsCé La Vi Tokyo
Cé La Vi is a chic rooftop bar and restaurant located on the 17th and 18th floors of the Tokyo Plaza Shibuya building.
Tokyo, ShibuyaRecommended by Kenji K.
Cocktail LoungesEBISU Cabriolet
EBISU Cabriolet is a cocktail joint in Ebisu that’s the place to go if you want to drink well into the evening, as it’s open until 5 a.m.
Tokyo, EbisuRecommended by Kenji K.
BarsEchigoya Honten
If you’re in Yanaka, stop by the traditional Japanese liquor store Echigoya Honten.
Tokyo, YanakaRecommended by Kenji K.
BarsKuri
Kuri is a cozy little sake bar in Ginza that seats twelve patrons, but most people here stand as they sip their sake.
Tokyo, GinzaRecommended by Kenji K.
BarsOsake no Bijutsukan Ginza
This bar in Ginza is actually more like an alcohol museum than a watering hole.
Tokyo, GinzaRecommended by Kenji K.
BarsSake Market
Sake Market is on the sixth floor of the Shinjuku Watasei Tama Building (3-9-9 Shinjuku Street in the Shinjuku ward).
Tokyo, ShinjukuRecommended by Kenji K.
Custom tour
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