Tokyo After-Hours Edition: The Best Bars In Town
After the sun sets, sip and savour the authentic flavour of Japan’s capital with a bar-hopping trip across town
There is no doubt that Japan is stunning during the day. But when the sun sets over Tokyo’s electric skyline, a new world awakens—one of neon lights, hidden alleys, and some of the most captivating bars you’ll ever encounter. From classic cocktail lounges to unique themed venues, Tokyo’s bar scene is an experience to be had. And there is no better way to explore the city than to head to one of these watering holes that will make you forget to keep a tab on your all-nighters.
Gen Yamamoto
Here, you will learn more about the art of making cocktails than you have ever before. This small gem in Azabu-Juban has only 8 seats and is meant for people who mean business when it comes to savouring Japanese flavours. Renowned mixologist Gen Yamamoto crafts his creations with precision, using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients and serves them in unique tumblers with a side of one flower.
New York Bar
Quite popular for having made a cameo in the Sofia Coppola classic film ‘Lost In Translation’, this bar, nestled snugly on the 52nd floor of Park Hyatt Tokyo, lets you soak in the city that never sleeps, and give it quite an adequate competition. Offering a wide-ranging selection of premium whiskeys, original and classic cocktails and the largest selection of American wines in Japan, New York Bar will also mesmerise you with live music nights as you gaze at the city through floor-to-ceiling windows.
Bar Trench
There is a certain old-school appeal to Bar Trench that can’t be described. Located in Ebisu district of Tokyo, this establishment has a whole section devoted to absinthe drinks with a warm and sophisticated ambience to boot. Bar Trench, which claims to have the biggest collection of bitters in Japan, also features on Asia’s 50 Best Bars List.
Kenzo’s Bar
A scruffy part of town in this metropolis, Golden Gai district has maze-like alleys lined with tiny bars that exude character. From jazz-filled hideaways to cosy sake bars, you can take your pick from over 200 bars in the area, and each establishment holds a unique story. Pull up a stool at Kenzo’s Bar, which is a unique place with leopard prints and strike up a conversation with the mixologist, who loves to hear stories about travellers and their countries. Intimate conversations and handcrafted cocktails go hand in hand here.
Bar BenFiddich
In the historic Asakusa district, Bar BenFiddich is a treasure trove for cocktail enthusiasts. Run by Hiroyasu Kayama, who grows all the herbs he needs for his masterful cocktails, this place serves drinks that are equal parts elixir and libation. Be vary, there is no menu here, but you can tell the mixologist you poison and he will quickly whip up a delicious concoction. The cosy ambiance, and reservations, come highly recommended.
Tokyo has some of the most eclectic bars in Japan. Image: Unsplash
