TokyoEntertainment

Bar entertainment in Tokyo

  1. A

    Bobby's Bar

    One of Tokyo's longest-standing and best-known gaijin bars, perfect for those in need of a warm barstool, a dartboard and reasonably priced drinks (from around ¥500). The crowd here is always international - a good mix of long-time expats and travellers.

    reviewed

  2. B

    Asahi Sky Room

    Spend the day at religious sites and end at the Asahi altar, on the 22nd floor of the golden-tinged Asahi Super Dry Building. Directly adjacent to the infamous Flamme d'Or sculpture (aka 'The Golden Turd') on the east bank of the Sumida River, the venue itself isn't noteworthy, but serves up Asahi brews and a spectacular view, especially at sunset.

    reviewed

  3. C

    Kamiya Bar

    Kamiya holds the title of Tokyo's oldest Western-style bar, and it remains perennially popular among locals despite the rather faded atmosphere, which feels somewhat like an outdated hotel lobby.

    reviewed

  4. D

    Agave

    This amiable spot, all dolled up in warm Mexican hues and design, is more about savouring the subtleties of its 400-plus types of tequila rather than tossing back shots of Cuervo. Walking west from Roppongi Crossing, find it on the small alley on the north side of the street.

    reviewed

  5. E

    Doma Doma

    This easy-to-find izakaya along Jingū-dōri serves a younger crowd than the salarymen boozing it up at its Shinjuku counterparts. Order a pitcher of nama biiru (draft beer) and a few Japanese dishes off the picture menu, but beware of the more fusion-style offerings that are less hit and more miss.

    reviewed

  6. F

    Bon's

    There's a sign reading 'American Bar' out front, but Bon's is about as American as anko (azuki bean paste). Look for this cosy dive on the Golden Gai's southeast corner, next to the police box. It's one of the few bars in the neighbourhood that will accommodate the odd nonregular patron.

    reviewed

  7. G

    Aux Amis des Vins

    Both the informal indoor and small outdoor seating area at this wine bar feel welcoming in all seasons. A solid selection of mostly French wines comes by the glass or the bottle. You can also order small plates or full prix-fixe dinners.

    reviewed

  8. H

    Den Aquaroom

    Darting fish within the walls of back-lit, blue aquariums make a visual counterpoint to the bop of jazz basslines.

    reviewed

  9. I

    Geronimo

    Geronimo is poised over Roppongi Crossing, making it a logical place to start out on a bar crawl through the neighbourhood. The place has a friendly vibe, and if you're feeling superfriendly you can bang on the drum that signals your intention to buy a round for everyone in the bar.

    reviewed

  10. J

    Motown House 1 & 2

    The crass may call it ‘ho town’, but on the pick-up front it’s no worse (or better?) than its neighbours, and since it expanded to two venues, it can actually be quite relaxed. Drinks start at ¥800. Funk, soul, R&B and hip-hop dominate here, of course.

    reviewed

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  12. K

    Tableux Lounge

    If you love jazz, wine and cigars, Tableaux is the perfect spot to mix all three under chandeliers and stuffed bookshelves. Drinks start at ¥1000 and the band from 9.30pm. Oysters and Cohiba cigars are also on offer. It's next door to the popular Tableaux restaurant.

    reviewed

  13. L

    Mistral Blue

    This lovable hole in the wall also known as Train Bar is about as unpretentious as it gets in Roppongi. The many foreign customers who have drained cheap beers here have left their mark – every surface, even the light bulbs, is covered with signatures.

    reviewed

  14. M

    300 Bar

    One of the few places in Ginza that can truthfully say it offers a bargain, this bar charges ¥300 for every drink or snack (tax not included). There's no cover at this friendly standing spot.

    reviewed

  15. Baja

    Roll up to this tiny white taco shack off Yamate-dōri and knock back beers for ¥500, tacos for ¥330 and tequila for ¥300. It’s operated by a friendly skateboarder, who’s happy to dispense tips on hip local hang-outs.

    reviewed

  16. N

    Mado Lounge

    On the 52nd floor of Mori Tower, the views are indeed stunning from this very cool lounge bar. To get in, you must first pay admission to the Mori Art Museum and/or Tokyo City View, so it's only worth the additional cover if you're here anyway.

    reviewed

  17. O

    Hanashibe

    For Kyoto specialities and house-brewed sake, check out Hanashibe in the Mediage entertainment complex in Aqua City. You can try three types of sake in a tasting set (around ¥700), which you can match with izakaya-style small dishes.

    reviewed

  18. P

    Propaganda

    A shot bar calling itself Propaganda couldn’t possibly take itself too seriously, and it doesn’t. Happy hour (6pm to 9pm) specials cost around ¥500, and it’s sort of a pick-up scene if this is on your agenda.

    reviewed

  19. Q

    Bello Visto

    This 40th-floor eyrie on the Cerulean Tower keeps the interior dim so that you can see the lights on the far horizon. The 95-seat capacity ensures the atmosphere is always intimate. Cocktails and wine start at ¥1270.

    reviewed

  20. R

    Sunset Beach Brewing Company

    After roaming around Odaiba, put your feet up here and enjoy the expansive views with an island-brewed beer. Though there are reasonably-priced lunch and dinner buffets, the house Italian food isn't worth a lick.

    reviewed

  21. S

    Sky Bar Polestar

    Perched 150m up in the Keiō Plaza Hotel, the crisp, elegant Sky Bar Polestar is built for gazing out over the city, with each seat facing the windows. Drinks start at ¥1050.

    reviewed

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  23. T

    Enjoy! House

    This retro lounge is run by a free-spirited owner who will elevate your mood. The mix here runs from '80s pop to reggae, and the vibe is relaxed. Best of all, there's no cover charge. Enjoy!

    reviewed

  24. U

    Mickey House

    An excellent place for a beer and light conversation most nights of the week, Mickey House really picks up on Friday and Saturday nights during international parties of their own.

    reviewed

  25. V

    Footnik

    Football…er, soccer is always on the big screen at this international joint. The fish and chips are surprisingly delicious.

    reviewed