Best Bars in Tokyo

When it comes to drinking, Tokyo is anything but dry. The city boasts legendary nightlife. It’s teeming with what seems like an unlimited number of places to get your drink on. The action-packed metropolis is replete with an array of party joints, many of which are situated in the buzzing Shibuya and Shinjuku districts. They range from clubs and standing bars to karaoke bars and quaint izakayas. Whatever nightlife bodes well for you, you will surely find it at the best bars in Tokyo.

1. An SÓLÁS

Step inside An Solas for a traditional Irish pub experience in the heart of Tokyo. Nestled in the Shibuya district next to Shinjuku Gyoen Park, this venue is a friendly and welcoming spot, offering a big food variety with live music shows. If there’s a sports game on, make sure to arrive early, secure a seat, and grab a pint of Guinness. The passionate Irish fans will fill the place up fast, and you can bet the atmosphere will be electric!

5-22-3 Sendagaya Apt. No. 1, Sendagaya, Shibuya 151-0051 Tokyo Prefecture
Monday-Saturday, 11:00 am – 12:00 am, closed Sundays

2. Bar Trench

Featured on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Bar Trench in Shibuya Tokyo is no insider secret. What it lacks in square meters, it more than makes up for in prestige and is now a globally recognized drinking venue. This high-end cocktail bar offers a variety of special cocktails and is mostly liked by the English-speaking crowd and Westerners. Make sure to try their signature drink – the Trench 75. One taste of this sake-adapted French 75, and you’ll be desperate to sample what else the creative bartenders have up their sleeves.

1F, 1-5-8 Ebisu-Nishi, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Open every day, 6:00 pm – 2:00 am

3. Watering Hole

Very close to Yoyogi Station, this craft beer distillery and bar offers both local boutique and imported beers. The Watering Hole reflects the unique culture of the surrounding Shinjuku neighborhood, creating an unforgettable and unparalleled drinking experience. Pay them a visit on weekdays between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., and you’ll be treated to an exploratory beer sampling experience. With the award-winning brewer Ichiri Fujiara as their leader, the team at the Watering Hole are the ultimate beer experts!

5-26-5-103 Sendagaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 151-0051
Open every day, 3:00 pm – 11:30 pm

4. ØL BY OSLO BREWING CO. 

With Scandinavian and Japanese craft beers on tap, this bar is dedicated to everything that is Scandinavian. From the decor to the menu, every aspect of Oslo Brewing Co. has been carefully curated to ensure you feel like you’re hanging out in Oslo – in the heart of Kyoto’s Shibuya district. Its food selection is as impressive as its beer offerings, blending the two distinct cultures in an unforgettable way.

37-10 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Sunday – Tuesday: 12:00 pm – 12:00 am, Wednesday – Thursday: 12:00 pm – 1:00 am, Friday – Saturday: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am

5. The Legless Arms

Walk past too fast and you’ll miss out on this hidden gem in Shibuya’s back streets. A proudly LGBT-friendly venue, The Legless Arms guarantees all its visitors a great night out and is definitely one of the best bars in Tokyo. There’s a great variety of drinks on offer alongside traditional pub games like darts and chequers. Unlike some of the other bars in the area, this institution is loved by locals and tourists alike, and is a great spot for mingling!

2-25-14 Dogenzaka 2F Hotta Bldg. 150-0043, Shibuya, Tokyo
Open every day, 8:00 pm – 4:00 am

6. Cocktail Gastronomy Kyu Yasui Tokyo

Venture slightly off the beaten track and pay a visit to Cocktail Gastronomy. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to witness the cocktail master Kyu Yasu at work. Although there’s a huge variety of specialized cocktails on the menu, the expert is always open to suggestions and requests! Try telling Kyu what you like, and watch him conjure up a drink perfectly tailored to you. This is a Tokyo drinking experience not to be missed.

101 2-10-4 Nishiazabu Minatoku Tokyo Japan
Monday to Saturday, 6:00 pm, -2:00 am, closed Sundays

7. Eagle Tokyo Blue

Put simply, Eagle Tokyo Blue is the biggest and most notorious gay bar in Tokyo. During the week, it’s a stylish and sophisticated bar frequented by locals and tourists alike. On the weekends,  the place turns into an electric party venue with DJs, Drag Queens, and GoGo Boys embracing the stage. Eagle Tokyo Blue is conveniently located in Shinjuku’s Chrome Gay Town. From the handsome barmen to the prestigious and exclusive guest list, this is the hottest venue in town.

CASA VERDE1F,B1F Shinjuku2-11-2, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 1600022
Open every day, 6:00 pm – 4:00 am

8. Karaoke Kan

The famous karaoke bar from the movie Lost in Translation, Karaoke Kan is a popular spot for tourists in Tokyo. If you’re a fan of the film, make sure to visit rooms 601 and 602, and have the opportunity to sing in the actual rooms used in the movie. Even if you’ve never seen the film, Karaoke Kan still guarantees a fun and exciting unique karaoke night. Head over there and sing your heart out!

30-8 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042
Sunday-Thursday: 11:00 am – 5:00 am, Friday-Saturday: 11:00 – 6:00 am

9. Tokyo Video Gamers

If you prefer a little action and adventure while you drink, look no further than Tokyo Video Gamers. This gamers’ retro paradise is located in the electrifying Akihabara neighborhood alongside many other gaming destinations. What helps it stand out, is the fact that it is simultaneously a full bar and restaurant. Moreover, due to the institution’s unique partnership with gaming giants like Sega and SNK, they serve game-themed glasses and coasters. Drink or order anything on the menu, and the games are free to play!

13-1 Kandaneribei-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Open every day, 11:00 am -11:00 pm