Best Bars in Shinjuku, Tokyo

With an endless overabundance of attractions and sights including natural parks, historical sites, shopping, and restaurants, Shinjuku is a popular district in Tokyo for both locals and tourists. After days spent touring the many sites, such as the Imperial Palace or endless shopping there are a wide assortment of local bars and watering holes to grab a drink. Here is a list of some of the best bars in Shinjuku.

Shinjuku Craft Beer Tap

An alternative beer joint, a bit off the beaten path, Craft Beer Tap serves a variety of local craft beers and pizza, the perfect accompaniment for a cold brew. There is a somewhat grungy vibe, with quirky music beating throughout. Unlike other smaller bars in the area, Craft Beer Tap is quite spacious inside. It is important to note that they automatically add a 300 yen service fee to the bill. If you are looking to taste a beer other than the common options such as Asahi, Kirin, and Sapporo, this is the place for you. Serving both beers on tap and in bottles, they boast an extensive selection.

3-34-16 Shinjuku | 4F Ikeda Plaza Bldg, Shinjuku 160-0022
Friday-Saturday 5:00pm – 4:00 am
Sunday – 5:00pm – 11:00 pm
Monday-Thursday 5:00 pm – 2:00 am

Bar Benfiddich

Following a narrow entranceway, Bar Benfiddich is accessible via a large wooden doorway and the bar itself covers two levels. The upper floor is an older and more chilled-out space, and the lower floor is more spirited. If you are looking for a handcrafted cocktail look no further, the craftsmanship and attention to detail are noteworthy. From recognized favorites to more inventive and creative concoctions, cocktails are custom-made according to requests. Cocktails are expertly made using local and fresh ingredients, muddled together with interesting herbs, spices, and fruit. The vibe is cool and serene and the bartenders are professionally skilled and welcoming. You won’t regret a visit to Bar Benfiddich, one of the best bars in Shinjuku.

1-13-7 Nishishinjuku | 9F Yamatoya Bldg., Shinjuku 160-0023, Tokyo Prefecture
Monday-Saturday 6:00 pm – 3:00 am
Closed Sundays

Eagle Suntory Lounge

Found about 5 minutes east of Shinjuku Station, Eagle Suntory Lounge is a great place to grab a cocktail or enjoy some Suntory whiskey. An old-style vibe, this is an ideal place to come and relax after dinner for an aperitif, or post-dinner cocktail. The lounge also serves a full menu if you get hungry. The bartenders are accomplished professionals, eager to serve drinks along the long counter. It is worth noting that the menus are not in English, but the bartenders can help. One of the best bars in Shinjuku to sit back, and enjoy whiskey and cozy conversations.

3-24-11 Shinjuku | Sekine Blg.B1-B2, Shinjuku, Tokyo Prefecture
Open 7 days a week from 5:30 pm- 12:30 am

Eagle Tokyo Blue

Eagle Tokyo Blue stands as Tokyo’s largest and most renowned gay bar. Throughout the weekdays, it adopts an elegant and refined ambiance that attracts both residents and visitors. Come the weekends, the atmosphere transforms into a vibrant party destination, featuring DJs, Drag Queens, and GoGo Boys who take the stage by storm. Situated conveniently within Shinjuku’s Chrome Gay Town, Eagle Tokyo Blue encompasses everything from dashing bartenders to an esteemed and selective clientele, solidifying its status as the city’s most sizzling hotspot.

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

8bit Cafe

If you are looking for a unique experience in Tokyo and a trip down memory lane, a visit to 8bit Cafe is sure to satisfy. This hip joint is known as a “barcade” meaning it is both a bar and an arcade. Unlike other gaming places, it is fitted with 80’s and 90’s gaming systems, igniting memories of the past. The overall feel is pretty relaxed and the people come to have a good time. This retro bar does charge a cover fee of 500 yen, but then you can play the games as you wish. There are also board games, handheld devices, and arcade games, this fun atmosphere is a great place to kick back and enjoy one of the best bars in Shinjuku for a new (yet old) experience.

3-8-9 Shinjuku | 5F, Q building, Shinjuku, Tokyo Prefecture
Thursday, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday 6:00 pm – 12:00 am
Saturdays 6:00 pm – 1:30 am
Closed Tuesdays

Bar Candy

A lively bar in Shinjuku, offering great cocktails and a fun ambiance, Bar Candy is one the coolest bars in Shinjuku to check out. The bartender is welcoming and accommodating, serving up unique combinations and taking requests, creating original beverages. Sometimes free snacks and free shots, the feel of the bar is fun and cheerful. The music is loud, and pumping and ranges from deep house to more laid-back tunes. This is a great place to get the night started by enjoying delicious cocktails and fun!

3-35-12 Shinjuku | B1f, Shinjuku 160-0022, Tokyo Prefecture
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 7:00 pm -1:00 am
Saturday 7:00 pm – 12:00 am
Sunday, Thursday Closed