The holiday season is in full swing, and Tokyo is sparkling everywhere you look. Streets, shops and cafes are adorned with illuminations and Christmas trees, transforming the city into a magical winter wonderland just in time for the holidays. Christmas will be here before you know it, so if you’re spending the season in Tokyo, here are our top recommendations for an unforgettable 2025 Christmas dining experience with family, friends or that special someone.

1. Grand Hyatt Tokyo

© Photo by Grand Hyatt Tokyo

Every year, this hotel transforms into an edible Advent calendar! They have a lobby that glows with its annual Christmas decorations, holiday hampers, afternoon tea, a holiday brunch and buffet, along with all eight of its restaurants rolling out limited holiday menus that truly feel festive. After dinner, head over to Maduro or The Oak Door for one of their festive cocktails that are all photogenic and all dangerously drinkable.

• Prices: Dinner ¥19,000–¥41,800; Cocktails ¥2,200-¥4,700
• Address: 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

2. ANA InterContinental Tokyo

© Photo by ANA InterContinental Tokyo

Go all-out for the holidays with one of many festive dining options in every corner of this hotel. Enjoy Christmas-themed afternoon teas filled with seasonal sweets and savory bites, lavish holiday buffets at Cascade Cafe, and elegant multi-course dinners ranging from traditional kaiseki at Unkai to sky-high teppanyaki at Akasaka. The Steakhouse serves classic Christmas lunches and dinners, while Karin Chinese Restaurant offers a special holiday course for something a little different. MIXX Bar swaps in a trio of decadent fig cocktails—the Noir de Fig, a velvety Fig Old Fashioned and the Imperial Fig Martini.

• Prices: Various prices for lunch and dinner; Cocktails ¥3,000–¥3,500
• Address: 1-12-33 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

3. Andaz Tokyo

© Photo by Andaz Tokyo

Enjoy an indulgent lineup of seasonal dining, from The Tavern’s elegant six-course festive dinner served high above the city to its relaxed Apéritif & Sharing Steak Set and a limited-edition afternoon tea celebrating the rich aromas of chocolate, berries and warming spices. At the Sushi, an intimate eight-seat counter, a Christmas-only Edomae gala dinner showcases premium seasonal seafood. At the same time, BeBu brings back its wildly popular Fried Chicken Box to go for cozy holiday gatherings at home. And to finish the season in true Andaz style, the Rooftop Bar pours limited-edition Festive Tea Cocktails inspired by winter spices and Stollen.

• Prices: Various prices for each offering; Cocktails ¥1,870 (only ¥990 during Happy Hour)
• Address: 1‑23‑4 Toranomon Hills, Minato‑ku (Google Map Link)

4. The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo

© Photo by The Strings by InterContinental Tokyo

This hotel goes full storybook this year with its “Dear You” Christmas Collection. Three restaurants, three cuisines and one theme: heartfelt, unforgettable holiday dining. At Melodia, the Italian course unfolds with lobster and carpaccio, buttery flounder and wagyu wrapped in flaky pastry before a multi-textured chocolate finale. China Shadow elevates the evening with lavish dim sum-style starters, kiln-roasted Peking duck, lobster in kataifi and jade-green fried rice crowned with salmon roe. For the showstoppers, Kazane Teppanyaki fires up Ise lobster and a duet of premium Japanese beef right on the teppan.

• Prices: Dinner ¥15,400–¥24,200
• Address: Shinagawa East One Tower 26–32F, 2-16-1 Konan, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

5. Palace Hotel Tokyo

© Photo by Palace Hotel Tokyo

Choose your own adventure from six restaurants serving Christmas dinner—from Ducasse’s Esterre to teppanyaki GO, Grand Kitchen, Wadakura, Amber Palace and the skyline-framed Lounge Bar Privé—all unveiling festive menus built around peak-season seafood, charcoal-grilled Wagyu, Shanghai crab, teppan-seared lobster and holiday desserts. Whether you’re splurging on Esterre’s caviar-bright bisque and truffle-kissed Wagyu, settling into GO’s sizzle of Matsusaka beef or lingering over Grand Kitchen’s Vacherin and perfectly roasted Japanese tenderloin, every course feels crafted for a slow, joy-filled evening. End the night with a strawberry cocktail and city views at Privé!

• Prices: ¥19,000–¥55,000; Cocktails ¥2,800–¥3,800
• Address: 1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

6. The Peninsula Tokyo

© Photo by The Peninsula Tokyo

Expect to see pure seasonal magic from Peter’s wagyu and sky-high palace views to Hei Fung Terrace’s traditional Cantonese cuisine. Beyond the polished silver service, the hotel’s festivities unfold everywhere: a heart-melting Toy Hospital in The Lobby where “Toy Doctors” restore beloved childhood treasures, a cozy Christmas Market along Naka Dori for postcards and artisanal treats, and a charity-minded Festive Afternoon Tea scored by live music. And to top it all off, don’t miss the seasonal stars behind the bar: the Setouchi EMT and the Pen Negroni, two festive cocktails made to sip and be jolly.

• Prices: Various prices for lunch and dinner; Cocktails ¥3,200
• Address: 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

7. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo

© Photo by Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo

Christmas dinner at the Four Seasons is a seven-course French dream in a Paris-styled bistro—think truffled Soufflé Suisse, caviar-topped lobster ravioli and a glossy Hokkaido beef Wellington that feels straight out of a holiday movie. Warm lighting and that signature Four Seasons hush make everything feel cinematic. Cap the night at The Bar with their spiced hot chocolate (rum, cinnamon, star anise) or drop by for the festive cocktail lineup—mulled wine, eggnog and a gingerbread martini. On December 25, they’ll have a festive blend of Sakura gin, elderflower, berries and citrus, too.

• Prices: Dinner ¥35,000; Cocktails ¥3,000 approx.
• Address: 1-2-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

8. Janu Tokyo

© Photo by Janu Tokyo

At Janu Tokyo, the festive season unfolds in warm, amber tones, with elegant dining experiences available throughout the hotel. Hu Jing elevates the holidays with an eight-course Chinese dinner with Peking duck, hairy crab tomalley soup and fresh seafood paired with free-flow Champagne, while Janu Mercato serves a vibrant six-course Italian feast of Omi duck tagliatelle, Japanese beef, scallops, lobster and a snowy cassata finale. At Janu Grill, Christmas brings a multi-course menu infused with golden-hued spirits, featuring dishes such as Matsunaga beef fillet with Madeira and tableside Amaretto-flambéed tarte tatin. To finish the night, Janu Bar pours three limited seasonal pear cocktails.

• Prices: Various prices for each offering; Cocktails ¥2,800–¥3,200
• Address: 1-2-2 Azabudai, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

9. Hotel Toranomon Hills

© Photo by Hotel Toranomon Hills

Le Pristine Tokyo at Hotel Toranomon Hills offers a full festive lineup throughout December, with chef-crafted courses to make every moment memorable. Guests can enjoy a festive dinner featuring botan shrimp with avocado and caviar, smoked lobster ravioli, Japanese Akaushi Beef “Rossini” with truffle croquettes and winter vegetables, and a tricolor Amaou strawberry dessert, as well as a festive afternoon tea and the Tokyo-exclusive Dark Chocolate Panettone. The Christmas Dinner six-course menu, available only on December 24 and 25, is the season’s highlight, offering an indulgent feast with the finest ingredients presented with the refined elegance of Sergio Herman’s “New Italian” style.

• Prices: Various prices for lunch and dinner; Christmas Dinner ¥25,300
• Address: 1-23-1 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

10. Park Hyatt Tokyo

© Photo by Park Hyatt Tokyo

The Park Hyatt Tokyo, which is undergoing major renovations, is set to reopen on December 9, just in time for the Christmas season. For Japanese elegance, Kozue offers a Christmas kaiseki with snow crab and winter yellowtail, while Girandole by Alain Ducasse presents a signature festive course of beets, black truffle, and wagyu beef with sommelier-selected wines.

• Prices: Dinner ¥24,200-¥25,300
• Address: 3-7-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Non-Hotel Christmas Offers Around Tokyo

© Photo by Ivy Place

Dining

• Kawara (Shinjuku): A special ¥5,000 Christmas course featuring misuji steak, creamy tomato pasta and a cute festive dessert.
• Accueil (Ebisu/Daikanyama): Casual, cafe-style Christmas dinner option with seasonal three-course “Xmas dinner” plans from ¥5,500 to ¥7,150.
• Sarabeth’s Tokyo (Shinjuku / Shinagawa): Very approachable Western-style set dinners and special Noël set around ¥7,000 for special holiday course offerings.
• Ivy Place (Daikanyama): A festive four-course Christmas dinner featuring house-smoked duck, yuba-wrapped snapper and shrimp, F1 roast beef and a praline–white chocolate mousse for ¥9,800.
• Two Rooms Grill & Bar (Aoyama): Mark the season with special Christmas lunch and dinner courses, crafted with seasonal ingredients, available for ¥7,500 and ¥19,500, respectively.
• Tokyo Node Dining (Toranomon): Early Christmas Course ¥15,800; Christmas Dinner Course ¥18,500 for seasonal French-Japanese tasting menus in a modern setting.
• BLT Steak (Ginza): A full course ¥19,800 featuring caviar, grilled lobster and a showstopping 700g dry-aged T-bone. The same course with all you can drink with wine, beer and highball is ¥24,800.
• Fish Bank Tokyo (Shiodome): Seafood-forward Christmas course; menus vary but expect roughly ¥22,000–¥36,000 depending on the course/wine pairings.

© Photo by Tokyo Confidential

Cocktails

• BAR S (Ginza): Winter Cocktail Fair featuring festive drinks like “Rossini,” “Strawberry Gimlet,” and “Sweet Teddy.”
• Tokyo Confidential (Azabujuban): Enjoy four festive signature drinks, Gingerbread Old Fashioned, Kentucky Coffee, Cookies and Cream and Mulled Wine, cozy up with house-party vibes and Tokyo Tower views.
• Tokyo Disneysea (Urayasu): Sip your way in between rides and parades with limited-time festive drinks like a cozy hot cacao–coffee cocktail, a strawberry beer and a sparkling fruit wine.

Happy feasting, happy frosting and happy sipping! Christmas in Tokyo 2025 is officially served.

You’ve seen it with your foreign friends on their first visit to an izakaya—wondering why the sake is flowing out of the glass into a strange-looking square box; trying to figure out the many labels; and then confidently ordering “sake,” to which the waiters respectfully reply, “Which one?” Yes, the sake in this country is just as deep as its oceans.

The first and foremost thing you need to know about Japanese sake—or 日本酒 (nihonshu)—is that it’s primarily broken down into two very large groups:

• 清酒 (Seishu; “clear sake”): the one you can drink
• 料理酒 (Ryorishu; “cooking sake”): the one I recommend you don’t

The word “sake” in itself is often misunderstood among non-Japanese people as the name for seishu, or more commonly known as nihonshu. The kanji for sake (酒) means “alcohol”—including your beer.

In this nihonshu guide, readers will learn about different variations of the drink, the manners associated with it, three recommended spots in Tokyo to sip it, and my personal favorite three nihonshu to try!

Know Your Sake: The Variations

© Photo by iStock: PiotrSurowiec

Below are the different grades of nihonshu from highest to lowest. The grades are determined by the polished ratio of each grain of rice, known in Japan as seimai-buai (精米歩合). Generally, the lower the number, the purer the brew (and the more it’ll cost you). Also, a lower percentage often results in a fruitier nihonshu (not necessarily sweeter), whereas a higher percentage will taste more like rice.

• Junmai Daiginjo-shu (純米大吟醸酒: Pure rice, Extra Special brew): Rice Polishing Ratio, or senmai-buai (SB), below 50%
• Daiginjo-shu (大吟醸酒: Extra Special brew): SB, below 50%
• Junmai Ginjo-shu (純米吟醸酒: Pure rice, Special brew): SB, below 60%
• Ginjyo-shu (吟醸酒: Special brew): SB, below 60%
• Tokubetsu Junmai-shu (特別純米酒: Rice, Koji rice): SB, below 60% or produced by special brewing method
• Tokubetsu Honjozo-shu (特別本醸造酒: Rice, Koji rice, Distilled alcohol): SB, below 60% or produced by special brewing method
• Junmai-shu (純米酒: Pure rice): SB, below 70%
• Honjyozo-shu (本醸造酒: Genuine brew): SB, below 70%

Most of the nihonshu above have two or three ingredients: rice, koji rice and distilled alcohol. Only the junmai-shu does not include the distilled alcohol.

Serve It Right

Nihonshu is served in three different ways:

• Chilled (reishu; 冷酒)
• Room temperature (joon; 常温 or hiya; 冷や)
• Heated (atsukan; 熱燗)

The recommended temperature of the nihonshu may vary depending on the drinker’s preference, the quality of the nihonshu, and the season.

Nihonshu is traditionally served in what looks to be an equivalent of a milk jug (without a handle) called tokkuri and divided into little espresso-type cups called o-choko. This is especially common when serving the nihonshu hot or warm, as it keeps the liquid from cooling. But in recent years, this has not always been the case. Nihonshu is almost always heated immediately before serving to keep the aromas and flavors.

Another traditional way of serving is the masu, a wooden box made out of hinoki (cypress) or sugi (Japanese cedar) (yeah, that one that puzzled your friend at the izakaya). Originally used for measuring rice, the masu holds exactly 180 ml, and as a sign of generosity, many bars and restaurants will place a glass in the masu and/or a small plate underneath, and fill all containers ‘til you get a perfect meniscus. So, no, if this happens, it wasn’t a mistake!

Watch The Manners

© Photo by iStock: kyonntra

If you’re planning to drink nihonshu at home, this may not apply, but in Japanese culture—OK, I hate to say it, but—you’re expected to (or “should”) pour your table-partner’s drink. When yours is poured in return, hold the brim of the o-choko with one hand and place the other on the bottom.

When drinking, although you may be tempted to do a “sake shot,” given the size of the cup, you should sip slowly, like you would a fine wine. Nihonshu is also often paired with things such as raw fish and other foods of delicate flavors, so enjoy the set one bite and sip at a time!

Favorite Sake Bar Hotspots

The good news is that recently, more restaurants and bars have started to realize that sake can be so much fun. As a result, we’re continuously seeing more nihonshu bars opening in the city, reaching a wider audience than the typically associated oyaji (old men) groups. Here are three personally recommended in Tokyo.

1. Sakeba

Sakeba is a cozy little bar just a few minutes’ walk from Shibuya Station’s south exit. It specializes in nihonshu from various areas of Japan and traditional Japanese food. It has a relaxing wooden interior and brilliant service.

• Open: Daily, 5 p.m.-11 p.m.
• Address: 3 Chome-15-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

2. Shubo (酒母)

Shubo in Ikebukuro is the real thing, as we can guess from its name: the kanji “酒母” literally means “Sake Mother.” The best thing about it: it has an all-you-can-drink sake plan!

• Open: Mon-Fri: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., 5 p.m.-11 p.m.; Sat: 3 p.m.-11 p.m. (Closed Sundays)
• Address: 4 Chome-23-6 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

3. Amanogawa (天乃川)

Amanogawa, based at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Shinjuku, is the bar to be at if you’re in the mood for some refinery and luxury. Chances are, the bill will reflect it.

• Open: Daily, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Address: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo 1F, 2-2-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

My Top 3 Recommended Nihonshu

If you’re not sure where to start when choosing your nihonshu, go for the following three—nothing can go wrong!

• Jyuyondai (十四代), Yamagata prefecture 
• Kubota (久保田), Niigata prefecture
• Dasai (獺祭), Yamaguchi prefecture

All three of my personal favorites range from the highest premium to the lower, more affordable grades of nihonshu. I recommend you ask one of the swanky nihonshu bars (mentioned above) for a tester of each as a guide before settling in with your liquid gold.

Kampai to your brilliant nihonshi journey ahead—find yourself back at this guide whenever you’re lost!

The LGBTQ+ scene in Tokyo is well and truly thriving. However, thanks in part to the nation’s, at times, prudish attitude to sexuality, it remains a little more hidden than its queer contemporaries across the globe. If you’re new to town and don’t know where to begin, or you’re looking to build a community of similar folks, here’s a crash course of the best lesbian and bisexual-friendly bars and apps in Tokyo.

The Nicho Neighborhood

© Photo by iStock: LeoPatrizi

Ni-chome, aka ‘Nicho’ for the locals, is Tokyo’s best-known gay neighborhood and home to the densest population of clubs, bars and other LGBTQ-centric establishments in the city. Apart from the occasional rainbow flag during the day, the area is almost indistinguishable from many of inner Tokyo’s bar-populated back streets, but as the sun sets, it truly comes alive.

Here, you’ll find an eclectic, friendly crowd of expats, locals, visitors and every in-between. Though the regulars who frequent the area come from all walks of life, everyone is chasing the same three things: community, fun and booze. It’s here where you’ll find most of Tokyo’s lesbian-centric bars. Relatively easy to access from anywhere in Tokyo, Nichome is less than a 10-minute walk from the east side of Shinjuku Station, and practically on the doorstep of Shinjuku-Sanchome Station.

Lesbian Bars in Tokyo

© Photo by iStock: tdub303

Lesbian bars in Tokyo offer a warm, welcoming space for women to connect, relax and have fun. Check out the following spots for their laid-back atmospheres where women can be themselves without judgment.

Bar Gold Finger

Bar Gold Finger has been a Nichome institution since 1991 and is probably still your first point of call for those looking for female company. A popular alternative to the EDM-heavy nightclub dance floors, this shabby-chic hangout is jam-packed on the weekends. It’s open to both guys and girls most nights, except for Saturdays, which is strictly a female-only affair. If you’re a bit of a show-off, it’s worth noting that the bar also has a public karaoke machine that you’re more than welcome to ambush.

• Hours: 6 p.m.–2 a.m. (Fri-Sat until 5 a.m.)
• Address: Hayashi Building 1F, 2-12-11 Shinjuku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

LAGOON

This women-only bar is ideal for first-timers or solo visitors. Their cozy, counter-only seating means you’ll be seated close to others, making it a great place to meet new people. The staff are very welcoming and will make you feel at ease, whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time.

• Hours: 7 p.m.–1 a.m. (Fri-Sat until 3 a.m.); Closed Mon & Sun
• Address: Shinchidori Building 1F, 2-18-10 Shinjuku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Ellevie

Located next to LAGOON, Ellevie is a bright, cheerful bar with a welcoming staff that makes first-time visitors feel right at home. The bar features both counter and table seating and has a very friendly, community-oriented vibe. The staff often engages with customers, leading to great conversations and a relaxed atmosphere, so you’ll have fun wherever you decide to sit.

• Hours: 6 p.m.–12 p.m. (Fri-Sat until 4 a.m.)
• Address: Shinchidori Building 2F, 2-18-10 Shinjuku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Dorobune

Known for its savory okonomiyaki (Japanese-style savory pancakes), fresh veggies and a wide selection of drinks, Dorobune is a great place to enjoy food and socialize. The bar regularly hosts events and meetups, providing a fun opportunity to meet new people. And the best bonus: It’s also dog-friendly!

• Hours: 7 p.m.–12 a.m. (Fri-Sat until 1 a.m.); Closed Mon & Holidays
• Address: Vera Heights Shinjuku Gyoen 205, 2-7-3 Shinjuku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

agit

Agit is a welcoming space for women and men (with a female accompaniment). The entrance is open and inviting, so you can get a sense of the vibe before walking in. Although the bar has both table and counter seating, if you’re looking for a more intimate experience or have concerns about being a first-timer, go with the counter seat. The friendly staff will make an effort to engage with you and make sure you’re comfortable.

• Hours: Weekdays: 7 p.m.–1 a.m.; Weekends: 7 p.m.–3 a.m.; Closed Mon & Tue
• Address: Matsui Building 1F, 2-15-9 Shinjuku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Adezakura

A little deeper into the Nicho labyrinth is where you’ll stumble across Adezakura, a laid-back bar for women that is welcoming to everyone else, too. There’s no cover charge but entry requires you to buy one ¥900+ drink. At the bar you’ll find a mix of friendly local and international patrons, so even if your Japanese isn’t perfect, there’s always somebody to chat with.

• Hours: 8 p.m.–4 a.m. (Fri-Sat & Holidays until 5 a.m.); Closed Mon & Tue
• Address: Shinoda Building 1F, 2-15-11 Shinjuku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Bar Five

Sitting on the second floor of a nondescript building complex is Bar Five, the ideal hangout for a relaxed glass of wine and a casual chat. This intimate bar is the perfect antidote to the sometimes manic energy of the world below.

• Hours: 7 p.m.–2 a.m. (Fri-Sat until 5 a.m.; Sun & Holidays until 12 a.m.); Closed Mon
• Address: 2F, 2-15-8 Shinjuku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

New Sazae

This one is not a lesbian bar, but it is arguably one of the area’s most legendary spots. Opened in 1966, New Sazae was one of the earliest gay bars to pop up in Nichome. It’s killer retro soundtrack, friendly staff and effortlessly cool crowd have made it the best party in town 365 days a year.

• Hours: Fri-Sat: 10 p.m.–6 a.m.; Closed Sun-Thu
• Address: Shinjuku Ishikawa Building 2F, 2-18-5 Shinjuku, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

Locations Outside Nichome

Bar Urue

Located in Ikebukuro’s very own “Nichome” area, Bar Urue is a relaxed lesbian bar in Tokyo with both counter and sofa seating. The staff is known for being friendly and engaging, with some even offering life or love advice! The bar hosts regular meetups, which is a fantastic way to meet new people and expand your social circle. For regular visitors, the bar has a points card system where you can earn stamps with every drink purchase, ultimately getting free drinks once you collect enough stamps.

• Hours: 7 p.m.–12:30 a.m. (Fri-Sat: until 1:30 a.m.) Sun: 7:30 p.m.–12:30 a.m.; Closed Wed
• Address: 2-61-15 Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

News Cafe

Although not strictly a gay establishment, or a bar, News Cafe is an LGBTQ-run cafe located in the slightly more upmarket neighborhood of Jiyugaoka. If you’re looking for Japanese-Western cuisine, great coffee and an LGBTQ-friendly environment, stop by.

• Hours: Mon-Sat: 12 p.m.–8 p.m. (Sun & Holidays: until 7 p.m.); Closed Tue & Wed
• Address: Hachikou Building 4F, 2-9-11 Jiyugaoka, Meguro City, Tokyo (Google Map Link)

See our LGBTQ+ owned/operated eateries in Tokyo article for more casual dining options.

Tips For Visitors

© Photo by iStock: kokouu

Most of the bar venues will charge an entry fee or a minimum drink fee to enter. This is standard practice throughout Tokyo’s nightlife scene, so don’t be surprised if you get asked to pay at the door, even if the bar looks like a cozy hole-in-the-wall establishment.

If you have fallen in love with a bar and it’s set to become your new local, some venues in Nichome offer a “bottle keep” service. The system is this: you pick a bottle of your favorite poison from the bar (sake, shochu, whiskey, whatever) and the staff will keep your bottle in the fridge ready and waiting for you each time you visit. If you seriously like to drink, it’s an excellent excuse to go out and a great way to integrate into the local bar scene.

Some bars have gender-specific restrictions on certain days, so to avoid the embarrassment of realizing you’re the only girl in the room or your friend is the only boy, it’s best to read the door signs carefully. If the bar staff does ask you to leave, don’t be offended. You have to remember this is Japan, after all, a nation that loves rules, plus there are so many other places to visit.

One useful tip before you head out is to download the Japanese messaging app Line, which is the most popular app for communication in Japan. If you’re looking to exchange contact information with someone, particularly a girl, doing so through Line is a great casual approach.

Online Meet-Ups

© Photo by iStock: bernardbodo

If you’re looking to build a network of gay comrades, you’re more interested in dating than drinking or just want to go beyond the boozy streets of Nicho, then consider hopping online to try your luck.

5 Dating Apps for Lesbians & Bisexuals in Japan

1. HER (English & Japanese): A favorite for sexual minority women (lesbian, transgender, queer, bisexual). HER offers many gender, sexuality and pronoun options, making it a safe space for all.
2. Cosy (English & Japanese): For lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people. Cosy allows users to message anyone they’re interested in (not just mutual matches) and has a phone call feature.
3. Zoe (English & Japanese): A dating app for sexual minority women with customizable profiles (identity, desires, appearance). However, Zoe’s user base may be smaller than that of other mainstream apps.
4. PIAMY (English & Japanese): A social networking app for lesbians and sexual minorities. PIAMY focuses on connecting people based on empathy and shared interests using hashtags.
5. Spindle (Japanese): A more casual, Twitter-like app that allows users to tweet, like and comment. Also hosts real-life events to meet others in person.

Tinder & Bumble

These days Tinder and Bumble are so ubiquitous that they really need no introduction. One interesting little cultural quirk, however, is that here in Japan, a large portion of female users who identify online as ‘interested in women’ have downloaded these dating apps as a way to meet new people and make friends sans romance. To avoid any confusion or miscommunication, it’s definitely worthwhile adding to your bio your status (looking to date, meet gay people, etc). On Tinder, you can choose your gender, set your sexuality and hide it from others if desired; Bumble allows users to select their gender and sexuality.

Stonewall Japan

Stonewall Japan is an excellent online community resource and group populated by a mix of local and international queer members who are someway connected to Japan. If you are planning on coming to Japan and want at least one source of relevant info, join the Stonewall Japan Facebook Group. The group is like a community noticeboard or virtual roundtable, a queer brains trust where people come together to share news, stories, ask for advice and connect with one another.

Outdoor Meet-Ups

© Photo by iStock: electravk

To avoid maxing out your data limit and spending hours swiping through the wrong digital catalogs, here’s a rundown of the most popular IRL lesbian events in Tokyo.

Lesbian Meetups in Tokyo

Meetup is like a friend-making app built to help people meet in real life. There are occasional lesbian events listed here for Tokyo, as well as broader-reaching LGBTQ+ events. The Tokyo Lesbians Meet & Connect group, in particular, is for women who identify as lesbian (or bisexual/transgender) and want to meet other like-minded people over delicious food! The group mostly meets on weekends for lunch or dinner at a nice restaurant.

TIPSY

TIPSY is Japan’s largest women-only event for lesbian and bisexual women. Since its inception in 2012, it has quickly gained popularity through word of mouth. With a mission to bring L-culture into the mainstream, TIPSY has earned widespread support from women across Japan by hosting successful parties at top domestic clubs like Shibuya’s clubasia, Roppongi’s V2TOKYO, Shin-Kiba’s ageHa, Osaka’s JOULE and Fukuoka’s bijou. See their offical website for more information on their next upcoming event!

Tokyo Rainbow Pride

Tokyo Rainbow Pride is the widest-reaching, most public event on Tokyo’s LGBTQ calendar. During the event, there are a series of small, queer-centric parties, gatherings and art events. The centerpiece of the event, a large, open fair home to numerous stalls and live performances, runs across the road from Yoyogi Park. With food, booze, novel attractions, and informative booths, it’s always a whole lot of fun.

If you want to learn more about LGBTQ+ people in Japan or share your insider knowledge, Savvy’s sister website, GaijinPot, also has an LGBTQ-specific page, so be sure to check it out!

This article has been updated with the latest information for 2024 by The Savvy Team.

Picture this: You’re out, and it’s late. Perhaps you’ve just had a night out at dinner, enjoying a wonderful washoku (Japanese food) set or a delicious bowl of ramen, but after all that savory food, you’re craving something…a little sweeter… Enter, the dessert bars of Tokyo!

In the later hours of the night, it can often be difficult to find a decent bakery or cake shop that is still open. Sure, you could head to the conbini (convenience store) and grab a pudding cup or cream puff, but why settle?

We’ve rounded up five fantastically flavorful late night dessert spots in Tokyo so that you can finish the night on a sweeter note. From esteemed coffee spots with sumptuous cake offerings to shops with cakes too beautiful to eat, some even make perfectly delectable refuges if you’ve missed the last train!

1. Short Cake Company

© Photo by Short Cake Company

If you are on a night out and fancy treating yourself to something lavish as well as absolutely beautiful, then you need to check out Short Cake Company. This dessert bar invites you to a dreamy night filled with cake… and who can say no to that? Their motto is “Where there’s cake there’s hope. And there’s always cake.” Now that’s a motto I think most of us can get on board with.

The premise is that they can make a “cake for one” so each person gets their very own cake (without feeling too guilty afterward). Many of their cakes feature the classic shortcake, a soft, fluffy sponge cake that feels like a delectable cloud in your mouth. It’s then smothered in fresh Jersey cream with flavors such as rose and strawberry. Seasonal special flavors include apple and cinnamon. They also serve cherry, chocolate pudding and a strawberry brandy parfait after 9 p.m. for adults. You can make a reservation for any time for a 60-minute window but it may incur a charge starting at ¥500 to ensure you have a seat.

• Price Range: ¥2,000〜¥3,000 (Guests must buy one food item and one drink item.)
• Opening Hours: Tue-Sun, 5 p.m.-12 a.m. (Last Entrance 10:30 p.m.)
• Address: Tokiwa Building No. 2 2F, 1-15-9, Kabukicho Shinjuku, Tokyo
• Closest Station: Shinjuku Station

2. Roy to Silo

© Photo by Roy to Silo

Japan does love its parfaits, and the Shinjuku-based cafe Roy to Silo firmly believes that you should be able to enjoy their deliciousness well into the night, up to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays! Located in the Kabukicho district, Roy to Silo opens its doors to all; it particularly hopes to make men feel comfortable in getting themselves a yummy parfait by themselves without judgment.

Roy to Silo was established by the couple Kazushi and Genta. Kazushi has worked in Tokyo as a pastry chef since 2010 and even trained at a patisserie in Paris for one year in 2014. Now he and Genta, the cafe’s garçon, work side by side to bring smiles to their customers’ faces through their stunningly pretty and delightfully delicious parfaits made from the best seasonal fruit.

The name for the store actually came from the famous gay penguins Roy and Silo who lived in the New York Central Park Zoo and became famous within the LGBTQ+ community. You can find cute penguin motifs throughout the cafe. You can make a reservation for any time for a 60-minute window.

• Price Range: ¥2,000〜¥3,000 (Guests must buy one food item and one drink item. After 11:30 p.m. there is an additional ¥500 seating charge.)
• Opening Hours: Wed-Thu: 8 p.m.-1 a.m. (Last Order 12 a.m.); Fri – Sat: 8 p.m.-2 a.m. (Last Order 1 a.m.); Sun: 1 p.m.-5:30 p.m. (reservation required)
• Address: Leo Kotobuki Building 3F, 2-41-3 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Closest Station: Seibu-Shinjuku Station

3. Sumika Architecture Cafe

© Photo by Sumika Architecture Cafe

© Photo by Sumika Architecture Cafe

© Photo by Sumika Architecture Cafe

Is it a museum? A cafe? Or, a flower-arranging shop? Well, it’s sort of all three. Sumika Architecture Cafe, only a five-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, endeavors to be a space for creative minds to come and let their imagination wander, even at night. Here you can walk around and admire miniature building models from contemporary architects while sipping a cup of coffee or enjoying a delicious parfait until the first trains of the day get going at 4 a.m.

Sumika Architecture Cafe’s nighttime parfaits are works of art in their own right, complimenting the fantastic artwork and structures that are dotted around. It’s also a great place for night owls who wish to work later into the evening, with large tables, power outlets and decent wifi. You can sit here and sip a coffee, nibble on something sweet, and stay here to your heart’s content.

Not only can you relax in the cafe space, but there are also private rooms you can rent out for parties. Perhaps, after a special dinner with friends or family, you might want to head here to continue the celebrations!

• Price Range: Daytime: ¥1,000〜¥2,000; Nighttime: ¥3,000〜¥4,000 (After 4 p.m. there is an additional ¥500 seating charge.)
• Opening Hours: Sun-Thu: 11 a.m.-1 a.m. (Last order 12 a.m.); Fri-Sat: 11 a.m.-4 a.m. (Last order 3 a.m.) 
• Address: 6th Sanwa Building 4F, 3-6-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
• Closest Station: Shinjuku Sanchome Station

4. Yelo

© Photo by Yelo

© Photo by Yelo

© Photo by Yelo

Roppongi is Tokyo’s notorious nightlife and clubbing district. It isn’t hard to enter into a club and lose track of time as you dance the night away. When you do manage to head out, in the wee hours of the morning, stuck with no way to get home and parched from all the cardio you just did, then Yelo is the perfect place to head.

Conveniently located right by Roppongi Station, Yelo serves up some huge portions of Japan’s favorite summertime treat, kakigori (shaved ice). Heading into this cafe/bar you’ll be greeted with a rather red retro interior. At the counter, you can order from a variety of flavors, from the usual culprits, mango, matcha and strawberry, to the more unusual, rum tiramisu, avocado and red wine white peach flavor.

The shaved ice here is seriously fluffy, and topped with homemade syrups and fresh milk sauce, perfect for a cool down after clubbing. The best thing is on Fridays and Saturdays, Yelo stays open till 5 a.m., so you can crash here enjoying a soothing kakigori until the first train of the day starts up!

• Price Range: ¥1,000〜¥2,000 
• Opening Hours: Sun-Thu: 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Fri-Sat: 11 a.m.-5 a.m. (Business hours are subject to change, please check their website or socials.)
• Address: Patio Roppongi 1F, 5-2-11 Roppongi, Minato-ku , Tokyo
• Closest Station: Roppongi Station

5. Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh

© Photo by Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh

© Photo by Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh

Many know this coffee-loving cafe as simply, Edinburgh. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. That’s right, it never closes! Coffee Kizoku Edinburgh (kizoku literally translating to “aristocratic”) has a rather nostalgically fancy interior, which is also mirrored somewhat in the prices. Here, a cup of coffee could set you back close to ¥1,000. Well, they have to pay for that 24/7 electricity cost somehow.

Open since 1975, Edinburgh has gained quite a reputation for excellent coffee. Of course, they also serve cakes to accompany the beverage, such as New York cheesecake and a classic Japanese strawberry shortcake. It is a great place to sit and work, with charging point access and decent free Wi-Fi.

Edinburgh is somewhat of an institution these days, and, thanks to it being open 24/7, you know you’ll find warmth and comfort there no matter the time.

• Price Range: ¥1,000〜¥2,000 
• Opening Hours: 24/7 (Double-check their socials as they do close for in-depth cleaning at certain points.)
• Address: 3-2-4 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022
• Closest Station: Shinjuku Sanchome Station

Have you been to any of these late night dessert bars in Tokyo?

It may seem too good to be true, but natural wine is very much the magical “Jesus juice” we all hope to find when it comes to fun drinking without the concern of a hangover the next morning. Not sure why? Read on, but be warned — you’ll get naturally (and pleasantly) dizzy.

What is “natural wine”?

Natural wine, also known as “unadulterated wine,” is made up of organic grapes in a process that uses minimal chemical and technological manipulation. Unlike organic wine, which usually just means, “made of organic grapes,” natural wine goes beyond the grape, ensuring an entirely organic process from start to finish, also using minimal sulfates.

There’s a funk to natural wine that makes me tingle with warmth inside.

One of the first major adopters of the movement, Japan has had an obsession with natural wine since the ’90s. It wasn’t until 2000 that natural wine peaked in France, and if it weren’t for Japan drinking 75 percent of it by then, many of those small French wineries would have shut down.

Still today, natural wine is not (yet) well known in many countries. On a recent trip to Los Angeles, a waiter actually scoffed at me when I asked if they had any natural wine available, sarcastically assuring me “there’s no such thing.” Fair enough, there is no one official certification process or legal definition for deeming wine all-natural, which makes things more complicated, but for those who know it, they know that it’s very much different from “regular” wine.

What makes it so drinkable?

There’s a funk to natural wine that makes me tingle with warmth inside. There’s an earthiness to it — a flavor that only mother nature can produce, the way it was intended for us to drink. I must admit, however, that at first, even I questioned the validity of it when hearing the term “natural wine.” It sounded like more hippie shenanigans coming back to haunt me from my LA days of kale smoothies and crystal healings — “probably just another ‘organic’ gimmick or subpar product,” I initially thought, but I was wrong — just like that waiter.

Unlike organic wine, which usually just means, ‘made of organic grapes,’ natural wine goes beyond the grape. 

I’ve always been a lover of earthy wines, and upon first taste, natural wine completely embodied that for me. It’s easy to drink and totally unpretentious — definitely more of a grassroots vibe than an overproduced bottle from one of your big Chateau wineries. I love the way that each bottle radiates a secret mystical power lurking around at the bottom of every unfiltered bottle. The murkiness lets me know that a bottle of natural wine is very much a living and breathing thing — almost like a drinkable terrarium full of magic.

Now, let’s drink!

When it comes to wine, Japan prefers it stripped down, funky, naked, and raw — something I couldn’t be more happy about. Here are six places in Tokyo where you can enjoy the best of natural wine and never fear hangover the next day.

1. The Wine Store (Nakameguro)

Simply put, the name says it all: What you see is what you get at this shoebox wine shop in Nakameguro. Upon entering, you are surrounded by two floors to ceiling walls of carefully chosen bottles from around the world. Walk a bit further, and you’re in a chic little tasting room with one small concrete counter and no seats. The shop is owned and operated by a Japanese woman, something which immediately makes me like the shop more since the wine world is generally so heavily dominated by males (except, of course, the actual consumption). 

The murkiness lets me know that a bottle of natural wine is very much a living and breathing thing. 

Every day there are about five carefully chosen wines open for tasting. Choose a tasting size of 30ml or 60ml. Prices are fair enough that tasting all five bottles would be close to the same price you would pay at an official tasting room in somewhere like Napa. The selection is a nice range from sweet to dry bottles — usually two whites, two reds, and there is always a bottle of sparkling open. Bottles come from all over the world. I’ve experienced lovely California wines here (something that can cure any amount of homesickness for myself), French wines, and even a delicious natural wine from Bulgaria.

People come in and out of the store while you taste so there’s a very casual laid back vibe and the musical selection is bar none, the best.

The Wine Store
Address: 3-5-2 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: Irregular (best to call first)
Cost: ¥800 / glass

2. Wine Stand Bouteille (Shibuya) 

Smack dab in the middle of Nonbei Yokocho (aka Drunkards Alley), this sweet little wine bar is a baby refuge from the obnoxious tourists and watered-down cocktails of the area. Bouteille is great because it’s also female operated but only fits about 5-6 people max at its standing counter. On any given day, it is full so you have much better luck going as a party of one.

Here you will find plenty of quirky and fun labeled bottles from around the world. Usually, there is always an Australian bottle, Italian bottle, and French bottle open for tasting. Sometimes you can even have a glass from Georgia — a country known for its ancient old world style of winemaking, and a country getting a lot of attention from Japanese wine lovers in general.

Wine Stand Bouteille
Address: 1-25-6 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku Tokyo
Business Hours: Open daily, 6 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Cost: ¥1,100 / glass

3. Bar a Vin Maison Cinquante Cinq (Yoyogi Uehara) 

This cramped little tasting room happens to be the first floor of a three-story bistro. Getting here early before a dinner res would be a nice starting off point for the night, whether you are having dinner at the bistro itself or elsewhere in the area. Prices are not entirely cheap, but they have a nice selection of natural wines nonetheless.  

Bar a Vin Maison Cinquante Cinq
Address: 3-5-1 Nishihara, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: 5 p.m.-1 a.m.
Cost: ¥1,200 / glass

4. Ahiru Store (Tomigaya)

Ahiru store is definitely the most famous on this list. If you love natural wine and live in Tokyo, then you know about Ahiru Store. It’s run by a sister and brother team who also serve some beautiful charcuterie, bread, and small dishes. Unfortunately, patrons line up before the shop even opens so getting a spot at the bar is quite a feat at any time of its operations hours. Regardless, the local vibe is really fun and the staff is friendly when asking for suggestions.

Ahiru Store via Tabelog
Address: 1-19-4 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: Open: Mon – Fri 6 p.m. – 12 a.m., Sat 3 p.m.-9 p.m., Closed: Sun and 1st Sat of every month
Cost: ¥900 / glass

5. Shimokita Komorebi (Shimokitazawa) 

Just a few steps below ground level is the tiny dugout that is Shimokita Komorebi. Komorebi happens to be a Japanese word that describes “light when it leaks through the trees,” so I automatically love this place for its poetic name. Although the bar can feel very quiet, the staff are accommodating and friendly when squeezing you in.

Unfortunately, we did not have a chance to try any food on its brief menu, but the small dishes being served looked lovely. Overall, I happen to think this place is much more suitable for a solo nightcap, rather than a date based on its size and noise level.

Shimokita Komorebi
Address: 2-10-8 Shimokitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: Open: 6 p.m. – 12 a.m. Everyday
Cost: ¥1,000 / glass

6. Winestand Waltz (Ebisu) 

There is no wine list and there are no prices listed at this little hideout, however, most of the natural wines served here are from Japan or Japanese producers based in France. Walk in and choose a glass of red or white. Whatever is open that day will be served and you can expect to pay a good amount for a rather small glass of wine. It’s a bit out of the way from the station, but if you’re close by, give it a try.

Winestand Waltz
Address: 4-24-3 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Business Hours: Open: Mon-Sat 7 p.m. – 12 a.m. Closed: Sun and holidays
Cost: ¥1,500 / glass

Cheers to happy and hangover-free drinking!

Following the footsteps of its big brothers, Shibuya Cast, the revamp of Shibuya 109 Men (now, called Magnet) and a list of dozens of other hot projects under development in our favorite shopping district, Shibuya Stream — Tokyo’s latest aesthetic facility — finally opened its doors to the public this September. The modern-looking skyscraper, located right next door to Shibuya station, is home to a variety of open-air cafes and high-end restaurants situated along the Shibuya river stream. It is also equipped with a massive event hall, a hotel, office spaces (Google Japan will be relocating there soon!), conference rooms and even a cycling cafe.

Built as a place for people to relax, enjoy a stroll along the river and spend a day in the neighborhood away from the typical noise associated with the area, the new landmark is indeed filled with plenty of sitting areas perfect for a day outing with family, friends or loved ones.

Curious to find out more about it, we visited as soon as it opened and here’s what we found out!

There are plenty of delicious spots

There are a total of 30 stores in Shibuya Stream, all situated on the complex’ first three floors and all are food-based, selling fresh and unique delis from around the world.

The first floor is the smallest, with five stores only, from the Osaka-born Mexican bar (Japamex) to burgers (The Great Burger Stand), a Californian diner (Gh Ethnica) and the casual bistro Sakaba & Cafe, which as its name implies, sells both coffee and booze — and French-inspired oden.

The Great Burger Stand

It’s also here where you can find Lemonade by Lemonica, one of the complex’ currently most famous destinations, a shop specializing in lemonades (yes, who would’ve guessed…).

© Photo by Shelley Smith

The store offers lemonade in a variety of kinds and sizes, as well as some seasonal types, too, and you can get your sour drink hot or cold, fizzy or still, flavored or plain. But whatever your choice is, opt for the adorable photo area next door to the store where you can sit and take as many pictures as you want with your totally Instagramable lemonade!

 

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A post shared by 渋谷ストリーム (@shibuyastream_official) on Sep 11, 2018 at 8:00pm PDT

The second floor has fifteen cafes and diners, united under the theme “Shibuya Custom Street.” Here you’ll find the usual suspects (Starbucks, Dean & Deluca and the like) and some new faces, including Baking Shu, a tiny bakery specializing in fresh baguette sandwiches, Katsuo to Bonta, an onigiri, miso soup and sake stand (what an awesome combination!), and the intriguing Meat Taverna Nikomiya Shibee, a spacious Japanese restaurant focusing on slow-cooked stews.

Katsuo & Bonta

On the same floor you can also find Precce Shibuya Delimarket, a fresh food market equipped with an interesting variety of premade foods, nuts and dried fruits for snacking.

Precce Shibuya Delimarket

The third floor is slightly more upscale, hosting a total of nine restaurants, the majority of which are serving Japanese cuisine. A rare gem on this floor is Xiringuito Escriba, Japan’s first store of the popular Spanish casual diner specializing in paella and seafood. Offering four kinds of paella and quite a few creative Sangria cocktails, this is a carefree restaurant to go with friends and share the love (and food, if you wish!).

Xiringuito Escribà’s famous paella

Scheduled for opening later in the year, the fourth floor will be occupied by Torque, a cycling cafe catering to the health-conscious. The place will offer healthy food, as well as host all sorts of events for cyclists.

It’ll get loud

Shibuya Stream Hall

The complex’ 4th to 6th floors are occupied by Shibuya Stream Hall, a massive entertainment space that has a standing capacity of approximately 700 people. The new live hall is said to lead Shibuya’s entertainment district by holding concerts and live stage events on a weekly base. It’s direct access to the station makes it very convenient for late night party lovers trying to catch the last train.

Stream will also be hosting other regular events, including a street market on the weekend of every third week of the month.  

But you can also relax in modern luxury

Excel Hotel Tokyu

After eating all that food and partying all night at the event hall, the clever folks behind the planning of Stream figured that you’d also want a place to rest and heal. So, starting from the 9th floor (until the 13th), is the new modern style Excel Hotel Tokyu, a hotel established to “stimulate sensitivity and creativity.”

The hotel lobby on the 4th floor

Its lobby is on oddly located on the 4th floor, however, where you will also find a lounge, a bar and a massive screen where you’ll be able to see what’s going on at the event hall. With an awesome view of Shibuya and the rest of the city, the hotel has 177 rooms and is conveniently located for tourists who wish to journey Tokyo’s popular commercial and business areas.

 

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A post shared by 渋谷ストリーム (@shibuyastream_official) on Sep 13, 2018 at 9:15pm PDT

Savvy says…

Unlike most other massive food and entertainment malls in Shibuya, Stream somewhat manages to provide a much calmer and indeed relaxing overall vibe. We must confess that we were slightly puzzled by the lack of fashion and other shops at first, but after visiting, it actually makes sense — you can’t have a peaceful place with all that shopping. Instead, Stream is a casual place to get a bite, meet friends and maybe even spend a nijikai along the river. It’s nothing to take you over the moon, but the stream is pleasant and the breeze is refreshing. We figure it’s that kind of place that Shibuya was missing.

The Deets

Shibuya Stream

Address: 3-21-3, Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: Shibuya Station. Direct access from subway’s 16b exit.
Open: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Restaurants: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

*Article compiled by Shelley Smith.  

With summer days upon us, the smoky charred flavors of “good ol’ fashioned” American BBQ may sound nostalgic to some, but foreign to others. Either way, you slather it, it’s a flavor that pleases any food lover with a big appetite. It just so happens that tucked away on a tiny side street of Nakameguro, Hatos Bar is serving near perfect American BBQ and craft beer (a lot of it!) to satisfy your needs.

A post shared by HATOS_BAR (@hatos_bar) on Nov 6, 2017 at 2:06am PST

From Texas to North Carolina: Real USA BBQ

Any American BBQ connoisseur will tell you that the varieties of BBQ are vast. Depending on where you are in the South, you can expect to find entirely different flavors and styles. That being said, Hatos Bar seems to have combined the best of the best serving all the staples, from the meanest and messiest North Carolina style pulled pork sandwiches, to Kansas City style baby back ribs so tender, you don’t even have to chew them.

A post shared by HATOS_BAR (@hatos_bar) on Jun 30, 2017 at 6:28am PDT

In the hands of Japanese Chef Sou Ieki, who lived in the US for four years, baby back ribs get smoked for hours upon hours, continually brought out tray after tray for the hungry expats who fill up the restaurant.

Walking into this place feels like a scene of see and be seen within the expat community. Artists, hipsters, businessmen, and families alike all come here for the same thing: the ribs. At times, Tokyo can feel a bit uniform, but this colorful little BBQ joint feels like a genuine melting pot of people coming together for the simple pleasures of good BBQ and good beer.

Artists, hipsters, businessmen, and families alike all come here for the same thing: the ribs.

“Our concept for this restaurant is a watering hole in the middle of the savannah,” Ieki explains. “In the desert, there’s an unspoken rule between animals that everyone drinks from the same water source, peacefully. Tokyo can get pretty wild sometimes so both carnivores and herbivores gather here together in order to get what they need to survive. We wanted Hatos Bar to be a place where all kinds of people can hang out together without worrying about labels.”

A post shared by HATOS_BAR (@hatos_bar) on Oct 4, 2017 at 3:00am PDT

“There are a lot of communities in Nakameguro. You have skaters, street artists, and musicians. Of course, there’s a big bar community, an art community, and a foodie community too. There’s a lot of crossover in these communities and you can definitely see that all come together here,” Ieki says.

Good Tunes Always Get the Juices Flowing

Music is a big part of the ambiance when dining at Hatos Bar. With its disco ball hanging proudly, you get an immediate sense that you’ve walked into some secret hidden disco gem. The staff are all big music lovers and take turns adding personal favorite tracks to their never-ending playlist. On any given night, you can expect to hear a cool eclectic mix of music so it seems fitting that Ieki and his partner Dubrai met through music.

A post shared by HATOS_BAR (@hatos_bar) on Mar 17, 2017 at 10:47pm PDT

“We didn’t wanna work for anybody so we made the decision to work for ourselves,” explained Ieki. “In order to keep the music going, we had to support ourselves, so we figured being self-employed was the best way to go. It was this goal, which led us to create Hatos Bar.”

[T]his colorful little BBQ joint feels like a genuine melting pot of people coming together for the simple pleasures of good BBQ and good beer.

Ieki surprisingly never trained under any professional chefs, but he does seem to share the same perfectionist mindset most Japanese chefs tend to embody. Completely self-taught, Ieki honed his skills by taking a tiny slow cooker out to the mountains alone where he would slow cook meat slathered in BBQ sauce for hours in order to find the winning formula to slow cook the ultimate ribs. The only other training was helping out his friend’s father on the grill when he lived in the U.S.

A post shared by HATOS_BAR (@hatos_bar) on Jul 7, 2017 at 5:06am PDT

Tops On Taps, Too!

Hatos Bar opened close to nine years ago and is still going strong. It’s packed nearly every night, so with only a few tables and a tiny bar, be sure to make reservations well in advance. Solo diners can usually get lucky at the bar on any given night and it’s a great way to try the continuously rotating craft beer menu.

A post shared by HATOS_BAR (@hatos_bar) on Apr 19, 2018 at 3:16am PDT

From the likes of Shiga Kogen to Gigantic, Hatos Bar has beer from many small-scale regional microbreweries, both bottled and on draft. Also worth noting, not only does Hatos rock the hottest hops, but it has a complete full bar as well. Dubrai typically handles the bar and is known to make awesomely strong Negronis — always a good thing after a long day of work.

A post shared by HATOS_BAR (@hatos_bar) on Nov 2, 2017 at 5:44am PDT

Aside from the beautifully paired craft beer and ribs, the rest of the menu may appear small, but every other dish listed on it carries just as much of a wow factor. Additional sides and staples include a bubbling rich mac n’ cheese dish, fluffy cornbread, surprisingly non-greasy chili cheese fries, a lovely light carrot salad, and homemade ranch to dip your fries in like a true American.

The curry sausage (pictured below) is the only dish that deviates from traditional American BBQ, but is also worth trying.

If you’re ever there on an extra lucky night, you just might find Ieki slow cooking some BBQ brisket — a rare occasion, which I highly recommend you either skip the ribs for… or get both!

The Deets

Hatos Bar 
Address: Prince Kopo 106, 1-3-5 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6452-4505
Business Hours: Open: Mon-Sat 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. Closed: Sun and holidays
Average cost: ¥3,000-¥6,000. Ribs: (Half) ¥3,200, (Full) ¥6,200; Side dishes from ¥600, Beer: Half Pint from ¥600.
Smoking/Non-smoking: Smoking 

The year 2017 was another delicious one for the Savvy Tokyo team. We enjoyed a great variety of exquisite dishes, sipped on elaborately presented cocktails and admired panoramic views of the city while sitting in a display of creative interior designs — on a number of occasions. To round up the year in style, we’ve put together a list of 12 restaurants and bars that left a deep impression on us this year. Take our word for it — they’re all worth a visit or two!  

1. Janice Wong Dessert Bar, Shinjuku

The perfect spot for dessert aficionados, this stylish dessert bar presents the famous “imperfectly perfect” creations of award-winning pastry chef Janice Wong who strives to present innovative and progressive desserts relying on molecular gastronomy techniques. The dessert bar, located in the NeWoman shopping mall in Shinjuku, has a unique atmosphere with dim lights, dark grey walls and colorful abstract paintings.

Why we love it? For the stunningly gorgeous desserts you can’t find elsewhere and for its sweets-only full course. 

2. Fratelli Paradiso, Omotesando

Fratelli Paradiso is an award-winning, Sydney-born restaurant located on the third floor of the fashionable Omotesando Hills shopping complex. The restaurant offers a true Italian escape from reality with its laid-back atmosphere, long list of organic and natural wines (that won’t leave you hungover) and delicious menu, including its signature tomato-base Pasta Scampi and the finger-lickin’ good Bottarga Pretzel. In a true Italy-inspired entertainment spirit, at lunchtime customers can also see their own pasta cut in the dining space’s open kitchen. We also can’t help but love the place because it’s where we partied ‘til late at night with our readers, contributors and supporters for the Savvy End of Year party (remember that?!).

Why we love it? For its natural wines that left us hangover-free so many times, for its Tiramisu and for all the memories we cherish from our last party there.

3. Sake Scene Masufuku, Daimon

Sake Scene Masufuku is a Japanese bar like no other. The kimono-clad owner, Yukari Yanaba, opened it just a year ago as a place where customers can not only taste Japanese sake from across Japan, but learn the stories behind the drinks’ produced — in English, of course! This Japanese bar offers you a refreshing and authentic sake experience combined with unique French cuisine — in other words, it gets the best of both worlds.  

Why we love it? For its unique combination of Europe and Japan; for the over 60 kinds of Japanese sake and for the endless over-the-counter conversations with owner Yanaba.  

4. Sign All day, Daikanyama

Sign All Day, which just opened this July, is a hybrid establishment with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s a sunny deli, a coffee shop, a beer garden and an Italian restaurant all in one location. The café has a minimalist interior and offers vegan-friendly menus, Insta-perfect salads and delicious coffee brews.

Why we love it? Because we can spend all day there and never get bored (which, in our world, is the ultimate compliment).

5. Code Kurkku, Yoyogi

Code Kurkku is a trendy restaurant and bar located in Yoyogi Village, with a high-ceilinged, sleek interior and Scandinavian aesthetics. A collaboration between two restaurants — Tokyo’s Kurkku and fine-dining Italian restaurant Il Ghiottone from Kyoto, Code Kurkku skillfully marries Italian and Japanese cuisines with an emphasis on supporting sustainable agriculture and using organic seasonal ingredients. It also features a bar with comfortable leather couches, dim lights and a DJ to entertain you until 3 a.m.

Why we love it? For its chic interior, creative cocktails, amazing crêpes (and the performance they are served with), and the fact that it’s just a three-minute walk from Yoyogi station — which helps us stay calm that we won’t miss the last train home.

6. Teppan Bambina, Azabu-Juban

Teppan Bambina & Wine by Ushigoro is the perfect date spot, combining a classy, yet cozy atmosphere and a wagyu-based menu of select dishes cooked on a hot plate in the center of the restaurant by a lovely and very friendly cook. The menu features an exclusive range of wines and cocktails that customers can enjoy while savoring the mouthwatering dishes and homemade desserts (we had plenty of those, too). Go there when you’re craving meat, meat, and more meat — and you don’t want to break the bank.

Why we love it? For the sizzling, melt-in-your mouth meat cooked right in front of us and for the excellent service that keeps us going back.

7. Sushi Ya, Ginza

This sushi restaurant is currently one of the most popular spots in Tokyo — and one of the most difficult ones to get a seat in. The famous Sushiya is located in Ginza and is run by Takao Ishiyama, a young and friendly sushi master who also happens to be fluent in English. The restaurant has no menu — you get to choose between an omakase (chef’s choice) or a nigiri (rice ball) set. Either way, you’ll want to give the chef a hug after each bite.  

Why we love it? Because it erased our memory of any other sushi (especially our regular supermarket buys) and gives us an incentive to save some extra money every month — for our next visit.

8. Tablao Flamenco Garlochi, Shinjuku

An authentic Spanish restaurant which sets itself apart by mixing traditional delicacies with live performances by legendary flamenco artists. The food is as authentic as its flamenco shows — it’s a place where you can enjoy Spanish dishes cooked with fresh ingredients from Japan. The atmosphere, interior decor and tasty paella will make you feel as if you’ve just stepped into the country of passion.

Why we love it? Because it’s the only place that manages to keep our mouths open even while eating — the shows are ah-mazing.

9. Alexander’s Steakhouse, Shiodome

Located on the 42nd floor of Shiodome City Center, this is a classic American steakhouse with a substantial Japanese influence. The sky-high branch in Tokyo exudes excellence at every seat, drink and bite. It’s the perfect location for a romantic date — and it has more wine varieties than sakura trees in the entire Tokyo area.

Why we love it? For the steaks and the view. No, we’re lying: it’s all ‘bout the wine.

10. Longrain Tokyo, Ebisu

Originally from Australia, Longrain is a fun fusion of Thai, Japanese and Australian dining full of sweet and sour soul. Also, a lively place with a romantic atmosphere and impressive interior decor. Located on the 39th floor of Yebisu Garden Place Tower, this newly opened gem offers a stunning view of Tokyo at the backdrop of dim lighting and upbeat tunes — all of it coming together to create a charming dining experience. One of the hottest spots in the city, this one is a must go for any occasions.

Why we love it? For the names of its cocktails, its Instagrammable menu and for welcoming us with “Shout to the Top.”

11. Umami Burger, Omotesando

Cocktails, classy atmosphere and gastronomy combined, Umami Burger as a restaurant is as versatile as its menu. Born in L.A. to a Japanese concept, Umami Burger came home this spring with a much-hyped opening in Tokyo. And since then, the crowds haven’t stopped flooding in. Featured on the menu are 15 different burger options, including the signature Umami, the popular Manly, the decadent Truffle, the Japan-exclusive Samurai and the U-nami. The cocktails — all highly creatively named — are just as delicious as the burgers. The location, the bar inside and the party vibe all combine to form the perfect casual date spot or a girls night out.

Why we love it? With cocktails named “Maple Bacon Old-Fashioned” and “Garden Party,” you just know you’re in for a good time.

12. Kamikatz Taproom, Higashi-Azabu

Kamikatz Taproom is an ecologically-minded restaurant and a beer bar with a view of Tokyo Tower that bases its menu, interior and principles on three words: reduce, reuse and recycle. Named after the town of Kamikatsu in Tokushima Prefecture (where its operating company originates from), Kamikatz prides itself on not only its assortment of beers, but also for making much out of nothing: every piece of furniture at the restaurant has been recycled — reused after once residing in a home in Tokushima. Broken bottles? Turn them into chandeliers. Discarded tables and chairs? Bring them in — there’s nothing that can’t fit in this perfectly imperfect ambience. The food menu is also varied, with many choices available to both carnivores and vegetarians alike. But it really is all about the beer here.

Why we love it? Based just a few minutes away from our office, at lunch, dinner or beer o’clock, this one is now our regular hangout.

For Yukari Yanaba, owner of the Tokyo-based sake bar Sake Scene Masufuku, a cup of sake goes deeper than just a drink. For her it’s a story — this of the people who spend seasons making it; this of the customers who come to the bar to taste it, and this of her own life dedicated to it. Last year, at the age of 40, she took a new path in her career leaving the corporate Japanese life to embrace a new goal she had always wanted to pursue — introducing the traditional Japanese drink to the world and helping Japanese sake makers promote their businesses.

“It all started with my passion for traveling abroad,” the kimono-clad Yanaba says with a smile. Having traveled to more countries than she can count on both her hands (twice), she discovered the beauty of her own roots and culture. “I knew I wanted to share it with the rest of the world.”

The entrance to Yukari Yanaba’s bar Sake Scene Masufuku in Daimon, Tokyo.

So after years of waiting for the right chance, last September she started her journey by opening a small sake bar near Tokyo Tower, in the neighborhood she was born and raised. Now, a year on, this bar serves as a place where foreign visitors come to taste over 40 kinds of Japanese sake, selected by Yanaba herself, where each glass comes with a story of its roots and making.

The Savvy Tokyo team caught up with Yanaba to learn more about the bar, her passion for sake, and the road that led to its opening.

First things first — tell us a bit about your background.

I was born and raised in Tokyo. Before I opened Sake Scene Masufuku, I used to work for the Tokyo branch of a German manufacturing company. Before that, for a long time I was working in logistics and import industries. That’s one factor that inspired me to promote Japanese sake.

Yukari Yanaba at her bar on a regular weekday evening.

That’s a very sudden change — from logistics to bar ownership. What made you pursue this change?

I’ve always been interested in learning about the world and communicating with people from other cultures. A few years ago, I traveled to Spain for a year with my daughter as a study exchange to learn the language and culture. I wanted to experience a different language and culture, not just English, which I already had a certain proficiency in after going through another exchange in Vancouver as a student. The more I traveled abroad, however, the more I started rediscovering the richness of the Japanese culture and I started to think that my ideal job would be something that connects Japan with the rest of the world. One thing led to another and here I am, standing behind the counter!

Japanese sake makers are struggling to maintain their businesses and many local sake breweries are shutting down year by year.

I want my bar to function as a place where foreign customers can learn about Japanese sake, not only its taste, but also its culture and traditions. That’s why the kanji character in our logo is comprised of the words for “taste” and “convey.”  

What are the three most unique features of your bar?

We introduce sake brands in English, including characteristics, taste and the story behind it. We also pair sake not with Japanese food but with French dishes, thus introducing a completely new concept that appeals to both foreigners and Japanese. The third is that we support local breweries and try to connect them with the rest of the world by serving their products and sharing their stories here.

Entering bar Sake Scene Masufuku. The logo is comprised of Japanese characters meaning “taste” and “convey.”

Were you always a sake fan?

No, I was much more into wine (laughs). I even have a “wine expert” certificate. But rather than opening a wine bar, I wanted to do something that involves the Japanese culture. I also came to know that Japanese sake makers are struggling to maintain their businesses and many local sake breweries are shutting down year by year. Only the most profitable remain in business. In contrast with wine gatherings, which are usually quite pricey, sake gatherings tend to be very cheap — including the food. So I started wondering about the sake makers and got concerned: How are they making ends meet?

I want my bar to function as a place where foreign customers can learn about Japanese sake, not only its taste, but also its culture and traditions.

What are some of the major problems Japanese sake makers are facing nowadays?

They are all craftsmen dedicated to their work, but when it comes to PR skills — especially toward foreign customers — they are at a complete loss of what to do. That is where I thought I can come in and support them.

What practical support do you offer to those local sake breweries?

As of present, I focus on collecting information from consumers, not only here at the bar, but also by attending various international events. I traveled recently to Monaco, Paris and Madrid for various wine events. I met with many professionals who shared valuable information on what is expected from Japanese sake breweries. I am currently trying to develop a system to convey the feedback I receive directly to the makers.

There are over 40 different Japanese sake brands ready for tasting at bar Sake Scene Masufuku.

Your life must be completely different now.  What was the process of setting up your business like?

I started with just the idea. Nothing else. But last year I participated in a business contest organized by Tokyo Startup Gateway, a business mentoring initiative by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It really helped me narrow down my business vision. They taught me about who to target, how to target, where to start from, how to promote my business, and so much more. I started by submitting a basic proposal and they helped me develop it into an actual business. It was a good system — and it was also free, which was great! My proposal was entitled “Connecting small sake breweries with the world.” I became a semi-finalist, which gave me confidence and equipped me with a great support group who helped me a lot.

How did you learn all the know-how of serving Japanese sake?

I started by obtaining an International Kikisake-shi (Master of Sake), a Japanese license issued by the Sake Service Institute. I also have a Sake Sommelier qualification and I recently also took a 6-month WSET Sake Level 3 course, a London-born qualification for professionals working with wine and other liquors. I’m still waiting for the results. Prior to opening the bar, I was also organizing regular sake tasting gatherings for foreigners through my Meetup group, Sake Scene & Fun. We would chat over food and sake selected by me.

Yanaba has a long list of professional qualifications on sake serving.

Do you still continue those events?

Yes, my Meetup group now has over 1,200 members and we still organize various events, many of them now here at the bar. It gives us great opportunities to gather over sake and also promote the bar.

Impressive. How do you foresee the future of Sake Scene Masufuku? Do you have any concrete plans for its development?

Yes, in fact, I was just putting a proposal together to apply for financial subsidies. My next goal is to organize sake tours and seminars on Japanese sake for foreigners, as well as tours to actual sake breweries. I’ll be working with travel agencies on this project, which will hopefully help. In addition to that, I also plan on working as a private guide for Airbnb tours. I also want to have more events here at the bar in the near future — sake tastings, gatherings with sake makers, which we did this year already once. But it’s good to have more of it — for the guests and for the brewers too. It’s a good way to exchange information and opinions. Further down the road my business plan is also to export sake.

Sake Scene Masufuku is not only a bar, but a place where various sake-related events are held. The place is small, but comfortable, and each tableware is carefully selected to impress customers.

Sounds like a lot of work for one person. What do you do to relax?

What’s that? (laughs) I love to go out for a good meal and travel, go to onsen, go overseas…

Is there something about you that readers would be surprised to learn?

It’s a bit embarrassing to say, but even though I’m a mother (of an 18-year-old), I rely on my daughter more than she does on me. I always reach out to her for advice and she — being very mature — always provides it. We’ve traveled a lot together around the world and we have learned to stick to each other.

If you don’t start it yourself, nothing will ever happen.

Last but not least, if you were to give an advice to someone who’s about to do the same as you, what would it be?

Just be brave and take a step forward. If you don’t start it yourself, nothing will ever happen. It’s also essential to build good connections with people over time. While you start it yourself, you can’t complete it alone.

For more information on Yukari Yanaba’s Bar Sake Scene Masufuku, see here. You can find it at 2-11-20 1F Shibadaimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo. It’s open from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday and 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays and national holidays. 

As I walked down the Shibadaimon street to the narrow alleyway, I knew my bar choice for the night would not disappoint. After months and months of searching for the best food and drink gems in my new home Tokyo, I’d come to know that the best places — those that tease all your senses and remain in your memory — are tucked away in the understated side streets.

And so was Sake Scene Masufuku — the recently opened sake bar I was on a mission to explore for the night.

Instead of the intimidatingly discreet exterior, characterizing so many Japanese restaurants in Tokyo, Sake Scene Masufuku instantly grabs your attention and lures you inside thanks to the large square window. Arriving little past 6pm, I spotted the kimono-clad owner and hostess Yukari Yanaba arranging sake bottles on the shelves. She gave me a warm smile and welcomed me inside on my discovery journey.

A Very Personal Interior

A softly draped noren (curtain), the clean, pure tones of the interior, textured washi paper covering the wall, hand-made glass light fixtures and the original paintings from Kyoto – these are the elements that greet you the moment you step inside the bar. There is a strong sense of unity about the furnishings, the concept and the owner’s passion for giving her customers the best. You can feel that every single detail here has been thought-through and each item hand-picked by Yanaba herself, which gives the place a personal touch and makes you feel you are visiting her home, not a communal place.

The bar has a refreshing aura which exudes refined elegance influenced by the timeless Japanese aesthetics. My attention is irrevocably drawn by the display of exquisite one-of-a-kind sake cups — a collection of pieces that have taken the owner’s personal fancy. By serving sake in this luxurious pottery, Yanaba provides the ultimate sake tasting experience — a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

A Chat Over The Counter

What makes your visit extra special is the ability to chat with Yanaba herself and listen as she passionately shares her expertise about the drinks she serves. There are a handful of small tables available for a more intimate dining, but sitting by the counter completes the experience. You can sit and watch Yanaba use her unique method – okan suru — to warm up the sake and hear a story behind each drink, in her fluent English. She’ll tell you why she came to run the bar, what makes Japanese sake special, what food to drink it with, where and how it’s made — amid everything else you can talk about.

Exceptional Meal Courses & Sake Variety

When it comes to food finesse, Japan and France have much in common, and when it’s done well, it makes the perfect match. So here at Sake Scene Masufuku, unique French-inspired dishes are served to elevate your authentic Japanese sake tasting. All dishes are prepared by Teppei Fujisawa, the bar’s new chef, who has trained and worked in France and then worked as a head chef of Pont d’Or Inno before helming the kitchen at Masufuku. You can order food a la carte or sample one of the two set menus: a five-course meal (¥10,000), which includes two entrees, fish and meat main dishes, and dessert; or taste the lighter ¥5,000 four-dish course, which comes with two entrees, a choice of meat or fish dish and a petit dessert.  

As to the sake, you’ll spend quite a time choosing here. Yanaba strives to promote local boutique sake breweries from across Japan and offers a great variety of cold and warm sake. You’ll see the meticulously arranged sake bottles — like trophies on display — and if you dare to count, you’ll find nearly 60 varieties to choose from. You can order a la carte or opt for the sake tasting — or even better, ask Yanaba for recommendation and she’ll pick the perfect one for you.

For my dining experience, I chose the full course and opted for mackerel sashimi served in parsley sauce as an appetizer. The flavorful fish had been marinated in vinegar which gave it a touch of just enough acidity, while cucumber and herbs on top added to a refreshing taste. Per Yanaba’s recommendation I paired it with sake from Kanagawa prefecture. Its slightly sour taste and fruity undertones complimented the fish perfectly. For my main course, I savored every bite of the perfectly cooked seabass topped with capers and roasted almonds, the latter giving a nice contrasting texture to the bite. It was coupled with warm sake from Fukuoka which had more profound taste of rice and brought out the flavors of the seabass. I ended the night with a glass of Mizu Kagami from Shiga prefecture served cold. With 70% alcohol and clear taste, it was a strong finish to the wonderful dinner.

As I sat at the bar relaxing and savoring the moment with my elaborate sake cup in hand, I was tickled by a sense of pride for finding this gem of a place. I couldn’t have picked a better spot to end the day of exploring in the area — the Kyu-Rikyu Gardens, Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower were just a stone’s throw away. After a day of sightseeing, my evening was filled with great sake, exquisite food and welcoming ambience that typifies the true Japanese hospitality, the way I had always imagined it.

The Deets

Sake Bar Masufuku

Address: 2-11-20 1F Shibadaimon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Business hours: 6 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. (Mon-Sat)

Walking down an unassuming alley of Azabu-juban, you would never guess that one of the best bars in Tokyo is hidden on the first floor of a nondescript building there. As soon as you step inside you understand that this is not a place to get drunk: it’s a place to take some time for yourself, listening to the rhythmic beats and sipping colorful cocktails in the most stylish ambience you could wish for.

A Different Type Of Bar

Don’t expect the glitz and pizazz of hotel bars or the loud chatter of Shinjuku’s Golden Gai. Instead, this is a place to ponder each meticulously prepared drink in a serene, clean and uncluttered ambience typical of a traditional Japanese aesthetic. Though a tiny space, the bar is filled with a huge 500-year-old, L-shaped wooden counter that sits only eight. The uneven walls painted off-white are kept bare to offer nothing but peaceful simplicity and a little bit of well-honed Zen.

Gen Yamamoto, in his pristine white jacket, greets you behind the counter and provides his undivided attention. There is not much thought involved in deciding what to order. You have a choice of four or six cocktails, the rest is up to Yamamoto-san and his daily inspiration. You can also request modifications or add-ons in the end.

The Man Behind The Bar

What sets Gen Yamamoto’s cocktails apart? The young mixologist made his name in New York City managing a bar at the high-end Japanese restaurant Brushstroke, where he prepared his concoctions using fresh produce found at farmers’ markets. He remains true to his philosophy in his own bar, too, and highlights locally-sourced fruits and herbs of the season in each drink. Thus, the cocktails are constantly changing (almost every week) with the evolving seasons and availability of ingredients.

Bar Gen Yamamoto is a place to take some time for yourself listening to the rhythmic beats and sipping colorful cocktails in the most stylish ambience you could wish for.

I intently observed Yamamoto-san’s every move as he first chose the appropriate delicately hand-blown glasses, then placed a bottle of featured liquor in front of me and continued on to transform fruit into a base of a cocktail. While the lights in the room are dim, the inner edge of the counter is well illuminated to make sure the spot where the cocktail glasses rest are the center of attention. The presentation is simple and sophisticated, to match the rest of the experience. He didn’t share the fancy names of the drinks, instead he talked about the produce he used because that’s where his inspiration stems from, “always”.  

A Memorable Experience

Almost everything I try is memorable: rich rice grappa gets mixed with pureed plum to create a cloudy and fruity concoction that is so vibrantly flavored it leaves me sighing with pleasure after each sip; a simple combination of Spanish gin and ume (plum) juice is frizzy and lively with a pleasant hint of tartness from the Japanese plum; freshly squeezed peach juice paired with sparkling sake is given a different dimension by a touch of wasabi; passion fruit blended with a citrus and delightfully smoky whiskey brings nothing but excitement to my tastebuds; a mixture of sweet potato spirit and Okinawa-grown pineapple presented in the form of shaved ice and topped with diced green bell-pepper exudes freshness and tropical sweetness.

You would think after six cocktails I’d leave the bar wasted, but somehow I felt I hardly consumed any alcohol. And you know what’s the best part about it? Even after finishing your tasting menu you can linger a bit longer and ask Yamamoto-san to improvise and excite your tastebuds with another surprise drink. Sadly, I didn’t have time to do it during this visit. But then, there’s always next time.

The Deets

Bar Gen Yamamoto 

Address: 1-6-4 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03 6434 0652
Business Hours: Tuesday – Sunday 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. Closed Mondays, April 30, May 7 and May 21