Top 30 Bars in Tokyo — The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo's Best Bars

Written By K Yoshida

Tokyo is one of the world's great bar cities. While the city is famous for its food scene, its bar culture is equally extraordinary — precise, deeply knowledgeable, and rooted in a Japanese approach to craft that has made Tokyo bartenders legendary worldwide. From Michelin-recognized whisky bars in Ginza to intimate cocktail dens in Kagurazaka and classic hotel bars steeped in history, Tokyo's bar scene rewards those who know where to look.

This guide presents the top bars in Tokyo, selected from Tabelog's prestigious 百名店 (Hyakumeiten) list — Japan's most trusted restaurant and bar awards based on over 100 million reviews — alongside Michelin Guide selections. These are the bars that Tokyo's most discerning drinkers return to again and again.

What Makes Tokyo's Bar Scene Special?

Before diving into the list, it's worth understanding what sets Tokyo bars apart from the rest of the world.

Japanese precision. Tokyo bartenders are among the most technically accomplished in the world. Ice is hand-carved. Stirring technique is practiced for years. Every detail — glassware, garnish, temperature — is considered with the same care a sushi chef brings to a piece of nigiri.

The art of the highball. Tokyo elevated the humble whisky highball to an art form. A perfectly made Japanese whisky highball — ice-cold glass, precisely measured spirit, slowly poured soda — is one of the city's great drinking pleasures.

Intimate counter culture. Most of Tokyo's best bars are small — 8 to 15 seats, counter only. The bartender is your host, guide, and entertainer. This intimate format creates some of the most memorable drinking experiences in the world.

Whisky expertise. Japanese whisky has taken the world by storm, and Tokyo's best bars are at the forefront — with extraordinary collections of rare domestic and international whiskies that you simply won't find anywhere else.

Top 30 Bars in Tokyo — Ranked

🥇 1. Sanlú Carver (サンルーカル・デ・バラメーダ) — Rating: 4.00

The highest-rated bar in Tokyo. Sanlú Carver in Kagurazaka, Shinjuku, has earned the top spot on Tabelog's prestigious bar list — a remarkable achievement in one of the world's most competitive bar cities. Located in the charming cobblestone streets of Kagurazaka, this intimate bar is a destination for Tokyo's most serious drinkers. Closed Mondays.

🥈 2. Radio — Rating: 3.85

A legendary cocktail bar in Minami-Aoyama — one of Tokyo's most stylish and creative neighbourhoods. Radio has built a devoted following among Tokyo's creative class for its inventive cocktails and the warmth of its intimate atmosphere. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

🥉 3. Benfiddich — Rating: 3.84

One of the most acclaimed cocktail bars in Asia. Benfiddich in Nishi-Shinjuku is legendary for its use of homemade bitters, tinctures, and fresh botanicals — bartender Hiroyasu Kayama creates cocktails of extraordinary complexity and originality. A must-visit for serious cocktail enthusiasts. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

4. EST! — Rating: 3.83 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star

Tokyo's most decorated bar. EST! in Yushima, Bunkyo City, holds a Michelin star — one of the very few bars in Japan to achieve this distinction. Since 1973, EST! has been a cornerstone of Tokyo's cocktail culture, serving impeccably crafted drinks in an intimate, timeless setting. Closed Sundays.

5. BAR Hoshi (BARほし) — Rating: 3.82

An exceptional whisky and cocktail bar in the heart of Ginza. BAR Hoshi is beloved for its extraordinary selection of spirits and the expertise of its bartenders — a serene, refined escape from Ginza's busy streets. Open on irregular holidays.

6. Bar Kisara (バー 季沙羅) — Rating: 3.81

A sophisticated cocktail bar in Akasaka — one of Tokyo's premier business and entertainment districts. Bar Kisara is a favourite among Tokyo's professional crowd for its elegant atmosphere and consistently excellent cocktails. Closed Sundays.

7. Bar La Hulotte — Rating: 3.80

A hidden gem in Moto-Azabu — one of Tokyo's most exclusive and quietly beautiful neighbourhoods. Bar La Hulotte is beloved by Tokyo insiders for its intimate atmosphere and the quality of its bartenders. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

  • Address: 3-12-34 Moto-Azabu, Minato City, Tokyo

  • Closed: Sunday, Holidays

  • View on Tabelog

8. BAR OPA Ginza — Rating: 3.79

A classic Ginza bar that has been a landmark of Tokyo's bar scene for decades. BAR OPA serves exceptional cocktails in the kind of refined, unhurried atmosphere that Ginza does better than anywhere else in the world. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

9. Samboa Ginza Store (サンボア 銀座店) — Rating: 3.79

A legendary Tokyo bar institution. The Samboa group has been serving Tokyo's drinkers for generations, and the Ginza branch is the crown jewel — a timeless bar that captures the soul of classic Tokyo drinking culture. Open every day.

10. Bar Tiare (バー ティアレ) — Rating: 3.78

An elegant cocktail bar in Akasaka with a reputation for exceptional hospitality and beautifully crafted drinks. Bar Tiare's intimate counter and expert bartenders make for a deeply personal Tokyo bar experience. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

11. Old Imperial Bar — Rating: 3.78

One of Tokyo's most historic bars. Located inside the legendary Imperial Hotel in Uchisaiwaicho, the Old Imperial Bar has been welcoming Tokyo's most distinguished guests since 1922. The Art Deco interior designed by Frank Lloyd Wright's influence remains — a truly irreplaceable piece of Tokyo history. Open every day.

12. Four Seasons Bar — Rating: 3.78

A refined cocktail bar in Ginza with an exceptional seasonal cocktail menu that changes throughout the year — hence the name. Four Seasons is a favourite among Ginza's discerning regulars for its creative, ingredient-driven approach to cocktails. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

13. Star Bar Ginza (スターバー 銀座) — Rating: 3.77

A beloved Ginza bar institution — one of the neighbourhood's most consistently praised cocktail bars. Star Bar Ginza's classical approach to bartending and its impeccable cocktail technique have made it a cornerstone of Tokyo's bar culture.

14. Asakusa Samboa (浅草 サンボア) — Rating: 3.77

The Asakusa branch of the legendary Samboa group — serving classic cocktails in one of Tokyo's most historic and atmospheric neighbourhoods. A wonderful combination of great drinks and Tokyo's most traditional setting. Closed Wednesdays.

15. gear — Rating: 3.76

An intimate cocktail bar in Wakamiyacho, Shinjuku, that has earned a devoted following among Tokyo's bar cognoscenti. gear's personal, focused approach to cocktail craft makes it a favourite for those who know Tokyo's bar scene deeply.

16. Bar P.M.9 — Rating: 3.76

A sophisticated cocktail bar in Shinbashi — Tokyo's most old-school entertainment district. Bar P.M.9 is a beloved neighbourhood institution, serving exceptional drinks to a loyal local crowd. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

  • Address: 2-15-13 Shinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo

  • Closed: Sunday, Holidays

  • View on Tabelog

17. Le Parent — Rating: 3.76

A classic cocktail bar in Shinjuku with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and exceptional cocktail craftsmanship. Le Parent has been a fixture of Shinjuku's bar scene for years, beloved for its consistency and the expertise of its team. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

  • Address: 3-6-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

  • Closed: Sunday, Holidays

  • View on Tabelog

18. BAR Shusendo — Rating: 3.75 | ⭐ Michelin 1 Star

One of only two Michelin-starred bars in Tokyo. BAR Shusendo in Ginza is a celebrated whisky and cocktail bar that has earned Michelin recognition for the extraordinary quality of its drinks and service. A benchmark of Tokyo's finest bar culture.

19. Royal Bar — Rating: 3.75

The signature bar of the legendary Palace Hotel Tokyo in Marunouchi — one of the finest hotel bars in the city. Royal Bar serves exceptional cocktails in a setting of understated luxury, overlooking the Imperial Palace grounds. Open every day.

20. Little Smith — Rating: 3.75

A well-loved cocktail bar in Yaesu, near Tokyo Station. Little Smith is a favourite among Tokyo's after-work crowd for its excellent cocktails, warm atmosphere, and the expertise of its bartending team. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

21. Oak Bar — Rating: 3.74 | ⭐ Michelin Bib Gourmand

A Michelin Bib Gourmand bar inside the iconic Tokyo Station Hotel in Marunouchi — one of the most historic and beautiful buildings in Tokyo. Oak Bar is a destination in its own right — exceptional drinks in a setting of genuine grandeur. Open every day.

22. BAR Too — Rating: 3.74

A respected cocktail bar in Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima City. BAR Too has built a strong reputation for consistent quality and the expertise of its bartending team — a neighbourhood bar that punches well above its weight. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

  • Address: 2-8-1 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima City, Tokyo

  • Closed: Sunday, Holidays

  • View on Tabelog

23. BAR OPA Monzen-Nakacho Store — Rating: 3.74

The second branch of the celebrated BAR OPA group, located in the lively Monzen-Nakacho neighbourhood — one of Tokyo's most beloved old-town areas. A great bar in one of Tokyo's most atmospheric settings. Closed Sunday and Holidays.

24. Sukiyabashi Samboa — Rating: 3.74

The third member of the legendary Samboa group in Tokyo — located in Ginza's Sukiyabashi area. Samboa's reputation for classic, unfussy cocktails executed to perfection makes every branch a reliable destination for great drinking. Closed Sundays.

25. Bar Naito (バー ナイトウ) — Rating: 3.74

A neighbourhood cocktail bar in Nihonbashi Ningyocho — one of Tokyo's most traditional and charming old-town areas. Bar Naito is a beloved local institution, known for its warmth, expertise, and consistently excellent drinks. Closed Mondays.

  • Address: 1-11-2 Nihonbashi Ningyocho, Chuo City, Tokyo

  • Closed: Monday

  • View on Tabelog

26. Ishi no Hana (石の花) — Rating: 3.73

A respected cocktail bar in Shibuya with a long history and a devoted regular clientele. Ishi no Hana's intimate counter and carefully crafted cocktails make it one of Shibuya's finest bar experiences. Closed Wednesday and Holidays.

27. Caruso — Rating: 3.72

A classic cocktail bar in Shinjuku with an old-school charm that is increasingly rare in Tokyo. Caruso's dedication to traditional cocktail craft and its welcoming atmosphere have made it a favourite among Shinjuku's bar regulars. Closed Sundays.

28. Bar Capri — Rating: 3.72

The signature bar of the legendary Hotel New Otani in Kioicho — one of Tokyo's most iconic luxury hotels. Bar Capri serves exceptional cocktails in a setting of classic hotel elegance. Open every day.

29. screwdriver — Rating: 3.70

A beloved neighbourhood bar in Kichijoji — one of Tokyo's most popular and characterful residential neighbourhoods. Screwdriver has been a fixture of the local bar scene for years, open every day for those who know to seek it out.

30. Bar Odin — Rating: 3.70

A sophisticated whisky and cocktail bar in Ebisu, Shibuya — one of Tokyo's most stylish and internationally minded neighbourhoods. Bar Odin is a refined destination for serious spirit lovers, with an excellent selection of Japanese and international whiskies. Closed Sundays.

Quick Reference — Top 30 Bars in Tokyo

RankBarAreaRatingMichelin1Sanlú CarverKagurazaka4.00—2RadioMinami-Aoyama3.85—3BenfiddichNishi-Shinjuku3.84—4EST!Yushima3.83⭐ 1 Star5BAR HoshiGinza3.82—6Bar KisaraAkasaka3.81—7Bar La HulotteMoto-Azabu3.80—8BAR OPA GinzaGinza3.79—9Samboa GinzaGinza3.79—10Bar TiareAkasaka3.78—11Old Imperial BarHibiya3.78—12Four Seasons BarGinza3.78—13Star Bar GinzaGinza3.77—14Asakusa SamboaAsakusa3.77—15gearShinjuku3.76—16Bar P.M.9Shinbashi3.76—17Le ParentShinjuku3.76—18BAR ShusendoGinza3.75⭐ 1 Star19Royal BarMarunouchi3.75—20Little SmithYaesu3.75—21Oak BarMarunouchi3.74Bib Gourmand22BAR TooIkebukuro3.74—23BAR OPA Monzen-NakachoKoto3.74—24Sukiyabashi SamboaGinza3.74—25Bar NaitoNingyocho3.74—26Ishi no HanaShibuya3.73—27CarusoShinjuku3.72—28Bar CapriKioicho3.72—29screwdriverKichijoji3.70—30Bar OdinEbisu3.70—

Tips for Bar Hopping in Tokyo

Start early. Tokyo's best bars fill up quickly on weeknights, especially in Ginza and Shinjuku. Arriving at opening time (typically 6–7pm) is the best way to secure a seat at the counter.

Respect the counter culture. Most top Tokyo bars are counter-only with very few seats. Speak quietly, keep your phone down, and let the bartender guide the experience — this is part of what makes Tokyo bar culture so special.

Try a Japanese whisky highball. If you haven't experienced a perfectly made Japanese whisky highball — ice-cold glass, precise spirit measure, slowly poured soda — Tokyo is the place to do it. Most bars on this list do it exceptionally well.

Ask for recommendations. Tokyo bartenders are among the most knowledgeable in the world. Tell them your preferences and let them guide you — you'll likely discover something extraordinary.

Check closing days carefully. Many of Tokyo's finest bars close on Sundays and Holidays. Tuesday through Saturday evenings are generally the best times to visit.

Hotel bars are worth it. The Old Imperial Bar, Royal Bar, and Oak Bar are all inside iconic Tokyo hotels — and all are genuinely excellent. Don't dismiss hotel bars in Tokyo; they're among the city's finest.

Explore More Tokyo Bars on Meiten Gourmet

Browse all top-rated bars and restaurants across Tokyo — filtered by neighbourhood, cuisine, and Michelin recognition:

All bar data sourced from Tabelog's 百名店 (Hyakumeiten) awards and Michelin Guide Tokyo — Japan's most trusted restaurant and bar recognitions.

K Yoshida
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