Tokyo is full of secrets. From luxury bars behind hidden doorways to underground cafés, some of the best spots are easily missed. You’ll uncover some of them here, with our guide to seven of the best hidden cafés and bars — all of which we have personally visited.
Before we start: We recognize that we might be revealing some secrets here, but there are many other hidden places around the city that we haven’t mentioned. Additionally, some of the places we’ve included have other fun aspects waiting to be discovered, which we encourage keeping on the downlow for others to enjoy, should you figure them out.
1. Forest Library
Shibuya¥1,100 to ¥4,400
Looking for a secret hideaway where you can escape the hustle and bustle of Shibuya for a few hours? Then you’ll want to pay a visit to this book-themed café. As you open the door, you’ll first see a bookshelf. To actually get inside, press the intercom on the left-hand side, and a staff member will slide open the bookcase door.
Forest Library functions as a co-working space. It works on a time-based system, meaning you pay for the amount of time you stay. The minimum is one hour, which costs ¥1,100 and includes unlimited soft drinks such as coffee and juice. For an extra ¥550, you can upgrade to alcoholic drinks. A whole-day stay costs between ¥3,300 and ¥4,400.
Anyone can sit at the counter tables for free. However, it is an extra ¥500 to use the sofa at the back of the café. Even though people do come in to chat and catch up with friends, it appears to be more of a study and quiet zone, especially during the day.
This Tokyo café is a haven for those who want to get some peace or put their nose in a good book. On the shelves are a mix of manga, novels, and non-fiction books that you can pick out and read during your stay. Most of the books are in Japanese, but you could always bring your own in another language.
2. Note
Shibuya¥500 to ¥1,000
Tucked away down one of Shibuya’s quieter streets is Note, a stylish underground café. With its dark lighting, chic atmosphere, and minimalistic interior, it is no wonder it is always filled with Gen-Z Tokyoites.
Although the drink menu is quite limited, with there only being coffee and matcha, the quality makes up for it. They also only serve one dessert — a chocolate cake that just melts in your mouth and is the perfect afternoon pick-me-up. It isn’t the most affordable café, with an espresso costing ¥600 and a dessert ¥900, but it’s a cool spot to relax and escape for a while.
Note gets full quickly, so we suggest trying to go as early as possible to avoid having to wait for a seat.
3. Janai Coffee
Ebisu¥450 to ¥3,500
Janai Coffee in Ebisu is masked in mystery. While it may initially appear to be a regular coffee shop, there is actually a concealed passageway that leads to a hidden bar. Only those with a special reservation can enter; if you merely turn up and try to walk in, the staff will continue to insist that it is just a coffee shop.
You are now probably curious about how to secure a reservation. Well, to get one, you will need to solve another mystery on the website. We don’t want to give too much away, but we suggest trying to make the reservation on your phone and focusing on the main logo.
As for the bar itself, it is fairly small but feels like a private lounge — both exclusive and intimate. It has a subdued ambience, providing the perfect setting for both romantic date nights and informal get-togethers. On top of this, the staff members are charismatic and friendly.
When it comes to drinks, this bar’s specialty is its coffee, as well as the craft cocktails. Each cocktail is priced between ¥1,400 and ¥1,600. For those who want to sip on a variety of cocktails, we recommend one of the courses. Priced at ¥3,500, it includes three coffee or craft cocktails and a serving of mixed nuts.
If you’re up for one last mystery, there’s also a secret cocktail. Again, we don’t want to spoil too much, so we’ll just say it that it can’t be ordered off the menu — but perhaps from somewhere else on the table.
4. Bar Triad
Ebisu¥750 to ¥3,000
At first glance, this door looks like something you would see on the streets of London. In reality, it is the entrance to a popular bar that locals and expats love to spend a chill evening drinking at. Interestingly, opening the door does not automatically lead you into the bar but instead into a small elevator, which takes you to the fourth and fifth floors — where the bar is actually located.
Not only does the menu have a vibrant design on the front, but also an impressive selection. There are two sections: cocktails and bottled drinks. This bar cleverly lays out the cocktail menu by the type of alcohol used and color-coordinates it by taste, making it easier to choose. Cocktails range from ¥1,400 to ¥1,850, while mocktails cost ¥1,400. Our personal recommendation is the Coffee Martini — definitely one of the best we’ve tried in Tokyo.
With its swanky and contemporary interior, this bar is like something you would find in Soho. But Bar TRIAD doesn’t feel at all pretentious; it actualy has a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. There is also no cover charge and they accept walk-ins. We would highly recommend making a reservation though, especially on a weekend — as the bar gets busy.
5. A10
Ebisu¥1,100 to ¥60,500
Behind an unassuming set of green lockers in Ebisu is the New York-style speakeasy, A10. Despite its initial appearance, the actual bar is surprisingly luxurious, making you feel as though you have been whisked off to the Big Apple in a matter of minutes. With its walls covered with vinyl records, comfy lounge seats, and live music, A10 is the perfect backdrop for a special occasion or date night.
By far the most expensive bar on this list, drink prices range from ¥1,100 to a staggering ¥60,500 for Dom Pérignon champagne. Most guests order something from the original cocktail menu; these start at around ¥1,200. There is even a rather unique mocktail for non-alcholic drinkers. On top of this, A10 adds a ¥1,100 seating charge, meaning that your bill will probably rack up fairly quickly.
If you are willing to splash out, then it is definitely worth visiting, as you can admire the art of cocktail making through this bar’s carefully crafted creations. The Forest Apple cocktail pictured above takes a good few minutes to make, demonstrating the bartenders’ mixology skills and devotion to the art. The live music and dark lighting also add a nice ambience and air of elegance.
6. No Room for Squares
Shimokitazawa¥900 to ¥1,400
Situated on the fourth floor of a random building in Shimokitazawa, No Room for Squares is a true hidden gem — literally. Since this bar resembles those of the Prohibition era, it has a secret door disguised as a retro Coca-Cola vending machine. Once opened, you enter into a lowkey jazz bar that feels both homely and cozy, an ideal setting for a casual drink with friends.
There aren’t that many original cocktails, but the bartenders do take requests. Cocktails start at around ¥1,000, and there is also a small service charge added to the bill. Some of the original cocktails include “View the Sea”, a blue Bacardi Rum cocktail, and “It has Cucumber in it”, a whisky-based one.
Jazz music plays from record player, creating a relaxing atmosphere. This bar hosts live events with local artists from time to time as well. For those searching for a bar that feels both intimate and old-school, then No Room for Squares is an excellent choice.
7. Lost
Shibuya¥1,500 to ¥3,000
Lost is Tokyo’s hottest new hidden bar. In the heart of Shibuya, this cozy bar is the creation of popular Japan-based YouTubers Chris Broad (Abroad in Japan) and Sharla (Sharla in Japan). You know you have arrived at the right spot when there’s a giant gachapon machine featuring original merchandise designed by both creators.
This bar prides itself on being a place where both tourists and locals can mingle and form connections. It is therefore unsurprising that the bar fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The space itself also feels comfortable, with counter seats, tables, and even a private room which can be booked out for streamers and creating content.
Fans of Chris’s and Sharla’s channels will appreciate the personal touches, including a wall of inspirational and iconic quotes, travel itinerary postcards by local artist Erica Ward, and even cheddar cheese from England (Chris’s home country) as an appetizer.
The drinks selection is exquisite. Cocktails make up a large portion of the menu and include original creations, classic favorites, 80s-inspired mixes, and non-alcoholic options. Other highlights include the carefully curated wine list, Psycho Love Vodka (created by Japanese singer Hyde), and a sake sampler. Drinks vary in price, with the average spend being between around ¥2,000 to ¥3,000.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
