Drinking Spots Archives

One of the reasons people love Tokyo is because it is at times bizarre but always brilliant. From the moment you arrive, you'll notice that many places are creatively themed -- cafés, restaurants, and especially bars. Whether it's a bar run by a train enthusiast or one where science experiments take place, Tokyo is full of one-of-a-kind drinking spots. Before we get into our list, we want to point out that when visiting these bars, you're not just paying for the cocktails themselves, but for the overall experience. By this, we mean all of the bars below have some type of service charge. Some also offer an all-you-can-drink system, which increases the price too. You'll definitely be spending more than at a "regular" bar -- but it's worth it for the memories. Pro tip: Get personal, local insight by joining a bar crawl in Shinjuku or . 1. Science Bar INCUBATOR Shinjuku to (plus table charge) For those of us who found science boring in school, Takashi Nomura -- the brains behind Science Bar INCUBATOR -- is here to change your mind. Turning regular cocktails into fun chemical experiments, this bar is not only entertaining but educational. The menu is extensive, with the demonstration cocktails including a Pure Water Gyokuro Cocktail, a Self-Warming Sake Set, and Absinthe (Bohemian Style). You can also sample some wine tasters in tester tubes, or an AI-inspired cocktail. Expect to pay a bit more than you would for your regular cocktail -- with prices averaging around to . To complement your drinks, order some Gouda cheese, which you can then grill over an alcohol lamp yourself. We also recommend the vanilla ice-cream which is smoked with carbonyl compounds. The table charge is per person and includes a chemical compound-inspired biscuit. While there, make sure to listen out for the original scentist song that Takashi created himself. Also read: Tokyo's best hidden cafés and bars. 2. Planetarium Bar Shirokanedai (plus table charge) Looking to add a touch of romance to your evening? Step into an out-of-this-world Bar in Minato where you can see the stars and slowly sip on celestial-themed cocktails. Choose from 12 different zodiac-inspired creations, or opt for creative cosmic blends inspired by the planets -- with prices starting at . During our visit, we chose the "Neptune" and "Mercury" cocktails, served with a bubble on top to represent the planet. Although there is a per person table charge added to your bill, it is an experience worth indulging in. The projected view and atmosphere are ethereal -- almost dreamlike. Not only do you get a star show with explanations of each constellation (albeit in Japanese), but you can also delight in a serene setting which is perfect for relaxed conversation. 3. Kiha (Train Bar) Ningyocho to (plus table charge) Everyone loves Japanese trains -- they're efficient, clean, and undeniably cool. At this cozy, home-style izakaya, you can enjoy your passion for trains while drinking the night away. Operating on a nomihōdai (all-you-can-drink) service and time basis, all visitors pay a "departure fee" of , then choose a set amount of time to stay. For example, 10 minutes of drinking costs . The bar itself has two floors, with the ground floor featuring the main standing bar -- but the top floor is where the party's at. Make your way up the narrow staircase, admiring the retro ekiben (train bento) packaging along the way. At the top, you'll arrive in a train-themed room that actually looks like the inside of a train -- complete with hand straps, adverts and all. As a bonus, there's a karaoke machine and a TV playing films of Japan's most famous trains. For drinks, you can choose from sours, beers, sake, and more. Hot food is available -- and interestingly, so is canned food. We personally recommend the kimchi-pork stirfry. If you're after a bar that feels quirky and welcoming -- not fancy, but full of character -- this is the one for you. 4. Kaiju Sakaba Shimbashi (Monster Bar) Shimbashi to (plus table charge) One of the more niche bars on this list, the underground Monster Bar in Shimbashi Station is decorated with Kaiju -- giant monsters (think Godzilla). Through life-sized models, vintage film posters, and other smaller collectibles, this bar feels like a mini museum dedicated to this quintessentially Japanese genre of film. Not only is the space itself inspired by monsters, but so is the menu. Doubling as a distillery, the bar boasts an impressive range of booze, with highballs being the star of the show. Adding to the fun, many of the drinks are styled after famous monsters -- like the vivid blue Megaton Highball (for ). Seasonal cocktails also make an appearance from time to time, and some drinks come with a free monster-themed gift. Feeling hungry? There's monster-themed food too -- "Evil God Squid Ink Spaghetti," anyone? Note: If you arrive after 3 p.m., when the full drinks menu becomes avaliable, there is a seating charge. 5. The Axe Throwing Bar Asakusa to (drinks to ) Yes, you've read that right -- there actually is an Axe Throwing Bar. Perfect your aim and gulp down beer (responsibly) at this certified sports-themed bar -- with various locations across Tokyo. First, you'll need to select how long you want to throw for -- the cheapest rate is for 30 minutes. Then, you can add additional knives such as throwing knife or Batman knife (for an additional ). Before you start hitting the wooden target, a trained staff member will show you how to properly throw the axe. Following this, you can challenge your friends and keep track of your score on a paper scorecard. You won't find esthetic cocktails on the menu, but great-tasting ones including Peach Fizz, Whiskey Soda, and Cassis for . There's also bottled beer for . Want to elevate your experience? Order some hot food or try the nicotine-free shisha to keep the good energy going. What's great about this bar is that it truly captures the essence of a casual, cozy hangout, and feels like you are hanging out in your friend's basement. But with axes. 6. The Whales of August Shibuya to (plus table charge) At this underground, speakeasy-style bar, you can transform your favorite films into a colorful cocktail. You'll find blockbusters including Pulp Fiction, Spirited Away, and The Shawshank Redemption. If none of the pre-set films resonate, you can ask for the staff for a personal cocktail -- keep in mind they may not be able to meet your request, though. From our experience, if you ask for a "pretty" cocktail, they'll usually suggest choosing a film that means something to you. Part of the fun is seeing how your chosen movie gets transformed into a drink. One tip: the scarier the film, the stronger the alcohol content tends to be ... From gin to whisky, there are nine different cocktail bases to choose from. Prices are also resonable, being between to (over ) for a custom one. Do note there is also a per person table charge added onto the bill. Note: This bar only accepts cash. 7. TCG / BOARD GAME Cafe & Bar FUN Ueno to (plus table charge) While the bar's interior doesn't follow a specific theme, its concept is notably unique -- making it a worthy addition. Aimed at card and board game lovers, the TCG Bar turns your favorite trading card into a totally original cocktail. Don't worry if you forget to bring your own pack -- the bar sells a selection, including One Piece cards. Known as the "special drink" on the menu, a custom creation will set you back , along with a entrance fee. If you're in the mood for something more straightforard, the bar also offers classic alcoholic options like beer, cassis and wine for to . Before you leave, take a moment to admire the collection of gaming memorabilia -- it's a nostalgic trip back to childhood. And why not play a few board games while you're at it? It's a great way to unwind on a weeknight or weekend. Honorable mentions Little Texas Meguro to (plus to music charge) A mix of a bar, a pub, and honky-tonk showdown, this Americana-inspired spot will have you dancing to live country music. Little Texas has plenty to offer when it comes to drinks, including beer, sours, wine, shochu and more -- with prices starting from . To complete the atmsophere, you can also savor some Tex-Mex classics like onion rings, BBQ ribs, and chili beans. You're bound to meet some fun folks here as you kick back. Keep in mind, however, there is a to "music charge" to experience the live performances. Muscle Bar Various locations to (per 30 minutes) If you're chronically online, you've probably seen this bar before. Not technically one bar, but a type of bar in Tokyo, Muscle Bars are exactly what they sound like -- people flexing their pecs and serving you drinks. There are both men's and women's muscle bars, and they operate on a timed basis. Be ready to shell out anywhere between to per 30 minutes for nomihōdai. It will cost more if you want the specialty drinks, where the muscle staff squeeze and make fresh sours right in front of you. Bar Tachibana Examination Room Shinjuku to (plus table charge) Nestled among the many smalls bars in Golden Gai is Bar Tachibana Examination Room -- an obscure, intimate, medical-themed bar that might make you feel a little queasy in more ways than one. It's distinguishable by its red medical cross sign and the rather ominous word "bar" written on it. Here, you can order cocktails with names like "Blood Transfusion", and "Colonoscopy," all prepared by the nurse-staff members. If you don't mind your cocktails looking a little less, let's just say, esthetic, you'll love this place. You'll pay for the experience, though: a service charge, plus between and for each drink. FAQs Do you tip at bars in Japan? No, you don't tip in Japan. Tipping isn't a part of the culture, and this applies across all types of hospitality services. In fact, leaving a tip can even be seen as rude, since excellent service is considered standard and already included in the price. What is the most popular cocktail in Japan? It's difficult to pinpoint the most popular cocktail in Japan. That said, the Japan Bartenders Association conducts an annual poll to select the "Cocktail of the Year". While the results vary from year to year, certain drinks -- such as highballs, cassis-based cocktails, and gin-based cocktails, tend to rank highly. While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.

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