Bar High Five

B1F Efflore Ginza 5 Buidling, 5-4-15 Ginza, Chuo-Ku

+81 3 3571 5815

Located in Ginza, around five to seven minutes on foot from The Peninsula Tokyo
Average cost: Around JPY 3,000 per drink. A cover charge of JPY 1,000 applies.
Closed on Sundays and national holidays (No reservations) Can only seat four or less per table

No aficionado of fine cocktails can afford to miss Bar High Five, a small cocktail bar seating just 25 people in a wood-panelled interior that has the feeling of a private club or old-fashioned speakeasy. No menu is offered here; instead, champion cocktail mixer Hidetsugu Ueno asks each customer for his or her preferences, and then shakes up an original concoction to suit the guest’s tastes and moodchilled with a beautiful sphere of hand-carved ice that is a point of special pride for Ueno-san. Myriad ingredients from green tea liqueur to fresh fruits make their way into these delicious drinks. Classic cocktails are on available too, with a particular emphasis on whisky and bourbon-based cocktails.

B Bar Marunouchi
B1F / 1F Kokusai Building, 3-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku
+81 3 5223 8871
Located in Marunouchi, around five minutes on foot from The Peninsula Tokyo
Average cost: Around JPY 3,000 per drink. A cover charge of JPY 1,000 applies.
Closed on Sundays and Holidays (Reservations may be made)

Located in the glamorous Marunouchi district, this atmospheric basement bar was developed by Baccarat, the world-famous crystal makers and hoteliers. As might be expected, sparkling crystals are the keynote of this bar, visible in the chandeliers that glitter overhead in the cosy, softly-lit interior, and in the rows of sparkling glasses that line the bar. All cocktails and wine selections are served in Baccarat crystal glasses, and guests relax and enjoy their evening on plush red sofas and leather seats.

Bar Little Smith
B2F KN Building, 6-4-12 Ginza, Chuo-Ku
+81 3 5568 1993
Located in Ginza, around eight minutes on foot from The Peninsula Tokyo
Average cost: Around JPY 3,000 per drink. A cover charge may apply depending on the amount of the check. Closed Sundays and Holidays

This bar has stood the test of time for more than 25 years and still gaining quite the buzz amongst the best bars in Tokyo. Its contemporary design, high ceilings and sleek island bar still feel modern despite how long drinks have been served here, and most nights a convivial and warm atmosphere can be found behind its heavy wooden door. In customary Japanese style, rather than offer a cocktail menu, staff here create drinks according to guest preferences and will quiz customers over favoured spirits and flavours to achieve the perfect drink for that moment.

Tir na nOg (formerly Iron Fairies Ginza)

B1F Cheers Ginza, 5-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku
+81 3 6274 6416
Located in Ginza, around ten minutes on foot from The Peninsula Tokyo
Average cost: Around JPY 1,500 per drink. A cover charge may apply depending on the amount of the check. Open everyday

From expertly crafted drinks to magical interiors, the Iron Fairies bar has a branch in Tokyo and its fans say it does not disappoint. Mixologists behind the bar will provide you that much-needed liquid fix as you rise to the challenge of finding all 15 fairies scattered in the decor of the bar. Most of the staff speaks English making it a great spot for local and tourist alike.

Mezzo
1-2F Roppongi Street Building, 5-1-7 Roppongi, Minato-ku
+81 3 6438 9711
Located in Roppongi, around 15 minutes drive from The Peninsula Tokyo
Average cost: Around JPY 1,500 per drink. A cover charge may apply depending on the amount of the check. Closed on Sundays and Holidays But they open on Sunday if Monday is holiday

Looking for a place to grab a drink before or after hitting up a club in Roppongi? Head straight for Mezzo, the neighbourhood’s latest flashy addition on Gaien Higashi-dori. Their fruity cocktails will make your tastebuds tingle whilst wanting to upload your photos on social media of the interior that is easy on the eyes. What makes the bar more interesting is that their foreign-friendly staff can even recommend some nightclubs to visit after your lounge drinks.

Tokyo Whisky Library
2F Minami Aoyama Santakiara Kyokai 5-5-24 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku
+81 3 6434 1163 Located in Omotesando, around 17 minutes drive from The Peninsula Tokyo
Average cost: Around JPY 1,500 to 3,500 per drink. A cover charge may apply depending on the amount of the check. Open everyday

If you have come to Tokyo and find it difficult in sourcing the whisky brands for which Japan is famous, the next best thing is to visit this hidden gem in Omotesando which would possibly have the most extensive list of whisky you will ever find in all 23 wards of Tokyo. Do not fret if you have somebody in your group who does not enjoy whisky as their menu caters to enthusiasts of drinks and cocktails of all varieties. 

The SG Club
1-7-8 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku
+81 3 6427 0204
Located in Shibuya, around 20 minutes drive from The Peninsula Tokyo
Average cost: Around JPY 2,000 to 3,500 per drink. A cover charge may apply depending on the amount of the check.Open everyday

Known as Sip and Guzzle, this 2-floor bar with 2 different bars offering 2 different cocktail menus has consistently been awarded as part of the Top 50 bars in both Asia and The World. Legendary bartender Shingo Gokan (also SG) is known as bartending entertainer as he continues to rake in yearly awards while having fun in concocting the most unique cocktails. If you would like your usual watering-hole style bar, then stay on the 1st floor but if you prefer a more intimate speakeasy feeling area, then head down to the basement where you will be greeted as well by a shoe shining service hidden within the corridors.