While Shinjuku brings chaos and Roppongi brings energy, Ginza brings class. This is where Tokyo’s elite have been drinking since the Meiji era, where cocktail masters have perfected their craft over decades, and where the art of Japanese hospitality reaches its highest expression.

Welcome to Ginza bars—the most sophisticated drinking scene in Japan.

Why Ginza?

Ginza is Tokyo’s historic upscale shopping and entertainment district. Since the 1870s, it has represented sophistication, Western influence, and refined taste. The bar culture here reflects that heritage:

• Master bartenders with 30+ years of experience
• Impeccable service that defines Japanese hospitality
• Classic cocktails made with precision bordering on obsession
• Elegant atmospheres that feel timeless
• History: Many bars have been operating since before World War II

If you want to understand Japanese bar culture at its finest, Ginza is where you go.

Types of Bars in Ginza

1. Classic Cocktail Bars (BarGinza Style)

The quintessential Ginza experience. These are:

• Small, intimate spaces (10-20 seats)
• Helmed by veteran bartenders (often called “Master”)
• Focused on classic cocktails made perfectly
• Quiet, contemplative atmospheres
• Often unmarked or hard to find

What to expect: Impeccable technique, premium ingredients, and the feeling of stepping back in time.

2. Hotel Bars

Ginza is home to some of Tokyo’s finest hotels, each with world-class bars:

• Stunning design and views
• International standards with Japanese touches
• Extensive drink menus
• Live music in some venues

3. Whisky Bars

For whisky aficionados, Ginza offers:

• Rare Japanese whisky collections
• Scottish, Irish, and American selections
• Expert staff who can guide tastings

4. Wine Bars

Sophisticated wine programs featuring:

• European and New World wines
• Japanese wines (yes, they exist and are excellent)
• Food pairings

5. Ginza Hostess Clubs (Kyabakura)

While not the focus of this guide, it’s worth noting that Ginza is also famous for high-end hostess clubs:

• The most expensive in Japan
• Cater to executives and politicians
• Generally not accessible to tourists

Best Bars in Ginza

Legendary Cocktail Bars

1. Star Bar Ginza (スターバー銀座)

Possibly the most famous bar in Japan. Owner Hisashi Kishi is a legend in the cocktail world.

• Specialty: Classic cocktails, especially the martini
• Atmosphere: Elegant, intimate, serious about drinks
• Signature: The Sidecar, considered one of the best in the world
• Price: ¥1,800-3,000 per cocktail
• Reservation: Highly recommended
• Location: B1F, Ginza 1-chome

2. Tender Bar Ginza (テンダー バー)

Run by the legendary Kazuo Uyeda, who invented the “hard shake” technique.

• Specialty: The hard shake technique, classic cocktails
• Atmosphere: Classic, professional
• Signature: Gimlet, made with his unique shaking style
• Price: ¥1,500-2,500 per cocktail
• Note: Uyeda-san is now retired, but his disciples carry on

3. Bar High Five

Hidetsugu Ueno’s famous bar is actually in the Ginza area.

• Specialty: Omakase-style cocktail service
• Unique: Tell them what you like, they create for you
• Atmosphere: Serious but welcoming
• Price: ¥2,000-3,500 per cocktail
• Reservation: Essential

4. Bar Butler (バー バトラー)

The kind of bar where presidents and CEOs drink.

• Specialty: Martinis, whisky
• Atmosphere: Old-world gentleman’s club
• Service: White-glove, literally
• Price: ¥2,000-4,000 per drink

Hotel Bars

5. Peter: The Bar at Peninsula Tokyo

Sophisticated bar on the 24th floor.

• View: Stunning Imperial Palace gardens
• Atmosphere: Modern luxury
• Specialty: Innovative cocktails, champagne
• Price: ¥2,000-4,000 per drink

6. The Bar at Mandarin Oriental

One of Tokyo’s most acclaimed hotel bars.

• View: 38th floor, panoramic city views
• Atmosphere: Contemporary elegance
• Specialty: Japanese-influenced cocktails
• Price: ¥2,500-4,500 per drink

7. Old Imperial Bar (Imperial Hotel)

Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design, historic atmosphere.

• History: One of Tokyo’s oldest hotel bars
• Atmosphere: Art Deco, museum-like
• Specialty: Classic cocktails, whisky
• Price: ¥1,800-3,500 per drink

Whisky Bars

8. Bar Mimura

Incredible Japanese whisky selection.

• Collection: Rare Karuizawa, Hanyu, closed distillery bottles
• Knowledge: Staff are whisky scholars
• Atmosphere: Intimate, focused
• Price: Varies widely (rare bottles cost accordingly)

9. The Mori Bar (モリバー)

Master bartender Takeo Mori’s legendary establishment.

• Specialty: Premium whisky, classic cocktails
• Atmosphere: Classic Ginza bar
• Experience: Personalized attention

Unique Experiences

10. Ginza 300 Bar

The democratization of Ginza drinking.

• Concept: (Almost) everything for ¥300-¥500
• Atmosphere: Standing bar, modernist design
• Why go: Experience Ginza without the premium prices
• Crowd: Mix of locals and tourists

11. Little Smith (リトルスミス)

A tiny bar specializing in Japanese craft spirits.

• Focus: Shochu, awamori, Japanese gin
• Education: Learn about Japanese spirits
• Atmosphere: Cozy, educational

Ginza Bar Etiquette

The Rules

1. Reservations

• Many bars require reservations
• Call ahead, especially for famous establishments
• Some bars have limited seating (often under 15)

2. Dress Code

• Smart casual minimum
• No shorts, sandals, or beach wear
• Some high-end bars expect business attire

3. Behavior

• Speak quietly
• Don’t rush the bartender
• Appreciate the craft
• Photography policies vary—always ask

4. Seating

• Many bars seat you at the counter
• This isn’t a slight—it’s the premium experience
• Counter seats let you watch the master work

5. Ordering

• Don’t ask for anything “strong” or “cheap”
• Trust the bartender’s expertise
• If unsure, ask for their recommendation

6. Pace

• Sip slowly
• Conversation with the bartender is welcome but not required
• These aren’t volume drinking establishments

Cover Charges

Most Ginza bars have a cover charge:

• Otōshi/Charm charge: ¥1,000-2,000 typically
• What you get: A small snack (nuts, olives, etc.)
• This is standard: Not a scam

Tipping

• Not expected or required in Japan
• Quality service is simply their job

What to Order

Classic Cocktails (Made the Japanese Way)

• Martini: Stirred to absolute perfection
• Gimlet: Some bars still make fresh lime cordial
• Sidecar: Brandy, Cointreau, lemon, sugar
• Highball: Whisky and soda, the Japanese standard

Japanese Whisky

• Yamazaki: The flagship Japanese whisky
• Hakushu: Lighter, more herbaceous
• Nikka: Blended and single malt options
• Rare bottles: Ask what special items they have

Japanese Spirits

• Shochu: Rice, barley, or sweet potato distillate
• Japanese Gin: Roku, Ki No Bi, etc.
• Awamori: Okinawan spirit

Practical Information

Getting to Ginza

Multiple stations serve the area:

• Ginza Station (Tokyo Metro)
• Ginza-itchome Station
• Higashi-Ginza Station

Most bars are within walking distance of these stations.

Budget

A night of Ginza bar hopping:

• Budget option (Ginza 300 Bar): ¥2,000-4,000
• Classic bars (2-3 drinks): ¥6,000-12,000
• Premium experience (Star Bar or similar): ¥10,000-20,000+

Best Time to Visit

• Weeknights: Easier to get seats, more intimate
• After 8 PM: When the atmosphere peaks
• Avoid: Major holidays when many bars close

Language

• English is more common in hotel bars
• Classic bars often have limited English
• Basic Japanese helps, but pointing and gestures work

One Night Ginza Itinerary

7:00 PM: Start at Ginza 300 Bar for affordable warm-up drinks

8:30 PM: Walk to Star Bar or another classic cocktail bar (reservation recommended)

10:30 PM: Move to a hotel bar (Peninsula or Mandarin Oriental) for views

12:00 AM: Late-night whisky at Bar Mimura if still going

Beyond Bars: Ginza at Night

Late-Night Food

• Sukiyabashi Jiro: Legendary sushi (if you can get in)
• Ginza Kagari: Exceptional ramen
• Various Korean BBQ spots: Popular with night crowd

Other Entertainment

• Kabuki-za: Famous kabuki theater
• Department stores: Mitsukoshi, Ginza Six (open until 8-9 PM)
• Art galleries: Many stay open for evening events

The Ginza Philosophy

There’s a reason the world’s best bartenders train in Ginza. It’s not just about making drinks—it’s about:

• Perfecting rather than innovating
• Service as art form
• Detail obsession
• Creating moments of quiet beauty

A well-made Martini at a Ginza bar isn’t just a drink. It’s the culmination of decades of practice, the perfect clarity of ice, the exact temperature, the precise proportion—all served with grace in a space designed for contemplation.

This is drinking elevated to art.

Conclusion

Ginza bars offer an experience that doesn’t exist anywhere else on Earth. The combination of master craftsmanship, Japanese hospitality, elegant atmosphere, and historical continuity creates something genuinely special.

Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast, whisky collector, or simply someone who appreciates quality, Ginza delivers at the highest level.

Dress well. Make a reservation. Sit at the counter. Watch the master work.

いらっしゃいませ。(Welcome.)