The cocktails in Japan in general are highly over rated. The service is impeccable the drinks themselves can be really quite bad. There are a few absolute gems though.
01
Ben Fiddich
It has won a ton of awards. Frankly the first time I came here years ago I didn't think it was that good. But on my the last two trips to the bar the cocktails have improved greatly and really enjoyed the drinks. So much so it is now my favorite place for cocktails in Tokyo now. Reservations are required and you need to make them very far in advance.
https://profile.ameba.jp/ameba/kayama0927/
Location: 160-0023 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Nishishinjuku, 1 Chome−13−7 大和家ビル 9F
02
SG Club - Sip
The cocktails served at the high volume 1st floor bar "Guzzle" were not particularly good, but the cocktails downstairs at "Sip" were excellent. It is a short list of cocktails but all very enjoyable.
https://www.facebook.com/thesgclub/
Location: 1-7-8 Jinnan, Shibuya 150-0041
03
Wodka Tonic
Surprisingly good cocktails. Although the menu is rather short. Usually about 5 cocktails. They also have a remarkable spirits collection.
Location: 2 Chome-25-11 Nishiazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0031
04
Bar High Five
Of the original cocktail bars from the "golden era" of Japanese bartending and cocktails; this is the only one still doing good work.
Location: 104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo Ginza 7-2-14, NO.26 Polestar Building, 4th Floor
05
Shot Bar Zoetrope
The world renowned Bar Zoetrope is regarded as one of the finest Japanese whisky bars in the world. They have a huge breath of Japanese whisky but perhaps more importantly the owner has a breadth of knowledge on Japanese Whisky unrivaled by anyone working at any bar in the world. Other bars might have might have more expensive bottles, but that is not what this bar is about. Because of it is internationally well known there are quite of few foreigners that come to the bar and he speaks english very well so can accommodate visitors better than other bars. I love coming here and trying 12 different pours of things I haven’t seen before. Warning: The bar cannot accommodate groups larger than 4. Do not be a jerk and to try to do a table of 4 and a table of 2. You will be asked to leave.
http://homepage2.nifty.com/zoetrope/
Location: 7 Chome-10-14 Nishishinjuku, 3rd floor, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0023
Updated: 2023.06.04