Tokyo is one of the world’s great cocktail cities. From elegant speakeasies to lively underground bars, the city combines technical precision with incredible creativity.
In Shibuya, two of the most exciting cocktail destinations are SG Club and SG Low, sister bars known for inventive drinks, lively atmospheres, and some of the most memorable cocktail experiences in Tokyo.

Tokyo is one of my favorite cocktail cities in the world. During my visits to Japan, I've spent evenings exploring everything from internationally recognized bars like SG Club and Bar High Five to neighborhood favorites such as Bellwood, BW Cave, and Bar Trench. Every bar featured in this guide was personally visited, photographed, and experienced firsthand. Rather than ranking bars solely on awards or online reviews, this guide focuses on the overall experience, drink quality, atmosphere, service, and whether I would recommend the bar to fellow cocktail travelers.

My Top Tokyo Cocktail Bars
Bellwood – Most creative Japanese-inspired cocktails
SG Club – Best overall cocktail experience in Tokyo
BW Cave – Best highballs and cocktails on tap
Bar Libre - theatrical destination-inspired cocktails
Punch Room - luxury hotel cocktail loungeBar Trench – Best seasonal and French-inspired cocktails
Bar High Five – Best classic Tokyo bartending experience

Tokyo Cocktail Bars Worth Visiting

Memento Mori
For a quieter cocktail experience, Memento Mori offers a more intimate atmosphere focused on botanical flavors. The cocktail menu changes seasonally and highlights herbs, flowers, and unique ingredients. It feels more like a hidden neighborhood bar than a major tourist spot, making it a memorable stop for cocktail lovers visiting Tokyo.

Bar Trench — Ebisu

Bar Trench is one of Tokyo’s most celebrated cocktail bars, known for its French inspired approach and meticulous attention to detail. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients, house made infusions, and refined flavor combinations, creating cocktails that feel both elegant and inventive. The intimate setting and consistently high level of execution make it a standout stop in Tokyo’s cocktail scene.

Bar Libre – Ginza
Bar Libre is one of Tokyo's most creative cocktail experiences. The menu is organized by destinations around the world, with each cocktail inspired by a different country and presented with elaborate garnishes, custom glassware, and theatrical presentation. During our visit, cocktails arrived in treasure chests, display cases, and artistic presentations that felt more like a tasting menu than a traditional cocktail bar. Despite the visual flair, the drinks themselves were exceptionally well balanced and memorable. If you enjoy inventive cocktails and immersive experiences, Bar Libre is one of Tokyo's most unique bars.

SG Club – Shibuya
​Consistently ranked among the world’s best bars, SG Club offers a sophisticated cocktail experience spread across multiple levels. The cocktails are inventive and beautifully presented, often incorporating Japanese flavors and precise technique. The atmosphere is elegant but relaxed, making it one of the most memorable cocktail destinations in Tokyo.

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SG Low –Shibuya
SG Low is the lively bar/izakaya from the team behind SG Club and has become one of Tokyo’s most fun cocktail experiences. The bar is famous for its creative lemon sour program, where guests can sample multiple variations of Japan’s iconic drink. The menu blends Japanese ingredients with global techniques, and the food is surprisingly excellent, making it a perfect late-night stop in Shibuya.

SG LOW - more causal

The Lemon Sour Experience at SG Low
One of the highlights of visiting SG Low is the creative lemon sour program. Japan’s classic lemon sour is reimagined through multiple variations, each highlighting different ingredients and techniques.
Guests can sample several styles in one evening, ranging from bright and refreshing to richer and more complex interpretations. The lively atmosphere and inventive drinks make SG Low one of the most fun cocktail destinations in Tokyo.

Other Tokyo Cocktail Bars Worth Visiting
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Bar High Five - Ginza
One of Tokyo’s most iconic cocktail bars, Bar High Five is known for its precise, classic approach to bartending. Expect tailored drinks, exceptional technique, and a more intimate, traditional cocktail experience.
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Bar Bellwood - Shibuya
Bellwood blends Japanese ingredients with creative, modern cocktail techniques in a stylish but approachable setting. The menu is highly seasonal, making it a great stop for something unique and locally inspired.  Their small plates are excellent. Reservations a must!.

BW Cave is Bellwood's fun, experimental sibling upstairs, think martinis on tap, inventive craft highballs, izakaya-style food, and a lively atmosphere that contrasts with Bellwood's more refined cocktail experience.  Easier to get in, don't need reservations.

Punch Room Tokyo – Toranomon 
Located inside the Tokyo EDITION Toranomon, Punch Room offers a completely different experience from Tokyo's traditional cocktail bars. Inspired by London's private club culture, the space features dark wood paneling, plush seating, and a relaxed lounge atmosphere. The menu focuses on house punches served in individual and shared formats alongside creative cocktails and elevated bar snacks. While many Tokyo bars specialize in precision bartending at a small counter, Punch Room is designed for lingering over drinks in one of the city's most stylish hotel lounges.  It's open late!!

Other Guides

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Japan Guide

FAQ

What is the best cocktail bar in Tokyo?
Bellwood! Bar Libre is a close second.

Do Tokyo cocktail bars require reservations?
Many of Tokyo's best cocktail bars have limited seating. Bellwood and Bar High Five often require reservations, while SG Low and BW Cave are generally easier to visit without advance planning.

What is the difference between Bellwood and BW Cave?
Bellwood focuses on seasonal Japanese ingredients and refined cocktail techniques in a stylish setting. BW Cave, located upstairs, offers a more casual atmosphere featuring inventive highballs, martinis on tap, izakaya-style food, and experimental drinks.

Is SG Club worth visiting?
Absolutely. SG Club consistently ranks among Asia's best bars and offers multiple drinking experiences under one roof. It is one of the easiest Tokyo cocktail bars to recommend to first-time visitors.

What neighborhood is best for cocktail bars in Tokyo?
Shibuya is the best neighborhood for cocktail lovers. SG Club, SG Low, Bellwood, and BW Cave are all located within walking distance of one another, making it easy to visit multiple bars in a single evening.

How much do cocktails cost in Tokyo?
Expect to pay between ¥1,500 and ¥3,500 ($10–25 USD) per cocktail at Tokyo's top bars. Some venues also charge a small cover or seating fee.

Are Tokyo cocktail bars English-friendly?
Most internationally recognized cocktail bars in Tokyo have English menus or English speaking staff. SG Club, Bellwood, BW Cave, and Bar Trench are all comfortable for international visitors.

What is the best cocktail bar itinerary for one night in Tokyo?
Start with dinner and lemon sours at SG Low, move to SG Club for signature cocktails, then finish the evening at Bellwood or BW Cave. This route offers a mix of classic Tokyo bartending, creative cocktails, and lively nightlife.
Or you can do a Ginza crawl, including Bar Libre and Punch Room Tokyo, they are within walking distance.