Best Bars & Izakaya in Tokyo
54 spots I vetted myself across the city, the ones I'd actually send you to.
Tokyo drinking is an art of small rooms. The izakaya is the everyday version, a Japanese pub where you order rounds of small plates with your beer or highball, while the tiny bar culture peaks in places like Golden Gai and Nonbei Yokocho, where a single counter seats six and the master remembers your order. Some charge a small seating fee (otoshi); it's normal, not a scam.
Where to find bars & izakaya in Tokyo
My bars & izakaya picks cluster in Roppongi & Toranomon (19), Ginza (9), Shibuya (6), Asakusa (6), Shimbashi & Shiodome (4) and Shinjuku (2). Tap a neighborhood for the full rundown.
The list
The full guide names all 54 bars & izakaya spots, each with the nearest station and exit, what to order and the reservation reality. The names and exact directions open in the full guide.
Bars & Izakaya in Tokyo: frequently asked questions
What is an izakaya?
A Japanese pub: you drink and graze on a stream of small dishes, yakitori, sashimi, fried things, pickles, usually ordering a few at a time over the evening. It's the default way Tokyo eats and drinks out, casual and social.
What is the otoshi charge?
Many izakaya and bars serve a small compulsory appetiser (otoshi or tsukidashi) that comes with a seating charge of a few hundred yen per person. It's standard practice across Japan, effectively a cover charge, and not a tourist scam.
Are the tiny bars in Golden Gai tourist-friendly?
Some welcome visitors and some are regulars-only; look for English signs or a posted cover charge. Expect a seat charge of around 500 to 1,500 yen, order at least one drink, and treat the tiny room and its master with the courtesy the space asks for.