Towering views from the rooftop, sublime settings and quality liquor make these watering holes a great pit stop while exploring the nightlife the city has to offer
Not only is it one of the three most popular cuisines in the world (the others being Italian and Indian), Tokyo is no stranger to world-class watering holes. Drinking is a huge part of Japanese culture after all, particularly amongst professionals whereby business meetings are commonly conducted over a stiff beverage.
The luxury hotels of the Japanese capital naturally rise up to the needs of its business elite, and the glittering districts in and around Ginza, Shinjuku and Roppongi are home to a number of unforgettable A-List hotel bars; perfect to impress clients, celebrate partnerships, or get better acquainted with international colleagues. Raise a glass and say “Kanpai” at one of these select superstars.
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Aurora Sky Lounge, Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
Those staying in entertainment quarter Shinjuku will find Keio Plaza Hotel just steps from all the action, and a great base to kick off introductions before hitting the local karaoke bars later on in the night. The comforting Aurora Sky Lounge bar on the 45th floor offers views of East Tokyo’s dynamic cityscape; full of evening chaos down below. The black and white interiors are typical of Japanese minimalist design, with bespoke cocktails created by award-winning mixologists. Bar specials include Warutsu, a cocktail with plume wine, apricot liqueur and cider, and a staple of Japanese whiskies, spirits, sake and liqueurs.
Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo
2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku
Shinjuku-Ku
Tokyo 160-8330
Japan
Tel: +81 3 3344 0111
Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo
It’s all about the views here once again, and Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo unsurprisingly occupies the top of a notorious skyscraper – the Marunouchi Trust Tower Main building. The Lobby Lounge is warm and welcoming to enjoy a spot of afternoon tea, or seasonal cocktails and canapes. The bar also stocks a healthy amount of sherry, Port, cognac, calvados and grappa.
Shangri-La Hotel, Tokyo
Marunouchi Trust Tower Main Building
1-8-3 Marunouchi
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-8283
Japan
Tel: +81 3 6739 7888
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Mandarin Bar, Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo
There’s seldom a time when the Mandarin Oriental doesn’t measure up and this is no exception in Tokyo. Interiors at the Mandarin Bar flow with the hotels overarching inspirations themed to wood and water. Take a seat at our favourite spot, the water lounge – it’s like floating on a Balinese river, and sip on a variety of rare Japanese and foreign whiskies, or a selection from the cellar. The tranquil spot is accompanied by live jazz music from Monday to Saturday in the evening, and makes for a wonderful post dinner spot to unwind and get to know your business partners on a chic yet casual basis.
Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
2-1-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi
Chuo-Ku
Tokyo 103-8328
Japan
Tel: +81 3 3270 8800
Motif, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Marunouchi
The trusted luxury five-star hotel is part of Pacific Century Place, a mixed-use development at Marunouchi. While not extensive, the bar menu includes Motif Gin Tonic, a play on the classic with its use of shiso-infused botanist gin, and Truffly Tini, drizzled with truffle oil and sprinkled with stuffle salt and sliced truffle. A truffle gin is also available. Views here are quite spectacular too, given that it looks to Tokyo Station, which means you can expect sights of the Shinkansen pulling in and out at regular intervals.
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo At Marunouchi
1-11-1 Pacific Century Place
Marunouchi Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-6277
Japan
Tel: +81 3 5222 7222
New York Bar, Park Hyatt Tokyo
Recognise this, film buffs? The Park Hyatt was a key setting for hit 2003 movie, Lost In Translation, where actors Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson found themselves sharing late night whisky at the New York Bar on level 52. Today, the bar remains a classic destination for international rendezvous, where guests are drawn to premium cognac and brandies, as well as the largest selection of American wines in Japan. Live entertainment includes jazz performances each night and talented pianists.
Park Hyatt Tokyo
3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku
Shinjuku-Ku
Tokyo 163-1055
Japan
Tel: +81 3 5322 1234
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Peter: The Bar, The Peninsula Tokyo
For a hotel bar with a bit of colour, check out Peter: The Bar at The Peninsula Tokyo. Its luminous decor blends seamlessly with the glorious Tokyo Skyline, soaring over the Imperial Palace, the glitzy lights of Ginza’s high-end boutiques, and lush Hibiya Park. Clientele is trendy, young and successful; perfect company for tech start-ups or young entrepreneurs. Peter: The Bar serves a selection of IG-friendly vintage and classic concoctions including a 10th anniversary cocktail created in 2017 to celebrate the hotel’s milestone.
The Peninsula Tokyo
1-8-1 Yurakucho
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-0006
Japan
Tel: +81 3 6270 2888
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Rooftop Bar, Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
Who doesn’t like toasting to Tokyo dreams up on a rooftop? Andaz provides a spectacular haven up on the 52nd floor. The sheltered open-air roof terrace allows guests to enjoy the milder temperatures of Japanese spring or fall. The space ranges from an intimate lounge area, to a dramatic high ceiling bar and terrace with a more cosmopolitan vibe. Apart from seasonal fruit cocktails, the bar also shakes up a storm with its tea-infused creations.
Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills
1-23-4, Toranomon
Minato-ku
Tokyo 105-0001
Japan
Tel1: +81 3 6830 1234
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Sky Lounge Stellar Garden, The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Sure, many may prefer the Skytree, but there’s no forgetting the classic Tokyo Tower either. As the flagship of the Prince hotel chain, The Prince Park Tower Tokyo stands on a leafy green park right next to the iconic Tokyo Tower; a guaranteed delight for first time guests to the city. Drinks aside, the Sky Lounge Stellar Garden offers three choices for seating — counter seats where you can have a chat with the mixologists, intimate sofa settings for pairs (this choice has the best views of the Tokyo Tower), and a salon area for larger groups.
The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
4-8-1 Shibakoen Minato
Tokyo 105-8563
Japan
Tel: +81 3 5400 1111
The Bar, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
In the heart of Tokyo Midtown atop nine floors of the city’s tallest building, The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo impresses with lavish beverage creations. The Bar stands to the left of The Lobby Lounge and furnished with floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views of the city below. Its star cocktail is none other than The Diamond is Forever Martini (¥2 million, S$24,000), prepared tableside using Absolut Elyx vodka and lime juice. Pretty standard ingredients, except it’s garnished with a one-carat diamond – surely one of the most extravagant cocktails to begin end the night with.
The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo
Tokyo Midtown 9-7-1
Akasaka Minato-ku
Tokyo 107-6245
Japan
Tel: +81 3 3423 8000
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The Champagne Bar, ANA Intercontinental Tokyo
The answer to troubles is bubbles, as they say, and The Champagne Bar in popular drinking-zone, Roppongi, may just be the medicine that your alcoholic doctor prescribes. There are over 25 varieties of Champagnes — including Mumm, Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot and Laurent-Perrier — which you can order by the glass, bottle or as a cocktail. Four types of Champagne buffets (from ¥11,000, S$133) are available each night, and each include a five-course meal.
ANA Intercontinental Tokyo
1 Chome-12-33
Akasaka Minato
Tokyo 107-0052
Japan
Tel: +81 3 3505 1111
The Lounge, Aman Tokyo
Perched 33 floors up, it overlooks the Imperial Gardens below and the skyscrapers of Shinjuku beyond. The panorama is incredible, to say the least. If you happen to be in town during the warmer months, we suggest going there to catch the sunset, and then watch as the city lights come on afterwards. We couldn’t leave without trying the bestselling Aman Black Espresso Martini. Beautifully blended, the espresso was robust and distinct but didn’t overpower the alcohol.
The Otemachi Tower
1-5-6 Otemachi
Chiyoda-ku
Tokyo 100-0004
Japan
Tel: +81 03 5224 3333
