A good plan is the most important part of any foodie adventure. Steven Lawrence, food writer and culinary guide, prepares an attainable itinerary for your next food-focused visit to Tokyo.
By Steven Lawrence
Food writer and culinary guide, Tablet contributor
See the entire Meal Plan series.
Tokyo is world-renowned for its culinary precision, but its drinking culture is equally — if not more — transformative. From the high-energy pulse of a Shinjuku izakaya to the library-like quiet of a Shibuya whiskey den, the city treats spirits with a reverence that borders on the spiritual.
In Tokyo’s high-end cocktail scene, you’ll find clear-ice mastery, “farm-to-glass” alchemy, and flavors that defy logic. On my latest journey for Epicurious Travel, I navigated the neon-lit streets to find the bars that aren’t just drinking spots — they are full sensory experiences.
I started Epicurious Travel to help time-strapped travelers plan and execute vacations that are deeply immersed in the culinary culture of your destination. From MICHELIN Star to hole-in-the-wall, our goal is to ensure you never have a bad meal. Book a fantastic hotel in Tokyo from the Tablet selection, then use my recommendations below to steer you through a true liquid paradise.
Where to Stay: TRUNK (HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK
Located in the creative heart of Shibuya, TRUNK (HOTEL) YOYOGI PARK is a boutique gem that offers a minimalist, lush escape from the city’s frantic pace. The rooftop pool and lounge provide the perfect pre-game setting before you dive into the neighborhood’s world-class bar scene.
View the entire selection of Tablet hotels in Tokyo.
1. Bar Benfiddich (The Apothecary)
You won’t find Benfiddich by accident. Tucked away on the 9th floor of an unassuming Shinjuku building, this 15-seat sanctuary feels like the secret belly of a wooden pirate ship. There is no menu here; instead, you are in the hands of Hiroyasu Kayama, a farmer by day and a cocktail wizard by night. Kayama-san distills his own absinthe and sources botanicals directly from his family farm in Chichibu.
THE DRINK: Challenge them with a profile like banana and spice. You’ll likely receive a blend of hand-mashed fruit and house-made elixirs that redefine the craft.
PRO TIP: Reservations open via TableCheck on the 20th of each month for the following month. Aim for the 7:00 PM slot to watch the master at work before the late-night rush.
2. The SG Club (The High-Energy Classic)
Located in Shibuya, The SG Club (short for Sip and Guzzle) offers two distinct worlds. The ground floor, Guzzle, is a playful, casual saloon, while the basement, Sip, is a low-lit, Art Deco speakeasy that feels like 19th-century New York meets modern Tokyo.
THE EXPERIENCE: Their menu is a masterclass in fusion. Try the Cold Soba Negroni, which masterfully blends the savory earthiness of buckwheat noodles with a bittersweet punch.
PRO TIP: If the wait for Sip is too long, hop in a taxi for a 9-minute ride to Ebisu to check out their sister spots, Bar Tram or Bar Trench.
3. Memento Mori (The Cacao Specialist)
Hidden within the Toranomon Hills Business Tower is Memento Mori, a botanical-themed bar specializing in artisan creations featuring Amazonian cacao. This isn’t just “chocolate martinis” — it’s a deep dive into the pulp, husk, and fermentation of the cacao fruit.
THE STANDOUT: The Cacao Pulp Fizz is bright and acidic, a revelation for those who think they know what chocolate tastes like.
PRO TIP: They open early (2:00 PM on Sundays). It’s the perfect spot for a sophisticated alternative to afternoon tea.
4. Koffee Mameya Kakeru (The Caffeine Omakase)
Koffee Mameya Kakeru is not a traditional bar. This Kiyosumi-Shirakawa laboratory treats caffeine with the reverence of a Michelin-starred chef. In this reservation-only “coffee omakase,” baristas in white lab coats walk you through roasting profiles and extraction methods.
THE TWIST: Don’t skip the coffee-based cocktails at the end of the course, which use spirits like shochu to elevate the beans.
5. Bar LIBRE (The Mixology Lab)
For theater and tech-forward drinks, Bar LIBRE is an essential basement hideaway Ikebukuro. Expect liquid nitrogen, smoking guns, and centrifugal separators used to create flavors like the “Fake White” (a gin and tomato water cocktail that mimics white wine).
The Journey’s End
Whether you’re sitting at a 10-seat counter watching a master shave ice by hand or sipping cacao-pulp fizz in a high-rise, Tokyo rewards the curious. The city’s drinking scene is a powerhouse of innovation that will have you planning your return trip before the final pour.
Want more culinary recommendations in Japan? Check out our Meal Plan for Osaka.
