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TOKYO
From the bustling fish markets of Yokohama to the vibrant culinary scene of Tokyo, Chef Endo Kazutoshi – third-generation sushi maestro – masterfully blends his rich heritage with Mediterranean flair. As he crafts unforgettable bites at his restaurants Kioku and Endo at the Rotunda, each dish becomes a delicious ode to cherished memories and global inspirations. We chat about Chef Kazutoshi on his top five bars in Tokyo.
All images are courtesy of respective bars.
This is a classic Ginza spot, small and full of history. It’s named after Arsène Lupin, a gentleman thief character in a novel by Maurice Leblanc. Many well-known Japanese writers, artists and even politicians have come here since it opened in 1928. You can see their pictures lining the bar. Their signature is a Moscow Mule served in a classic copper cup, but they also do many other classic cocktails.
Location: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 5 Chome−5−11 塚本不動産ビル 地下 | Phone: +81 3-3571-0750 | Website: lupin.co.jp | Instagram: @ginzalupin
Another Ginza bar, this one has an outstanding whiskey collection – there are over 700 bottles. I come here alone and sit at the bar, where there are only 12 seats. Going to a bar alone is a very common thing to do in Japanese culture and there are many solo drinkers here. Sometimes I also get something to eat, usually a simple dish like an omelette or even spaghetti.
Location: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 6 Chome−4−10 銀座シンヨービル 6階 | Phone: +81 3-3289-0388 | Website: ginza-bar-doulton.com
3) Bar Silencio
I’ve only been here once, but I would like to come again. A pottery artist I work with brought me to this speakeasy which is hidden down an alleyway. It’s only open three hours a day, from 10pm to 1 am, so you really need to know where you are going to find it. There is a nice atmosphere and live music. I remember having a whiskey sour which was very nice and a whiskey highball, as it’s a much lighter way to drink whiskey.
Location: 10-37 Tatenocho, Nerima City, Tokyo 177-0054, Japan | Website: silencio.tokyo
I love punk and this is my favourite place to come and listen to music while having a drink. The playlist is amazing, they play a lot of classic punk music from groups like The Clash and The Sex Pistols which I love, as well as Japanese bands. Many musicians come here, not just punk rockers but also Patti Smith and Mick Jagger, and some even sign the walls. There is a good bar food menu so you can have dinner or a few snacks with your drink.
Location: 猿楽町30-8-B1F, Shibuya, Tokyo 1500033 | Phone: 03-5459-3431 | Instagram: @tatemichiya___daikanyama
This is a basement bar which I like to go to before dinner and I usually have a whiskey highball. It’s very casual, with lots of people coming in and out, so it’s great to people-watch. The original bar was founded over a hundred years ago in Kyoto, but this one is just as good. They also sell cigars which is a nice touch.
Location: Japan, 〒104-0061 Tokyo, Chuo City, Ginza, 7 Chome−3−16-1F 東五ビル | Phone: 03-5568-6155 | Website: samboa.co.jp/ginza | Instagram: @samboa.barginza
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