Country & territory directory · 2026
Best bars in Japan
Explore 36 current listings across 10 cities in our 2026 awards-led global corpus. Bar Benfiddich in Tokyo ranks #1 in Japan and #39 globally.
- Current
- 36
- Cities
- 10
- Closed
- 0
2026 country ranking
Japan ranking
Country rank is each venue's position among the 36 current listings shown here. Global rank is its position in the worldwide Kinda Decent ranking. Profiles with unverified operating status are labeled.
How to read the signal scores
Signal charts show scores out of 100 before weighting. Open a venue for sources.
Est. = proxy estimate · None = checked, none found · Out = outside the scoring window · — = unavailable.
- 1Country
Global #39
Bar Benfiddich is a 15-seat, ninth-floor Shinjuku bar where drinks are built through conversation instead of a printed menu. Expect herbs, house tinctures and a close view of the bartender at work. Reservations are released around the owner-bartender’s irregular travel calendar and are strongly advised.
Nishi-Shinjuku · Bespoke botanical cocktails · site · IG
58.4
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- 68 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Top 500 Bars
- 75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 97 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 10 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- 68 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Top 500 Bars
- 75 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 97 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 10 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 2Country
Global #45
VIRTÙ is a 39th-floor Four Seasons lounge where Japanese technique meets French spirits and Art Deco glamour. Cognac, whisky, shochu and house umeshu anchor the cocktail list, with Tokyo skyline views and polished hotel service completing the experience. Reservations are optional.
Otemachi · French-Japanese hotel cocktail lounge · site · IG
57.2
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 76 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- 53 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Top 500 Bars
- 71 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 89 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 19 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 56 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 76 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- 53 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Top 500 Bars
- 71 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 89 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 19 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 56 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 3Country
Global #60
The Bellwood blends the feel of a Taisho-era kissaten with modern Shibuya energy. Its Cocktail Kaiseki format turns seasonal Japanese ingredients into a structured drinks journey, while refined bar food and the four-seat Bell Sushi counter make it a strong choice for a full evening.
Shibuya / Udagawacho · Taisho kissaten-inspired cocktail bar · site · IG
54.6
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 73 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- 43 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Top 500 Bars
- 55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 85 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 32 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 57 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 73 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- 43 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Top 500 Bars
- 55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 85 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 32 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 57 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 4Country
Global #70
The SG Club pairs the upbeat ground-floor Guzzle with Sip, a basement bar whose cocktails draw on fine-dining flavour combinations. Upstairs, Savor is a members’ cigar and cocktail lounge. Reservations are available for Sip.
Jinnan / Shibuya · Multi-room cocktail bar · site · IG
53.6
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 73 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- 36 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Top 500 Bars
- 64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 87 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 13 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 73 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- 36 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Top 500 Bars
- 64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 87 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 13 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 5Country
Global #94
Bar Trench is a 13-seat cocktail bar in Ebisu, Tokyo, with a street-level, hideaway-like room. Its owner highlights herbal drinks, absinthe and signature cocktails.
Ebisu · Intimate social cocktail bar · site · IG
50.7
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 79 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- 27 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Top 500 Bars
- 69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 65 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 62 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 79 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- 27 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Top 500 Bars
- 69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 65 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 62 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 6Country
Global #183
Lamp Bar is Michito Kaneko’s cocktail bar in central Nara. The tourism guide describes a small counter-led room and bartender-made drinks without a printed menu. The owner frames the bar around spirits history and travel, with cocktails tailored to guests’ preferences and the occasion, including ingredients associated with Nara.
Naramachi · Cocktail bar with bartender-led, menu-free service described by the Nara guide · site · IG
44.0
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 73 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 22 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 84 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 11 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 59 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 73 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 22 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 84 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 11 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 59 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 7Country
Global #205
A fifth-floor Osaka cocktail room where bartenders reinterpret classics with house infusions, bitters and liqueurs.
Shinsaibashi · House-infusions cocktail bar · site · IG
43.2
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 81 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 62 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 43 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 10 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 81 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 62 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 43 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 10 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 8Country
Global #287
Look for a yellow door and bee sign at this Prohibition-era New York-inspired speakeasy. Seasonal signatures use Japanese spirits, organic ingredients, syrups and fresh fruit juice, with 1990s hip-hop in the room.
Kiyamachi · Prohibition-era speakeasy · site · IG
39.7
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 37 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 76 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 10 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 57 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 63 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 37 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 76 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 10 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 57 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 9Country
Global #320
Osaka, JapanCraftroom is a cocktail bar in the Osaka Ekimae Daiichi Building. For enquiries, call +81 6 6341 8601.
Umeda · Cocktail bar · site · IG
38.3
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 27 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 27 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 10Country
Global #343
Tokyo, JapanBar High Five is a Ginza cocktail bar with no advance reservations. Call shortly before arrival to check whether seats are available, and note the midnight last entry.
Ginza · Japanese cocktail bar · site · IG
37.6
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 58 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- 12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Top 500 Bars
- 65 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- evidence exists outside the scoring window; contributes zero
- Social Vibes
- 55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 58 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- 12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Top 500 Bars
- 65 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- evidence exists outside the scoring window; contributes zero
- Social Vibes
- 55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 11Country
Global #368
Tokyo, JapanA lively Azabu-Juban rooftop bar pairing playful cocktails and bar snacks with a balcony view of Tokyo Tower. The venue is cashless.
Azabu-Juban · High-energy rooftop cocktail bar · site · IG
36.9
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 70 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 38 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Social Vibes
- 62 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 70 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 38 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Social Vibes
- 62 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 12Country
Global #375
Tokyo, JapanBar LIBRE treats freedom as its cocktail concept, pairing Japanese vessels, fruit and new techniques with classic bar craft.
Ikebukuro · Cocktail bar · site · IG
36.8
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 65 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 7 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 65 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 7 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 13Country
Global #376
Kumamoto, JapanYakoboku is a quiet bar in Kumamoto’s Kamino-ura district, set in a renovated townhouse. Bartender Shinya Kiba makes original cocktails using local Kumamoto fruit and herbs.
Minamitsuboi-machi · Local-ingredient cocktail bar · IG
36.8
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 37 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 58 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 69 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 37 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 77 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 58 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 14Country
Global #479
Tokyo, JapanPunch Room Tokyo reworks the London private-club punch tradition through Japanese spirits, sake, tea and regional spices. Drinks follow five flavour pillars and come by the glass or in shared silver bowls.
Ginza · Japanese-inspired punch bar · site
34.4
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 68 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 39 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 68 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 39 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 74 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 12 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 15Country
Global #610
Kyoto, JapanA small Kyoto cocktail room in a traditional townhouse, with ten counter seats, table seating and four namesake rocking chairs. Classic technique, whisky and quiet hospitality define the visit.
Shimogyo / Gokomachi · Classic Japanese cocktail bar · site
31.4
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 15 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 38 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 10 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 67 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- 15 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 38 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 10 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 64 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
- 16Country
Global #622
The Bar at the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo
Tokyo, JapanOn the 45th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, this bar overlooks Tokyo and serves cocktails using Japanese spirits, teas and seasonal ingredients. The menu also includes sake tastings and spirit-free drinks.
Roppongi / Akasaka · Luxury skyline hotel bar · site
31.1
/ 100
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 43 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 19 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Seven signal scores
Signal score / 100- Guest ratings
- 55 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- World's 50 Best
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Top 500 Bars
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Spirited Awards
- checked, with no qualifying signal found; contributes zero
- Regional Recognition
- 43 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Serious press
- 19 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
- Social Vibes
- 60 out of 100 from qualifying evidence
Scores before weighting. Source records are linked from the venue page.
Evidence key: — unavailable · Est. proxy estimate · None checked with no qualifying signal · Out outside the scoring window. Unavailable, none and outside-window signals contribute zero; estimates use their disclosed proxy score. The published weights stay fixed.
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