Tokyo has no shortage of cocktail bars, but what truly sets the city apart is its ability to blend creativity, craft, and storytelling into places that feel more like experiences than simple drinking spots.

Walk through almost any neighborhood and you’ll find hidden staircases, softly lit alleys, or small second-floor spaces that reveal bars with rich themes, highly specialized drinks, and owners who pour their personalities into every detail. Among this endless variety, a few establishments stand out not only because of what they serve, but because of the worlds they create.

Three such bars—memento mori, Tokyo Shōchū & Umeshu Bar Kyū (東京 焼酎＆梅酒 Bar 九), and HANABAR Driedflowers & Liquor—each bring something distinct to Tokyo’s nightlife.

These bars don’t rely on gimmicks; they use theme, craft, and atmosphere to create places where time slows down, conversations stretch out, and a drink becomes part of a larger moment.

Three Unique Cocktail Bars in Tokyo: Our Top Picks

memento mori: A Botanical & Cacao Cocktail Laboratory

Tucked into the sleek Toranomon Hills Business Tower, memento mori is a bar that treats mixology as a meeting point between nature, science, and art. The name itself, in Latin, means “remember your mortality” and sets a tone of reflection and intentionality. It hints at the idea that a drink can be something more than a refreshment; it can be a moment worth pausing for.

The bar is guided by the vision of mixologist Shuuzo Nagumo, who approaches cacao with remarkable depth. Here, cacao isn’t a novelty ingredient, but a botanical element explored from every angle.

Spirits infused with cacao pulp, nibs, or husks form the backbone of many cocktails, while floral and herbal notes bring a delicate contrast to the richness of the cacao. The menu often includes items like cacao gin or floral-balanced cacao cocktails that feel both grounded and imaginative.

The atmosphere reinforces this sense of quiet creativity. Modern, refined, and softly lit, the space feels like a refuge from the surrounding business district. Guests can settle into the warm interior and savor thoughtfully layered drinks, whether they’re in the mood for something dessert-like or something surprisingly light and botanical.

memento mori also offers sweets and carefully prepared small dishes that complement the drink menu. The combination of cacao-forward cocktails, botanical inspiration, and a sophisticated environment makes this bar a destination for those who appreciate craftsmanship and subtlety.

Store hours are 16:00 to 23:00 on weekdays and 14:00 to 23:00 on weekends and holidays. Google Maps for more information.

Tokyo Shōchū & Umeshu Bar Kyū: Tradition Meets Playfulness in Shinjuku

In the quiet Wakaba area near Shinano-machi Station in Shinjuku, Bar 九 (Kyū) offers a uniquely inviting blend of Japan’s traditional spirits and a playful, social environment.

The bar specializes in island shōchū and umeshu, boasting hundreds of varieties that showcase the diversity of regional producers. For fans of Japanese spirits, it’s a chance to explore rare bottles and compare flavor profiles that range from deep and earthy to bright and fruity.

What gives Bar Kyū its memorable charm is it's warm environment. The interior mixes rustic touches such as wood, art, and vintage accents, with a relaxed, welcoming energy. It immediately feels like the kind of place you can settle into for hours.

Contributing to that feeling is the bar’s board game collection. Guests are encouraged to pick a game or watch a movie on their projector, gather friends or strangers, and enjoy a relaxed evening that blends good drinks with easy conversation.

The combination of traditional spirits and casual play creates an atmosphere that’s both comforting and fun. Instead of choosing between a serious tasting bar or a lively hangout spot, Bar Kyū manages to be both, making it suitable for a date, a night with friends, or even a solo visit where you end up chatting with regulars.

Bar Kyū is usually open from 15:00 to 24:00, with last order at 23:30. For up-to-date information on their hours, check their Instagram @bar_kyuu!

HANABAR Driedflowers & Liquor: A Floral Sanctuary in Ikebukuro

In Ikebukuro, HANABAR transports you straight into a botanical dreamscape.

Created by dried-flower artist Nana Yui, the bar’s interior is adorned with carefully arranged dried flowers that hang from the ceiling, climb along the walls, and fill the room with a gentle warmth. The environment is quiet, serene, and artistic, an ideal backdrop for unwinding after a long day.

The drinks at HANABAR reflect the same botanical focus found in its decor. Many cocktails incorporate edible flowers, which add subtle aromas and visually stunning presentations.

Even the non-alcoholic floral cream sodas receive just as much care, making the bar inclusive for guests who prefer to skip alcohol. The gentle flavors paired with the soft ambiance make each drink feel like an extension of the artwork surrounding you.

During the day, HANABAR offers light, cafe-style dishes such as yellow curry, taco rice, and floral-topped baked goods. The menu shifts gradually into nighttime offerings that continue to emphasize natural colors, herbs, and delicate ingredients. Every element, including the food, drinks, and décor, feels thoughtfully connected through the theme of flowers and nature.

The owners personally designed much of the bar’s interior, from handmade furniture to custom tile work. This hands-on approach gives the space a uniquely personal charm, as though you’re stepping directly into the creative mind behind it.

HANABAR’s hours are 11:30 to 23:00, with the last order at 22:00. Google Maps for more information.

Final Thoughts

In a city known for its endless variety, these three bars show how deeply personal and imaginative Tokyo’s nightlife can be. Whether you’re looking for artistry, atmosphere, or a fresh take on Japanese drinking culture, these spaces highlight the unique beauty of Tokyo’s bar scene.

Add our Ebisu Hidden Cocktail Tour to your Japan Trip

Love discovering unique cocktail bars in Tokyo? Join the Ebisu Hidden Cocktail Tour for expertly-made cocktails and small bites with a local expert—all while learning about the culture, craft, and history behind them.