Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
257
3
THE BAR SCENE
GINZA
See the map on p. 92 for the bars listed in this section.
Ginza Sapporo Lion
Yebisu and Sapporo beer are the draw at this large beer hall
with its mock Gothic ceiling and faux, kitschy German decor. A large display of plastic
foods and an English-language menu help you choose from snacks ranging from yakitori
to sausage and spaghetti. The place is popular with older Japanese. Hours are Monday to
Saturday from 11:30am to 11pm, Sunday and holidays from 11:30am to 10:30pm.
7-9-20 Ginza.
&
03/3571-2590.
Station: Ginza (3 min.). On Chuo Dori not far from the Matsuza-
kaya department store.
]
Lupin
You couldn't find a more subdued place than this tiny basement bar.
First opened back in 1928 and little changed over the decades, it features a long wooden
bar and booths. Even the staff looks like they've been here since it opened. Because no
music is ever played here, it's a great place for conversation. Very civilized. There's a table
charge of ¥700 per person, which includes a snack. Heartland beer is on tap. Hours are
Tuesday to Saturday from 5 to 11:30pm.
5-5-11 Ginza.
&
03/3571-0750.
Station: Ginza (2
min.). In a tiny alley btw. Namiki and Ginza W. 5th St. (look for a nearby torigin sign).
Old Imperial
This is the Imperial Hotel's tribute to its original architect, Frank Lloyd
Wright, and is the only place in the hotel that contains Wright originals—the Art Deco
terra-cotta wall behind the bar, the mural, and the small desk at the entrance. Its clubby
atmosphere, low lighting, and comfortable chairs and tables (copies of Wright originals)
make it perfect for a quiet drink. Try the Mount Fuji, the bar's own 1924 creation: dry
gin, lemon juice, pineapple juice, egg white, and maraschino cherry. Hours are daily
11:30am to midnight.
Imperial Hotel, 1-1-1 Uchisaiwai-cho.
&
03/3539-8088.
Station: Hibiya
(1 min.).
300 Bar
You don't want to come here when you're drop-dead tired, because there are
no seats in this standing bar. Rather, with all drinks and appetizers priced at ¥315, this
is a good place for a quick drink or a place to meet up with friends in the Ginza. It's
self-service and, upon entry, you're required to purchase two tickets totaling ¥630, which
can be redeemed for two drinks or food items from the 100-plus menu listing everything
from cocktails to such snacks as tofu gratin and fried rice balls. There are two locations
in the Ginza, the one below and at 8-3-12 Ginza (
&
03/3571-8300
). Both are open
Monday to Saturday 5pm to 2am, Sunday and holidays 5 to 11pm.
5-9-11 Ginza.
&
03/3572-6300.
www.300bar.com. Station: Ginza (2 min.). On a side street southeast of the
Ginza 4-chome Crossing.
10
ASAKUSA
See the map on p. 109 for the bars listed in this section.
Daimasu
This sake bar offers more than 100 different kinds of sake and shochu by
the glass, allowing you to try a variety of different kinds, including seasonal and regional
varieties. To start, purchase a ticket booklet for ¥1,000; small glasses start at ¥210. Or,
purchase your own alcohol at the shop's adjoining liquor store and drink it at the sake
bar for a ¥500 corkage fee. Open daily noon to midnight.
1-2-8 Asakusa.
&
03/5806-3811.
Station: Asakusa (3 min.).Just off Nakamise Dori, to the right if walking from Kaminarimon Gate
toward Sensoji Temple.
