Tokyo After Dark - Tokyo - page 258

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Ichimon Ichimon takes its name from mon, which was the lowest piece of currency
used by common people during the Edo Period. Ichimon means “one mon.” This quirky
place, specializing in sake, has a unique system whereby each customer purchases mon,
issued here in wooden tokens at the rate of ¥100 for each mon; the tokens are then used
to pay for your sake, meal, and ¥700 snack charge. Plan on exchanging about ¥5,000
into mon; mon you don't use can be exchanged for the real thing when you leave. There's
no English-language menu, but the usual pub fare is available, including shumai (steamed
dumplings), duck meatballs, nabe, noodles, and other fare. This is a cozy place, decorated
like an old farmhouse with wooden beams, shoji screens, and antiques. Open Monday
to Friday 6 to 11pm, and Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 5 to 10pm. 3-12-6 Asakusa.
& 03/3875-6800. Station: Tawaramachi (10 min.) or Asakusa (15 min.). Just northeast of the
Kokusai Dori/Kototoi Dori intersection; from the intersection, walk 1 block north on Kokusai
Dori and turn right; it's almost immediately on your right, with a big sake barrel above its door.
Sky Room This is a great—albeit simple—place for an inexpensive drink after
an active day in historic Asakusa. The Asahi Beer Tower, which sits next to the distinctive
building with the golden hops perched on top, belongs to the Asahi Beer company; it's
thought to represent a mug of foaming beer. The plain, cafeteria-style bar, perched at the
top of the building in the foam next to La Ranarita Azumabashi (p. 139), offers great
views as well as different kinds of Asahi beer, wine, coffee, tea, and sodas, all priced at
¥600 or less, and a very limited snack menu. With seating for only 26 at a window-side
counter, it can be crowded on weekends. Open daily 10am to 9:30pm. Asahi Beer Tower,
22nd floor, 1-23-1 Azumabashi. & 03/5608-5277. Station: Asakusa (exit 5, 4 min.). On the oppo-
site side of the Sumida River from Sensoji Temple.

UENO
See the map on p. 117 for the bars listed in this section.
Hard Rock Cafe Located in JR Ueno Station, this chain cafe has the usual rock-'n'-
roll memorabilia, American food, extensive drink menu, and loud music. Open daily
7am for breakfast to 11pm. 7-1-1 Ueno. & 03/5826-5821. Station: JR Ueno (1 min.).
Warrior Celt This third-floor British pub is somewhat of a novelty in Ueno, especially
for its nightly happy hour until 7pm (when beer and spirits are priced at just ¥600) and
for its free live music Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. With its international,
friendly mix, it's a good place to while away some hours if you find yourself in Ueno after
the museums close. Open Sunday to Tuesday 5pm to midnight, Wednesday to Saturday
5pm to 5am. 6-9-22 Ueno. & 03/3836-8588. Station: Ueno (Hirokoji exit, 5 min.). One block
east of the Yamanote elevated train tracks, just a stone's throw from the Ameya Yokocho mar-
ket. From Ueno Station, take the street to the right of OICity department store; Warrior Celt is
on the right, beside the Hotel Chic love hotel.

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SHINJUKU
See the map on p. 94 for the bars listed in this section.
Albatross This tiny bar is one of the 100 or so miniature establishments nestled
in Goruden Gai. Located up a narrow flight of stairs and decorated in blood red, it
attracts a mostly young crowd—though there's room for only a handful of patrons
squeezed along the counter, with additional tiered seating up above. There's a ¥300 snack
charge per person. Open daily 8pm to 5am. 1-1-7 Kabuki-cho. & 03/3203-3699. Station:
Shinjuku Sanchome (7 min.). In Goruden Gai, on 5th St. (Gobangai).