High Five

Overrated and bad experience for a sub par 3K+ yen a person drinks. I mean it's an interesting concept - no menu but bespoke cocktails based on our preferences. But the final bill came without any breakdowns so we didn't really know the price for each drink. But pricing wouldn't be the issue if the whole experience wasn't off. The staff was trained to be snobby with all the rules. I don't blame them. However ive been to other bars with similar rules before but the staff can still be friendly instead of being a know-it-all snobby and making customers feel like they are asking for those drinks for free. This is anything but a Japanese hospitality. I should've known when there is no local but only foreigners in there. I'd not recommend this bar to anyone unless you want to feel like you are back in grade school where you do as instructed, drink your milk - don't talk don't enjoy it - then go to sleep.

Came to this bar after I saw it on one of the World's 50 Best or Asia's 50 Best lists. Had a time finding it, just because I was still getting used to just how many businesses are on different floors of giant buildings in Tokyo. Once we figured out how to get down to the basement and got a seat, we marveled at just how pretty and swanky it was. There's a main bar with nice, dark wood all the way down it. Behind the bar, there seems to be every liquor bottle ever made ready to go. There's no set menu. You just give them a vibe and they make you what they want. It's a pretty well-oiled operation. You have the main bartender person, and then everyone else seems to have a job to help set her up for the magic making. I had a couple of mocktails. They were very delicious. They looked professional, they weren't too acidic/juice-forward, and the glassware they were served in were just lovely. Speaking of lovely, they also had a progressive tasting menu of apps that just kept coming. Their mixed nuts course was particularly fun. Overall, this was a good, chill time. The seating is very limited, and the place is clearly very popular, so your biggest worry will be ignoring the growing crowd in the very tight hallway corner of waiting people. Just ignore them. Enjoy your time. Relax.

This was a surprisingly great experience. We got here before it opened so considered not waiting around expecting it to be an overrated bar. However this was one of the few times I've found a bar exceed it's very strong reputation. The bartenders delivered the very typical Japanese style of tailoring the drink to the individual, except these ones absolutely nailed it. I ended up having 3 drinks instead of the 1 intended because they blew me away each time. They stepped through flavour profiles and style and the head bartender then made a drink accordingly, and each one was spot on. I did this at a few bars and others did not deliver nearly as well as High Five did. A great addition was the free bar snacks. There were a number of different snacks and they kept cycling through them when we finished each one, usually you just get the one dish at other bars and that's it. Also a free cheese and cracker snack to start with. Blown away with the entire experience. Absolutely worth going to High Five, will be back whenever I'm back in Tokyo. Not sure about wait times as we got there at opening, but the bar seemed to fill up after an hour or so.

Amazing bar! Be early, as it fills up quickly with no reservations. Be sure to ask for a custom cocktail! Simply tell them the flavors you want and they make that for you.

I loved everything about my experience at this bar … the drinks are amazing, I had something like an old fashioned and then something like a negroni, which were super duper yummy. I loved sitting right at the bar and getting the full vibe of the place. And the servers and bartenders are amazing, lots of cool people with great backgrounds that want to talk. Couldn’t more highly recommend!

Excellent service and amazing drinks! I was asked about my taste in drinks and they delivered an amazing drink based on what I said. Snacks were always coming and service was super friendly ❤️completely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a more intimate experience in Tokyo

If you find yourself in Tokyo, make your way to Chuo City, I highly recommend you find the High Five Bar and enjoy a cocktail. It's pretty amazing, as the bartending staff here is far above that of the norm. A definite mixologists approach to the cocktail is used. There is no set menu, so you definitely have to know your way around a cocktail in regards to spirits, flavors, and such in order to appreciate this spot. A staff member will prep a list of spirits and mixes based on your likings. A designated mixologist will prep the cocktail for you. Everything I ordered was amazing, and the ice cubes here were the clearest ice cubes I've seen! There are no reservations accepted as the bar is on a first come, first seated basis. I'd highly recommend going at opening, as it fills up quickly. Drinks only, so plan meals accordingly. If you 'appreciate' a good cocktail experience, definitely check this spot out! It definitely deserves to be on the top 50 bars in the world list! Cheers!

Bar High Five is a top-notch bar in Tokyo, especially renowned in the Ginza area. It exudes an old-world charm, reminiscent of the 80s, with its decor. Upon entry, there's a 1,000 yen per person entrance fee, and there's no menu; instead, the bartender crafts drinks based on your preferences and the fresh fruits available. During our visit, we enjoyed a delightful blend that tasted like pineapple yogurt. The bar is spacious compared to others in Ginza, making it easy to find seating. However, while the cocktails were decent, they didn't quite meet our high expectations.

Overrated and bad experience for a sub par 3K+ yen a person drinks. I mean it's an interesting concept - no menu but bespoke cocktails based on our preferences. But the final bill came without any breakdowns so we didn't really know the price for each drink. But pricing wouldn't be the issue if the whole experience wasn't off. The staff was trained to be snobby with all the rules. I don't blame them. However ive been to other bars with similar rules before but the staff can still be friendly instead of being a know-it-all snobby and making customers feel like they are asking for those drinks for free. This is anything but a Japanese hospitality. I should've known when there is no local but only foreigners in there. I'd not recommend this bar to anyone unless you want to feel like you are back in grade school where you do as instructed, drink your milk - don't talk don't enjoy it - then go to sleep.

Came to this bar after I saw it on one of the World's 50 Best or Asia's 50 Best lists. Had a time finding it, just because I was still getting used to just how many businesses are on different floors of giant buildings in Tokyo. Once we figured out how to get down to the basement and got a seat, we marveled at just how pretty and swanky it was. There's a main bar with nice, dark wood all the way down it. Behind the bar, there seems to be every liquor bottle ever made ready to go. There's no set menu. You just give them a vibe and they make you what they want. It's a pretty well-oiled operation. You have the main bartender person, and then everyone else seems to have a job to help set her up for the magic making. I had a couple of mocktails. They were very delicious. They looked professional, they weren't too acidic/juice-forward, and the glassware they were served in were just lovely. Speaking of lovely, they also had a progressive tasting menu of apps that just kept coming. Their mixed nuts course was particularly fun. Overall, this was a good, chill time. The seating is very limited, and the place is clearly very popular, so your biggest worry will be ignoring the growing crowd in the very tight hallway corner of waiting people. Just ignore them. Enjoy your time. Relax.

This was a surprisingly great experience. We got here before it opened so considered not waiting around expecting it to be an overrated bar. However this was one of the few times I've found a bar exceed it's very strong reputation. The bartenders delivered the very typical Japanese style of tailoring the drink to the individual, except these ones absolutely nailed it. I ended up having 3 drinks instead of the 1 intended because they blew me away each time. They stepped through flavour profiles and style and the head bartender then made a drink accordingly, and each one was spot on. I did this at a few bars and others did not deliver nearly as well as High Five did. A great addition was the free bar snacks. There were a number of different snacks and they kept cycling through them when we finished each one, usually you just get the one dish at other bars and that's it. Also a free cheese and cracker snack to start with. Blown away with the entire experience. Absolutely worth going to High Five, will be back whenever I'm back in Tokyo. Not sure about wait times as we got there at opening, but the bar seemed to fill up after an hour or so.

Amazing bar! Be early, as it fills up quickly with no reservations. Be sure to ask for a custom cocktail! Simply tell them the flavors you want and they make that for you.

I loved everything about my experience at this bar … the drinks are amazing, I had something like an old fashioned and then something like a negroni, which were super duper yummy. I loved sitting right at the bar and getting the full vibe of the place. And the servers and bartenders are amazing, lots of cool people with great backgrounds that want to talk. Couldn’t more highly recommend!

Excellent service and amazing drinks! I was asked about my taste in drinks and they delivered an amazing drink based on what I said. Snacks were always coming and service was super friendly ❤️completely recommend this to anyone who is looking for a more intimate experience in Tokyo

If you find yourself in Tokyo, make your way to Chuo City, I highly recommend you find the High Five Bar and enjoy a cocktail. It's pretty amazing, as the bartending staff here is far above that of the norm. A definite mixologists approach to the cocktail is used. There is no set menu, so you definitely have to know your way around a cocktail in regards to spirits, flavors, and such in order to appreciate this spot. A staff member will prep a list of spirits and mixes based on your likings. A designated mixologist will prep the cocktail for you. Everything I ordered was amazing, and the ice cubes here were the clearest ice cubes I've seen! There are no reservations accepted as the bar is on a first come, first seated basis. I'd highly recommend going at opening, as it fills up quickly. Drinks only, so plan meals accordingly. If you 'appreciate' a good cocktail experience, definitely check this spot out! It definitely deserves to be on the top 50 bars in the world list! Cheers!

Bar High Five is a top-notch bar in Tokyo, especially renowned in the Ginza area. It exudes an old-world charm, reminiscent of the 80s, with its decor. Upon entry, there's a 1,000 yen per person entrance fee, and there's no menu; instead, the bartender crafts drinks based on your preferences and the fresh fruits available. During our visit, we enjoyed a delightful blend that tasted like pineapple yogurt. The bar is spacious compared to others in Ginza, making it easy to find seating. However, while the cocktails were decent, they didn't quite meet our high expectations.

Came to this bar after I saw it on one of the World's 50 Best or Asia's 50 Best lists. Had a time finding it, just because I was still getting used to just how many businesses are on different floors of giant buildings in Tokyo. Once we figured out how to get down to the basement and got a seat, we marveled at just how pretty and swanky it was. There's a main bar with nice, dark wood all the way down it. Behind the bar, there seems to be every liquor bottle ever made ready to go. There's no set menu. You just give them a vibe and they make you what they want. It's a pretty well-oiled operation. You have the main bartender person, and then everyone else seems to have a job to help set her up for the magic making. I had a couple of mocktails. They were very delicious. They looked professional, they weren't too acidic/juice-forward, and the glassware they were served in were just lovely. Speaking of lovely, they also had a progressive tasting menu of apps that just kept coming. Their mixed nuts course was particularly fun. Overall, this was a good, chill time. The seating is very limited, and the place is clearly very popular, so your biggest worry will be ignoring the growing crowd in the very tight hallway corner of waiting people. Just ignore them. Enjoy your time. Relax.

I was taken here many years ago, when I had money, and when I could go to a classy Cocktail Lounge and drink without getting drunk (an essential part of going to a bar is NOT to get 'Stupid-Drunk' - if you want to get falling-down drunk, do it at home. High priced bars are for social politics, and bonding quickly with New Associates). So - here is my review of 'Bar High 5'. Like at so many restaurants in Japan, The 'Chef' puts on a great 'Show' here. But in the case of "Bar High-5" the 'Chef' that I refer to is the 'BARTENDER', and the 'Show' that I refer to is the vigorous mixing of drinks. This bar is a classic throwback to Las Vegas in 1952. Here, mixing your drink right in front of you, using all of the precious tools and all of the well-trained hand maneuvers is like watching a movie. But the movie here is meant just for you. The Bartender here knows 'Everything'. It is literally like being in a Sam Spade Novel. You want the name of the Concierge at the 'Hilton Tokyo Roppongi', the Bartender Knows it. You want the inside scoop on 'Harry Potter World' at Japan's Universal Studios Tour, the Bartender's 2nd cousin manages all of the shops on Wizard's Street, and she will give you an exclusive tour. You want two seats at a top restaurant that has a three month waiting list. The Bartender can get you in tomorrow at 7:00. This place is like a James Bond movie. But of course, what's really important here are the drinks. I came here years ago, so things may have changed - and by 'changed' I mean gotten more 'Hip'. But I doubt it. Bar High 5 was, and probably still is, the Japanese perfection of an iconic American cultural trend. No Bar in the United States still makes a Gin Martini the way that the mixologists at 'Bar High 5' do it. The process is like surgery, with a tray full of delicate measuring devices & mixing tools that are a cause for wonderment. That is, until you see the bartender use them all, at which point all that you want to do is buy them for yourself. Drinking here is like losing your virginity. You don't know what you've missed until you try it - and then afterwards All you want is more. But a word to the wise - DON'T GET DRUNK HERE. 'Bar High 5' is an intimate place, and becoming a Loud American Drunk will be disrespectful and Cliché. Otherwise - have fun. Oh! And this place Ain't Cheap!

We loved this bar so much we went three nights in the five days we were in Tokyo!!! Not only are their cocktails amazing, the staff is unbeatable. So friendly, so knowledgeable. They really get to know you in order to make you the best cocktail. It was such a unique experience. The bar is dark, small and intimate. I wouldn't recommend to anyone looking to party or be loud. Not going to lie we were a bit intimidated at first. But don't be fooled we had so much fun here. Whenever I'm back in Tokyo I will definitely be back at High Five!!!

Ranked one of the 50 top bars in the world, Bar High Five is a must when in Tokyo. You won't find a menu here: they'll ask you what you like and concoct something just for you! Savory little nibbles are also provided with drinks. No reservations. This might be a hard one to get into, but we lucked out and only waited about five minutes. They're really good at rotating seats, so if you're a party of one or two, they'll move you to the bar when seats open up so you can see all the drink concoctions!

Wow, if you're looking for an elevated cocktail experience this is the bar for you! They do not have a menu but definitely have a staff of skilled bartenders who can concoct a smooth and well balanced drink! When you get seated, the waiter will come by and ask what sprit, flavor and strength you like. Based on what you tell them they will create your own drink! One thing to note and it is customary in Japan is that since they do not work off tips, there is usually a sitting fee per person. I think we paid 1,000 yen which with the current exchange rate it's about $7. However for a customized drink and sitting fee for two people the total still came out to about $45 which I thought was great!

classy ambiance and great creative drinks. I showed up at opening and had no trouble getting in, but it soon became very busy. Ginza Neighborhood, so if youre there and looking for a nice place with nice drinks, I would highly recommend it.

TLDR: Bespoke cocktails crafted to your personal taste in a classy environment. Vibe: 5/5. Located in the basement of a building in Ginza, Bar High Five embraces the speakeasy vibe. The bar relatively small, with about 10 seats at the antique wood bar that occupies the majority of the space. They have a handful of 2 tops adjacent to the bar which can be pushed together to accommodate larger groups. Decor takes design cues from Old world Japan, using a lot of antique wood, metal and glass which creates quite a cozy environment to enjoy a cocktail or 2. The best seats in the house are belly up to the bar for the mixology show. Service: 5/5. My party of 2 arrived at High Five around 6pm on a Wednesday night. The bar had a few patrons there, but we had no problem walking right in and being served immediately. The staff at High Five were very welcoming, with everyone we came into contact speaking decent English. The bartenders gave us the full rundown of how the ordering system works and we're able to make some fantastic cocktails. Drinks came out relatively quickly considering the effort that goes into each order as well as the bar being fully occupied. Overall, I couldn't have asked for better service. Drinks: 5/5. As mentioned before, High Five prides itself on using innovative bartending techniques and ingredients to produce world class cocktails that are tailored to your personal taste buds. There is no official menu, so come prepared to answer the wait staff's barrage of questions on what you are looking for in a drink. We were only able to grab a single round of drinks, but we were very impressed with the ingredient choices and balance that were achieved with our drinks. I told th bartender I wanted a alcohol forward Japanese whiskey based cocktail that was smoky and sour. The end result was a Toki cocktail that uses acorn in house acorn liquor, sherry and smoked bitters that created levels of depth yet remained perfectly balanced with each ail. When it was time to grab the bill, I was pleasantly surprised that each cocktail was around $10-15 which is an absolute deal for the level of craft that went into each one. Overall, I wish I had more time to try a few more cocktails at High Five, but I will certainly be back the next time I find myself in Tokyo.

We had the BEST time here. We got 3 rounds and each one was completely different and amazing, we were able to customize our drinks to what vibe we wanted. We had a great waitress, Kristine. I cannot wait to come back here.

Unbelievable bar to experience a craft cocktail or favorite libation. There is simply very few bars in the world that match the prestige and pedigree that Bar High Five does. A must try for those in Tokyo!

this cocktail lounge is the best!!! You will have to take a small elevator to the lower level (b1). When you walk off the elevator you are in the bar. They will greet you and let you know if they can accommodate your party. If you can sit at the bar try to. We get to watch everything first hand and talk with the staff. There is no menu. The staff asks you questions to help guide the mixologist to make your drink. My husband and I came here twice during our visit to Japan. We consumed 4 drinks each both nights. Get the Cowgirl or ask for a fruit drink. I had a passfruit one that made me think I should have been on a beach. Surprising after 4 drinks we didn't feel drunk, high quality liquor and just the right amount to not get drunk but enjoy the experiences Tips: Go earlier when they open and you are sure to get in. Most of the staff speak English very well despite most being from other countries.

My drink is good but my friend's 'martini' tastes like chinese medicine Western waiter and waitress are nice but the Japanese bartender is once of the worst I have seen, rule and let customers hanging by entrance

Small little place in basement of a building at heart of ginza. Been here 2019 before COVID. Lots busy before. Today pretty empty. When I entered on Thursday evening two other parties of non Japanese ppl. English is no problem here. Lots of cocktails you can try as long as your liver is ok with it. Bartenders always friendly and helpful. Will come back when in Tokyo

They are famous for their cocktail omakase style, where you tell the bartenders what kind of flavor you're looking for and the choice of liquor, and then pretty much leave the rest to them. We stopped by the bar before our dinner reservation in Ginza. They don't take reservations, but we called ahead and see if there was a wait. They were kind enough to put our names down as we were heading over, and we didn't have to wait once we got the bar. I got a martini with a special anniversary edition, and gin cocktail with a hint of the tea liquor. I generally like more spirit forward cocktails, so I was glad they both turned out to be what I am looking for, and quite delicious. We also really enjoyed sitting at the bar / counter, and just watching them make the drinks. The staff were very friendly and chatting with us the whole time. As mentioned in other reviews, the place can be a bit pricy since the drinks are more than SF prices and there's a cover charge, but most speakeasies / bespoke bars in Tokyo share a similar price point. Overall, it was a great experience and I'd love to come back next time.

Please note that there is a 1000 yen cover charge before you decide to attend this cocktail bar. Personally didn't mind it as I did have a great time while I was there. As a "gaijin" it's was very easy to navigate through this cocktail bar since majority of the staff themselves were foreigners and spoke English. No bar menu, instead you provide them descriptions of taste for them to build a cocktail for you. If you know your classics or modern classics, you can make it simpler for them. Definitely recommend checking Bar High Five when you make a trip to Tokyo. It's always interesting to see what other bartenders in the world are cooking up.

Before going to Bar High Five, you have to realize a few things: +This is really mostly for foreigners (although I think anyone that likes interesting drinks should feel at home). We were surprised that no one spoke Japanese inside - the staff was super global. +This is a pricy place. Drinks are around $20ish with a $10 cover charge. +There's no menu - you tell them what you like - they make the drink for you. +There's no reception down here. It's in the basement and the owner purposefully has no WiFi available down here. If you're okay with all of this and are looking for interesting cocktails, then you're in the right place. Look for the sign and go down the elevator to be led to a very classy small bar filled with a bunch of bartenders. I got two drinks here - a drink inspired by an Old Fashioned and another whisky drink much more fruitier. They were both delicious (although I'd opt to go with the Old Fashioned-like drink again). My friend was a bit more annoyed that they didn't understand the Spritzer drink she wanted but was good to be aware of the pros/cons of the place. I was a fan and could definitely see myself coming back. Service was on point for sure.

What is of course astonishing is that Hidetsugu Ueno, owner and master mixologist of Bar High Five, does not drink alcohol. Despite that, Ueno has created one of the World's very best bars and has reinvented many of our favorite classic cocktails. Bar High Five's Bellinis and Martinis are among the very best on the planet. His signature cocktail is the White Lady (gin, Cointreau and lemon juice with some Suntory Japanese whiskey). Bar High Five also features over 200 different whiskies. A must visit when in Tokyo.

Bespoke cocktail bars are hit or miss, as some have been too pricey while others miss the concept, but Bar High Five nails the concept and while pricing is a bit high for Tokyo, it is less than a drink in Singapore or Seoul or even in many places in San Diego. While the bartenders were Japanese, the consultants were non-Japanese for the most part and ask you a few questions to get an idea of your drink. I played around with American and Japanese whiskey with great results. So is this a traditional Ginza bar? Not really, but the quality and attention to detail are there, and it's definitely worth a stop while checking out the Tokyo bar circuit!

From Ueno's departure at Star Bar, this bar was born. They've since relocated from that tiny 4th floor office space that sat 8 people. Now, you have a bar that's handsomely outfitted with dark wood, a long bar with plenty of leather stools and chairs and at the end of the room, a leg of jamon. YES. I LOVE JAMON. As customary in fancy cocktail bars that have an automatic cover charge, you're welcomed with an amuse bouche and hot towels. Don't expect fancy, it's just a splendid slice of brie on a japanese cracker and some bar nuts to chew on. But, you're not here for the nibbles. You're here for the experience. You're here to find what exotic ingredients like Yomogi liquer (a Japanese herb), Sakura blossom liquer, plum wine, etc. can do. As was the format at Star Bar, there are no menus to be had here at Bar High Five. Let the barman/woman know your preferences (whiskey is always a good choice! look at the collection!), flavor profile, light/refreshing or heavy and smoky. Because of our early arrival, we were the only customers for a good hour. And I saw this as an opportunity to ask questions about the craft and what makes Japanese cocktailing unique. It's really very traditional -- conservative even -- and it shows through and through: from the crisp white shirts of the staff, to the way they humbly serve you and respect your experience by waiting for you to initiate conversation instead of doing it the American way where at an empty bar, bartenders would actually engage you in conversation first. Admittedly, drinks take long to make. But our concoctions were superior and on par with the best cocktail bars I've been to in the U.S. (but with half the fraction of a cost!) I heavily favored my gin, green tea liquer, grape and lime juices. It was very refreshing with an interesting slight bitter component. I found it to be more fragrant than my partner's tequila based cocktail with home made ginger liquer, but equally as tasty in its own right. The second cocktail I had was made with plum wine and it bordered a bit too sweet for my tastes, but it was nicely countered with a fragrant Yomogi herbs. Fascinating cocktails in a traditional atmosphere. I would definitely come back again.

Such an amazing cocktail bar in the heart of Ginza! My wife and I were hopeful that the wait wouldn't be too intense and we were pleasantly surprised to be seated upon arrival. While there's a small cover charge of ~$10 USD/person, it's trivial for the quality of the cocktails and the experience. We were greeted by a very personable American bartender who took great care in gathering our preferences for drinks. My wife's vodka-based cocktail with fresh strawberry puree was exquisitely balanced, achieving a blend of brightness and potency that made it not only derricious, but dangerously quaffable as well. Her 2nd round, a variation of a Corpse Reviver #2, left quite an impression as well given her general preference for lighter drinks. My whisky-based cocktails were both just as finely executed and easily among the best I've had yet. While there are very few cocktail bars in the US that focus on bespoke drinks, probably the closest one to here would be Bourbon & Branch in SF on the West Coast. However, Bar High Five's atmosphere is unrivaled in that it possesses that speakeasy vibe with more coziness and approachability...not to mention a welcome increase in the amount of lighting. Overall, a wonderful destination for cocktails and one that we can't recommend more!

Stellar. I adore Japanese cocktail bars. So organized and peaceful. Once again: friendly and welcoming. Obviously make great cocktails. Worth a stop. Enjoy the negative yelp reviews.

I had high expectations for this place and it did not disappoint. The venue itself is fairly cozy as it only seated about 15 people, but we were able to quickly get a seat at the bar when we arrived around 8PM. There's no menu at Bar High Five, so once we got situated, I was asked a few questions about how I generally like my cocktails and what I was in the mood for -- I asked for a whiskey cocktail and I was in the mood for a hint of kumquat. Based on that, the bartender made a bespoke cocktail for me and it was exactly what I was craving at the moment. The experience was different because the person who asked you how you like your drink took notes based on that discussion, but wasn't actually the person making the drinks; there was a designated bartender who made the drinks based on those notes. I mainly ordered cocktails, so I only interacted with one of the bartenders, but it seemed like the other bartenders specialized in making recommendations for whiskey and/or other spirits. Note that there is a 1,000 Yen (per person) cover charge which I thought was worth the price of admission. I'm not sure how much each drink was, but we had 3 cocktalis and a Japanese whisky and the bill came out to 9,900 YEN (which includes the cover charge).

After researching for hours and hours on where we should grab a drink, we found this gold mine. Although pricey ($20-$24 per drink), this place is known to showcase world-renowned bartenders and it shows. They don't have a menu, they simply ask you a couple of questions based upon your drinking likes and they surprise you with a drink of their choice. Do be aware that there is a lot of tourists here since it's been ranked as one of the best bars in Asia. Don't let that stop you from enjoying a drink made with such passion as these bartenders.​

We had such a nice time visiting this bar. Yes, it seems many foreigners are in this bar, including us. We were very impressed with our bartenders knowledge of Japanese whiskey. I think his name was Brian, and he was an incredible host. Get the sazerak, it was delicious!!!

Another one of the classic Tokyo bars. They check all the boxes : 1. Beautiful decor 2. Friendly and professional bartenders 3. Amazing whiskey selection 4. And smoking permitted ;)

This is supposed to be one of best bars in the world. I think they're ranked #23 in the world and #5 in Asia. There's no menu. You tell the bartender what alcohol, flavors, and texture you like and they'll custom a drink for you. I got a refreshing, crisp Japanese whiskey concoction. They used a Fiji-Sanroku for my drink. Not bad. Should have had one on the rocks so that I can taste the whiskey better. Note: Japanese people don't frequent here. It's mainly expats and tourists.

We came here because the bar was listed on Top 100 bars in the world. I was actually disappointed. The staff is very nice, but they do charge you a cover fee to go in, which I didn't like. I was also deathly sick, but I came because my husband wanted to get something. They required that I had to order a drink -_- so I had to pay EVEN MORE. Disappointing. On top of the that, the drinks were ehh. I give it a 5/10. The price was high and wasn't that good. Also, Bar High Five has one famous bartender, who has won competitions. So basically, she makes all the drinks for everyone in the bar, and the other 5 bartenders chitchat with guests and grab whatever liquor she needs. Such an odd process, and also not worth it.

Tokyo is sweet because of places like this. If you're looking to hang out with locals this probably isn't the place but if you're looking for a great cocktail, entertaining staff and English this place fits the bill. We were lucky enough to be there on a night when there were mechanical issues in the building. Doesn't sound good until you realize they aren't letting more people in so you're in the bar with Hidetsugu Ueno, 10 of his staff and only 7 other customers. SCORE! Drinks are Vegas prices but well worth it. Pick your flavour palette, choose the type of base spirit you like and they deliver something to suit your request. Had 4 cocktails each, would drink them all again. Go watch a master.

Awarded as one of the best bars in the world, this TINY bar (no groups larger than 4 people) in the heart of Ginza delivers good cocktails in a cool atmosphere. During our week long stay in Tokyo we came here twice. No menus available, ask for something smoky with Japanese whisky and thank me later!

You wouldn't know it from Yelp yet, but look online at any list of Best Bars In The World and you'll find this place. Bartenders from all around the globe come to intern under the tutelage of the owner. There is no menu and they make your drink after a consultation. Kinda like the cocktail version of buying a Tesla. The drinks are about 30 bucks a pop, but they're unreal, and in between are served with the best bar snacks you'll ever eat. Go and be amazed!

This is one of the best bars on the planet. It has awards to back that up, but it doesn't need them. At every juncture, they choose the best quality ingredients, some handmade in-house, and prepare them with proven, old-school techniques. But I don't go there just for the drinks. The bartenders and waiters are relentless in working to find out what will please you, and it works. I would be a regular if I didn't live 16,000 km away.

Complete tourist trap... Wanna have a drink with a bar full of Americans in Tokyo, this is your place. I'm sure in it's hey day this was the place to go, and you have to respect its ability to make some serious coin off tourists and it's prior reputation. However, for a serious cocktail seeker, this is a complete side show... Our bartender didn't even speak Japanese!!! They lead you through about 3 questions and then make a production line cocktail based on your response. I was super excited to try this place, but left after one drink, very disappointed. If you like Lemon drops for $20 a piece, this is your place!

The first impression was terrible because people are smoking inside of the bar. I told the waitress to get a non-smoking area. But she set us right next to the guys who are smoking. There is no menu in the bar, I thought it's cool because they can tailor special drink for you based on your likes. The fact is our waiter can barely speak English. She only told me I am gonna get a homemade vodka based cocktail without telling me what else is inside. Me and my husband went with my mom who does not drink. Although we told the waitress we gonna order each person a drink, she still said it's not allow to drink other people's drink, which makes me really mad. The service is unreliable bad, it's not fare to people who are not drinking but still wanna get their friends a company!!!!

Excellent drinks and decor! They moved since the last time I came about 3 years ago. We walked down to the basement level and were seated quickly (Friday night around 9pm), and the barback took down our drink preferences - bases (whiskey, gin, etc), herbal/fruity preferences, etc. Ueno san then created two amazing drinks, one old fashioned based cocktail and another with a peaty whiskey base and complementing blueberry liqueur to soften it a bit - it was great! We would have stayed longer and gotten more but our plans for the night crept up and we had to leave after an hour or so. Definitely need to come back again next time I'm in town.

The worst service by a host I have ever received in any city. Refused to seat us because there were 3 of us. No other reason. "We just don't do that." Brazen and ridiculous.

Bar High Five is deserving of the hype. Limited seating and drinks averaging around $25 USD may deter some, but this is a gem. There is no drink menu; instead, you have a conversation with the staff discussing what you typically like to drink. From there, they'll take the liberty of making a cocktail for you based on your preferences. Additionally, they have an incredible whisky selection. I believe Bar High Five is one of the top 30 bars in the world in the 2017 50 Best publication, and I definitely see why.

If you enjoy sipping on high quality cocktails in a classy setting, you have to check out Bar High Five. There is a 1,000 yen cover charge per person, but it's worth it. I came here with my boyfriend during our trip to Tokyo and we each ended up ordering 2 drinks. My boyfriend normally isn't a fan of cocktails, but our bartender listened to his taste preferences and concocted 2 delicious cocktails for him. The 2 cocktails that were created for me were 2 of the most complex and memorable drinks I've ever ordered. I'm pretty sure the bartenders can make you ANY drink that you want, whether you want to get creative or if you want to stick to the classics. The bar has limited seating, so come early if you want to snag a seat.

It was worth going for a drink to experience what everyone raves about, but definitely will not be returning. The drinks were good, but definitely not worth the 10min wait for a seat in an empty bar in a 2x2 cramped space next to the elevator. Bartenders are very knowledgeable, and if you go in there with an open mind and willingness to try one of their custom drinks, you'll enjoy yourself.

All went OK until we got the check. It was 2 of us and we each had one drink. The drinks were not as great as the hype. We expected about a ~$50 check, but it turned out it was $75. Asked to see the itemized receipt, waited for the server to deliver the hand-written piece of paper 10 minutes later after we paid... What in the world is "$20 sheating charge" on top of our drinks??? Confused, tired, and disappointed. This is the only place in Tokyo that made us very sad. If you are going to spend that kind of money, do not go to this place. Instead, visit Gen Yamamoto. Nicer service, excellent cocktails. Seriously.

It's a crime that this place only has a handful of reviews. This is one of the best cocktail bars in the world. No menu, just tell them what you are in the mood for and they will deliver. 10 stars.

One of the best bars I've been too. Seriously you need to try the Amaretto Sour with the egg foam. Simply amazing.

This was one of the best bars in the Ginza area. Great spacious seating areas for groups of 4. Little snacks were provided throughout the experience which was a great plus. Staff was very knowledgeable. Some staff were apprentices from other countries which was pretty cool. Great service and drinks. Drinks are about $18 which is higher than usual but the experience was worth it.

Simply hands down a beautiful bar. Amazing drinks, amazing staff. Get an ice diamond.

Amazing selection, great people and fantastic drinks! No menu, they ask questions about what you like and then come up with something. It's a nice concept and I really enjoyed all of my drinks. The employees are fun to talk to as well! Highly recommend if you're looking for a classy place for drinks!

I have no idea how this place earned a spot in the top 50. The experience was disappointing. The head bartender was kinda rude and nasty toward the other staff. The staff all seemed on edge because of this and it left a bad aura about the place. Very uncomfortable feeling for a place that should be relaxing and pleasant. Instead I got bad vibes and the desire to leave after just one drink. As for the drink, I ordered an old fashioned. It's a standard that I order everywhere to use as a benchmark. It was below the benchmark and even below the craftsmanship of my own home made ones. So for ¥2,970 I got a mediocre cocktail and a whole lot of bad energy. I've been to other top 50 bars and this place doesn't come close to comparing.

I would give zero if it was an option. No menus, no signs, lots of rules and $80 for two martinis. No menus means "we can charge you whatever we want after the fact." I have traveled the world and paid lots of money for cocktails. After the fact we were told there is a $10 per person cover and for a straight forward martini, $30 each. No view, no over the top service, no awesome ambience. Just $80, 2 drinks. Don't go here!

Large selection of whisky. Of course I tried the white lady and I was able to get a pour of a rare peated chichibu whisky. There weren't any prices, the bartenders are knowledgeable, and I spent about 3 hours enjoying the environment and drinks.

The waitress is extremely rude here. Kind of a surprise in Japan. Also, don't come in odd groups or any groups larger than 4, they will not seat you and repeat it rudely until you leave.

Excellent and fun concept, great execution! Really fun mix of locals and out-of-towners, too!