The Old Imperial Bar sits inside the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, a Tokyo institution since 1890. The current bar preserves design elements from Frank Lloyd Wright's original 1919 Imperial Hotel including Maya-inspired terracotta tiles and original furnishings rescued before demolition. It is one of the few Tokyo bars where history and cocktail craft exist in genuine conversation. The Bar Imperial cocktail, a house creation since 1919, remains the only drink on the mandatory order list.

Visit early evening for fewer tourists and a more intimate atmosphere. The bar fills with business professionals and couples after 18:00, so arrive before then to experience the space at its most contemplative. Jazz piano performances on selected evenings elevate the already sophisticated mood.

This bar suits date night perfectly, business drinks requiring an impressive venue, anyone appreciating historic atmospheres, and those marking special occasions. The bar appeals equally to cocktail enthusiasts seeking masterfully executed classics and travelers wanting to experience a piece of Tokyo's architectural legacy through a glass.

Frank Lloyd Wright designed the original Imperial Hotel, and the current bar honors this legacy through careful preservation. The terracotta tiles and architectural details create an environment where drinking becomes an act of appreciation for both craft and history. Check out our guide to legendary bars in history for more on venues that have shaped drinking culture.