Ten Tokyo bars our editors book for NYE — countdown rooms, midnight pours, sensible cover charges.
New Year's Eve in Tokyo divides into two camps: the venues that double their cover charge and triple the drink prices, and the venues that quietly run a great evening at honest rates because they have always done so. Our editors only recommend the second category. These ten bars in Tokyo are the ones our team books for our own New Year's Eve, and the cover charges below are what we paid the last time we went.
Our Tokyo New Year's Eve picks, in order
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
At Bar BenFiddich in Shinjuku, the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.9 of 5.
In Azabu-Juban, Bar Gen Yamamoto the seasonal tasting course arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.9 of 5.
Star Bar Ginza (in Ginza) the hisashi kishi martini arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.9 of 5.
In Ginza, Bar High Five the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.9 of 5.
In Ginza, Tender Bar the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.9 of 5.
At Bar Orchard Ginza in Ginza, the fresh fruit cocktail is on the menu year-round for a reason, and the bartenders pour with intent. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
Order: Fresh Fruit Cocktail
The full Tokyo guideEvery bar category, every neighbourhood. Our complete Tokyo guide covers cocktail bars, rooftops, hidden gems and more across the city.
These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
Zoetrope sits in Shinjuku, and the japanese whisky flight arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the midnight pour is included in the cover and the staff have rehearsed the countdown. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
In Ebisu, Bar Leyenda the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
Bar Noble (in Ginza) the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the table is yours for the night, no turn at 11pm, and the kitchen runs through to 1am. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
In Ebisu, Bar Trench the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the New Year's Eve booking opens in October and the cover charge is published, not hidden behind a 'minimum spend'. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
Order: Trench Old Fashioned
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More Rooftop Bars in TokyoThe full editor-curated list of Rooftop Bars in Tokyo, with neighbourhood notes and signature-drink picks.
NYE is the one night where booking three months ahead is not an overreaction. Most rooms on this list confirm bookings from October. Two practical notes. Confirm whether your booking includes a midnight pour — most do not, and a £25 surcharge appears at 11.45pm. And ask whether the table is yours for the night or whether it turns at 11pm. The honest venues will tell you straight.
Other seasonal Tokyo guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual Tokyo occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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