When you’re feeling parched and in need of a few drinks in Tokyo, you might think you don’t want to have to search hard for the way inside the bar… but we have a few hidden bars in Tokyo that will change your mind!
Take a journey into the world of Tokyo’s secret bars with Shizuka, and soon, you just might find yourself walking through a bookcase, fridge, or retro vending machine to take your seat at the bar.
1. Michi Naki Michi (Shibuya)
Michi Naki Michi is in the heart of Shibuya, only a 10-minute walk from Yoyogi Park and Shibuya Scramble, and it begins our journey into the world of hidden bars in Tokyo. Here, you’ll find the entrance located inside a refrigerator! From the moment you wander inside, you’ll get a sense of the owner’s passions, using skateboards, bicycles, fashion and plants to decorate the space — not to mention the ever-changing menus and American-inspired dishes, all while Heisei J-pop plays in the background.
2. MOSS Dining Bar (Sangenjaya)
Just a 5-minute walk from Sangenjaya Station, MOSS Dining Bar is a hidden bar with a focus on meat dishes, serving a selection of unique beef dishes that you may not have found elsewhere. But, how do you get in…? Through the retro cigarette vending machine out front, of course! MOSS has a delightfully eccentric vibe, featuring hand-painted walls and colorful cushions and sofas. Plus, if you find yourself at this bar between 6-8pm, get involved in Happy Hour — where every drink is only ¥200 — or opt for nomihodai (all you can drink), giving you an all-you-can-drink experience for only ¥1,280.
3. igu&peace (Shibuya)
From the second you enter igu&peace through its secret bookcase entrance, this bar will have you feeling like you’ve stepped straight into a Harry Potter movie, surrounded by mystical ornaments, magic-themed menus, and a charming atmosphere. Although igu&peace feels somewhat more sophisticated in style, their goal is still to give adults a place to feel like kids again — something they more than achieve with their swing set table and a private backroom where a skeleton is soaking in a tub, perfect for those small parties or girls nights out in Tokyo.
igu&peace is only a 5-minute walk from Shibuya’s Mega Don Quijote, if you like the idea of getting tipsy and doing some souvenir shopping. Warning: It’s easy to get lost in Don Quijote even without a drink, so good luck!
For a few bars that are a little easier to find, check out our list of 10 unique bars in Tokyo or our guide to the best all-you-can-drink bars in Tokyo.
Tokyo Hidden Bars FAQs
What is a hidden bar?
A hidden bar is a bar that has some kind of secret or unique entrance. Like our Tokyo hidden bars, it likely won’t be obvious to someone walking past — or even trying to get in! — where the entrance is.
For example, Michi Naka Michi’s secret entrance is through a fridge, MOSS’s hidden bar hides behind a vending machine, and igu&peace is waiting for you behind a magical bookcase. In case you can’t already tell, Tokyo has some of the best secret bars in Japan!
What part of Tokyo has the best nightlife?
It depends what you’re looking for, but if you consider “nightlife” to be bright lights, big crowds, and countless bars and clubs, Tokyo’s best nightlife scenes can be found in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Roppongi — the latter of which is known as the place to go for Tokyo’s nightclubs and upscale bars.
What is the famous bar street in Tokyo?
In Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, Golden Gai — aka Golden Street — boasts an impressive 280 restaurants and bars in a space as small as 6,500 square meters. Expect to rub shoulders with locals and tourists alike, making new friends in Tokyo before you know it!
