Best Bars For Solo Drinking in Tokyo

If you’re looking for Tokyo’s unmatched nightlife, head straight to the best bars in Shibuya. You’ll find vibrant backstreets filled with charming izakaya, stylish cocktail bars and warm, welcoming restaurants with all-you-can-drink options that will keep the drinks — like the conversation — flowing effortlessly.

Whether you're after craft cocktails, local brews or unique, themed bars, we can promise a memorable night out in one of Tokyo's most popular neighborhoods.

Join byFood host Shizuka Anderson as she explores some of the best bars in Tokyo for drinking alone, whether you're looking for fancy sushi and drink pairings, elevated izakaya dishes and tipples, or solo drinking spots that are perfect for making new friends.

With Hitori Bar literally translating to “Alone Bar,” how could it not be first on this list?

In fact, you’re not allowed to enter this bar unless you’re alone. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be lonely — far from it. As your drink is served, the bartender will strike up conversation, asking if you’ve been there before and how you discovered their bar.

As other Tokyo solo drinkers make their way inside and the counter continues to fill up, you’ll hear the bartender directing similar questions their way, and before you know it you may find yourself wrapped up in their conversation. 

Similar to speed dating, Hitori Bar is the kind of place where you go alone with the idea of expecting conversation. So don’t be shy — look left, look right, and consider these people your drinking buddies for the night. 

In this upscale bar-meets-sushi restaurant in Omotesando, the focus is on expert pairings. They have a selection of course menus on offer, tempting you to pair sushi with wine, beer, sake and sours. 

And though you may have arrived with a couple of drinks in mind, don’t be fooled — the sushi is especially elegant, serving soy sauce-marinated roe over vinegared rice, creamy sea urchin from Hokkaido and a trio of tuna nigiri, layering fresh slices of tuna — each prepared and cooked in different ways — over rice.

So, will you pair your sushi with a crisp Asahi Super Dry? Or are you tempted to sip on fine wines while chatting with your diners and drinkers at the counter? There’s no wrong choice.

Japan’s tachinomi bars, literally meaning “stand and drink,” are perfect for solo drinkers. Not only are they often quite small, making it difficult for large groups to find enough space, but you can also make new friends with the people drinking besides you.

Over in Shibuya’s Tachinomi Fujiya Honten, this is certainly the case. Although much larger than the traditional tachinomi bar — it has space at the counter, standing tables outside and an area where groups gather towards the back — this bar welcomes solo drinkers, often congregating near the counter area while scrolling on their phone and enjoying a few drinks and dishes in silence.

In that regard, there’s plenty of choice. Pair a pint of beer with a juicy shumai, sip on sake with a stuffed seaweed-wrapped sardine maki roll or try the unique ika squid cream croquette, combining a crispy, black exterior with chewy squid on the inside.

For the chattier drinkers among you, the bartenders are always up for a chat, or you could make your way to the back to mingle with other patrons.

For those times when you’re looking to raise the bar with elevated cocktails and small plates, THE 5th by SUMADORI-BAR is the place to go. 

With an extensive drinks menu of over 20 decadently prepared drinks — made mindfully with a mix of 0% to 3% alcohol, depending on your preference — Sumadori will take you on a journey of traditional Japanese ingredients in innovative new creations. 

There’s the smoky Amber Embrace, combining rooibos and guava leaf with low-alcohol or non-alcoholic whiskey, and The Drinkable Tiramisu, promising a sensational sweet treat of dalgona coffee with cheese cream and coffee jelly.

If you start feeling peckish, browse their selection of Asian-inspired small plates, ranging from Hainanese chicken rice to a dim sum assortment and even vegan sweets. 

Stepping into the spotlight in our best cocktail bars in Tokyo and the Best Bars in Asia, Tokyo Confidential is known for two things: gorgeous views of the Tokyo skyline (including Tokyo Tower in the distance) and lively conversations with the bartenders.

Much like the bartenders’ conversation skills, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming; glowing underlights create an intimate, sleek setting at counter and terrace seating, while the drinks selection is eclectic.

Like a number of the bars above, you’re more than welcome to come to Tokyo Confidential alone, though there’s a chance you won't stay that way for long.

Looking for more places to drink in Tokyo? Check out its retro bars, hidden bars, craft beer bars and luxury bars.

Many bars in Tokyo have welcomed countless foreign travelers over the years and some of the bartenders can speak English (and other languages!), or at least know enough to have a friendly chat.

Even if they don't speak English, many of these bars may also have English menus. But, just in case, brush up on your Japanese language skills.

Yes! Known as nomihoudai, many bars offer all-you-can-drink menus where you can drink as many drinks within a 90-minute or two-hour window. Here's a list of the best places with all-you-can-drink options in Tokyo.

Yes! If you'd prefer to explore Tokyo's bars with a local guide, take a look through our Tokyo bar-hopping tours.