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Gen Yamamoto

Cocktail bar

1-6-4 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045

OUR SCORE

average rating is 5 out of 5

5.0

ACCOLADES

'- Asia's 50 Best Bars (2016-2021)
- Japan's 50 Best Bars (Ranked No. 1 in 2020)
- Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards Nominee (2016)

REVIEW & BAR SUMMARY

Welcome to the captivating realm of Gen Yamamoto, an intimate cocktail experience in the heart of Tokyo. This bespoke bar, named after its owner and mixologist extraordinaire, is synonymous with the art of cocktail craftsmanship. Gen Yamamoto presents an unassuming facade, yet stepping inside reveals a minimalist, refined space where the focus is shifted entirely to the sensory journey that awaits.

The interior is elegantly understated, with a pristine, eight-seat counter carved from a single piece of Japanese oak, setting the stage for the evening's performance. It's here where patrons are taken on a personalized cocktail odyssey, each drink meticulously designed to embody the essence of Japan's seasonal ingredients.

Gen Yamamoto's cocktail tasting menu is a testament to innovation and tradition, seamlessly woven together. The cocktails are more than mere drinks; they are an homage to the Japanese spirit, encapsulating the country's terroir and the meticulous attention to detail that Japanese craftsmen are known for.

One such creation might include the "Sakura Martini," a delicate blend of artisanal gin infused with the subtle, floral notes of cherry blossoms, a tribute to the fleeting beauty of spring. In the height of summer, you may find the "Yuzu Whisky Sour," where the tartness of the native citrus fruit cuts through the mellow warmth of aged whisky, both balancing and enhancing each other beautifully.

As the seasons turn, Gen Yamamoto's repertoire evolves, presenting libations like the "Kabocha Old Fashioned," where the earthiness of Japanese pumpkin melds with the richness of bourbon, yielding a cocktail that captures the essence of autumn. In the colder months, a comforting concoction such as the "Nashi Pear Negroni" might grace the menu, with the sweet, crisp notes of winter pear layered against the complex bitterness of Campari.

Each cocktail at Gen Yamamoto is an individual expression, a story told in liquid form, using the finest spirits and the freshest, seasonal produce sourced from farms across Japan. The attentive, yet unobtrusive service ensures that each guest's experience is both memorable and deeply personal.

Visiting Gen Yamamoto is not simply about indulging in a drink; it's about immersing oneself in a journey through Japan's diverse landscapes, one sip at a time. This bar is a must-visit for connoisseurs and casual enthusiasts alike, seeking to find the heart of Japanese cocktail culture in the sophisticated tranquility of Gen Yamamoto's Tokyo haven.

Gen Yamamoto

1-6-4 Azabu-Juban, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0045

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