Star Bar Ginza

In the basement depths of Ginza's MODERNS building, Star Bar Ginza Tokyo represents the pinnacle of Japanese bartending artistry, where Hisashi Kishi's legendary precision transforms classic cocktails into transcendent experiences through hand-carved "Ninja Ice" and his signature hard shake technique.

Since opening in 2000, Star Bar Ginza has become the epicenter of Japan's cocktail renaissance under the masterful guidance of Hisashi Kishi, the youngest-ever winner of Japan's national Scotch cocktail competition and former International Bar Association world champion. As director of technical research for the Nippon Bartenders Association, Kishi has elevated this intimate Tokyo cocktail bar into a training ground for legends, including Bar High Five's Hidetsugu Ueno, who apprenticed here for nearly two decades. The bar's influence extends far beyond Ginza, featured on NHK's "The Professionals" and inspiring luxury collaborations like the Seiko Presage Cocktail Time limited edition watch.

The drinks program at this luxury bar Tokyo showcases Kishi's scientific approach to classic cocktails, where tradition meets innovation through meticulous technique. His legendary Cognac Sidecar demonstrates this philosophy perfectly—frothing Cognac and triple sec before executing his signature hard shake, a vigorous figure-eight motion that aerates and chills simultaneously. Each cocktail arrives crowned with a single, crystal-clear ice cube, hand-carved to chill efficiently without compromising flavor integrity. The White Lady achieves breathtaking balance through precise measurements of gin, Cointreau, and fresh lemon juice, while the Martinez showcases Old Tom Gin's complexity alongside sweet vermouth, Maraschino, and orange bitters. These aren't merely drinks but studies in balance and refinement, executed with scientific rigor yet artistic soul.

The experience unfolds in Star Bar Ginza's calm, cozy basement sanctuary, where understated elegance meets warm hospitality. The intimate, non-smoking environment allows guests to fully appreciate each cocktail's nuanced aromas and flavors, while the layout encourages meaningful interaction between bartender and patron. Service embodies Japanese omotenashi—friendly yet supremely professional, with bartenders crafting bespoke cocktails tailored to individual preferences. The atmosphere reflects Ginza's sophisticated aesthetic through warm lighting and comfortable seating that transforms this basement location into an exclusive speakeasy-style retreat.

Reservations are essential for experiencing this best cocktail bar in Tokyo, where Kishi's influence on global bartending culture continues to inspire new generations. Star Bar Ginza reservations should be made well in advance, as discerning cocktail connoisseurs worldwide recognize this as an unmissable pilgrimage destination where precision, tradition, and hospitality converge in perfect harmony.