Tokyo has no shortage of themed experiences for both visitors and locals to enjoy. The city is also home to some of the best bars in the world — in 2025, three Tokyo bars made it onto The World’s 50 Best Bars list. So, what happens when you combine the best of both worlds?
If your mind can think of it, chances are there is already a themed venue for it somewhere in Tokyo. Our list today compiles 10 must-visit themed bars in the Tokyo area, which you should definitely squeeze into your Japan trip!
1. Tír na nóg
This breathtaking bar in Ginza takes inspiration from fairytale mythology and transports you into a cozy, dimly-lit underground hideaway. The eclectic interior is decorated with butterflies, fairies, and potions. There is even a cotton candy machine, which is used to create cotton candy cocktails! The almost dream-like aesthetic of this bar will help you detach from the real world as you indulge in one of their finely crafted drinks.
TÍr na nóg features a wide variety of beautifully-made drinks, such as the Fairytale Mule, Tokyo Tiptoe Julep, Blue Fairy Mojito, and the Pink Taho. Some of the drinks can be as magical as the decor itself, and it’s not just in the presentation — the drinks taste as good as they look. Head to this elegant, enchanting bar for a night out on the town..
Address: Cheers Ginza B1, 5-9-5 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061
Closest Station: Higashi-Ginza Station
Price: ~¥3,000-4,000
Website: www.tirnanog-ginza.com/
2. NEOShinjuku Atsushi
NEOShinjuku Atsushi is the bar for lovers of all things neon and cyberpunk. Located in Shinjuku, this watering hole might make you feel as if you are wandering a narrow alleyway from Bladerunner or Cyberpunk 2077, with its maximalist, grunge design taking inspiration from dystopian futuristic cities. The vibe extends well beyond the decor as the drinks and food available play into the overall aesthetic of the bar.
The bar offers a selection of eccentric cocktails, including their Aosui thin-grass sake, Kirinaka Aoba sake, and Mars Flower Heat Wine. NEOShinjuku Atsushi’s food options include an impressive number of vegetarian items, which can be a bit of a rarity in Tokyo. Their vegetarian dandan noodles, vegetarian ebi fillet, and vegan cheeseburger are perfect for guests who are craving a beyond-meat food selection.
Address: Sankei Building 4F, 3-3-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Closest Station: Shinjuku-Sanchome Station
Price: ~¥2,000-3,000
Website: neoshinjukuatsushi.com
Wondering if you should explore Shinjuku or Shibuya? Check out our comparison between Shibuya and Shinjuku.
3. Dogenzaka Church
Dogenzaka Church is not your typical church; inside, nuns serve drinks as bumping music fills the chapel walls. The interior takes a creative spin on a traditional church layout, with the altar being used as a DJ box, illuminated by a bright, glowing cross perched just behind. Visitors can also sit back and enjoy their drinks in the rows of pews facing the altar.
The drink options at the bar are quite expensive here, including champagnes, vodkas, whiskeys, and sakes, to name a few. With the bar open until the late hours of the morning every night of the week, Dogenzaka Church is always a great spot for a chill drink or a bustling dancefloor, depending on the time and day of the week.
Address: Central Kyoritsu Building 1F, 2-16-5 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043
Closest Station: Shibuya Station
Price: ~¥1,000-2,000
Website: dogenzaka-church.com
4. Muscle Bar Macho Macho Shinjuku
If you’re looking for a wild night in a bar that screams “only in Japan”, then Muscle Bar Macho Macho will not disappoint! The theme of this bar is exactly as the name suggests: get served drinks by buff men until the early morning hours.
In addition to the drinks, there is also a plethora of additional experiences one can purchase, such as having one of the bodybuilders squeeze a pineapple over your drink with their bare hands or having them lift you up like a weight.
Muscle Bar Macho also offers all-you-can-drink options, making it a great choice for a special night out with friends or a celebration. This bar is equally about the spectacle and memory-making as it is the drinks, so if you are looking to have a night that will be full of chaotic and funny moments, then you need to check out Muscle Bar Macho! Check out our article on unique experiences in Shinjuku for more atypical recommendations.
Address: Ida Building 2F, 1-4-6 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
Closest Station: Shinjuku-Sanchome Station
Price: ~¥5,000-10,000
Website: macho-macho29.com/shinjuku-cast
5. 8bit Cafe
8bit Cafe is a special little bar in Tokyo that is the perfect gem for retro video game enthusiasts. The warm and nostalgic setting takes guests back to the era of 1980s and 90s video games and media pop culture, as the interior space is decorated with posters and trinkets that pay homage to that time period.
Visitors can also test their gaming skills on one of the bar’s many retro arcade machines or old gaming consoles, including the Famicom and Mega Drive. There is also an assortment of multiplayer games for a drink with friends while going head-to-head in a tournament. The entertainment options don’t stop at video games either, as the venue frequently hosts live music events and performances.
As for the drink menu, expect plenty of cheeky references in the drink titles, such as “Peach Princess Temptation”, “Dr. Mario”, and “Crazy Climber”, to name a few. The alcohol range is quite expansive, with both reliable classics and quirky drinks. There is also a selection of food to munch on, including finger food, which pairs well with their specialty drinks.
Address: 5F, 3-8-9 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022
Closest Station: Shinjuku-Sanchome Station
Price: ~¥2,000-3,000
Website: 8bitcafe.tokyo/
6. Deathmatch in Hell
Tucked away in the narrow, bustling alleys of Kabukicho’s Golden Gai district, you will find the iconic Deathmatch in Hell. This small bar packs a big punch in terms of its commitment to all things horror, maximizing each centimeter with pop culture memorabilia from movies and knick-knacks related to the genre.
As you drink, feel free to watch snippets from various horror movies play on the television screens or start a conversation with fellow horror and punk enthusiasts. The sole bartender and owner is also extremely welcoming and friendly towards guests, creating a unique blend of a chaotic yet cozy atmosphere. It is clear that he has a strong passion for his bar and the commitment to theming by displaying his horror collection to guests.
As for drink options, expect to find options such as whiskeys, bourbons, beer, as well as a variety of shochu cocktails. The drinks pair nicely with the gritty atmosphere, and we highly recommend checking out this fascinating bar if you find yourself in the narrow alleys of Golden Gai and are looking for a nice drink and a vintage horror film atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in Tokyo.
Address: 1-1-8 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo160-0021
Closest Station: Shinjuku-Sanchome Station
Price: ~¥1,000-2,000
7. Science Bar Incubator
Are you a fan of the sciences and chemistry, or simply looking for drink presentations with unparalleled theming? Then check out Science Bar Incubator in Shinjuku! This bar will make you feel like a scientist conducting experiments in a lab. Throw on your white lab coats (free of charge) and indulge in one of their many creative cocktails and colorful food options.
For drinks, you can order a combination of red and white wines served to you in on-theme test tubes. Not your style? Perhaps their absinthe served in a scientific measuring cup with a sugar cube melted over the top of the liquor can even change colors!
If you’re hungry, you can enjoy items such as grilled Gouda cheese, which is roasted over an alcohol lamp. Looking for something sweet? Try the Vanilla Ice Cream Carbonyl Compound AE, an ice cream that is served in a lab dish.
Address: 7 Arakicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0007
Closest Station: Yotsuya-Sanchome Station
Price: ~¥2,000-4,000
Website:/www.incubator.sc/
8. Decabar
If you are searching for an underground bar that caters to Japan’s vibrant array of subculture scenes, then be sure to add Decabar to your Tokyo itinerary! This bar will make you feel like you are in a fever dream in the best way possible, with bright neon lights, eccentric and whimsical decor, and frequently-hosted special events and performances.
The theme can vary drastically from night to night, ranging from goth to cosplay nights and everything in between for guests to partake in. One thing is for sure: it is highly encouraged to bring out your most stylish and bold outfits when visiting this bar!
The drinks menu serves a wide variety of cocktails, as well as beers and wines. You can also ask the bartender for their daily specials, which will no doubt be as vibrant as the bar itself! There are vegetarian and gluten-free dishes in the menu.
Address: Asahi Building B1, 1-9-8 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0021
Closest Station: Seibu-Shinjuku Station
Price: ~¥1,000-3,000
Website: www.tokyodecadance.com/
9. Detective Bar Progress
As soon as you step through the caution-tape-covered door, a chalk outline of a human body on the floor and decor make you feel as if you stepped into a crime novel.
Are you a fan of the mystery genre? Ever wanted to sip a cocktail and have a nice chat with some real detectives? Then Detective Bar Progress is the perfect niche bar for you.
What’s even better? The staff here only moonlight as bartenders; during the day, they work as legitimate professional detectives. That’s right: the theming of this bar reaches a whole new level of dedication. Feel free to converse with the bartenders and ask them about their work over a refreshing drink.
Detective Bar Progress is also highly interactive for customers. Guests can immerse themselves further into the lifestyle of a detective by going on a free scavenger hunt to find an eavesdropping device in the bar. Additionally, for ¥880, you can purchase a fingerprinting set from the bar as well.
The bar also has a wide assortment of food and drinks available, ranging from simpler alcohols and dishes to more unique and wacky creations.
Address: 2-47-1 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0014
Closest Station: Ikebukuro Station
Price: ~¥1,000-3,000
Website: tantei-cafe.com/
10. Bar Benfiddich
Bar Benfiddich resembles a medieval apothecary. This quaint space is decorated with herbs and plants in a dimly-lit atmosphere, curating a sense of comfort and connection with the natural and organic parts of the Earth.
But the aspect of this bar that truly stands out? There is no menu; rather, the bartender will create a specialty beverage tailored specifically to your tastes and preferences. This personalized approach to bartending guarantees each visitor will receive a one-of-a-kind drink that will not match their friends’ drinks nor anyone else’s.
Bar Benfiddich places a strong emphasis on crafting these fine drinks and cocktails using ingredients that are cultivated by the owner himself on his farm. This unique element neatly ties together the overarching theme of nature within the bar, giving visitors a sophisticated yet relaxing atmosphere to savor these high-quality cocktails in. Just make sure to book your reservations well in advance, as spots are extremely limited!
Address: 1-13-7 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
Closest Station: Shinjuku Station
Price: ~¥3,000-5,000
Conclusion: Explore Tokyo’s Bar Scene Like a Local!
As you have seen, Tokyo is a creative hot spot in terms of themed establishments, with bars being no exception. There are plenty of unique drinking experiences you will find only in Tokyo that are unlike anywhere else in the world.
Are you looking for a way to further immerse yourself in the Japanese nightlife scenes and communicate like a pro? Take one of our Japanese courses here at Coto Academy to kick-start your learning adventure so that you can make the most of your time in Japan!
With both intensive and part-time courses at multiple levels, there’s a class tailored to your goals. Start learning today, and experience Tokyo’s drinking culture like a true local!
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- Structured learning: 18 course levels with accurate level checks, ensuring a clear progression path.
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- Small classes: Taught by professional, experienced teachers.
- Convenient locations: Study in the heart of Tokyo, in Shibuya, with three other campuses available.
FAQ
What is a Gaijin Bar?
A Gaijin bar is a bar that caters to foreign visitors and expats in Japan. These bars often encourage international visitors to come inside and actively welcome them into their establishments. Foreigners make up a significant number of the clientele for these bars.
What makes Tokyo’s bar scene so unique?
Tokyo’s bar scene is unique because of the city’s diverse drinking scenes. On one hand, there are classy and chic bars that serve high-end specialty cocktails; on the other, you can stumble into a small bar with avant-garde and highly themed eccentric decor. There is a bar for just about everybody here in Tokyo.
Can foreigners go to bars in Japan?
Yes, foreigners can go to bars in Japan. It is extremely common for foreigners to go out drinking in Japan; however, certain bars may be more welcoming to tourists than others.
What is the red zone district in Tokyo?
Kabukicho is known as Tokyo’s red light zone due to its bustling nightlife scenes and wide range of bars, host/hostess clubs, nightclubs, and lounges that are often open throughout the entire night.
How old do you have to be to drink in Japan?
The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old.
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