Where Tokyo's top bartender enjoys drinking and dining

Tokyo boasts a wealth of hidden gem bars, each with its own unique charm.

However, Bar High Five stands out as one of the rare bars to achieve international acclaim, ranked 3rd by Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2017 and 13th by World’s 50 Best Bars the same year.

Led by Hidetsugu Ueno, a guest on David Chang’s TV show ‘Mind of a Chef,’ Bar High Five is an intimate 12-seat establishment located in the upscale Ginza district, near the Tsukiji Market in central Tokyo.

‘Bar High Five doesn’t have a fixed concept,’ explains Ueno to Dinogo Travel. ‘There’s no menu. Each cocktail is crafted specifically for the guest, based on their tastes. Whether it’s something tangy, refreshing, or a classic, it all depends on the mood and the day.’

While Ueno doesn’t offer a menu, he does have a few signature drinks that have become staples.

Among his signature cocktails are the White Lady (a mix of gin, Cointreau, and lemon juice), a refreshing Bellini made with fresh Japanese peaches, and his impressive collection of over 200 whiskies.

Though Ueno believes Bar High Five’s unique experience can’t be replicated outside Tokyo due to strict quality control, he’s involved in creating the drinks and ambiance at several international venues.

Last year, Ueno partnered to open the stylish Bar De Luxe in Hong Kong and launched the Locker Room in Bangkok this July.

In Tokyo, when patrons settle in at Bar High Five, Ueno eagerly recommends his favorite dining and drinking spots across the city.

Dinogo Travel caught up with the master mixologist to discover his top spots, from lively beer halls to elegant sushi experiences.

Star Bar

“I apprenticed under Mr. Hisashi Kishi at Star Bar for many years,” Ueno shares. “It may sound unusual, but Mr. Kishi, my mentor, introduces customers to me, not the other way around. It’s always been this way.”

“Of course, I highly recommend Star Bar. The drinks are incredible, and Mr. Kishi is there to craft them himself. The ambiance is fantastic, and some of the bartenders speak a bit of English, making it easy to communicate.”

“They don’t have a menu either, but Mr. Kishi’s specialty is the Sidecar. It’s incredibly smooth and refined.”

Star Bar, B1/F, 1-5-13 Ginza, Tokyo, Japan; +81 3 3535 8005

Marugin

“I enjoy the simple pleasures, like dining at small local Japanese izakayas. I have one favorite, though it’s really a hidden gem.”

“It’s called Marugin. The owners are very friendly, and they offer an English menu. It’s a fantastic spot for quick bites – grilled chicken with rice or noodles if that’s what you’re in the mood for. They’ve got a bit of everything.”

“It’s the kind of place where you order a beer or a highball – whiskey mixed with soda served in a jug – and everyone just enjoys themselves.”

Marugin, 7-1 Ginza, Tokyo, Japan; +81 3 3571 8989

Ginza Lion

“There’s a stunning beer hall in the city, called Lion. Built in the 1930s, it was Japan’s very first beer hall, located right on the street level in Ginza.”

“It’s operated by Sapporo Beer. They offer their own Lion Special along with a wide selection of beers, including stouts, lagers, white ales, and more. They also serve German-style dishes with a Japanese twist – my personal favorite is the thinly sliced roast beef, though it sells out fast.”

Ginza Lion, 7-9-20 Ginza, Tokyo, Japan; +81 50 5788 0502

Kagura Sushi

“For sushi, I have a secret spot I don’t often mention. It’s called Kagura, located in the Tsukiji fish market. Unlike the famous sushi spots with long waits, this one is more intimate.”

“It’s a very traditional place, using a classic red vinegar that’s less sour, giving the rice a slight color.”

“Then, they lightly torch the raw fish, which crisps up just a bit. A touch of salt and citrus completes the dish. It’s something truly special – my hidden sushi gem.”

Kagura Sushi, 4-14-13 Tsukiji, Tokyo, Japan; +81 3 3541 4180

Sushiko

“There are actually two locations of Sushiko in Japan. One is part of a chain, and the other is a high-end, expensive option. I enjoy both for different reasons.”

“I often visit the chain branch after work. It’s convenient, and they have a signature dish called sake harasu, which translates to salmon belly. It’s a popular item that people always order.”

Sushiko, 1/F, Aile D’ore Bldg, 6-5-8 Ginza, Tokyo, Japan; +81 3 5568 0505

Sushiko Honten

“Then there’s the high-end Sushiko. This is a very authentic, traditional sushi spot. There’s no menu, and you won’t know the bill until it’s time to pay…,”

“I visited for the first time with my best friend from London. I was nervous, unsure if I was worthy of dining at such an exclusive place.”

“We kicked off with sashimi, beer, and sake. It was incredibly pricey, but by the end, I felt like I had earned the right to sit at that table.”

“That was the moment I truly felt like I had ‘arrived.’”

Sushiko Honten, 6-3-8 Ginza, Tokyo, Japan; +81 3 3571 1968

Bar Mimi

“There’s a bar I always recommend to international visitors, just 20 steps away from mine. It’s called Mimi, a cozy spot smaller than my own place, with a basement seating area.”

“The bartender, Fumiyasu Mimitsuka, is an IBA World Cup Champion, and he’s a fantastic guy.”

“He spent some time in North America, so he speaks a bit of English. He’s like a little brother to me – even though he’s over 40, you know what I mean.”

Bar Mimi, B2/F, Wakamatsu Bldg B2F, 6-6-19 Ginza, Tokyo, Japan; +81 3 6274 6629

Kamiya Bar

“I sometimes head to the Asakusa district, which is just a 20-minute metro ride from Ginza. There’s a bar called Kamiya Bar located near an ancient temple, Sensō-ji.”

“It’s called a ‘bar,’ but it’s not what you’re imagining. It’s more of a local social club, very casual and not at all formal. It’s the kind of place where the neighborhood gathers.”

“This place is incredibly old, and they serve a signature liquor that’s really strong. I bring my friends and fellow bartenders here, and they all enjoy it. The food is a mix of Japanese and Western dishes, and people typically hang out downstairs while eating upstairs.”

Kamiya Bar, 1-1-1 Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan; +81 3 3841 5400

Ranzu

“I’m practically made of coffee,” Ueno says, gesturing to his iced coffee. “There’s a place near my bar that’s a personal favorite of mine. It has a very traditional vibe.”

“In Japan, barista-style coffee isn’t as common. The culture here leans more toward classic drip coffee and brewing methods.”

“At Ranzu, there’s a long counter where you can sit down and enjoy a small cup of coffee.”

Ranzu, 1/F, New Ginza Bldg, 7-3-13 Ginza, Tokyo, Japan; +81-3-3571-8266