High Five
Tokyo
At a glance
High Five, located in the bustling district of Ginza, Tokyo, offers an inviting and intimate setting for cocktail enthusiasts. This basement bar is known for its polished and classic atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a refined drinking experience. High Five focuses heavily on the art and tradition of cocktail-making, ensuring that every drink served is crafted with precision and expertise. Without a fixed menu, the bartenders are adept at tailoring bespoke cocktails based on the preferences of their patrons, highlighting the bar's dedication to personalized service.
The interior exudes sophistication with a streamlined, minimalistic design that complements the focus on the drinks and the craftsmanship involved in making them. The seating and layout encourage direct interaction with the bartenders, allowing for a customized and engaging experience. Visitors can expect a tranquil environment where emphasis is laid on enjoying the cocktails and the conversations with those creating them.
High Five does not accommodate reservations and adheres to a walk-in policy, ensuring that each visit maintains a casual yet upscale vibe. The establishment's non-smoking policy aligns with Tokyo's regulations, providing a smoke-free environment for its guests. Given its focus on cocktail proficiency, High Five caters to an adult audience mainly interested in a high-quality drinking experience, making it less suited for large groups or families with young children.
Reviews
Awesome bar! No menu - they create custom drinks for you everytime! You tell them what you like and they make you your own, customized drink! Service was amazing, too! My glasses fell out of my purse and I left them in the basket underneath my chair. I called the next day - during non-business hours, and they actually answered the phone, told me that they were closed for inventory and that the elevators would be locked down , but to come by, take the staircase down, and they would be waiting for me! Unbelievable!!!! Thank you - Bar High Five!
We visited Bar High Five during our trip to Japan. The team is clearly very knowledgeable and experienced, and the cocktails were well made. For me, though, it felt a bit too tourist-oriented and slightly restrictive. Afterward, we visited a few smaller local bars and honestly enjoyed those experiences more. The snacks were also not really to my taste. I’m glad we went, but it wasn’t my favorite bar experience in Japan.
I love a good speakeasy, so I was excited to come across this one. Located in a basement, we arrived and waited just a few minutes to be able to sit at the counter. There is no menu. The waiter asked what were our preferences. I asked for a fruity and a low ABV drink, as I’m a lightweight. I don’t know if the waiter really understood my request. Mine was tasty, but it still a bit strong for my liking.
Walked in to Bar High Five because another wine bar in the area didn’t have seats, and that was the best decision I made that night. It was my first time there, and my group and I were warmly greeted by a sharply dressed staff. He took a moment to prepare a table for 3 and ushered us in, taking our jackets and whatnot. I was only expecting to order two drinks that night, but I ended up having three just because every single cocktail I ordered was right on the mark. I asked for a drink that tastes like rum and raisin ice cream—more texture of the cream rather than the sweetness—and it’s legitimately one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting. They used the sweetest wine on earth and somehow managed to neutralise the sweetness. A roulette of snacks was also served alongside the drink. Each serving that I finished was promptly replaced by a different one. Same with the water: our glasses were never empty. My only gripe was that I didn’t get a chance to sit at the bar, hence the atmosphere wasn’t perfect for me; I will definitely make a reservation for the next time I’m back in town.
We had an amazing time here! The staff is very friendly and professional, drinks are second to none, and the overall experience is incredible. Will come here again.
