As the name suggests, this bar is devoted to the music of another era, the 1970s. Located near the northern entrance to Chinatown, it has thousands of tracks, Japanese as well as British and American artists, by all the big stars and most of the minor ones as well. The facade looks like a shop from Carnaby Street of London in the 1960s. Inside, there is seating for 36 at tables and the counter in relative comfort. The menu is predominantly American with such bar favorites as tacos, pizza and burgers. They also do an interesting line of cocktails based on peach liquor.
For explorative gastronomes who’re not afraid of venturing into unknown territories, the Vampire Café is a rewarding destination. Located in the swanky center of Ginza, this Gothic culinary escape is enveloped in striking crimson velvet décor, offering just the right ambience for an eerie, yet memorable dining experience. Complementing the experience are the many detailed additions such as the curiously dressed waiters and waitresses, a coffin centerpiece and Victorian-style candles. The French- and Italian-leaning menu is teeming with dishes that are garnished in accordance with the theme. Don’t be surprised to find devoted diners decked up in Gothic savoring their meals at a neighboring table.
You would most likely walk right by Sanpei Saketen, perhaps mistaking if for a tiny noodle shop or a smoking shack, but not a bar. But that's exactly what Sanpei Saketen is - a tiny, street-level standing bar that's two-thirds hidden behind the vending machines just outside. There are no seats, but there is a toilet, just in case. The floor is as dirty and cheap as the dirt cheap drinks, which start at JPY150. It's cool in winter and fills with second-hand smoke in the blink of an eye, but it's a great place to rub shoulders with locals. Sanpei Saketen is a tight, reasonably friendly, alcoholic pit stop where you can top up before you go on your way. -Stephen Lebovits
Heading westward on Tokyo's famed Chuo line is Mitaka, known more as a transport hub and for its close proximity to the chic Kichijoji district than anything else. However, Ongaku no Jikan (Music Time) now offers ample reason to trek out to this underappreciated district. This second-hand music store is a cool spot to relax during the day, but when the sun goes down, Ongaku no Jikan turns into a bar and live act house, offering a variety of local and international beers and whiskies in a shabby-chic environment. Stroll in on any given night and you may catch a local live act, some DJ tuning the place up, or just friendly folks hanging out. With lots to look at and read and an extremely affable owner, it's time for you to tune into Ongaku no Jikan. -Stephen Lebovits
This little bar on the fifth floor of an apartment building is truly a hidden gem you should visit. The cozy dimly lit space is filled with different toys, games, and music equipment from the retro days bringing back their memories for the patrons here. At this unique place guests can have a good time sipping on a delectable drink as they play one of their favorite video games, they enjoyed as a child in the past. Located in the Shinjuku neighborhood of Tokyo, 8bit café definitely assures a memorable time in the city.