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Ginza 300 Bar: Homegrown, Handmade and High-Quality

The friendliest — and cheapest — bar in Ginza is an awesome cocktail spot for locals and travelers alike.

By 5 min read

If you’ve spent any time in Tokyo looking for a reliable watering hole (that doesn’t put a major dent in your wallet with outrageous drinks prices, entrance fees, and table charges), then you’ve probably stumbled across (or out of) the original 300 Bar in Ginza — or one of its two sister venues nearby.

A family and tourist-friendly bar in Ginza, Tokyo

Ginza 300 Bar 5-Chome, Ginza 300 Bar 8-Chome, and Ginza 300 Bar Next are all located in Ginza, renowned as being the poshest area in Tokyo. If you aren’t super familiar with the area, live elsewhere in the Kanto region (or Japan) or are just traveling in Tokyo — it can be a tricky location to find a comfortable, family and tourist-friendly space to enjoy cocktails, have some bites and mingle with friendly locals.

For over 25 years, 300 Bar has been the place in the area to do this thanks to its welcoming staff, English menu and fun, international atmosphere. 

The best bar in Tokyo for cheap, top quality cocktails

Ginza 300 Bar Best Bar in Tokyo Cocktails

True to its name everything on the menu is only ¥300. After work or shopping, before dinner or heading out to a club or as a destination in its own right, you can stop by these standing bars, known as tachinomi in Japanese, and enjoy a quality tipple for the cost of just three ¥100 coins. Even better, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. the happy hour at Ginza 300 Bar puts even its top-shelf premium spirits on sale for ¥300. 

Did we mention that all this happens in the middle of ultra-glitzy Ginza and within an easy walk of Ginza, Shimbashi, Yurakucho and Hibiya stations?

May means mojito time!

From May, Ginza 300 Bar is promoting its super popular mojito — awarded “Japan’s Best Mojito” by the Cuban Embassy in Japan. The signature ingredient that landed the plaudits and helps keep the cost down? The fresh, organic mint delivered straight from the company’s own organic farm called Tohoku Bokujo in Aomori Prefecture, planted and recently harvested by staff bartenders.

And it’s not just the mint — the farm also supplies fresh herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and sage for its farm to cocktail offerings that change seasonally (the Sakura Mojito is a highlight of the bar’s spring offerings), as well as the crisp, unprocessed vegetables used in its original salads and other dishes.

Ginza 300 Bar 8-Chome

Located on the Ginza Corridor, a street containing a string of restaurants and bars between JR Yurakucho and Shimbashi stations, this location — while featuring the same prices and menu as the other two bars — is known for its nightlife. Head out a little later in the evening to Ginza 300 Bar 8-Chome and you will be able to not only eat and drink for just ¥300 but also enjoy live music events almost every night, with sets by regularly performing DJs and artists! It’s also a little closer to the area’s night clubs. Meet your friends and enjoy a premium cocktail or two together before heading out to dance the night away.

Ginza 300 Bar Next

The newest location, 300 Bar Next, is situated across the street from the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, one of the oldest and most famous hotels in the city. Here, the focus is on space with a modern, SoHo-style concrete-and-glass structure with a large bar and plenty of counter space for groups of old friends — or new ones! With enough capacity to comfortably hold over 100 people, large events and private parties, customers can still take advantage of the same affordable menu and prices — with no cover charge.

Ginza 300 Bar 5-Chome

The original Ginza 300 Bar 5-Chome opened in 1992 just across from what is now the luxury Ginza Six shopping complex. One of the first true “standing bars” in the city (before the popularity of such places spawned a host of imitators), Ginza 300 Bar 5-Chome has an intimate atmosphere that allows bartenders to interact closely with the patrons. A perfect spot to take a break from the plastic hassle of shopping in central Ginza, this is the location that started the trend. Relax, unwind and enjoy a smaller spot that offers a little more intimacy to sample from the vast menu of organic cocktails and drinks available for just ¥300 or to ask the friendly bartenders for recommendations or inspiration.

Tokyo’s official OG mojito (and other trivia) 

Ginza 300 Bar uses over 300 kilograms of mint per year — just for mojitos!

Other facts you probably don’t know:

  • Ginza 300 Bar uses a lot less sugar in its mojitos to focus on the taste of quality rum and mint — though they can serve you up any variety you’d like.
  • The mojito at Ginza 300 Bar is always just ¥300. Compare that to other nearby lounges, bars, and hotels where the price is often upwards of ¥1,800. 
  • Ginza 300 Bar is a top seller of Havana Club rum in Tokyo, and the group’s bartenders have all spent time in Cuba learning the trade secrets of creating this signature Cuban cocktail.
  • Ginza 300 Bar was invited by Heineken to Amsterdam as the top seller of Heineken beer in Japan — to perfect the art of the pour, of course.
  • There are over 100 different cocktails available on the Ginza 300 Bar menu — all for just ¥300. They specialize in organic and herb cocktails, using ingredients from their organic farm up in Aomori.
  • All locations are open until 4 a.m. making it a great option for hanging out until the first train.
  • Like all good watering holes, the 300 Bar has a happy hour! The only difference? The regular menu items stay the same low price, but from 5 to 7 p.m. all top shelf, premium spirits (like single malt whisky, small batch tequila, and hard-to-find rum) are also reduced to ¥300. 
  • The 300 Bar uses a simple ticket system for patrons: ¥1,000 gets you three vouchers (¥300 each plus tax) — if you don’t use them all up in one night, just bring them back on your next visit.
  • No cash? Running a credit card tab is OK.

Upcoming events

300 Bar NEXT is celebrating its fifth anniversary from this Friday, April 26 until Tuesday, April 30, serving up limited label shochu, cocktails, and a special menu — all to the smooth tunes of a guest DJ. Just after Golden Week, all Ginza 300 Bar’s will be hosting a special Okinawa Night, celebrating the vibrant culture of Japan’s southern tropical paradise. Find out more about what’s going down at each spot on the official website.

Ginza 300 Bar

Open: Mon-Thu & Sun, 5 p.m.-2 a.m.; Fri, Sat & Night before holiday, 5 p.m.-4 a.m.

300 Bar 8-Chome

300 Bar Next

Ginza 300 Bar 5-Chome

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