Bar Gen Yamamoto

Specializing in seasonal cocktails and with just eight tables inside, this quiet bar sits on a narrow side street in Azabu-Juban. There's no music, and Gen Yamamoto’s presence is more like a mixologist monk than a boisterous bartender. The parade of glassware created by Japanese artists adds a heightened visual and textural element. The way to go is a flight of cocktails that may include surprising ingredients like creamy sweet potato, tomatoes, or wasabi. Insider tip: The shop opens at 3 p.m., so go early and have your pre-dinner drinks here.