Bar Cacoi

'Japanese-style' bars have been popping up here and there in Tokyo in recent years, but few of them take the wa factor as far as Cacoi. Influenced by the aesthetics and structure of traditional tea rooms, this quirky watering hole first opened in Shibuya back in 2005 but moved to its current Ginza location, near the Kabukiza, in 2012. Look closely and you'll spot the small irori (sunken hearth) in the room – these folks sure have thought of everything. Flavour-infused cocktails are the name of the game, but instead of blueberry or watermelon, the master will power up your drink with a shot of green tea. Said to be difficult to get right, our ryokucha gin was refreshing and not bitter at all – a real show of strength from Cacoi's master. There is one thing to watch out for, though: the street-level entrance leads directly to a dark and rather steep staircase, only at the base of which you'll find the bar door, so be careful not to stumble and fall all the way down, no matter how thirsty you are.