Bar Louis

Hiding out on a side street just off Nihonbashi's flashy Chuo-dori, Louis was named after a bar described by sci-fi author Ryo Hanmura in one of his novels, and is particularly popular among lone drinkers for one simple reason – solo patrons occasionally get served special mixtures not available to other customers. Entering the basement space via the narrow staircase takes a little courage, but you'll be glad to have made the plunge once in the small room, which houses little more than a smooth counter, a bookshelf and seven stools. The counter is especially noteworthy: lovingly crafted out of 300-year-old red oak, it'll make you want to feel the wood straight after arriving at your seat. Built to last for decades, it's watched over by a tough-looking but talkative and friendly bartender who's very welcoming even to first-timers and will explain the contents of each cocktail in detail.