Fos

Once an okiya (geisha house), Fos’ traditional structure doesn’t have any signboard on its facade, making it a hidden gem mostly occupied by Asakusa locals. Yes, you can fully relax here instead of fighting your way through the crowds to order a drink.

Don’t forget to take off your shoes before entering the dimly-lit space. Then make a beeline for the bar counter manned by the owner-bartender Takahiro Mori and his colleague Kazuki Hayakawa (pictured). There's no drink menu, so just inform them of your preferred spirit and flavours and they will concoct a cocktail suited to your taste. The countless bottles that line the shelves behind bar is a good indication of the variety you can expect at Fos. 

Cocktails start at ¥1,000 while whisky options are available from ¥800. However, bear in mind that there's a rather hefty ¥800 table charge. On the bright side, with last orders at 2.30am, this is one of the rare bars in Asakusa that's made for the night owls.