Sure, the bars are small in Ginza, but few are smaller than Mod. It describes itself as a ‘walk-in bar’ and that’s about all you can do here. Once you walk into this true hole-in-the-wall near the swanky Muji Hotel, you’re the only thing between the bar counter and the door. There’s space for just six drinkers, but in good weather, Mod’s dedicated patrons huddle around a couple of outdoor tables, too. For workers in the area, Mod is something of a Ginza institution. So on most nights, you’ll find a crowd of older salarymen stopping by to chat to the lone bartender over an after-work drink.
The space may be small, but the selection is surprisingly large, with a focus on whisky. The bar is cash-only and a glass of whisky or draught beer starts at ¥800, with wine and other spirits at ¥900. Classic cocktails are on offer, too, from ¥1,100. Of course, not all the beautiful bottles staring at you from the back bar are a bargain, so be sure to check the price before you order that glass of limited edition Yamazaki.