The 2025 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars has just been unveiled – and this year, Tokyo finally sees some fresh faces making their debut on the prestigious list. Announced at an award ceremony in Macau on July 15, this year’s ranking features 20 brand-new entries spanning 23 locales across Asia.
The honour of Tokyo’s highest ranking bar goes to Hiroyasu Kayama's Bar Benfiddich in Shinjuku, which claimed ninth place. Another recurring name on the list is Virtù at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, coming in at No 18.
Joining these familiar favourites are two Tokyo bars making their debut on this year’s list. Sitting at No 36 is Punch Room Tokyo, located inside The Tokyo Edition, Ginza. This bar is renowned for its punch cocktails reimagined with Japanese spirits and flavours and served in elegant bowls for sharing.
Additionally, Bar Libre in Ikebukuro just made the cut, securing the No 49 spot. A fixture in the city for 14 years, the bar continues to attract discerning imbibers with its unpretentious atmosphere and inventive cocktails crafted with Japanese ingredients.
The only other bars in Japan to make the list were Kumamoto's Yakoboku (No 25) and Lamp Bar (No 46) in Nara. Together, these bars continue to fly the flag for Japan’s top-tier cocktail culture beyond Tokyo.
To see the full list of Asia’s 50 best bars, visit the website.
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