Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009

Courtesy of Amuse Museum

When we wrote about Asakusa’s new Amuse Museum (right) last month, we neglected to mention an important detail: you can also drink there. Along with innovative displays covering various aspects of Japanese culture, the self-proclaimed “live museum” also features a pair of elegantly appointed watering holes. The fifth floor Gallery Bar Cafe Cinq is a futuristic white space in which ukiyo-e images are projected onto the walls. However, our vote goes to Bar 6 upstairs, where customers can enjoy panoramic views of the neighborhood, including Senso-ji temple. Prices are in keeping with the rarified setting: a draft beer will run you ¥800, most of the cocktails cost ¥1,200, and there’s an ¥800 cover charge per person.