If you’re looking to pair a tangy summer cocktail with a panoramic view of Tokyo’s skyline, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re a Tokyo local or a hopeful tourist, it’s perfectly acceptable to crave a thirst-quenching experience in a chic atmosphere.

Plus, it’s a perk to enjoy a night away from the vexing mosquitoes flying at ground level. No matter what you’re in the mood for, we have you covered. From laid-back environments all the way to nightclubs, a rooftop experience should be next up on your summer bucket list. 

Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo’s Rooftop Beer Hall (Shinjuku)

*Limited time only: July 1 – August 31, 2024

Kimpton Shinjuku Tokyo has a stylish rooftop beer hall for a limited time only this summer! As the neon lights of Shinjuku city begin to glow and the sky takes on a dreamy hue, this space transforms into a sleek beer hall. Dance to DJ beats on the central stage or relax at a table. Sip on drinks with friends while taking in the nighttime cityscape. The ¥3,000 fee includes one food item, one drink and snacks. This makes it an affordable option for a pre-night out drink or a post-meal cocktail. On certain nights, there are special events including a burlesque night and a drag queen show.

@kimptonshinjukutokyo

Book here!

Hacienda Del Cielo (Shibuya)

Here to fill the gap of Latin food in Japan, Hacienda Del Cielo suits itself with authentic modern cuisine. It mixes traditional spices with a variety of vegetables. While the restaurant focuses on Mexican food, it also serves flavors from South America, including Brazil, Peru and Argentina. The interior looks modern and elegant, but the prices are still affordable. Most drinks are less than ¥1,000. Its ninth floor location boasts the colorful nighttime skyline of Shibuya. This spot is an icon of summer nights in Tokyo.

@haciendadelcielo

Bar Déva (Shibuya)

If you’re looking for a calm atmosphere to catch up with friends or go on a date, this bar is the perfect choice. Just a two-minute walk away from Ebisu or 15 minutes from Shibuya, this is a laid-back bar located on the seventh floor. It offers a cool atmosphere even on a humid summer night. Decorated in an elegant brown and red theme, the bar is accentuated with blue elements complementing the night sky. There is a sophisticated selection of drinks and appetizers, peaking in excellent gin, bitter chocolate and orangettes for whiskey and wine lovers. Try the seasonal fruit cocktail.

@deva_ebisu

ComMunE (Shibuya)

Perched on the top of Shibuya Parco, ComMunE’s casual vibe is a great place to take a break after a long shopping spree or to relax with friends and enjoy the evening. It also houses two eateries-slash-bars: IKI-BA, a diner with panini, curry and fruity seasonal beverages and TAKOBAR. The latter offers authentic meat and veggie tacos and drinks made of Latin American liquors.

A-bridge (Setagaya)

A little bit niche but not at all less interesting is A-Bridge. This spot overlooks the trendy area of Sangenjaya, just 5 minutes from Shibuya by train. Designed with a mix of wood and concrete, A-Bridge is brought to life by greenery giving it that urban jungle feel. A-Bridge serves small bites and main dishes throughout the day and night. They have every bar-typical drink from beer and wine to soft drinks and fancy cocktails.

@a-bridge

Roku Nana (Roppongi)

The dim lighting, the lush plants, and the fine menu of fermented grapes make Roku Nana one of our go-to’s for date night. Just a short walk from Roppongi Hills, Roku Nana has both indoor and outdoor seating, with an emphasis on lighting as the main driver for their calm ambiance. Outside, their tables are made of glass, boxing beaded candelabras. This glow is dim enough to contrast the surrounding buildings’ lights and the blue sky at dusk. Spotlighting their truffle popcorn and their pickled quail eggs, their food menu consists of small appetizers made to properly counterbalance their potent drinks. 

@rokunana_roppongi

Cé La Vi Tokyo (Shibuya)

If you’re active in Tokyo’s nightlife, you probably already know this one. Cé La Vi is a rooftop bar-slash-club that’s popular with many crowds, and with its stunning view of Shibuya’s skyline, it’s not surprising. The terrace area combines distinctly luxurious vibes with the experience of floating above the heart of Tokyo. Even if you’re familiar with Cé La Vi as a club, it’s worth checking them out during the day or in the evening before they’re packed with dancing bodies. They have a selection of signature cocktails and an extensive wine list, and their BAO burger is great if you’re looking for something a little different but still comforting. 

@celavitokyo

Sky Lounge “Stellar Garden” (Minato)

In a city flooded with lights, it’s hard to overlook the glowing heart of the city, the Tokyo Tower, pumping blood to its people. Although the Skytree has had its fair share of fame, at the end of the day, the Tokyo Tower lives to be Japan’s Eiffel Tower. And if you want front-row seats, head to the Sky Lounge “Stellar Garden” occupying the 33rd floor of The Prince Park Tower. The drink menu is chock full of creative cocktails, flamboyant mocktails and delicate eats. We recommend reserving ahead to secure the couple’s seating for the best close-up view. 

Roof Dogs (Ginza)

A two-minute walk from Higashi Ginza Station sits the glowing ALOFT Hotel. Its style attracts the younger crowds. Once you take the elevator to the seventeenth floor, you arrive in an electric hallway, leading you to Roof Dogs. This is a bar that’s reminiscent of San Francisco’s Haight Street. The balcony is outfitted with picturesque lights and a retro Volkswagen nestled in the corner. Plus, the open-air terrace is enclosed with glass, so you don’t miss out on the views across Ginza’s skyline. Roof Dogs plates American food, including snacks, hotdogs and the signature ALOFT burger. Although their list isn’t long, their drinks are reasonably priced. For example, wine and sangria are priced at ¥1,100 per glass and beer for ¥900. Roof Dogs is a one-and-only that won’t break the bank.

Are you looking for something to fill you up before getting a drink? Check out this article of ours and travel back in time: Indomitable Eats: A Guide to the Oldest Restaurants in Tokyo

 Original Article by Jessica Thompson