Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2012

Once confined to expat-heavy districts like Roppongi, shisha bars are now cropping up all over, in various guises, from Persian fast-food bars to hipster hangouts. Here are three of the best: Aladdin in Kichijoji (http://aladdinshishabar.com), housed in a wooden shack as narrow as its menu of ¥600 cocktails is wide; Galata in Jiyugaoka (http://shop.jiyugaoka.net/galata), a cosy Turkish-run kebab joint with outdoor seating and good Turkish wine; and Shisha Cafés 1 & 2 in Shimokitazawa (http://shisha-tokyo.com), with a winning combo of good value, trendy appeal and shisha accessories on sale.