The global reference for hospitality.
Hidetsugu Ueno’s Ginza bar is a defining reference for Japanese cocktail craft. Bespoke drinks, meticulous ice work and quietly attentive service make technique feel personal rather than theatrical.
The Story
Origin
Hidetsugu Ueno opened Bar High Five in Ginza in 2008 after working at Star Bar. It became an international reference point for the precision and hospitality associated with Japanese bartending.
Philosophy
The drink begins with a conversation. Rather than asking guests to navigate an elaborate cocktail list, the team uses preferences and responses to guide a tailored recommendation.
Why Important
It is a key venue for understanding the international influence of Ginza bartending, particularly its emphasis on technique, discretion and personalized hospitality.
Differentiation
High Five combines a highly recognizable founder-led identity with a service model built around each guest rather than a catalogue of signature drinks.
Guest Experience
Guests can expect a measured pace, close observation and cocktails adjusted to individual tastes. Ice carving and exacting preparation are part of the working method, not a separate performance.
Design Philosophy
A restrained, traditional bar setting keeps attention on the bartender, the glass and the exchange across the counter.
Design & Architecture
Lighting
Subdued lighting concentrates attention on the bar.
Furniture
Counter seating is central to the experience.
Materials
Dark wood and glass.
Design Language
Understated, traditional Japanese cocktail-bar formality.
Interior Design
A counter-led interior with dark wood and an intimate scale supports direct contact between guests and bartenders.
Gallery · 1 photos
Menus
BARTENDERS' CHOICE: House Specials
Cocktails · Menu last verified: 8 October 2026
Ceremony
J's Whisky, Macha Green Tea Liqueur, Green Tea Liqueur, Homemade Macha Green Tea Bitters
Japanese Garden
J’s Whisky, Midori, Green Tea Liqueur
Harvester
Brown Spirits, Grape Liqueur, Lemon, Syrup
Full Bloom
J’s Whisky or Dry Gin, Sakura Liqueur, Maraschino, (with Lemon or without), Homemade Roasted Tea Bitters
Curtain Call
J’s Whisky, Plum Liqueur, Ruby Port, Syrup
Sanshin
Premium J’s Vodka, Midori, Lemon, Top up with Beer
Awl (Pink Gimlet)
Dry Gin, Lime, Homemade Gin Syrup, Campari
Innocent Love
Dry Gin, Vermouth Bianco, Lime, Homemade Gin Syrup
Huntsman
Bourbon, Chambord, Orange Bitters
Sake, Shochu Cocktails
Sake: Pure Rice, Aged, Cloudy, Plum Wine, Yuzu. Shochu: Rice, Sweet Potato
BARTENDERS' CHOICE: Kaory's Specials
Cocktails · Menu last verified: 8 October 2026
向日葵(Les Tournesols)
by Vincent van Gogh. M.Mark, Amaretto Syrup, Fresh Cream, Orange Marmalade
晩鐘(L'Angelus)
by Jean-Francois Millet. D.J.Reposado, Chartreuse Jaune, Apricot Syrup, F.Cream
Noa Noa
by Eugène Henri Paul Gauguin. Ron Zacapa, Passionfruit Puree, Bitter Syrup, Yogurt Liqueur, Pineapple
揚巻 (For Tokyo International BarShow)
Ron Zacapa, Cassis, Lime, Soy Sause
Composition
Tanqueray, Irish Mist, Raspberry Puree, Lime, Pernod
Throwing Specials
Bamboo, Adonis, Jerez and more…
BARTENDERS' CHOICE: Japanese Old Classics
Cocktails · Menu last verified: 8 October 2026
Bamboo Cocktail
Fino Sherry, Dry Vermouth, Orange Bitters
Million Dollar
Dry Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Pineapple, Grenadine, Egg White
Yokohama
Dry Gin, Vodka, Orange, Grenadine, Pernod
Cherry Blossom
Cherry Liqueur, Brandy, Orange curaçao, Grenadine, Lemon
Fresh Fruits & Meals: Seasonal Fruits Cocktails
Cocktails · Menu last verified: 8 October 2026
Fruit Pina Colada
Seasonal Fresh Fruitsを入れたFruit Pina Colada、好評です！
Passionfruit
Strawberry
Golden Kiwi
Kiwi
Golden Pineapple
Tomato
Organic Local Lemon
Fresh Fruits & Meals: HIGH FIVE Meals
Meals · Menu last verified: 8 October 2026
Omelet
Homemade Japanese Jamon
MENU
Official page
Watch · Reviews & Tours
Inside Tokyo's Legendary Bar: High Five
Review · The 50 · 5y ago
Visiting one of the best bars in the world - Bar High Five in Tokyo
Review · What Next? · 6y ago
How to make the perfect Highball with Hidetsugu Ueno in Bar High Five, Tokyo, Japan
Review · Mr Lyan's Taste Trips · 1y ago
Inside Tokyo’s Bar High Five
Review · LuckyPeachTV · 11y ago
How to Get in the Tokyo's Toughest but most Breathtaking Bar | Bar High Five
Review · Jenny Dang · 3y ago
Ice Diamonds and Classic Cocktails at Bar High Five
Review · Munchies · 10y ago
