Gen Yamamoto

I googled best cocktail bar in Tokyo and Gen Yamamoto came up in almost every single list. I made a reservation immediately and went to check out the place. Like every fine Japanese restaurant, his ingredients are based on seasonal produce from the best areas.

From the official website:
Gen Yamamoto offers a cocktail tasting menu which is created from carefully selected and seasonal local fresh produce and fine liquors. The cocktail tasting menu reflects “shiki”, Japanese seasonality.
Natural flavors come together in harmony for each cocktail. The cocktail tasting menu is a progression of flavors.

The place is at a super dark corner, you won't be able to find it unless you specifically look for it. It's a 8-seater barand he has only 3-4 seatings each day and I was lucky to have a seat on that day. No music, no crowd, just 8 seats and Gen himself. The way he makes his drinks is a performance itself.

1. Konatsu from Kochi and Sugar Cane Shochu

2. Pineapple from Okinawa, Sparkling Sake and Peppercorn Leaves

3. Passion Fruit from Okinawa, Single Malt Whisky and soda

4. Tomato from Kumamoto, Gin from Finland and soda

5. Cotswold Wheat-based Gin, Lemon from Shizuoka, Ginger and soda

6. Watermelon from Kumamoto, Konatsu zest and pulp, Sweet-potato Shochu slushie

The drinks are light, well balanced and simply delicious. There were no overwhelming taste of alcohol, just the freshness of the ingredients. I have never tasted tomato or pineapple with that kind of flavour. If you haven't noticed, the drinks are progressive in light to dark colours.

I asked him if he names his cocktails, he said he doesn't because he could come out with a different cocktail depending on the ingredients that he has. I could come in tomorrow to a totally different set of cocktails.

I left the bar with 7500yen less from my pocket but the satisfaction of having the best bar experience and drinks in the world is priceless.