Heading to Japan this holiday season? Be sure to pencil in a visit to the chic and chaotic Tokyo Confidential, one of the capital’s hottest cocktail bars
True to its name, Tokyo Confidential is one of the Japanese capital’s most deliciously discreet drinking haunts — a little slice of quirky, cosmopolitan action tucked on the top floor of an unassuming 10-storey building in affluent Azabu-Jūban, a short stroll from Roppongi’s buzzier areas.
Founded by Holly Graham — whom you might recognise from her spot on Bar World 100’s ranking of industry influencers, her book Cocktails of Asia or one of her many guest shifts around Malaysia — the barely two-year-old establishment is something of an up-and-coming prodigy in the local bar scene, having placed No 53 and No 70 respectively on the extended 51-100 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2024 and 2025.
When the lift opens to the ninth floor that Tokyo Confidential calls home, the warm illumination, rich wooden interiors and grand view of the city skyline might initially suggest a seriously sophisticated vibe, but one look at the glittering disco ball, funky trinkets, vibrant vintage artwork and custom-made Godzilla keg (fully functional but a massive pain to clean, Graham shares) more than tips off the playful, silly spirit that pulses through the space. This lighthearted locale, where shots and champagne towers go hand in hand, invites guests to imbibe in elegance, yet not turn away from the chaos of a good party.
The snaking countertop, carved from a piece of 300-year-old reclaimed shrine wood, is as arresting a central feature as it is practical. Most seats offer a front-row view of the shaking and making, while a dual-sided configuration can accommodate couples or parties hoping to chat. Hooks under the table keep totes and handbags out of the way: no more balancing purses on your lap, plus a clear surface to photograph your tipples on. Speaking of picturesque, even though the balcony grants a nice nocturnal vista, you can also ascend to the secret 10th floor for an unobstructed view of the glowing Tokyo Tower.
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The staff here are fluent in English, and keep in mind that the bar accepts only cashless payments. Indoor spaces can be reserved for between 6pm and 7:30pm, so you may have to roll the dice any time after that. Luckily when we stroll in at 10pm on a Monday, we are promptly seated without issue, but the coming peak travel season may spell tougher odds.
The current menu, illustrated by artist Touré Grantham of SunKing Designs and with drinks designed by bar manager Wakana “Waka” Murata, is influenced by the traditional folk legend of the maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, owing to Graham’s lifelong love for the lucky idols. Kitty-themed beverages are based on felines from history and pop culture, not to mention Graham’s own beloved pets, the tabby Zelda and one-eyed Wink, each accompanied by a little backstory blurb.
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For a bright and invigorating first pick, Arigato El Gatto (JPY2,200 or $18.50) brings a bit of Mexican influence, as indicated by its steel chair-wielding, luchador mask-wearing mascot. The drunken-paw master’s tipple is a tall, appetising mix of soju and refreshing watermelon undercut with the smokiness of mezcal and a tinge of heat from chilli and Tajimi (Tajín seasoning and shichimi tōgarashi powder) on the rim. The result is clean, juicy and highly chuggable, with the spicy tickle and delightful bubbliness recalling a lightened-up Michelada or somaek.
Still on the fruitier side but with a bit more complexity, the staff-recommended Liquid Gold (JPY2,200) pays homage to how ancient Egyptians worshipped the elusive creatures. This potion combines gin with passionfruit and pear-flavoured doburoku, a cloudy unfiltered saké from Asakusa’s Konohanano Brewery and date-infused shōchū. Fresh pear forms the top note as the floral, fragrant botanicals flood the palate, underscored by the tropical bitter tinge. The doburoku imparts a tangy kick, mellowed out by the silky, hearty mouthfeel from the rice. Alternating sips with bites of the dried cherry tomato garnish, which reminds us of a salted plum, brings extra attention to the fluid’s mild tartness.
If you fancy something on the fun side, we would highly recommend springing for the aptly named Sore wa Subarashi (JPY2,400), the translation of which some might recognise as the Frosties cereal slogan. Embodied by a familiar tiger-like feline in a red neckerchief, this bevvy somehow manages to capture the nostalgic sensation of that flavourful, leftover puddle of dairy at the bottom of every breakfast bowl. Cognac washed with frosted cornflakes achieves the toffee-like opening hints, amped up with a toasty yet creamy touch of coconut and the clarifying milk wash. The cacao nib is a pleasant and brilliant addition, contributing a bit of decadence and the suggestion of bitterness to tame the whole composition. A crisp shard of white chocolate, cereal and cacao nib, when paired with this not-too-sweet drink, brings the missing elements of sugar and crunch to what was easily our favourite order of the night.
You will also find carry-overs from Tokyo Confidential’s opening menu in the Hall of Fame. The suggestive Only Fans (JPY2,400), an elevated take on the Porn Star Martini served with a champagne sidecar, is a popular, easy-to-down order, while the Tokyo Banana Colada (JPY2,200) takes after the city’s ubiquitous souvenir. However, we immediately gravitate towards the Cheung Fun Old Fashioned (JPY2,400), a nod to Graham’s time in Hong Kong.
Hibiki Harmony is infused with peanut butter and tahini for an unmistakably nutty aroma that hits the nose the second you lift your glass, and you can see the glossy kiss of oil drifting across the surface of the amber liquid waiting to exalt those roasty, refined notes once they glide through the lips. The first draw packs a burning punch hidden in a slick mouthfeel, with a touch of umami from the soy caramel and bitters to round it all out, yet the beverage itself remains surprisingly subtle in flavour. The overall balance is excellent, but we do feel it could commit even harder to the cheung fun aspect — capturing the sticky, starchy chew of the noodles somehow would complete the picture.
Peckish patrons can pick a plate from the respectably fleshed out list of bar bites, made even more tempting by the fact that they have been curated by Daniel Calvert of the three Michelin-starred Sézanne. A proper selection of hot dogs with various accoutrements will keep you full and satisfied, but plates of chocolates, cheeses or a bag of free-flow popcorn will do just to munch. Tokyo Confidential’s sister bar in Hokkaido, Niseko Confidential, has a more robust food programme, serving meals made from seasonal, locally sourced produce in a stylish cabin setting. The northern outpost is set to reopen for the winter season in the coming weeks, so those travelling up to hit the slopes should add it to their itineraries.
