This year’s Asia’s 50 Best Bars were announced yesterday, shining a spotlight on some of Tokyo’s and Kyoto’s hottest drinking spots.
Ranking in at #9 is The SG Club, making it now officially–or at least as official as these things get–The Best Bar in Japan 2020. At the helm of The SG Club is of course Shingo Gokan, who is likely running out of space on his mantle for all of these awards. The SG Group is absolutely cleaning up: besides The SG Club they’re also behind Speak Low (#19), Sober Company (#12), and The Odd Couple (#38). As though he wasn’t busy enough trying to make The SG Shochu into a thing.We also see some movement on other staples of the list.
Shinjuku’s Bar Benfiddich rises two spots, from #17 to #15.
High Five has moved from #6 to #20.
Kyoto’s Bar Bees Knees opened in 2018 and joins this year’s list at #21, and it’s also the highest ranked new entry on the list. Haven’t had a chance to visit this one yet, but you’ll hear about it when I do!
Ebisu’s Bar Trench moves from #23 to #39.
Bar Orchard Ginza moves from #26 to #41.
Obviously, many bars in Tokyo and worldwide have been going through especially tough times due to the coronavirus. Hopefully accolades like this will encourage people to hit them up more often once it’s safe.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Hi there! I created and run nomunication.jp. I’ve lived in Tokyo since 2008, and I am a certified Shochu Kikisake-shi/Shochu Sommelier (焼酎唎酒師), Cocktail Professor (カクテル検定１級), and I hold Whisky Kentei Levels 3 and JW (ウイスキー検定３級・JW級). I also sit on the Executive Committees for the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition and Japanese Whisky Day. Click here for more details about me and this site. Kampai!
Hi how are you.
I’m Toru Ariyoshi from BEE’S KNEES KYOTO.
Thank you very much for great article.
If you have the chance, please come to our bar.Of course after coronavirus.
Stay safe and take care of your health.
Cheers.
Thanks for the comment Ariyoshi-san. Looking forward to meeting you in Kyoto soon!