Ueno

A basement bar that has been open in Ueno since 2001, two minutes from the station. The room is built around a heavy black marble counter, lit to feel like daylight.

The list runs to beers from ¥1,200, single malts such as Macallan 12 and Talisker 18, and a short food menu of house-made plates.

Good to know

• This is not a show bar. The owners ask visitors to note that there are no flame shows or sword performances here.
• Reservations are accepted up to the day before through the website form; for same-day booking, call the bar.
• Closing days are not listed on the official site.

A ramen shop at the Okachimachi end of Ameyoko, open around the clock. The broth is made from duck, spring onion and water alone, served with noodles milled to the shop's own order from domestic wholemeal and wheat flour.

The other thing people order is the oyakodon — chicken and egg over rice, cooked for ten seconds so it is almost drinkable.

Good to know

• Cash only — cards, IC cards and QR payments are not accepted.
• Prices are not published on the official site.
• Reservations are only taken for Monday to Thursday between 11:00 and 21:00, so late-night visits are walk-in.