【2022 TOP 1000】Legendary Bartender, the late Kenji Otsubo (passed away at 47), founded "BAR Opa" in Ginza in 1996 and opened the "Monzen-Nakacho branch" in 2001. Otsubo won the title of Japan's best in a cocktail competition hosted by the Japan Bartender Association (NBA), and continued to produce champions from his staff at the same event, establishing himself as a top bartender and mentor recognized by all. Currently, the owner is Otsubo's wife, who warmly welcomed us in Ginza before dinner. Despite being an authentic bar, the lighting is not too dark, and the bartenders are all friendly, making it a comfortable place to be. The jazz-filled interior has 11 counter seats, 4 two-person tables, and 1 four-person table. [Gin and Tonic] Build - Long Gin: Beefeater, Lime, Tonic Water We were served the signature cocktail of Opa, the "Gin and Tonic," by the handsome and talkative K. At Opa, new bartenders are not allowed to make any other cocktails until they can make a delicious Gin and Tonic. This is a strong commitment that has continued since the establishment of the bar. The founder's passion is still being passed down, creating "Opa's Gin and Tonic." The way the ice is arranged, the lime is squeezed, and the stirring technique all make a difference in the taste of standard cocktails. Opa's Gin and Tonic is so smooth that you can hardly feel the alcohol, with no sharp edges, and it remains delicious from the first sip to the last. [Moscow Mule] Build - Long Vodka: Smirnoff, Lime, Ginger Beer Normally, ginger ale is used, which has a ginger flavor or ginger extract in carbonated juice. Ginger beer is made by boiling and fermenting ginger juice, so it has a strong ginger flavor. By adding freshly grated ginger juice at the end, the ginger flavor is further enhanced, resulting in a very dry and refreshing Moscow Mule. Those who are used to drinking Moscow Mules may be surprised by the dryness of Opa's version. As a Ginza bar, Opa offers reasonably priced drinks with clear pricing. The cover charge is ¥500. "Opa!" means "wow" in Portuguese, providing delicious and enjoyable surprises. Highly recommended: Gin and Tonic & Moscow Mule. Bon appétit!

I visited BAR OPA GINZA thinking that overseas customers would want to drink Japanese single malt. They didn't have Yamazaki, but they had a good selection that met my expectations. The bartender maintained a comfortable distance with the customers, creating a pleasant atmosphere. I would definitely recommend it for meetings or second rounds.

Do you have any memories of bars in Ginza? Whether it's Lupin, Sansui, 5517, or Suzuki, do you remember who told you about them, who you went with, or what kind of conversations you had? It seems like there are many bars in Ginza that leave a lasting impression, where memories come flooding back when you sit in the same seat next time. However, with the current situation of the pandemic, some of these places might be closing down, and memories are not eternal. On a rainy day in Ginza, I called ahead to this bar that can be considered a representative of Ginza. Luckily, there was a seat available until 2 AM, which was a relief. Located in Ginza 1-chome, down the stairs next to a building, the interior of the bar was authentic and lovely. I was glad I made the phone call. The lighting was slightly bright, with a central counter in the room. The bartenders had a sense of dignity and youthfulness, and despite being the top bar in Ginza, it was easy to enter and I was grateful for that. Just watching the bartenders' skillful movements was enjoyable and exciting. While soaking in the atmosphere of this representative Ginza bar, I enjoyed a Gibson, a Gin and Tonic, and a Port. Cheers! Cheers! It was a great feeling, and I had a pleasant conversation. Thank you very much. Additional note: One of Japan's top bartenders, Kenji Otsubo, opened this bar in 1996. Otsubo, born in Kumamoto in 1964, studied in NY and returned to Japan. He won the overall championship at the 23rd National Bartender Skills Competition in 1996. He has since passed away, and his wife Reiko has taken over. The name of the bar comes from the Portuguese word for "wow," taken from the works of the Akutagawa Prize-winning author Kaiko Kishi. When encountering delicious food or drinks, people shout "Opa! Opa!" for surprise. There is also another branch in Monzen-nakacho, with a wide variety of food and recommended frozen cocktails according to friends' information.

I love the authentic bar OPA in Ginza. It's a paradise for cocktail lovers. Whether it's cocktails or food, everything is incredibly delicious. The professionalism of the bartenders is amazing. It's also fun to learn various knowledge about cocktails and alcohol. Sometimes I go alone during off-peak hours and enjoy a quiet drink.

This is a 3800 yen bar with a list of 100 recommended restaurants. Going down the stairs that look like they could collapse, you enter a spacious and authentic space when you open the door. This is definitely the place to be! They even had the famous paper-cut artwork. Starting with champagne and peach cocktails, followed by their recommended highball, everything was satisfying. I would love to visit again.

Due to its location, there were a few foreigners and the atmosphere was calm. I ordered a gin and tonic, which was made efficiently and tasted deliciously crisp. It's a great place to relax and have a conversation, or even enjoy some alone time.

The restaurant was a hit no matter what you drink! They offer a wide variety of appetizers, and the raisin butter in particular was incredibly delicious. When you ask for a seasonal cocktail, they will suggest a few options for you to choose from, and then make it for you. In the current season, they recommend pineapple, peach, or for those who like it, watermelon. It's better to go early as it gets crowded quickly, and sometimes they may not let you in if you arrive late. Also, there is a dress code, so be careful not to wear sandals in this season!

After wandering around Ginza and having a meal, the first bar we went to didn't quite match our vibe, so we decided to visit OPA Ginza where we had a great time last month. When we arrived and told the staff we were a party of two, they were able to rearrange some seating for us, even though the counter was full and there were only two separate seats available. We thought we might not get a table, but the staff asked us to wait a moment and managed to secure two seats for us. The place was packed, but we managed to sit at the counter. I ordered a Mojito and the staff recommended trying it frozen, as they could make it that way. I had never tried a frozen Mojito before, and it was refreshing and looked stylish. The staff were friendly and we had a really enjoyable time. We will definitely visit again.

On June 26, 2023 (Monday), I had a pineapple cocktail (rum-based) and rice cracker at Bar Opa. The bar opened in September 1996 and has been creating a comfortable atmosphere with customers in Ginza Ichome ever since.

I visited around 6:00 p.m. on a weekday. The entrance is via stairs, not accessible by elevator. Inside the restaurant, there were older gentlemen who seemed like regulars, casually enjoying drinks before their meal. I asked for a recommendation and ordered the signature cocktail (1,400 yen). They also served stylish snacks like persimmon peas. The total bill came to 1,900 yen. The atmosphere was perfect for a sophisticated evening out with a distinguished gentleman.

I stayed in Ginza last month during a business trip to Tokyo. I had tried to visit this place on a Sunday last time, but unfortunately it was closed. This time, I had my revenge. When I walked down the stairs, there were about three groups of people leaving. I was lucky to get a seat at the counter and chatted with the bartender. He explained the cocktails in a fun way, and they were delicious with a smooth finish. The flavors were well balanced, with a slightly sweet touch.

Located underground near Ginza Ichome Station, this authentic bar is just a 2-minute walk from Yurakucho Line's Ginza-itchome Station, a 3-minute walk from Yurakucho Station on the JR and Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, and a 6-minute walk from Ginza Station's C4 exit. Lucky for us, as a group of 4, we were guided to a private room in the back. The atmosphere was so comfortable that we ended up drinking quite a bit. I had a Tanqueray and Tonic, seems like I've been having a lot of Gin and Tonics lately. They taste even better as it gets warmer. Today's order included oil-grilled sardines, vegetable sticks, smoked horse tongue, and mixed nuts.

I quickly descended a steep staircase into the basement and arrived at the entrance of the shop. Luckily, I was able to sit at the counter. The board at the counter seemed to be promoting Apple Martinis, so I ordered one without hesitation. It was cold and crunchy, made with crushed frozen fruit, and very delicious. It was sweet. I refreshed my throat with a Horse's Neck. There were quite a few foreigners in the shop. The paper cutouts were stylish.

Located in Ginza 1-chome, this authentic bar offers a variety of classic cocktails and seasonal fruit-based cocktails in a casual atmosphere where even solo patrons can feel at ease. Opened in September 1996, the concept of the bar is "a place you want to visit yourself." They have two locations, one in Ginza and another in Monzen-Nakacho. The Ginza location is conveniently close to the train stations, about 3-4 minutes from Ginza or Yurakucho Station, and 1-2 minutes from Ginza-itchome Station. The bar is situated on the corner where Ginza Yonchome-dori and Namiki-dori intersect, in the basement of a building. Look for the metallic "OPA" sign at the top of the stairs leading down to the entrance. The stairs are steep, so be careful. During my evening visit, I found the interior to be warm and inviting, with a spacious layout featuring both counter and table seating. The bartenders were friendly and provided excellent service. I ordered the following: a seasonal fruit-based cocktail called "Sun Splash" for 1,700 yen. The cocktail was made with rum, passion fruit, and fresh orange juice, and it came with the passion fruit used in the drink. The refreshing acidity of the passion fruit combined with the pleasant sweetness of the orange juice created a tropical flavor that masked the alcohol content, making for a smooth and enjoyable drink. As a side note, the aroma of passion fruit always reminds me of the giant tortoises in the Galapagos Islands. I reminisced about watching a tortoise munching on passion fruit in the forest, the sweet and sour scent lingering in the air. With about 20 minutes to spare before dinner, I savored this delightful drink and contemplated whether to have another. Ultimately, I settled the bill and left. While my visit was impromptu, I noticed on their website a wide selection of cocktails to choose from, so it might be worth checking out their menu in advance.

I ordered a grapefruit cocktail and a tequila gimlet at the lamb-based bar. The cocktail was delicious, and the thin bread served as a snack was surprisingly tasty, showing good taste. I'm not sure how I got to the restaurant, but I like that it's located on the basement floor of a small building and is not very noticeable. There are about 10 seats at the counter and around four two-person tables. The owner seems very friendly and inherited the business from the previous generation. It was quite lively for a bar, and it quickly filled up. The bar is completely non-smoking.

The person I brought along remarked, "If you say 'Opa,' it must be Kaikou Ken, right?" as we descended the stairs to the underground. Sure enough, there was a photo of a fishing enthusiast Akutagawa Prize-winning author on the wall. It's a well-known fact since it's a famous restaurant in Ginza. I usually order a Gimlet here, with a vodka base because I like it. For the second drink, I decided to indulge a little and had a Remy Martin. As a snack, I enjoyed the pickles from Hamburger Kid. Leaving aside the taste, the bar had the expected atmosphere. The distance between the bartender and the counter was just right, and the conversation was light-hearted. I had a good time and left feeling satisfied, although I usually end up coming back for one more drink when I want something a little more. It's like saying, "Let's go eat ramen!" as a final push.

I visited this restaurant after a long time, staying at a hotel in Ginza where I could drink without worrying about catching the last train. After a great dinner, I went out and suddenly it started pouring rain, so I hurried to buy an umbrella at a convenience store before heading to the restaurant. It was around 11:30 pm on a weekday when I entered, and the counter seats were all full. I was guided to a small table by the wall. Despite it being a weekday night before the last train and heavy rain, the fact that the counter was full shows that this is a very popular restaurant. I had an Alaska for my first drink, and a highball for my second. Since I'm not knowledgeable about alcohol, I asked for a popular whiskey for the highball, and the staff recommended Seagram's Seven, so I went with that. (My wife had a Blooming and gin and tonic.) The atmosphere inside the restaurant was nice, with no loud customers and friendly staff. I enjoyed my drinks in the calm atmosphere. Thank you for the great experience.

The interior of the shop is quiet with jazz music playing in the background. There were four staff members, including the bartender. They recommended a gin and tonic, but also mentioned seasonal cocktails. I tried the cocktail made with "hinata natsu" (a type of citrus fruit) which is a rum-based frappe. It was very refreshing and perfect for spring. Highly recommended. The cost was 2200 yen per glass, but it was worth it.

Located just a short walk from Ginza-itchome Station, "BAR OPA Ginza" is a popular bar that is always bustling with people. Founded by the renowned bartender Mr. Otsuki, this bar is one of the top establishments in Ginza. The bartenders here are highly skilled, and the cocktails they create are delicate and delicious. Despite being in a prime location in Ginza, the atmosphere at this bar is welcoming and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Even if you are not a connoisseur of alcohol, you can still enjoy your time here. It is no surprise that this bar has maintained its reputation as one of the leading establishments in Tokyo.

A casual authentic bar located in Ginza 1-chome. The first store of OPA opened by Kenji Otsubo, with a second store in Monzen-Nakacho. The impressive counter made of Karin single boards adds a sense of weightiness. The hospitality of the bartenders goes without saying, creating a comfortable atmosphere that is not too formal or too quiet. During busy hours, the atmosphere in the bar becomes lively, and the prices of cocktails are reasonable compared to other bars in Ginza, making it a convenient place to visit with multiple people. The signature drink at OPA is the Gin and Tonic. The bar mainly focuses on standard cocktails, but also offers fruit cocktails and original creations. With a menu available and tables that can accommodate up to 6 people, this bar is easy to use regardless of the number of people or the situation. It is a convenient choice for a second bar in Ginza. The food menu also offers a variety of snacks. The entrance is not on the elevator side, but down the stairs on the side of Namiki Street.

This time, the second purpose is to try bar hopping in Ginza. I've never been to a bar in Ginza before, so this is a new experience for me. I visited BAR OPA. It's located in Ginza Ichome, so I had to walk a bit. I arrived early, so I think I was the first customer of the day. It seems to be non-smoking here, and in Ginza Ichome, there are many non-smoking bars, while in the southern area, there are more smoking-friendly bars. I noticed the Ardberg Fermutation on the back bar. I've never tried this before, so I decided to have it. Luckily, it was the last bottle. Among Ardberg whiskies, this one has a mild peat flavor. It starts with a slightly sweet aroma and gradually the peat comes through. Even for those who are not fans of Islay whiskies, I think this one is quite easy to drink. For the second drink, I had a gin and tonic with Beefeater. It's been a while since I had Beefeater, as I usually go for Tanqueray. It was a delicious and refreshing cocktail. The bartender's service was also impressive. When I mentioned "Jiro" in Ginza, I was actually referring to the area near Sukiyabashi, not the ramen shop, of course. I'm quite embarrassed about that. The prices were also much cheaper than I expected. I was prepared for the Fermutation, but it was still a pleasant surprise. Thank you for the meal, I would love to visit this bar again.