This morning, I took my 19-year-old cat to the hospital for a drip, and in the afternoon, I went to my regular check-up in Iidabashi. After finishing the examination, I headed to "Kuruma" as usual. It was a hot day, so it was tough. I finally arrived at "Kuruma" and took a break in the air-conditioned room. After settling down, I enjoyed a "Gin and Tonic with Yuzu." About 15 minutes later, my wife arrived and started sipping on a "Peach Gin and Tonic." Mr. Hamamoto served us a "Shiseido Parlor Brandy Cake." My wife's second drink was a "Whiskey and Kinako Syrup Cocktail," while I had a "Double Highball with JOHNNIE WALKER BLACK LABEL." By the time we finished these drinks, it was exactly 5:00 PM, and "Sorakutei" was opening. Let's head to "Sorakutei." Thank you for today, we will visit again.

From Iidabashi to Kagurazaka, down a small path in a nondescript residential area, on the second floor of a mixed-use building. It was an unusually steamy mid-September evening. Just before 6 pm. The stifling sensation that clung to me was washed away the moment I entered this establishment. A space chilled to perfection, with a carefully crafted ambiance in the dimly lit setting. I savored a meticulous rally of cigars, single malts, cocktails, and the bartender for a good two hours until dusk. A pure moment of being able to focus solely on what is in front of you, free from any distractions in the hustle and bustle of the city, was truly precious. The owner has been in business here for 16 years. Previously a bartender in Shinjuku, he chose this calmer location near Iidabashi when opening this establishment. A good choice, in my opinion. I tried a cigar for the first time here. The attentive and sometimes quietly instructive guidance from the bartender during this initial experience was a fortunate first step towards understanding. Alongside the cigar, I enjoyed a Speyside single malt with a vanilla aroma, selecting the Glenfarclas 1997 straight after considering a few options. It was delightful. The initial aroma was of rum raisin. The flavor was rich and smooth, with a mellow sweetness. As I savored the cigar, the taste of the Glenfarclas gradually transformed into a refreshing sweetness reminiscent of ripe green apples. Next, considering the compatibility with the cigar, I ordered a sweet short cocktail using fresh mint or mint liqueur. An original cocktail, made with gin, chocolate liqueur, and mint liqueur, resembling a confection. It was a perfect match. By the time I finished my second drink, I was feeling quite content, so for the third drink, I ordered a sweet cocktail based on Scotch, explaining that I was not fond of Rusty Nail. It was supposed to be a refreshing soda mix, but I completely forgot to take a picture and cannot recall it at all. As I write this, I feel a bit fuzzy. However, this may also add to the charm of the bar's unique nature of one-of-a-kind experiences. Reading reviews on Google and elsewhere, I noticed there are mixed opinions about this place, which sometimes lead to misunderstandings. I feel compelled to clarify. The bartender is meticulously playing a role to create this space. It is not fair to judge the true value of this establishment based solely on subjective preferences. If we were to compare the bartender's skill in storytelling, for example, even those who are usually grumpy at Disneyland do not frown. Everyone becomes a resident of the magical kingdom and spends the day with a smile. The same can be said for the world the bartender has crafted. By immersing oneself in that world, one can easily enjoy it. I was humbly told that he has a broad but shallow knowledge of alcohol, but to me, the experience of learning about cigars and witnessing the bartender's gestures provided a luxurious time, so I will definitely return for another milestone. Visit rating: 226 people, 3.77.

Visited on a Saturday night. Luckily, there was a seat available so I was able to get in. The restaurant was dark inside. I ordered a gin and tonic. It was delicious. I'm not sure what was different about it, but it was definitely not your average gin and tonic. It must be their technique. I had one drink and then quickly left, but it was a mysterious place. Thank you for the meal.

After dining with a customer at Toridama, we decided on a second location in advance. Following the confirmation that it would be quiet, we entered the establishment. Even though I am over 50 and still don't know how to drink alcohol properly, I enjoyed two glasses of my favorite Scotch. Thank you for the meal.

As soon as you enter the shop, the master's usual catchphrase, "This is a place to enjoy alcohol quietly, is that okay?" bursts out, eliminating all chatter completely. It is a place where you can enjoy alcohol in silence, facing it purely. Occasionally, conversations in a low voice with the master also serve as a good accent. Among bars, the atmosphere, the master's commitment, and the choice of alcohol. Everything stands out in this valuable shop!

Located a 3-4 minute walk from Iidabashi, this bar is tucked away on a quiet street next to Rikkyo University. There are many nice shops on this street. I visited as a second stop for dinner on a Saturday, around 9pm. I thought it might be crowded because it was a Saturday, but there was only one group of customers. When I asked if two people could enter, I was told that only quiet drinkers are allowed, but I confidently said we could drink and entered. It's quite dark inside, with a spacious counter and two seats facing each other like tables. I ordered a mango cocktail and a melon cocktail from the fresh fruit suggestions. Both were sweet with just the fruit flavors, but rich and delicious. They ask about the strength of the alcohol. It's so dark and quiet that you might feel like falling asleep, but I found it a comfortable place to spend time on the edge of that feeling.

I had a gin and tonic and a sidecar. The interior of the restaurant is very quiet, and groups are not allowed. They also don't tolerate noisy customers. It's a very peaceful atmosphere to enjoy your drinks. It's perfect for a date, but it seems like they choose their customers carefully. It might be nice to become a regular.

After finishing a drinking party with my senior at Mizukibashi, we headed to Iidabashi with some time to spare, and invited our tax accountant who we are indebted to, to visit this bar. It is one of the most famous bars in Tokyo that I had been curious about for a while. The atmosphere inside the bar was very serene, and I instantly regretted that this was a place where one should come alone rather than with someone. However, I was slightly disappointed by the bartender's service, which was not to my personal liking. There is another bar nearby that I am also interested in, so I will visit that next time. For your information, I ordered my usual gin and tonic and gimlet. As for the cocktails, there was nothing particularly special about these two.

After two years, it seems that San Luca Bar was full and couldn't get in... Just like last time, I ended up bar hopping. The atmosphere here is unique, so it's a good place to bring someone along as a nice treat. The signboard sense is still unique, and I had thought the master was a science major, but when I asked, I found out that the name comes from the harmony between people. I had already drunk three cups at the sushi restaurant, but I ended up drinking so much that I started hiccupping. Last time, I only saw the master in a mask, but this time, I saw him wearing the mask on one ear. He really looks like Ichikawa Danjuro... And his way of speaking is like General Kanki from Kingdom (^^; He wears a white coat, and his movements are elegant. His way of stirring without touching the glass with the stirrer when stirring is also good.

I walked through Kagurazaka and arrived at a pitch-black room. I started with a Gimlet, which appeared red in the darkness. The Gimlet gin was London Hill Master, gently stirred before shaking. It had a gentle taste. The Jack Rose was also gently stirred before shaking. It was very calming in the darkness. It's a great bar to reset your mind. I will definitely come back again.

Visited "Hagurazaka" in Kagurazaka. It seems to be a popular bar in Kagurazaka. Found the illuminated sign of "Hagurazaka" outside the shop. The shop is located on the second floor after climbing the stairs. The shop is dimly lit, with candle flames across the counter creating a unique atmosphere. The master seems to be running the shop alone. The quiet atmosphere with smoldering flames is nice. Ordered by conveying preferences and alcohol strength to the master. Below, in order. □ Kumquat cocktail A refreshing cocktail with a fruity taste. The refreshing feeling of the kumquat makes it very easy to drink. □ Moscow Mule A traditional Moscow Mule. Easy to drink and enjoyable. Drinking it little by little makes you feel like an adult. The master's handling of alcohol is very beautiful and precise. I also saw the items provided to other customers, and each handling was meticulous, conveying a strong sense of dedication to making alcohol. It's nice to watch the front flame while sipping, creating a nice atmosphere. Personally, I don't smoke, so I thought it might be strong in smell on the day I visited, but it might be a good place for smokers. I paid in cash. It was delicious. I will come again. Thank you for the meal.

I visited "Haguruma," which was selected as one of the "Tabelog Bar Top 100 2022." The location is in Shinjuku, Tokyo. It is about a 4-minute walk from Iidabashi Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line. The building is beige, and there is another entrance next to a Japanese restaurant, which leads up to the second floor. The interior of the restaurant has a dark lighting and a modern Japanese atmosphere. What surprised me was the lack of almost any alcohol that should be in a bar. It gave a sense of an extraordinary experience. There are counter seats and tables available. The drinks I had today were as follows: - Blood Orange and Mandarin Cocktail: When I drank it, the acidity of the mandarin, the sweetness of the blood orange, and a faint bitterness in the aftertaste stood out, so I thought it was probably a cocktail made with vodka. - Gifu Strawberry Cocktail: It had a less sweet taste compared to a strawberry fizz, making it easy to drink. Thank you for the meal.

The darkest bar I have ever been to. However, it seems like the lighting has improved slightly since my last visit. When I first came, the darkness was so overwhelming that I couldn't even take a step. It took some time to adjust to the darkness. In the Kagurazaka area, there is a joke among those who go bar hopping that it is so dark that someone might accidentally sit on someone else's lap... that's how exceptionally dark it is. I visited after a long time, following the lineage of Le Parrain, or rather, Radio. I ordered a Jack Rose, and the atmosphere was reminiscent of a Carol Charm's Kinpindama. The faint flow of air conditioning, the flickering candle flames, the soundless darkness. And just when the flame seemed to grow larger for a moment, it suddenly went out, increasing the darkness. It must be like telling ghost stories... Well, no, a single candle only lasts for three to four hours, so such occurrences are frequent, but the feeling of "oh, it went out..." in the midst of silence and lack of distractions is quite something, yes. It's a bar filled with the mysterious atmosphere of a Noh theater. The cocktails crafted by the calm bartender exude a strong core flavor. Straightforward and delicious. Not ideal for chatting, but perfect for meditation. However, there is a possibility of falling into a pleasant sleep if you visit while deeply intoxicated. They are open from 3 pm, so it might be good to start here and get accustomed to the nighttime atmosphere before going on a charming date in Kagurazaka.

"Gear, Iidabashi, 3.75 on Tabelog. Price range: ¥3,000-¥5,000. Before dinner in Kagurazaka, visited for the first time for drinks. In the calm and dimly lit atmosphere, enjoyed some amazing cocktails. Recommended: Gin and Tonic, Sidecar. #Gear #Bar #Sidecar #TabelogTop100 #KagurazakaBar"

I visited the restaurant around 9 pm on a regular day. There were no other customers on the second floor. Upon entering the dimly lit restaurant, the bartender told me, "This is a place to drink quietly," and I sat at the counter. There are counter seats and small table seats. Behind the counter, there are bottles lined up, but they were not visible due to the darkness. When asked for my preference, I requested a whiskey that goes well with water. The drink arrived promptly, with ice shaved into corners. It was a complex blend with a taste I had never experienced before. When I asked for a sweet snack, I was served yokan instead of chocolate. I discovered that yokan also goes well with alcohol, and left the restaurant. By the time I left, the counter was filled with solo or duo customers. The volume of voices needs to be significantly lowered in this place. Most people were ordering cocktails, so perhaps cocktails are the way to go here.

I tried to go to this place before but was lucky to get in this time. It's a small, authentic bar with a few seats at the counter and one table for two. The atmosphere is dark and intense, but surprisingly cozy once you settle in. The drinks are delicious. It seems best suited for only two people, as it can get a bit tight and you can't talk loudly. You can smoke here too. Overall, it's a really nice place to hang out. I'll remember this place for sure.

Hidden in the back alleys of Kagurazaka, this bar exudes an atmosphere that may not seem like it's open for business from the outside. Upon entering, you are enveloped in darkness, with no background music to break the silence. The bar features a single counter made of a beautifully crafted wooden plank, with calming wooden walls. The back bar is devoid of shelves or liquor, with only flickering candles for decoration. The cocktails served here tend to be dry with a strong alcohol presence. Each drink is meticulously prepared, with attention to detail such as chilling the ice before shaking. The bar also offers a selection of cigars and allows smoking, with a clientele mostly consisting of solo male patrons in their 40s and above. Overhearing conversations between regulars and the master, you'll notice a comfortable distance maintained through brief exchanges of pleasantries and updates on each other's lives. While it may be difficult to secure a spot due to its popularity, this refined establishment is perfect for those seeking a moment of solitude to reflect. It is undoubtedly one of the standout bars in Kagurazaka.

I visited this place located on a residential street on the 2nd floor. There is no background music playing inside. I ordered a "Gin and Tonic" which was served in about 5 minutes. It had a refreshing taste that made it easy to drink. As time passed, my eyes adjusted and I could appreciate the calm atmosphere even more.

Gear Bar 2022 Top 100 Awarded Restaurant Opened in May 2007 in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, this bar has become a representative establishment in Kagurazaka. It is located between Kagurazaka Station and Iidabashi Station. The lighting is provided by candlelight, and there is no direct display of alcohol. There is also no background music, creating a silent atmosphere. At first, the bartender's face is not visible in the darkness, but gradually, one's eyes adjust and the surroundings become visible. There is no specific menu, and instead, you can request an original cocktail based on your preferences. The unique atmosphere of darkness and silence makes it a recommended spot for those who want to enjoy their drink alone. Thank you for the hospitality. Goodbye. Items ordered: - Highball - Sudachi cocktail - Salted beans

A charming bar with a strict no loud voices policy. It's a bit dimly lit and feels like a place where you can have a nice time. Smoking is allowed, and they even offer cigars. There was no menu in sight, and no bottles lined up, so I wonder what kind of drinks they specialize in?

At a unique bar in Kagurazaka, I quietly enjoyed a cocktail. "You can't talk loudly here, but if that's okay with you." These were the words of the master when I called to make a reservation. When I entered, the interior was almost pitch black, with only dim indirect lighting and candlelight. The atmosphere was very quiet. The cocktail I had was a gin and tonic with pineapple. Both the pineapple and the gin and tonic were delicious, but I preferred the gin and tonic. The master had a unique sense of distance that added to the atmosphere. He also asked carefully about my preferences for the strength of the alcohol and any dislikes. I was a bit nervous at first, but as long as you speak in a normal tone, it seemed to be totally fine. Thank you for the meal!