Champagne Lovers’ Guide to Tokyo: restaurants, bars and things to do
Tokyo is one of the world’s great food and drinking cities, and Champagne fits naturally into its sophisticated dining culture. From elegant French and Japanese restaurants to intimate wine bars, luxury hotels and lively nightlife districts, the city offers countless ways to enjoy Champagne. Japan’s appreciation for craftsmanship, precision and seasonality also creates an interesting connection with Champagne itself.
Food is at the heart of Tokyo’s appeal. Sushi, sashimi, tempura, yakitori, ramen, tonkatsu and soba are just the beginning, with every neighbourhood offering its own discoveries. Champagne works particularly well with seafood, fried dishes and salty or umami-rich flavours. Seasonal ingredients are especially important in Japanese cuisine, making Champagne a versatile choice as the menu changes throughout the year.
Tokyo is best explored through its neighbourhoods, each with a very different personality. Ginza brings elegant shopping and dining, while Shibuya and Shinjuku show the city’s energetic, neon-lit side. Asakusa offers temples, traditional streets and a glimpse of old Tokyo, while Aoyama and Omotesando combine architecture, fashion, art and sophisticated dining. For something more atmospheric, wander through Yanaka, Kagurazaka or the small streets around Ebisu and Nakameguro.
Tokyo also has a remarkable drinking culture beyond Champagne. Sake, Japanese whisky, beer, shochu and tea all have their place, from tiny izakayas to polished cocktail bars. Areas such as Shimbashi are particularly good for experiencing the more informal side of Tokyo’s after-work drinking culture, with narrow alleys, small bars and casual Japanese food.
For Champagne lovers, Tokyo is a city where you can make the wine part of almost any kind of experience – a sushi dinner, a sophisticated evening in Ginza, a casual meal after exploring Asakusa or a late-night drink overlooking the city.