TOKYO Whisky Library

July 24, 2025 Spectacular ambience with whisky stacked up from floor to ceiling like a real library. The moment I entered the bar, I was dazzled by bright chandeliers and the gorgeous interior. Since my companion and I were not in the mood for strong, straight whisky, we opted for whisky cocktails and we were just as pleased. I got a vanilla velvet and he got a honey old fashioned. The vanilla one was light and airy, while the old fashioned tasted stronger with a honey aftertaste. Drinks are between ¥1,800-2,100 for a cocktail after tax. The menu comes in as a catalogue with so many varieties of whisky and lots of explanation in English and Japanese. Be prepared to be overwhelmed with so many choices. Got seated almost immediately as 2 people for a table at 9:30pm on a Thursday night. Prompt and very polite service. Truly a premium experience.

The service was amazing. The bartender was very knowledgeable on the flight I selected and highlighted tasting notes of each of the whiskeys. Additionally, I tried the Shinano Gold fashion cocktail…think Apple forward old fashion. It was absolutely delicious ands comes highly recommended

Unquestionably the best selection of whisky, with the best service, and the best atmosphere I've ever experienced. Highly knowledgeable, skilled, and kind staff. Recommendations from their staff of rare bottles were absolutely fantastic and beyond all expectations. Pricing on most pours were extremely generous given the rarity of the bottles. I wish I could give it 10 stars out of 5.

The place is amazingly beautiful and inspiring. Service is great and the food is delicious. We pre booked through google and had no issue. Recommended to the whisky lovers or any carnivore. The price tag per person carries much due to the whisky flight chosen. It can be much lower or higher based on the whisky quality and price chosen. It is not compulsory to order any of the whiskies but it is highly recommended. They have a huge variety from all over the world. I chose the Japanese flights. Enjoy

If you have any interest in whisky then this is a must visit location when in Tokyo. The library is hidden on the second floor of the Santa Chiara Church in Minato-Aoyama. I’ve been on numerous occasion over the years and the library of whiskies from all over the world available just keeps getting better. New, rare, collectible or made specially for the TWL .. everything is up for tasting .. at a price . For those that want to try a range from famous distillers there are a good selection of whisky flights The food menu is also is of good quality in both its variety and quality. Nothing to match their whisky selection but much more than a bar menu. The service is top notch whether you are local or speak only English. Wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to anyone who has a few hours to spare in Tokyo!

One of the greatest restaurants I’ve been to in Japan. If you are not a whiskey enthusiast you can still enjoy the great food offerings they have. We went with the all you can drink Japanese whiskey course that was paired with various foods. This is a great way to go if you’re not sure what to try and this worked out well for who was traveling with. The next time I believe a-la-carte is the way to go for me. The service is great, the bartenders are amazing and the chefs WOW. You may need a reservation but not always or you just have to wait. The duck was absolutely the best I have ever had, so good we ordered it twice. The hazelnut espresso martini was the best dessert cocktail I have ever had. It may seem overpriced at first glance but the experience definitely proves it is not.

Delicuous food, phenomenal whisky, excellent service. One of the best restaurants of my Japan trip. Be mindful, it is going to cost you, but you get what you pay for!!

The whole experience was very good. Food and drinks were very, very good. Service started out very well and then after an hour we had to flag our server down to get another drink. We chose the Japanese whisky set menu with unlimited pours of certain Japanese whiskies. All in all the experience was great. I would highly recommend coming here if you are in Tokyo

This is a MUST visit! This was the only reservation we made prior to our trip. I found this place through instagram and research and my husband was so happy! He is a whiskey lover and the experience here was awesome. The ambiance was great, the insane variety of whiskey on the wall was really cool, and the service/bartenders were wonderful. We didn't try and dinner food but all the snacks we ordered were really good quality, even the simplest thing as dried mango was one of the best I've had. Their drinks were great, the guys said that their whiskey sour was the best they ever had, they ordered so many of them. I highly recommend coming for a drink...or 5. We loved it so much that we came again at the end of our trip. We came without a reservation the second time and were able to get a table for 4.

Tokyo Whisky Library is a haven for whiskey lovers and gourmets alike. My wife and I were enchanted by its elegant ambiance and exceptional service. The Kuroge Wagyu and Caviar Carpaccio was a luxurious start, followed by the fresh Tuna Tartare. The Japanese "Yonezawa" Pork was tender and flavorful, while the Sea Bass, the fish of the day, was perfectly prepared. The Suntory Whiskey Flight was a highlight. The Yamazaki 18 Years Old offered rich flavors of dried fruit and chocolate, the Hakushu 18 Years Old had a delightful smokiness and forest freshness, and the Hibiki 21 Years Old impressed with its floral sweetness and deep complexity. We also enjoyed the robust Weller Full Proof Bourbon and the classic John Hamilton Kentucky Straight Bourbon. With over 1,300 types of whiskey and seasonal culinary delights, Tokyo Whisky Library is an exquisite destination for an unforgettable dining experience.

They've nailed the ambience as well as the Whiskey selections for the most part. Had their Maker's Mark bread pudding, which was more of a thicker than usual flan in consistency. Not the bread pudding I was anticipating. The best part was the unique tasting mint garnish. With so many choices from around the world, why wouldn't you carry Tallisker? None to be had on their menu. Fortunately, I found my new favorite Japanese Whiskey, Kanosuke single malt cask strength 2021. So smooth despite the 58% abv. The Whiskey prices seemed a bit higher than usual, especially the American bourbons, but then this is Tokyo, not Louisville. Enjoy the ambience and the whiskeys. Yes, I purposefully spelled it with the "e" in deference to Scotland, who in my opinion are the only ones with the genuine history to spell it without the "e."

Great spot to book to start the night. Good drinks, food, and ambiance. The location was fantastic and not busy. Definitely will be my regular spot if I live / work in the area.

Fantastic service. Amazing selection of whiskey. Spectacular food. Highly recommend this place. The atmosphere was classy. We had a Flight, a shot and I had a manhattan that was off the charts.

I would like to thank Kusunoki-San and his peers - what an amazing experience. I had a wonderful time at Tokyo Whisky Library, and actually was my favorite part of my trip which included destinations in Tokyo, Hakone, and Kyoto. Throughout my time at the Whisky Library, I felt nothing but warmth and comfort. Kusunoki-san took great care of me and took notice of my drink choices and gave me amazing recommendations throughout. Despite my broken Japanese, we had such fun conversation in a bit of both Japanese and English. It was the perfect way to spend my last evening in Japan. I did not realize Kusunoki-san was a manager for the establishment until the very end, and he likewise did not know I was a doctor during the meal. It was simply two men enjoying and sharing in the pleasure of a good drink at the end of a long day. Thank you Tokyo Whisky Library and thank you Kusunoki-san!

Such a great place to relax after a busy day in Tokyo. The vibe is buzzing with all the alcohol around you. If you want Japanese whiskey, you have come to the right place . Yamasaki High Ball was so smooth, cost was only $22

I had the pleasure of visiting Tokyo Whisky Library on my most recent trip during the Christmas holidays. I knew that one of the things I definitely wanted to do on the trip was sample some Japanese whiskies and check out what I'd heard was an amazing bar scene. Tokyo Whisky Library hit both those nails on the head. Unfortunately, on the day I'd planned to visit, they were hosting a private event and wouldn't reopen to the public until 10 pm. I decided to peruse the neighbouring bars and stopped by VENT Tokyo's lounge area for a few cocktails before returning. TWL is a bit tucked away on the second floor above a Diesel store, but make your way up the stairs and to the right and you should have no issue finding it. Upon entering, my mouth literally dropped as I surveyed the room. Tokyo Whisky Library indeed - the walls were literally bookshelves that stretched from floor to ceiling, showcasing an amazing selection of whiskies from all over the world. The left side of the room had a more laid back vibe, with cushy leather armchairs and the kind of decor you'd expect in an old man's man cave or hunting lodge. It was awesome. For my first drink, I went with the Taketsuru 17, served over an ice ball. It was so nicely balanced - rich, mildly smoky, with notes of honey and a slight kick at the end. Upon the bartender's recommendation, I also sampled the Yamazaki 12, which was very nice and smooth, and had a bit of a toffee and pear aftertaste. I truly loved the experience of sitting alone at the bar, people watching and enjoying my nightcap. You also have the option to smoke cigars at TWL, which was the icing on the cake for me. This place is a gem and I highly recommend stopping by if you're in Tokyo.

2 of my 3 great loves in life are whisk(e)y and libraries (the third is dogs). So naturally, once I learned that this place existed, I absolutely had to visit. After enjoying a gigantic dinner by the Shibuya station, we decided to walk the mile to the Tokyo Whisky Library, tucked away in a little alley on the second story above a Diesel shop. In my excitement, I missed it the first go-around. But there is a gargantuan sign above Diesel noting the TWL on the second floor, which can be accessed by a fairy-light-adorned staircase to the left. The foyer is furnished just like an old timey library, with a chandelier dangling from the ceiling and gorgeous mahogany shelves filled with books about whiskey. And thus began the dopey, heart-eyes gaze and open-mouthed beam that I'm positive I had plastered on my face my entire time here. Upon walking into the actual restaurant/room/lounge, you're greeted with an impressive bar showcasing all of the fancypants bar things. To the right is the showcase of all of the non-whiskey liquors, and then walking in further is just one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen in my 24 years of life: a floor to ceiling built-into-the-walls book(whiskey?)case boasting their incredible selection. There's even a ladder on a track! I had to do my absolute best not to channel my inner Belle from Beauty and the Beast and hop in the ladder, swinging my way across and singing nonsensical yet dramatic songs. The decor is just what you'd expect from something called a whiskey library--think along the lines of: a 75-year-old man who retired from Wall Street and spends his days sipping bourbon and playing golf. Our waiter presented us with two menus: one with recommended whiskeys and cocktails, and the other an inch-thick, perfect bound, foil-stamped- linen covered book of their full whiskey offerings. As a sucker for whiskey, books, and particularly bookbinding methods, that book alone would've been my heaven. Their selection is truly impressive, with most of their bottles seemingly to be Scottish (makes sense), but also a strong variety of Japanese, American, Canadian, and even Taiwanese whiskeys. After a long debilitation period, I elected to go with the Ichiro Malt Double Distillery, neat. It was wonderful. Light but flavorful, it's an easy-to-drink whiskey that still has some personality to it. My sister had the Nikka From the Barrel, served over an ice ball. A much stronger whiskey that has some peat to it, the ice ball was definitely a good call on her part, and helped open up some flavors that would've otherwise been hidden behind the initial aggression of this one. It was unfortunately pretty late by the time we got here, so we didn't stay for a second drink due to exhaustion. My one small bone to pick with TWL is that the music selection was a bit odd. It seemed pretty random, like the shuffled playlist of someone in their early 30's with very eclectic taste. It ranged from Bruno Mars's Uptown Funk to The Kinks' You Really Got Me, and touched on a lot of genres in between. Personally, because I'm a 60-year-old man at heart, I would've loved if they were playing jazz. I think it would fit a little more with the decor and the persona they're trying to push. Oh, okay, I lied. My other bone to pick is that there aren't dogs here, so that all of the great loves of my life could exist in one place. But I realize that I'm a crazy person, so I can't hold that against them. I'm super bummed that I don't live in Tokyo, literally for this one place alone. If you're a whiskey lover, this is an absolute must in the area.

Tokyo Whisky Library has an impressive selection of whiskies, especially Scotch whiskies. Ireland and the United States are well represented. Surprisingly to me, the Japanese collection is a bit weak in comparison. I rate the library of whiskies as 5-star. My overall review is a 3 because of the ambience and service. The person who served me was rather aloof and inattentive. Nobody seemed particularly friendly. It just wasn't the kind of service I have experienced everywhere else in Tokyo.

Ok the whisky is awesome but.... Each person is required to order a drink. I guess this gets around the idea of a cover charge, but it forces someone to order a drink who may not want one... and they are expensive! Didn't try the food so I can't comment on that Service is some of the worst I had in Tokyo - they cater to large groups. And they brought us the wrong bill and didn't realize it until after I told them and confirmed with the pictures I had taken of my whisky that they were wrong. Won't be back. I'll go to a local store and buy a bottle of the same awesome caliber of whisky and enjoy it without getting a nose turned up at me.

Looking for that special pour, you will likely find it here. Whiskey menu is a 90 page tome, including most of the major whiskey countries with a heavy emphasis on Scotch. I have had my share of good scotch and bourbons but the elusive Japanese whisky is what I was after. Started with the Hibiki 17 year old neat , on to the Yamazaki 12 year old neat, finishing with the Taketsuru 17 tear old on ice. All three were stupendous. We also had a few snacks; salami from some remote Japanese islands, melt in your mouth good, smoked cheese and fries. All great. What a way to celebrate our last night in Japan.

If you've been to Whiskey Library in PDX, then you will love this spot! They have a pretty good offering of whisk(e)ys from just about every corner of the world. It can be hard to find, especially if you're coming in the evening hours when all the shops and storefronts are closed as it is inside a smaller street/alleyway though it is very close to the subway station. Just find the signage and walk up a staircase and you'll enter into this super cozy whiskey lounge. Tokyo is known to be pricey, especially for nightlife or dining and at a place like this, be prepared to spend a good chunk of change. Our bill was over 30,000 Yen after having a few entrees, apps, a handful of cocktails (and a Cuban cigar). The cocktails are definitely worth trying and you can get a good feel of the bartenders working with local palates mixed in with what were expect in a 20s era cocktail in the western countries. Take note of the time as you may miss the last train after having such a good time here (cabs are very pricey in Tokyo as you probably know). Cheers!

I travelled to Japan in 2019 so this is a much delayed review. What can I say but it was "Love at first whiskey" at this gem of a spot. I was never much of a whiskey gal but my time in Japan; specifically at TWL got me hooked. I was "that" girl sitting alone at the bar sipping on several glasses of amazzzzzing whiskey for hours in silence - this is the type of library I like to visit on the daily! Trust me, this place is magical.

Based on the multnomah whiskey library in Portland. Not as big of a space or selection of spirits but a great atmosphere to try some nice drams. I wish they increase their bourbon selection but they have a large selection of scotch and Japanese whiskies. They also serve food and Cubans.

It was a nice place to cool off after walking around and shopping at Takeshita street. It's well hidden up the stairs. Cute bar. Friendly service. Clean and had AC. We had the Versailles Garden and a Honey Old Fashion. Both well concocted. Nice presentation. DELISH! I highly recommend.

This was the most perfect way to end my stay in Tokyo. I came in for a nightcap and had one cocktail and one Hibiki 17 year. I walked in w a friend and we were given the option to seat basically anywhere and we chose the far en of the bar. We were able to watch the bartender make our cocktails while also absorbing the walls of whisky around us. It was seriously amazing. They also have a book of all whiskies which is as thick as a bible and the best selection I have ever seen. Service was great and the bathroom is really nice too. It's very swanky and you can smoke inside so if you're not into that then I'd steer away. Another thing I loved was the decor. It looked like the library in a mansion but instead of books it was bottles of whisky. Also all the accents are gold, even the cocktail shakers. If you're having a hard time finding it looks for the jack Daniels looking sign. This place is a must see if you like to drink!!! Oh also I think one cocktail + one nice whisky ran me around $36 so not too bad for a fancy cocktail bar!

A must see while in Tokyo! We stumbled upon this Yelp listing when looking for bars and knew we couldn't leave without seeing it! It didn't disappoint at all. Gorgeous scenery, very nice and helpful staff that spoke excellent English, and the drinks were perfectly balanced as expected. It is higher end and we did feel slightly out of place with what we were wearing while exploring the city, but none of the staff even batted and eye and treated us like any other paying customers. Can't recommend highly enough.

The place looks amazing and the drinks are really good. Such a large selection of whiskey, but don't overlook the food. Smoked grapes, smoked cheese, smoked cheesecake!!! Sooo good!!!

Great ambiance, a little hard to find. The sign isn't well lit. It's tucked upstairs on the right, and once you enter you'll be presented with two doors. Go through the unmarked black one. Wonderful mixed drinks. I had a Versaille Garden (berries and herbs) and my husband had a California Smash (not 100% on the name, but it was citrusy, light and sweet). Both drinks were mixed really well--they didn't taste of alcohol at ALL and we were both feeling it by the time we paid the check. Like all bars in Japan, it's smoky. I'd like to sit at the bar next time so we have a chance to chat with the bartender about different types of whiskies. :)

Man I love this place. Dark, sexy atmosphere and a great whiskey selection. After spending a week in Tokyo and drinking more Suntory than I'd like to admit, I was tired of bland Japanese whiskey. Coming in here was a real treat. I needed some good bourbon and scotch and that's exactly what I got. Service was perfect and the attention to detail was even better. Order a bunch of mixed drinks as well and each one was better than the last. This will definitely be a required stop any time I'm in town.

The most beautiful bar in the world. This is definitely not the type of bar you stumble across. It's tucked in between busy storefronts, accessible only by a tiny elevator. Upon arrival, you see a serene happy-place. Dimly-lit, ambient background music, tastefully decorated. The service is amazing. We were seated immediately. Our bartender expertly crafted each drink and we were also served complimentary charcuterie. Would return in a heartbeat!

Cool place to check out if you're a whisky lover but they aren't the nicest to foreigners. When I went I was immediately asked if I had a reservation which I didn't so I was told I could only sit at the bar. The entire place was pretty much empty and I saw all the foreigners cramped up at the bar. Each glass you order is literally one shot so expect to pay on average $30 for a shots worth. They have a whole book on the different whiskeys they carry but it's too much and too overwhelming to go through. They have a recommendation list and it's interesting that none on the list are Japanese whiskeys. The bartender was nice but unless you are a Japanese local that appears to be wealthy you are not going to get the service you deserve. Do love the ball of whiskey ice!

Make a reservation to ensure that you can find a seat. The selection is excellent, and the service is great - not only do they show the bottle to you - they leave it at your table for you to gaze upon it while you drink. It took awhile for us to be served initially though. The atmosphere is upscale, and the space is beautiful - brick walls, with tastefully lit liquor shelves. It's located on the second floor, and the entrance is hard to find from the street - walk up one flight outside.

What a treat!! The bar itself is a visual whiskey lovers dream and if you can maneuver thru the pages upon pages of whiskies to choose from surely they will make you something that is beyond amazing. A trip to this city should include and trip to this awesome establishment.

OMG... the Hida Wagyu Steak was sooo damn good and tender... it melts in your mouth, I ordered a second. Ambiance and music were perfect for a date night. Whisky recommendations were excellent.

I arrived at the Whiskey Library around 5:30/6:00 PM on a Saturday night, just after opening. It felt spacious, clean, and quiet. Hipsters as well as the less trendy would feel comfortable here. There were only two parties there and we were both sitting at the bar. I tried the smoked appetizer plate and found it alright (3/5). The olives and fish were the only items I would try again. After the appetizer plate, I tried the duck, which was also okay. Then I had some sakura cookies (dry, unimpressive). The bartender recommended a drink that was a bit sweet and girly (there was an ice cube that lit up in it). I followed it up with an old fashioned, which was much more enjoyable. The bartender disappeared and left the waitress and another bartender to take care of us. They were much more attentive. Apparently, they have a wide selection of whisky. I am no connoisseur of it, so I could not fully appreciate the selection. If you are, though, you might want to check out this place. All in all, this is a cool place to spend an hour or two as long as you are there just for the drinks and company. You might want to pass on the food.

Very cool find in Tokyo. Thanks Yelp friend! This has a classic masculine bar feel you'd expect from a "whiskey library" lots to choose from. You can get a good one for about ¥1500-¥2000 and then the skies the limit. They have so many choices, lots of which are above my price point but you could go nuts if you are so inclined. Best thing for me was they also have cigars! And you're free to smoke them at the bar which is very hard to find in the USA. The bartender is incredibly friendly and welcoming. They have some really cool cocktails which I didn't try... I learned that there's such a thing as oak aging cocktails.. cool. Check it out... you'll be happy.

The list of Scotches is overwhelming, while the bourbon selection is just the opposite. Still worth coming to for the atmosphere and some of their cocktails. Their old fashioned is on the sweet side, but just enough where you still get the flavor of bourbon without your breath being on fire.

Colleague took me here. I wasn't a whiskey fan going in, but I sure was coming out. The bartender was insanely attentive bringing us bottle after bottle for consideration. We spent a fair amount of $s, but it was worth it. I think you may ask for anything, and they will probably have it.

Pretty solid selection of whiskies from all over the world. Heavy on Scotch. Light on American (hardly any bourbon). Out of stock of some key Japanese whisky when I was there. Great overall atmosphere and service.

It's hard to give anything in Japan a bad review cause I'm smitten with this country after a recent three week visit. But as much as I wanted to love this place, eh. First night here, we got all gussied up and shows up at 7:30 for our reservation. Place was empty but friggen amazingly beautiful. Service was great. We stuck with whiskey tastings as Japanese whiskey was what we were seeking. But their selection of said national elixir was underwhelming. Oh they had a plethora of European and American whiskies. Certainly enough Japanese to taste so I stuck with them. The food parings, most apps were great. Next visit we went for the cocktails. Don't! All too sweet al la America's Tom Cruise cocktail phase. On this evening they were much more crowded with the front part of the bar being more for full diners. We enjoyed this visit just as much but 4 stars due to the lack of Japanese whiskies and dated cocktails. Would certainly go back though.

Tokyo Whiskey Library was a random find which turned out to be a gem. This is a beautiful classy location, stocked with top shelf drinks. The staff is incredibly friendly, and most importantly, knowledgeable about fine alcohol. I visited this location twice, but had I known about it earlier in my most recent trip, I would have gone a few more times. Cheers.

A Japanese friend of mine brought me here to have a few drinks. As a lover of whiskey, bourbon, rye, scotch, etc., I was in heaven. The walls are filled floor to ceiling with bottles of whiskey and it does indeed resemble a library. The staff was extremely welcoming and attentive. There is a whiskey master on hand who will gladly recommend after asking which mixer you prefer. I told him I mix with water ("mizu-wari") and that I love to try local whiskeys. I only had time/tolerance for two drinks but the two whiskeys he brought me were delicious! I am pretty sure he even remembered that I mentioned I was traveling to the Tohoku region and brought me a Tohoku whiskey. The waitresses came over and spoke with us as well. As my friend manages a business down the street, it is possible that we got some extra attention but other people seem to have experienced similar service. They also had some interesting food items. We tried the smoked grapes, smoked olives, smoked umeboshi, and smoked maguro avocado salad, so smoking is their theme, which made sense as the decor was reminiscent of a hunting lodge. My friend treated me so I am not sure how much we paid, but I am guessing it was on the pricier side. The bottom line is that if you are looking for a unique experience in Tokyo, be sure to visit Tokyo Whiskey Library!

Wowowow! Is this what heaven looks like? So much whisky. Great ambience and music, friendly staff and more whisky (1200+ kinds) than you can imagine. Highly recommended!

Awesome vibe, incredible service, real low key but upscale. Not a cheap place but the experience is top notch. Cigar service was a plus!

Upscale whisky bar that has a thick book as their "whiskey menu". I didn't think the prices were too expensive so definitely a must go if one is planning to drink his/her way through Tokyo!

Great whiskey selection of Scotch, Irish, American, Japanese and Taiwan whiskies. This has probably one of the largest scotch selections in Tokyo including some rare and hard to find bottles that I don't think I've ever seen in Asia. Service was great and the ambience was fantastic. We'll be back!

I'm not a whiskey drinker but my husband is and this is his Disneyland. This is the best whiskey selection I've ever seen and such a cool place to visit. The lounge and ambiance are on point, the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, and the drinks are awesome. I wish we had a whiskey lounge like this back home. Definitely a must visit when in Tokyo!!

What a pleasant surprise to find this place! Elegant atmosphere, good selection of whiskeys and knowledgeable staff. Service was excellent with just the right amount of attentiveness without being overly involved in our experience. Early birds may get 30% off from 5-5:30. Smoked appetizers were great especially the smoked olives. For light drinkers, ask about the half shot tasting which allows you to try more before you tap out!

Date night but not worth the price. Come for the excellent selection of whisky, but eat elsewhere. Food was extremely expensive for what we got, and not very good. Great drama though, especially Taketsuru pure malt 17, and Ichiro's Malt Double distilled.

Beautiful place. The decor is absolutely stunning with an array of whiskeys and different types of drinks. The staff is very friendly and pleasant. Would def go back next time I'm in Tokyo.