Introduction

Shimbashi, known as Tokyo’s “salaryman’s paradise,” is a hub of after-work drinking culture. Expect late-night izakayas framed by sparkling neon and packed an hour after 5 PM. These venues—ranging from classic pubs to upscale sake bars—offer English-friendly menus and both smoking and non-smoking sections. Whether you’re enjoying a post-meeting reward, solo snack, or group unwind, these first eight picks set the tone.

1. Torikizoku Shimbashi

Recommended Menu: Signature ¥300 yakitori skewers (negima, chicken cartilage), cabbage side, lemon highball
Smoking: Smoking allowed throughout
Typical Crowd: Office workers, groups of friends, solo diners
Ideal Scene: Great no-fuss spot for consistent yakitori and cheap drinks—perfect after meetings

2. MOKU Smoked Grill & Craft Beer

Why Visit: Known for its rich smoked flavors and craft beer selection, MOKU brings a unique izakaya twist—perfect for beer lovers.
What’s Inside: Open-plan with counter and table seating, featuring iron-plate cooked smoked dishes (cheese, fish, meats) paired with craft beers.
Drinks & Food: Beers ¥600–900, smoked sake cocktails ¥700–1,000; signature smoked cheese skewers ¥300–500, smoked seafood ¥400–700.
Typical Cost: ¥3,500–5,500pp for a full drink and smoke-course experience.
Tourist Tips: Non-smoking indoors. English menu available. Ideal for groups or anyone looking for bold new flavors in a lively setting.

3. Washoku En Shiodome

Recommended Menu: Seasonal sashimi, various kinds of washoku dishes, fruit-infused cocktails
Smoking: Non-smoking inside
Typical Crowd: Mixed—couples, small groups, seafood seekers
Ideal Scene: Ideal mid-evening classy experience; casual cocktails and fresh fish

4. Trattoria La Puglia Shimbashi

Why Visit: A standout fusion izakaya offering authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy Japanese-ized stylized space.
What’s Inside: Warm trattoria-style decor with Italian seasonal plates—antipasti, pasta, grilled fish—served alongside sake and Italian wine.
Drinks & Food: Wine/sake from ¥600–1,200; pasta dishes ¥900–1,500; grilled plates ¥700–1,200.
Typical Cost: ¥4,000–6,000pp for drinks and shared dishes.
Tourist Tips: Non-smoking indoors. English menu and friendly staff. A great bridge between Japanese and Western cuisine in a hip neighborhood.

5. Meat Cuisine KOJIRO, Ginza

Why Visit: A high-end izakaya specializing in quality cuts—steak, wagyu, charcoal-grilled meats—ideal for gourmet travelers.
What’s Inside: Sleek modern space with bar and table seating, open kitchen grilling premium beef cuts and steaks.
Drinks & Food: Beers ¥600–800, wine/sake ¥800–1,500; wagyu skewers ¥400–800, steak plates ¥1,200–3,500.
Typical Cost: ¥5,000–8,000pp for a premium meaty night.
Tourist Tips: Reserve ahead. Non-smoking indoors. English menu available. Perfect for special evenings or luxury travelers.

6. Yakiniku Aburiya Musashi

Why Visit: Offers interactive tabletop grilling in a localized yakiniku izakaya format—juicy meats for grilled-enthusiasts.
What’s Inside: Grill-equipped tables with premium beef and pork cuts, vegetables, and dipping sauces.
Drinks & Food: Beer ¥600–800, sake/shochu ¥700–1,200; meat platters ¥1,200–3,500; sides ¥400–800.
Typical Cost: ¥4,500–7,000pp for a satisfying yakiniku experience.
Tourist Tips: Non-smoking indoors. English menus and guided grilling help make this hands-on night easy and enjoyable for any group.

7. Platinum Fish Baru

Why Visit: A chic seafood bar offering fresh ocean-to-table bites with Western flair—a rare find within the izakaya scene.
What’s Inside: Sleek bar seating and counters featuring oysters, ceviche, and charcoal-grilled fish skewers, perfect for deliciously fresh seafood.
Drinks & Food: Beers ¥600–800, wine/sake ¥700–1,200; fresh oysters ¥300–500 each, fish skewers/ceviche ¥500–800.
Typical Cost: ¥4,000–6,000 per person for a luxury seafood evening.
Tourist Tips: Non-smoking indoors. English menu available. Ideal for seafood enthusiasts or date nights.

8. Kaki Goya Shimbashi

Why Visit: Fresh-off-the-shell oysters, grilled whole, served in a friendly, standing-room venue reminiscent of coastal seafood shacks.
What’s Inside: Standing bar format; oysters are grilled or raw, paired well with beer or sake.
Drinks & Food: Beer/sake ¥500–800; oysters ¥400–600 per shell; small seafood snacks ¥300–500.
Typical Cost: ¥2,500–4,000pp for oysters and drinks.
Tourist Tips: Smoking allowed at standing counter. Limited space—arrive early. Good for casual, quick tastings.

9. Gyoza Hohei Ginza

Why Visit: Specialty gyoza bar offering crispy, savory dumplings made fresh to order—perfect for sharing with beer or sake.
What’s Inside: Cozy tables and counter seats; you can watch the master pot the dumplings.
Drinks & Food: Beers ¥500–700; sake/shochu ¥600–900; gyoza 5‑piece ¥400–600; dipping snacks ¥200–400.
Typical Cost: ¥2,500–3,500pp for dumplings and drinks.
Tourist Tips: Non-smoking inside. English menu available. Casual, tasty, and quick—great for light bites.

10. Lamb Shabu Kinnome Ginza

Why Visit: A premium lamb shabu-shabu experience—a delightful, warming twist on izakaya fare known for healthy and flavorful dining.
What’s Inside: Table settings with simmering broth; lamb slices are delicately cooked and dipped in sauces.
Drinks & Food: Beer/sake ¥600–900; lamb shabu set (2-person) ¥3,000–4,000; add-ons (vegetables, tofu) ¥500–900 each.
Typical Cost: ¥5,000–7,000pp for a full shabu session with drinks.
Tourist Tips: Non-smoking indoors. English menu available. Perfect for cold evenings or healthy dining experiences.

11. Trinity Oyster House Ginza

Why Visit: Upscale oyster bar known for regular, premium, and specialty varieties from Japan and overseas—paired with wine or bubbly.
What’s Inside: Stylish bar and table seating with oyster platters, small seafood dishes, and elegant presentation.
Drinks & Food: Wine/champagne ¥800–1,500; oysters ¥400–700 each; seafood nibbles ¥600–1,200.
Typical Cost: ¥6,000–10,000pp for an indulgent tasting evening.
Tourist Tips: Non-smoking indoors. English menu and sommelier assistance. Ideal for celebrations or high-end seafood experiences.

12. Sushi Tofuro Ginza Corridor Street

Why Visit: Contemporary conveyor-belt sushi with wide drink menu—casual, fun, and efficient in central Ginza.
What’s Inside: Conveyor belt sushi, counter seating, and full-service menu for attentive dining.
Drinks & Food: Sake/beer ¥500–800; nigiri ¥120–300 each; small bites ¥300–500.
Typical Cost: ¥2,500–4,000pp.
Tourist Tips: Non-smoking indoors. English menu displayed above belt. Great for quick and tasty sushi stop.

13. Uogashi Nihon-Ichi Shimbashi

Recommended Menu: Fresh seafood tapas, oysters, sashimi platters, Japanese craft beer
Smoking: Smoking allowed in outdoor/terrace area
Typical Crowd: Seafood lovers, groups, late shinbashi explorers
Ideal Scene: Great stop for seafood-first appetites—either solo or in groups, grab tapas and drinks on the terrace

14. Kaiten Toyama Sushi Ginza

Why Visit: Gourmet rotating sushi sourced from Toyama Bay—renowned for fresh seafood and regional specialties.
What’s Inside: Conveyor-belt sushi, counter seating, open-kitchen display.
Drinks & Food: Sake/beer ¥500–800; nigiri based on Toyama ingredients ¥200–400 each.
Typical Cost: ¥3,000–5,000pp.
Tourist Tips: Non-smoking indoors. English menu and plates color-coded. Perfect for those wanting regional sushi highlights.

15. Odashi to Osake Suzume

Why Visit: A refined izakaya centered on dashi (Japanese broth)—serving umami-rich bowls and elegant sake pairings.
What’s Inside: Minimalist space with communal and small tables; bowls of oden, miso, dashi-based small plates, and delicate broths.
Drinks & Food: Sake ¥600–1,000; beer ¥500–700; dashi bowls/small dishes ¥400–900.
Typical Cost: ¥3,500–5,000pp.
Tourist Tips: Non-smoking indoors. English menu available. Ideal for warming up and sampling refined, savory broths.

📚 Shimbashi Izakaya Culture & Etiquette

Seating styles: A mix of counter seats, small tables, private booths—you’ll find both communal and private options.
Ordering: Picture-rich menus, English speakers, and pointing options make ordering easy—even after a few drinks!
Cheers: A hearty “Kampai!” is standard before the first drink.
Payment: Cash is best for smaller cozy spots; mid-range izakayas accept cards.
Peak times: Buzz starts around 6 PM and peaks 8–10 PM; last orders around 11 PM indicates winding-down time.

✅ Shimbashi Night Guide Summary

Shimbashi’s izakayas offer a special mix of neighborhood comfort and after-work vibrancy. Whether you’re after grilled skewers, sake tastings, seafood delicacies, or interactive group fun, these 15 establishments—spread across easy walking distance—offer memorable dining, engaging atmospheres, and English-ready service.