Taito City, Tokyo, Japan｜Kamiya Bar

A cool little place to hang out for a drink or two and to try the famous “denki-bran” (a kind of brandy drink) sold here. The ordering process can be a little confusing; first, you should find a seat, where you can look at a menu. Once you’ve decided, you go to the till by the entrance to order and pay, at which point you get given paper tickets. You return to your seat and put your paper tickets on the table, ready for one of the super-efficient waiters to come along, snap them up and promptly return with your drinks. The whole atmosphere feels like a bit of a boisterous whirl, but in a comforting kind of way. You may well end up sharing one of the large tables with other patrons, but they’re large enough that you don’t feel crammed in by any means. If you’re in Asakusa and looking for a drink and some stripped-down, retro charm, I highly recommend this place! Oh, and I’d recommend the standard denki-bran over the “old” version, unless you’re really looking for that alcohol burn.

A Tokyo classic ! It's actually a beer hall and not a bar, my top choice for a drink and some nibbles when I am in Asakusa. Excellent service, decent food, very few tourists. The signature drink is “ Denki Bran”, a spirit that tastes like a mixture of gin and brandy with a dash of furniture polish. For beginners: 1 reserve a seat, 2 queue at the cashier and buy tickets for your first round of drinks and food, 3 after you are seated you can order and pay directly at the table, no need to buy further tickets at the cashier. Cash only. Update April 2023: Inflation has arrived at Kamiya bar, price increase by about 10%. A small handful of Edamame for 600 Yen, c'mon!

This 1880 bar, one of Tokyos first if not the first is a MUST VISIT. The Denki Bran brandy is an original from opening times and everyone here drinks it. Get a beer and brandy as a traditional drink. Bathroom is good and though so busy service is nice. You have to come in get your seat and then go up to order. The waiter will come by soon. Enjoy this traditional place and best of luck holding your brandy...