Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Cocktail Bars

Yu

Takayama, Japan

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST COCKTAIL BARS WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 6 2026

Top 10

Yu

Small cocktail bar in a historic Takayama building, run by owner Yu and one colleague. Cocktails mix Japanese spirits and local ingredients, served in a dim, cluttered room with explanations of each drink.

Highlights

  • Yu's Penicillin
  • Sake caipirinha
  • Local ingredients in every cocktail

Good to know

  • Cash only, credit cards not accepted
  • Small space, groups of four or fewer
  • Arrive early, seats fill quickly

Also in Japan

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  4. L'Escamoteur N° 9 L'Escamoteur Kyoto
  5. Bar Nayuta N° 10 Bar Nayuta Osaka
  6. Bar Benfiddich N° 15 Bar Benfiddich Tokyo