Where Great Cocktails Meet Genuine Hospitality
Published: July 6, 2026
※Prices are subject to change from those in effect at the time of the interview. Please contact the store directly for the latest information.
“CHIARO” is an Italian word meaning “bright” or “light”.
The menu ranges from classic cocktails to seasonal creations made with fresh fruit. If you are not sure what to order, you can simply tell the bartender what kind of flavors you like, and he will create an original cocktail to match your mood. The bar also offers a wide selection of whisky, rum, craft gin, and other spirits.
One thing I really appreciated was the extensive selection of fresh fruit cocktails. There is an impressive variety to choose from throughout the year. I was also pleasantly surprised by the food menu. It is much more than the usual bar snacks, with enough variety to enjoy a proper dinner before settling in for a few drinks. That makes CHIARO a great place to spend the entire evening, rather than just stopping by for a cocktail.
Red Shiso (Japanese herb) Blueberry
Watching the bartender prepare the Red Shiso Blueberry cocktail was almost as enjoyable as drinking it. Every movement was precise, turning a simple mix of ingredients into a small performance. I really enjoyed the balance of flavors. The sweetness of the blueberries blends beautifully with the fresh, slightly herbal notes of red shiso, creating a cocktail that feels both refreshing and unique. It is the kind of drink that perfectly captures the creativity of Japanese cocktail culture while remaining approachable for anyone trying shiso for the first time.
Owner and bartender Mr. Ito gained experience bartending at an Italian restaurant before opening “BAR CHIARO”.
While chatting with Mr. Ito, he told me he is originally from Fukuoka, on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. He was incredibly easy to talk to, and our conversation flowed naturally throughout the evening. After spending some time at CHIARO, it was easy to understand why so many regulars keep coming back. Of course, the cocktails are excellent, but I have a feeling many of them return just as much for Mr. Ito’s warm personality and welcoming hospitality.
Assorted Three-Dish Plate
I was not expecting such a refined appetizer platter at a cocktail bar. The assortment included two types of cured ham, homemade pickles, and one of the most original bites of the evening: an orange half-coated in chocolate.The combination worked surprisingly well. The savory flavors of the ham, the refreshing acidity of the pickles, and the sweet citrus finish made it a great companion to the cocktails. It is another reminder that CHIARO takes its food menu just as seriously as its drinks.
Since opening in September 2017, “BAR CHIARO” has become a place loved by many customers.
This bar is the kind of place that quietly leaves a lasting impression. Between the creative fruit cocktails, the surprisingly satisfying food menu, and Mr. Ito’s genuine hospitality, it offers much more than a typical night out. Whether you are looking for a carefully crafted drink, a relaxed dinner, or simply a welcoming place to spend the evening, CHIARO is a bar you will want to return to every time you are in Tokyo.
≪English Reporter Journalist Profile≫
・Name：Grégoire Renais
・Nationality：France
・Hobbies：Hiking, Photography (Landscapes, Japanese cultural events)
※Information is based on June 2026. Prices, operating hours, and other details may change. Please verify with the store directly.
※All amounts mentioned in the article are inclusive of taxes.
