Gen Yamamoto
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Azabu-jūban Station · 2 min walk (Toei Ōedo Line, Tokyo Metro Namboku Line)
- Hours
- 15:00 - 22:30 (last reservation at 21:00); closed Sunday & Monday
- Admission
- ¥8,800 (5 cocktails), ¥10,000 (6 cocktails), ¥11,000 (7 cocktails)
- Time needed
- 80–90 min
- Best time to go
- 15:00 (the opening seating is noted as the slot with the highest availability)
Hours can change on holidays — check the official site before travelling.
About
Gen Yamamoto is an elite, eight-seat cocktail bar in Azabujuban that redefines mixology through a minimalist, omakase-style tasting menu. Rather than standard drinks, expect a seasonal flight of four to six meticulously crafted cocktails showcasing rare Japanese micro-distilleries, fresh local fruits, and botanicals. The quiet, zen-like atmosphere feels like a traditional tea ceremony, where Gen himself hand-carves ice and explains the provenance of every ingredient.
What Japanese guides note
Gen Yamamoto operates strictly as an omakase cocktail counter rather than a casual drop-in drinking bar. Hotel concierges and booking agents are not permitted to reserve seats, requiring guests to call the bar directly seven days before their planned visit. Because the room holds only eight people in a music-free setting, patrons are expected to maintain low speaking volumes and arrive promptly for their timed flight.
Details from local sources
- Owner Gen Yamamoto opened the bar in February 2013 after working five years in New Jersey and three years in New York. [source]
- The eight-seat counter is carved from a single slab of 500-year-old Mizunara oak. [source]
- Drink preparations deliberately avoid commercial liqueurs, utilizing only base spirits and raw fresh produce. [source]
Insider Tip
Reservations are mandatory and open exactly one month in advance. Arrive on time, as the intimate tastings begin promptly.
Frequently asked
How do I make a reservation at Gen Yamamoto?
Reservations open seven days prior to your intended date and must be made by phone directly by the guest. Third-party services and hotel concierges are not accepted. The official venue guidelines request callers to phone during the designated availability windows of 12:00 –15:00 or 22:30–24:00.
Can I order individual drinks from a standard menu?
No, service is structured as a seasonal omakase tasting flight. Guests select a five-, six-, or seven-drink tasting menu ranging from ¥8,800 to ¥11,000. Yamamoto crafts each drink without commercial syrups or liqueurs, combining farm-fresh domestic produce directly with selected spirits, sake, or shochu.
How long does a tasting session take?
A full tasting course takes roughly 80 to 90 minutes. Yamamoto serves drinks in a deliberate sequence across the eight-seat counter, explaining the provenance of the agricultural produce and regional distillers as each round is prepared. The final reservation slot of the day is seated at 21:00.
What is the atmosphere inside the bar?
The venue features a minimalist interior centered around a 500-year-old Mizunara oak counter. There is zero background music, directing focus entirely to the preparation of drinks and conversational exchange. Due to the subtle aromas of fresh ingredients, visitors should avoid wearing strong perfume.
Which train station and exit is closest?
Azabu-jūban Station is the nearest stop. Taking Exit 7 from the Toei Ōedo Line puts you a two-minute walk from the Anniversary Building. The Tokyo Metro Namboku Line platforms connect to the same station exits, requiring roughly two to four minutes on foot.
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