Kamiya Bar Review Summary

It is the first “Bar” in Japan, opened in 1880. They are famous for their history, and their special cocktail called “Denki-Bran” in the iconic cocktail glass. They offer typical Izakaya-type food, plus Japanese-style Western food dishes.

The inside is pretty big, with communal table everywhere. We were lucky to find two seats, as it was busy. Once you get a seat, you need to go back to near the entrance area, where there is an ordering station. It looks more like a host/hostess table. You put in your order, get tickets, and go back to your seat.

Once you go back to your table with your meal tickets, the staffs on the floor will take care of you. Our drink orders came in quickly. We ordered Draft Beer and their iconic, signature drink, Denki-Bran.

They have two kinds of Denki-Bran, “Old” and regular (current) Denki-Bran. The “Old” Denki-Bran has 40%, and the regular Denki-Bran has 30%. It is a very strong drink, the first sip was so surprising with its high alcohol percentage, it was as if you are getting a bit of electric shock…

We waited for our food while we sipped our drinks. Remember to keep the meal tickets on your table so that the staffs know what your table is getting. We got Kushikatsu, Japanese Fried Chicken, Deep Fried Oysters, Crab Croquette, and Shrimp Macaroni Gratin. They were all nice comforting food, went great with alcoholic beverages. Once you place your first order at the ordering station, you can then start placing orders with any staffs on the floor.

For the perfect ending, we decided to get something made with their special sake wine, Bee Brand Kozan Grape Wine. We ordered Bee Brand Grape Punch. It was very nice and refreshing, more on the sweet side which I liked. It had a resemblance to Port wine a bit with the sweetness. You can have the wine as is, without anything added to it as well.

We had a fun dinner here. We consumed comfort food, interesting drinks, and lots of history as well. I am glad I got to visit the first bar in Japan! Be aware that they are CASH ONLY so make sure you bring cash.

One of the very first modern western bars opened in Japan. It serves great food and is famous for its Denki Bran - probably the first brandy based cocktail in Tokyo and has been sold since 1882. The dishes are at a very reasonable price and taste good.

Authentic Japanese Restaurant just in Asakusa ready for a quick bite and drink to rest your tired feet. This place looks rathwr authentic.

Honestly, if you want to enjoy Denki bran just order it online or buy it elsewhere and enjoy it with family and friends at home, you'll have a much more enjoyable experience.

The upstairs is a bit better as you can order through your phone but downstairs is awful. The staff have some serious and unwarranted attitude problems. The old inefficient guy at the register is just incapable of communication, you then get told to choose your table then get complained at by the waitress when you take your seat....what!?

It's obviously a very unhappy place to work, such an odd atmosphere in there and being busy is not an excuse, it's your job.

The food is quite expensive for what it is and unfortunately the interior of this historical building is as bland as the food and the staff attitude. Disappointing to say the least.

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!