For some reason, I had never been to the shot bar "Katsura" in Chofu, even though I always seem to be there. It seems like a handy place for a second stop. (The closing time seems to be around 1:00, so it might not be open for after-cabaret drinks). It's a quiet space where you can sit at the counter with your girlfriend or alone, and it seems like a good place for business discussions. Today, I went with a subordinate from work. They have a wide selection of drinks, and we had highballs with Hakushu, Laphroaig, and Ballantine, followed by a Macallan 17 on the rocks. I would love to come back and use this wonderful place again.

On this day, it was the second stop from Ao. I had been wanting to visit this BAR for a while now, but I was a bit hesitant to come alone, so it was perfect to come with K-san. The restaurant is located on the second floor. You have to go up the stairs to get there. There is a handrail on the right side. When you reach the front of the restaurant, you will see a nice atmosphere like a Japanese garden. First-time visitors might wonder if it's really a BAR. When you enter the restaurant, there are a few steps leading inside. There are counter seats and table seats. The interior is surprisingly spacious, so it might be good for beginners to start with a table. The owner is wearing a coat, so you can easily recognize them, and the younger person might be an apprentice. I asked for a highball as a recommendation, and it turned out to be Four Roses. It was a chance for the bartender to show off their skills, and I couldn't help but watch. The good thing about this place is that the glasses are large. For the second drink, I had Knob Creek, and then we called it a night. It was a very nice BAR with a great atmosphere. It's nice to drink in a place like this once in a while.

At the Japanese-style izakaya "Aono Koto", we had a drink and then decided to visit Shot Bar Katsura. As we climbed the L-shaped stairs, the entrance, inspired by a Kyoto garden, caught our eye. Inside, there is an L-shaped counter, a few tables, and a back bar displaying a variety of liquors. The owner and bartender, Kuronuma-san, has been running the bar for 34 years since its establishment in 1988. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, and Kuronuma-san has a mischievous air about him, even asking to be called "Kuro-chan". We started at a table and later moved to the counter, as a bar experience is best enjoyed at the counter. We tried the Knockando single malt from Speyside, served as a float highball, and the Martini on the rocks made with Tanqueray gin and NOILLY PRAT vermouth. The cocktails were expertly made, and we enjoyed chatting with Kuro-chan about cocktails and spirits. Thanks to a friend's recommendation, we discovered this fantastic bar, and it quickly became a favorite spot for us. They also offer cigars. Overall, it's a highly recommended gem in Chofu!

I had a reason to go to Chofu after a long time, and I was looking for various shops! It seems like there are new buildings and unfamiliar shops popping up. I went to a yakitori restaurant with decent reviews as my first stop, but it was just okay. Let's skip the details. Well, I guess Chofu has always been like this. I found a high-end looking bar as my second stop! Although it's a long-established place, I was embarrassed not knowing about it. It's a very sophisticated bar, the best in Chofu! The master is like an old-fashioned bartender, and it gives you a spine-tingling feeling! Here, it's best not to pretend to know everything and just leave it to them or ask for recommendations. It's surprisingly, but they are kind! They will teach you anything you ask and have a lovely smile! I never knew there was such a high level place in Chofu. I recommend it to whiskey lovers or those who want to learn more about whiskey. Of course, the cocktails were delicious too!

The service is good.

An authentic bar with a spacious interior. The staircase leading up to the entrance exudes a sense of luxury, making it the most upscale bar in Chofu.

There is a stylish bar in Chofu! The cheese on crispy rusk was delicious.

<2016.9 Visit> This place is calming. The drinks are delicious, and it's a cool spot. It's the perfect place for a guy to enjoy a drink alone. Plus, it's close to home. Today, I had a Pomegranate Martini and a Vesper. The Vesper is a short cocktail made famous by 007 in Casino Royale, mixing gin and vodka. It's cool to down it in one go like 007, but that's not me. I had a bit, well actually a lot, to drink at the first place. Next, I tried the Kildarton Cross, a whiskey-based cocktail. It's a bit mellow and sweet, surprisingly easy to drink, expanding the world of whiskey enjoyment. Another fun time ends as I get tipsy. Being a lover of alcohol but weak to it... I should come here first next time. <Initial Visit> It's something to be proud of that there's such an authentic bar in Chofu. Going up the stairs, you're welcomed by a Japanese-style garden, finding peace under the moon and in the garden before entering the store. The interior is red and wooden, with a view of the garden from Japanese-style lattice windows. There's a genuine bar counter. In the back, there are four table seats. For some reason, the interior and atmosphere are calming. I simply enjoyed whiskey. I had four from Islay, each unique and delicious. My favorite is Ardbeg. I had a satisfying time with Islay whiskies. Discovering such a stylish bar nearby made it a happy day.

I suddenly felt like having some Islay malt whisky by myself, so I decided to visit the famous Katsura-san in Chofu. I climbed the stairs to the second floor where the shop is located, and to my surprise, there was a beautifully maintained garden right in front of me!! Σ(o_0) For a moment, I thought I might have made a mistake, but when I passed through the garden, I found the actual shop there, haha. The interior was dim and cozy, and I started with an Ardbeg. The master was very friendly and taught me a lot about whisky, which was really educational ✨ I'm sorry for asking so many questions... (^^;; Next, I tried the rare Liqueur de San's Caol Ila, and then a smoky Islay liqueur made for highballs. I was a bit hesitant about turning Islay malt into a highball, but when the master made it, it was delicious! A glass where the scent rises with the bubbles of carbonated water, it was the first time I had such a tasty highball! ^o^ When I want to enjoy a drink by myself at a leisurely pace, I would definitely like to visit again ✨

Chofu becomes a more lively town!!! This time, I visited "Shot Bar Katsura," located just a 1-minute walk from Chofu Station on the Keio Line. - Visit time: around 1:30 p.m. - Store: The exterior has a Japanese style, while the interior has a chic black theme. - Staff: The staff member was very friendly. - Menu: Ginger pork set meal Stamina grilled set meal Chicken teriyaki bowl Simmered hamburger Chicken curry Coffee included All priced at 900 yen each. ● Ginger Pork Set Meal (900 yen) Upon entering the restaurant, I asked, "Is it still okay to have lunch?" They replied, "Sure, but we only have ginger pork left." I said, "That's fine, I'll have the ginger pork." It seems they prepare ingredients daily and sell until they run out. I have visited the shot bar at night a few times, but this was my first time having lunch there. After a short wait, the food was served. "Wow, it's quite a generous portion!" The main ginger pork dish came with rice, miso soup, three side dishes, and pickles. The side dishes included simmered vegetables like daikon, teriyaki chicken, and tofu. It was a Japanese-style set meal that was quite different from the shot bar atmosphere. The ginger pork was sweet and savory with a delicious flavor. The rice portion was generous, and it went well with the ginger pork. The simmered vegetables were flavorful with a gentle broth infusion. The teriyaki chicken side dish was sweet and tasty. The miso soup with yuba and chopped green onions had a gentle flavor. The tofu and pickles were a refreshing addition. I was surprised by how delicious the lunch was at a shot bar. I would love to try other menu items as well. Thank you for the meal.

I visited the restaurant around 12 o'clock on Monday. It is located along the train line after leaving Chofu Station. If you look at the map, you will see a menu sign, so you will know it right away. I had planned to visit a famous nearby restaurant on this day. However, they were closed because they didn't have any fish in stock. Feeling a bit disappointed, I decided to try a nearby restaurant instead. As I walked along, I noticed various restaurants in the area, some of them looking a bit shady. However, I didn't have trouble finding a place to eat. Two salarymen ahead of me entered the restaurant, so I decided to follow them with my boyfriend. The lunch menu displayed on a vertical sign showed options like ginger pork, stamina dish, simmered hamburger, chicken teriyaki bowl, bonito tataki bowl, and daily specials. The daily specials included cream stew on Mondays, white fish fry on Tuesdays, tofu hamburger steak on Wednesdays, homemade minced cutlet on Thursdays, and seafood curry on Fridays. The restaurant was located near Unagi Suzuki. As I climbed the outdoor stairs along the road, I saw a small garden area leading to a solid wooden door. When I entered the restaurant, the interior was completely different from the outside, with a chic atmosphere in red and black tones. We chose to sit at a 3-person table. The restaurant had a counter with about 7 seats, one 3-person table, and three 4-person tables. As expected from a bar, there were many bottles of alcohol lined up in front of the counter. The tables, chairs, and floor were all in dark brown tones, contrasting with the red walls adorned with pen drawings. I ordered the chicken teriyaki bowl, while my boyfriend ordered the stamina dish. When we arrived, it was just us and the salarymen, but within 10 minutes, the place was fully packed. Some customers who couldn't find a seat left after looking around the restaurant. The lunch arrived in about 5 minutes. It included a bowl, miso soup, pickles, tofu, and simmered dish, all in generous portions. The simmered dish had a thick sauce with just the right softness of daikon radish. The tofu was dressed like Caesar salad, topped with chopped green onions and black sesame seeds. The miso soup had enoki mushrooms and a slice of yuzu, giving it a refreshing flavor. As for the bowl, cucumbers were scattered on top of the rice, followed by the chicken teriyaki. The dish was garnished with white leeks and shredded shiso leaves, which complemented the flavors well. The chicken teriyaki had a crispy skin with a nice glaze, and the sauce coated the meat perfectly. The rice was also drizzled with sauce, making it delicious until the last bite. We finished our meal with a cup of coffee before leaving the restaurant. The customers who came in later were mostly salarymen (60%) and older ladies (40%). The prices were reasonable, and the focus was on quick turnover, so we left early, but the atmosphere was very relaxing. If this restaurant was nearby, I would definitely visit for lunch regularly. That's the kind of place it was.

This is a bar located above the popular eel restaurant Suzuki. It is a relatively well-known place in the neighborhood, but with only 9 reviews on Tabelog (as of August 2015), it is not highly rated. Despite hearing good things about it from people around me, I decided to visit as I felt the Tabelog score was underrated. On a Friday night, both the counter and tables were almost full, confirming its popularity. I ordered a Sherry Tonic, among other drinks. They didn't ask about preferences like lime or Sherry, so I received their standard version. I don't mind not being asked about preferences as I didn't want anything too specific. The drink served had gas but lacked balance with the lime, making it tiring to drink. For my second drink, I requested no lime, but it still felt tiring. Perhaps the Sherry was not fresh or properly chilled. I found the prices slightly high for Chofu. It was a bit difficult to place orders due to the crowd, but it was manageable. The place seems to be thriving and has a good reputation. I would like to try sitting at the counter next time.

I have been visiting this place occasionally for about two years now. It's located just a 2-minute walk from Chofu Station East Exit towards Shinjuku, on the 2nd floor of a building along the railway tracks. The exterior may seem like a traditional Japanese restaurant or ryotei, making it a bit intimidating for first-time visitors. However, once you climb the outside staircase, you'll find yourself in a truly authentic bar. The sign says "Genuine Bar," and that's exactly what it is, so if you're looking for a place to have a drink, I highly recommend it. Don't worry too much about the food aspect, it's best to focus on the drinks here. The first time I visited, I had a "Yamazaki 12-year" on the rocks with a half cheese platter. The bar was originally run by a big company, but the current master took over, who honed his bartending skills in Ginza. The reason I started visiting this place regularly was the cocktails. I was initially hesitant since I thought it was unusual for a man to drink cocktails, but the ones made by the master are exceptional. He always asks for your preferences and the balance and shake of the cocktails are perfect. One of my favorite cocktails here is the "M. Satie Rain," a vodka-based cocktail with a grape flavor. It's perfect for treating a special someone to a cocktail. The atmosphere inside the bar is quiet and sophisticated, making it a comfortable place for adults. There are many regulars, including office workers, couples, and solo female drinkers. It's a place where you can come and go without overstaying your welcome, enjoying a refined drinking experience. I hope more bars like this will pop up in Chofu, offering a hidden gem for those seeking a classy drinking spot. (These are my personal opinions)

In Chofu, there is a sophisticated adult bar that exudes a unique atmosphere. I went with friends to enjoy whiskey. I found out they offer lunch by looking at Tabelog. If they have a more extensive evening food menu that includes dishes that can be quickly prepared, it would be even better. The whiskey selection mainly consists of safe, common options listed on the menu. Having some rare whiskeys would enhance the bar's already great atmosphere and justify slightly higher prices. However, it seems that many regulars come here to have a drink and chat without eating, so maybe my opinion as an occasional visitor isn't necessary.笑

On the second floor of the apartment building, there is a traditional Japanese approach with a signboard displaying the character "桂". However, once you enter, there is nothing traditional Japanese about it. The interior, decor, menu, and even the clientele are completely different, and unfortunately, it is not to my taste, so I will not be returning. Perhaps it was a former snack bar or something similar? Maybe it's due to its long history? The glass shelves lined with liquor bottles just seem out of place to me... Sorry to the staff and fans of the restaurant, this is purely my personal opinion. But I'm sure it's a great fit for those who enjoy this style. That's just how restaurants are. It seems like they have been in business for a long time, so they must have a lot of regular customers. Smoking Allowed.

I think this bar in Chofu or Fuchu would be a good choice. The entrance area has a Japanese-style atmosphere, which creates an interesting vibe. I've only ever had single malt whiskey, so I can't judge the level of cocktail skills. It can get a bit noisy when groups of customers come in, but if you usually like to quietly enjoy your single malt while lost in thought, this might be the place for you in the neighborhood.