Today's solo journey took me to an izakaya in Ebisu. After enjoying some drinks at izakaya and bars in Ebisu, I made a stop at Ginza station. Let's have one last drink before heading home. It's been a while since I last visited Ginza. Due to reduced work hours and the impact of COVID-19, some bars were closed while snack bars remained open. It's interesting how our habits have changed. After some contemplation, I decided to sit at the counter of "Bar Landscape," which luckily had an available seat. I ordered a Martini, a classic choice. The atmosphere inside the bar was as popular as ever. I had a brief chat with the bartender about travels, which made me yearn for a trip myself. I also ordered a Margarita, a cocktail I love, especially at the snack bar "Hamayu." I ended the night with an Absinthe, reminiscent of the artist Kuni-san whom I admire. I'd love to enjoy drinks at an izakaya in Ebisu next time. It's time to head back home now. Thank you for the wonderful experience. "Bar Landscape" is located at SANWAGINZABldg.B1F, 6-4-9 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo. They are open from 16:00 to 24:00 (last order at 23:00) and closed on Sundays and holidays.

I visited the restaurant on Saturday at an early time. I stayed for about 1.5 hours. The interior of the restaurant is spacious and clean, which is very nice. The owner and staff all seem young. I am satisfied to see the restaurant in a transitional period, becoming even better. I started with onion soup, which was very flavorful. I also had a pear mojito and a whiskey muscat cocktail. The pear mojito was a challenging twist on the classic mojito, but it was well done and delicious. Today was cake day, so they served a Genoise cake and pudding. I topped the pudding with whiskey, and it was really tasty. The cake was a grape shortcake, with a rare variety of grapes, but regardless, the whipped cream was light and delicious. It was a fun experience.

The second introduction from Mr. Uchida at BAR Tarisca is here. This popular authentic BAR in Ginza, where you can enjoy the best cocktails in Japan, was opened in 2019 by a couple who are both champions of the National Bartender Skills Competition. Despite not having a reservation, I managed to secure a seat at the bar after a bit of a wait. The atmosphere was busy and bustling, making it difficult to relax and enjoy the drinks slowly. However, the bartender's skillful and elegant cocktail-making process was truly impressive. The bar exuded a sense of luxury with its carefully crafted wooden interior, despite being located underground. The staff seemed unaware of Mr. Uchida's introduction, but it was clear that many visitors come to this bar to experience the champion-level cocktails. The majority of orders were cocktails, with the bar aiming to be the best in Japan in this regard. Overall, it was a classy and elegant bar in the heart of Ginza.

I was taken to this place by an acquaintance. It seems to be a bar that closes at 12 o'clock, and I was allowed to slip in for about 30 minutes with just one drink promised. The atmosphere of the place and the service were excellent. It is run by a couple. It is a very Ginza-like bar, so you need to be a little quiet. I had a pomegranate fruit cocktail, which was very delicious, but I felt that the amount of fruit was a little small. The snacks were chicken ham and nuts. They open from 4 pm, so I would like to visit a little earlier next time.

I was brought here by a friend. - Onion gratin soup: Served in a demitasse cup, this warm soup was very comforting on a cold day. - Appetizers: Slices of baguette topped with Sasuke pork liver pate, coffee-flavored cashew nuts, almonds, and other items. The homemade Sasuke pork liver pate was delicious and all the appetizers were enjoyable. - Seasonal cocktail with pear: A refreshing cocktail that highlighted the natural sweetness of the pear with a hint of bitterness and aromatic flavors. - Seasonal cocktail with fruit tomato (Martini): A light and crisp cocktail that was surprisingly delightful. - Seasonal cocktail with fruit tomato (Frozen): A unique cocktail that made me feel like I was getting healthier as I enjoyed it. - Pear shortcake: A takeout dessert from a cake shop in Ginza, provided exclusively by Landscape. - Overall, a wonderful restaurant with a great ambiance and delicious food. I would definitely like to visit again. Thank you for the meal.

When I returned to the Kanto region, I had planned to visit this place first, but I ended up settling in Yokohama and have been busy exploring new places, so I apologize for the delay in greeting... Husband: Mr. Kazuma Matsuo, the 2013 overall champion. Wife: Mrs. Tamiko Matsuo, the 2016 overall champion. Their W-tender cocktails are charmingly casual and authentic. Since the pandemic, they have been rumored to be dominating in Ginza and I've heard many things about them even in Yokohama bars. I checked for available seats about 10 minutes before visiting. The semi-oval counter with 10 seats was full. I had the following drinks: 1. Passion fruit Caipirissima: White rum-based 2. Havana Martini (on the rocks): Dark rum-based Here are my thoughts on the drinks. Both drinks were made by the wife. Her movements were graceful yet powerful, and I couldn't help but stare. [4.0] You might be impressed even in other bars before and after this one. 1. Compared to my usual bar in Yokohama, this one fell slightly short... perhaps due to differences in the amount of fruit used. 2. An excellent outcome that lives up to expectations. Why? Because even with the same cocktail, the choice of rum, vermouth, and proportions can change the flavor significantly. I was told that they have also completed two new recipes for the Manhattan cocktail that I usually have, so maybe I'll try that next time?

A couple who are holders of a bartender competition championship run this bar. When the master of a friend's bar asked us if we had visited, we promptly went to check it out. The husband's shaking technique reminded us of a mentor, and the cheerful wife also gave off a mentor-like vibe. The fresh melon cocktail had a perfect taste with brandy. Unfortunately, we didn't get to try the wife's cocktail this time, but we hope to visit again soon. It's a great bar.

Authentic bar in Ginza. The couple has an impressive background as representatives of Japan in the World Cocktail Championship. Naturally, all the cocktails are of a high level and delicious. It's no wonder they are popular. I tried the Gin and Tonic and the Bloody Mary. The Bloody Mary was quite spicy and interesting. I would like to try the banana cocktail, Martini, and Alexander next time. Smoking is allowed, which was a downside as it was smoky. It seemed that using a mobile phone was not allowed. It's a mystery why phones are considered annoying, but smoking is not...

Stylish bar in Ginza with a lively atmosphere for enjoying drinks with friends rather than a calm setting. Ratings out of 5: Taste 3.5, Atmosphere 3.5, Value for Money 3.5. Overall rating: 3.3.

Landscape, which I visited for the first time on its 3rd anniversary, is a lovely and charming underground bar. Despite the name suggesting a good view, the bar is actually located underground. I started with a craft gin and chaser soda, followed by a delicious fruit cocktail made with angel music melon as the base. The fruit cocktail was surprisingly refreshing, not too sweet or heavy. I also tried two types of grappa in half shots, inspired by my companion. The central seating at the counter allowed me to observe the couple who run the bar, and I was captivated by their gestures and service. In the bustling area of Ginza, where many attractive bars are located, a bar run by a couple like this one offers a sense of security. If you're unsure where to go for an authentic bar experience in Ginza, a couple-run bar like this could be a great choice.

The second place we visited was a proper bar. It is very orthodox in terms of both the menu and prices. The service is also proper and the atmosphere is good. The customers are mostly well-dressed. Although it seems like a relatively new establishment, it already has regular customers.

This bar is always introduced with a standard phrase: "Both husband and wife are Japan Bartender Association's 'Japan Champion'." They are humble and modest, with a wonderful presence and a chic, adult-oriented atmosphere. The clientele is also good. It's like winning titles in 5 different weight classes in boxing. As for the taste, I'll refrain from commenting as I'm a novice and might attract criticism. This is the kind of place you really don't want to share because it's so good. Sorry for the sneaky photo-taking style!笑

Before entering the store, knock on the door. There are manners that must be followed in today's era, even when drinking at a bar in Ginza. (Of course, this is for infection prevention.) The bar we went to was very meticulous in making long cocktails. The casual conversation was unexpected for a street-level store in Ginza. I also had a short cocktail and enjoyed a White Lady. It had a tight and refreshing taste. I had four drinks today, but this place is very welcoming. The owners are very sincere about their alcohol. I didn't have to worry about my wallet or catching the last train, so I wanted to keep talking at this store. Thank you for the meal. It was delicious. I will come back again.

The title of the revisit is the name of the store. The couple has won a championship in a competition organized by the NBA (Nippon Bartender Association). I have been taught by my wife the fun of bar hopping and have been exploring mainly in the Kansai region... Upon entering, there were 1710 customers and no previous customers. I was seated in the central part of the semi-oval counter. I had the following 3 drinks: 1. Kumquat Gin Tonic: wife 2. Manhattan: wife 3. Manhattan: husband My impressions of the drinks were: 1. During the final stages of pouring the soda, the citrus scent spread throughout the store. It was a fragrant drink. 2. Before stirring, it was pre-mixed with xxx (secret) liqueur in a separate glass. It had a complex flavor with a lingering xxx aftertaste. 3. I was planning to leave after the second drink, but ended up ordering another one. The preparation was different from the second drink, with the xxx (secret) liqueur used to flavor the mixing glass. It had a unique flavor of xxx. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique flavored Manhattans. I left at 18:15, with 4 groups and 6 people remaining. It seems that this store is not affected by the new coronavirus...

In Ginza, there are many Japanese and world champions among bartenders. Among them, there is a husband and wife who are both Japanese champions, working at renowned bars like Little Smith and Opus, constantly honing their skills. They were both born in the same year. At their bar, they take on new challenges and can make any kind of cocktail. Today, on a day when they don't drink alcohol, they requested a "smoothie made with amaretto and citrus." Amaretto has a non-alcoholic extract with a fragrant flavor. Among their peers is also the Japanese champion, Iku Okubo, who is aiming for victory, and Takamitsu Tozawa, who is also determined to win.

There are countless bars in the city, "Ginza" (over). There are many bars, and those who love bars also live in this city. Among them, the area around the 6th block has many well-known shops. It is called the "devil's 6th block" because you can't help but visit multiple bars and end up hopping from one to another. In this 6th block, a new stop has been added in 2018. The bar is located in the basement of a building facing the Outer Moat Street (Dentsu Street). Just this block alone has "Ginza Zenith," "Anthem," "Little Smith," "Horikawa," "Goya," "Mitsui," and many more attractive bars. Back to the point, you descend to the basement using a narrow staircase or an elevator. There are a few steps at the door of the shop, so be careful. Upon entering the shop, the space opens up from the left to the back. On the left wall, there are sofa seats with R drawn on both sides, and in the center, there are two table seats. On the right side, there are counter seats and a back bar. The counter has an R drawn on it. The "Amesara" wood counter feels comfortable to the touch, still shiny, and the owner seems to be petting it with each action, which is quite charming. They will be applying additional layers in the future. The absence of a "bar" at the foot makes it easy to sit, and the "chairs" are reminiscent of the owner's training place, "Little Smith." The counter height is just right for someone with short legs like me. There are hooks under the counter to hang bags and backs. The back bar has a frosted glass section in the middle, giving a vague feeling of flowers. Bottles are lined up on both shelves. The owner bartender of this shop is Mr. and Mrs. Matsuo, both of whom have been Japan champions in the NBA (Japan Bartenders Association) skills competition. Mr. Matsuo became the Japanese champion in 2013. When the two got married, many fans thought that Mrs. Matsuo (formerly Minako Shirakawa) would also become the champion someday. And in 2016, Mrs. Matsuo became the Japanese champion. This means that in the future, a "champion couple's shop" will be opened in Ginza. Many customers who were looking forward to the independence and opening of the shops where the two were training must have been excited. During the reception and opening, the shop was filled with many flowers, and there was a line of customers waiting outside the sidewalk to congratulate them. The invitation to independence and opening included congratulatory words from the presidents of their respective training places (Mr. Sato from Little Smith and Mr. Otsuki from Bombay) and words from the couple, which was quite moving. Mr. Kazuma Matsuo trained for a long time at the nearby "Little Smith." At "Little Smith," he supported Manager Sato and Vice Manager Mimi. After Mimi became independent, he took over as Vice Manager and played an active role. Mrs. Tamiko Matsuo trained at "Blossom" in Akasaka and "Opera" in Ginza 1-chome. Just before independence, she served as the store manager at "Opera Monzen-Nakacho." Before becoming a bartender, Mrs. Matsuo was a rickshaw driver in Asakusa at one point. That's why sometimes she shows a brisk Edo-style service. (Although she is from Chiba Prefecture, haha).

Exploring bars in Ginza. There are so many bars in Ginza. When it comes to cocktails, the charm of the bars in this city is quite high. There are award-winning bartenders in cocktail competitions scattered around this area. If you have the budget and energy, you can even hop between these special bars. Tonight, I visited a special place where two world champions are present for the first time. We ordered the Fresh Pomegranate Jack Rose, Glass Harp (Mr. Shirakawa's), and Glorious (Mr. Matsuo's). The Jack Rose is a must-have seasonal drink at this time of year. The sweet and sour liquid shines red and smoothly slides down your throat. The lack of any harshness is quite something. And as you experience the long, uninterrupted lingering finish, you immerse yourself in a quiet moment of bliss. Ahh... it's delicious. Next, we decided to try their signature drinks, the award-winning creations from the two bartenders. Ahh, it's good, really good. Cocktails, when made by skilled hands, are truly delicious. It took me a while to realize this simple fact. It took me quite some time to step foot into Ginza and start visiting bars. I always thought that bars associated with associations were too high-end. However, in the end, after trying countless drinks at various places, I realized that nothing compares to the satisfaction of a truly well-made cocktail. Of course, alcohol is a matter of personal preference, and the element of whether it suits your taste is significant. However, the difference in skill is evident. Encountering a cocktail that is truly delicious is rare. That's why, I now understand the importance of going to a place with skilled bartenders right from the start. And probably, if you find such a place, you would continue to visit it. Also, for those who often go to bars alone, you might relate to this. During busy hours at cocktail bars with many seats, you tend to be cautious. By the time you finish your first drink, you need to be mindful of the order status of other customers and find the right timing to place your order. If you wait too long, you might be beaten to it by another customer! Cocktails are made one by one, so the number of seats that a bartender can handle is limited. Despite having a considerable number of seats, this place has a very cozy atmosphere. Even when it's crowded, you receive the next drink suggestion at a good pace, which is a delight. Skilled, considerate, overwhelmingly delicious, with a touch of Ginza's glamorous atmosphere, and friendly. It's truly a great bar.

I visited this place for the first time. Upon opening the door, the first impression was a calm atmosphere with an arched counter that caught my eye. Despite being underground, it felt very comfortable. The chairs were also very comfortable, making it easy to stay for a long time. The staff were all friendly and provided polite service without any pretentiousness, making it a pleasant place to be. I tried the Gin Sonic, St. Germain Highball, and Sidecar. Personally, I felt a slight sharpness in each cocktail, with the flavors of the ingredients standing out. I prefer a more harmonious and rounded taste. However, I believe that over time, the cocktails will mellow out and become smoother, which is something to look forward to. Overall, I think this is one of the most comfortable bars in Ginza, so I will definitely visit frequently in the future. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

I heard that an amazing bar opened in Ginza this April, so I decided to check it out. Located right near the intersection of Sotobori Street and Ginza 6-chome, "Bar Landscape" is owned by a couple who have been past champions at the annual competition held by the Japan Bartenders Association (NBA). The person who recommended this place to me was also singing its praises. I met up with friends there before dinner. The entrance is downstairs, and as soon as you walk in, you can't help but think, "Oh, I love this place." The spacious counter gives off a chic yet comforting vibe, quite different from the usual sophisticated bars in Ginza. It's a lovely spot for ladies to meet up. It's probably because of the presence of the lady behind the counter, who exudes femininity and warmth. I asked if I should try the cocktail that won the championship, but the champion suggested I try the classic cocktail that they always enjoy. So, I went with the usual choice. The Martini cocktail was made with such grace and beauty. The way they squeezed the peel seemed like a beautiful dance. Since it was a special occasion, I decided to order a Manhattan for my second drink! A luxurious shot of the couple making cocktails... The cocktails made by the beautiful couple were visually stunning! Isn't that important in food and drink? Even though they both used syrup-soaked cherries, the alcohol, aftertaste, flavor, and sweetness were completely different experiences. A luxurious cocktail tasting experience that you wouldn't notice with just one drink. The Manhattan, known as the queen of cocktails, was made by past Japanese champions. Which queen do you prefer? Why not try it out for yourself? It's a place where you can enjoy comparing and tasting different cocktails. You might end up drinking too much and feeling good♪

Returned to the restaurant for dinner, and since I had some time, I stopped by here for a pre-dinner drink while waiting for someone. I arrived at 18:35 and there were 2 groups of 7 people each, but it eventually turned into a private reservation... The orchids that were overflowing during my last visit were gone, and I could finally see the full appearance of the restaurant. *Refer to the photo. We had the following drinks: 【Myself】1. Gin and Tonic 2. Manhattan (made by the wife) 【Companion】- Martini 3. Manhattan (made by the husband) My impressions of the drinks were: 1. A refreshing Gin and Tonic with a hint of ginger flavor that stimulates the appetite. 2. 3. An order that I couldn't fulfill last time due to various reasons. It's basically a comparison of drinks... The recipes (types of alcohol used) from the hometown bars of the two individuals are different, so the flavors also vary. I found 2 to be sweeter, but my companion thought 3 might be better as a pre-dinner drink and 2 as a post-dinner drink... I see. We left at 20:20, with one person remaining. It was a luxurious experience to be able to compare drinks from two individuals who have experienced being Japan champions.

I visited the serene Landscape in Ginza. This authentic bar, run by the Matsumoto couple, is located in a building basement in the competitive Ginza bar district. As soon as you step inside, you will be amazed by the interior. It feels like you have wandered into a cottage standing in a tranquil forest, with a wonderful decor. Sitting at the center of the counter, you can see a window to a fake bar with sunlight and greenery subtly visible. Mr. Matsumoto mentioned that at this time, you can see the sunset from that window... which made me momentarily believe it (laughs). Of course, this is in the basement of a Ginza building, so sunlight doesn't actually come in. But I was truly impressed by the way they created a sense of sunlight in the space. I was just there to say hello on this day, so I had a Gimlet and a Sidecar. Both of them are champions, and you can feel their skill in the drinks. Especially the refreshing citrus flavor in the Gimlet and the way the Brandy shines through in the Sidecar, make you feel the wonderful senses behind their craftsmanship. When he was the manager at Little Smith, he used to visit Bar Mimizuka frequently, so I couldn't see him much. But this time, I was impressed by his confident service. Along with his naturally calm demeanor, he also had a dignified presence as the owner, completely dominating the space. I look forward to the future, or rather, they have already shown a certain level of completion, so I'm excited to see how they mature further. I would love to visit again.