百川 茂左衛門
Founded in 1928, this bar received support from many literary figures such as Satomi Ton, Izumi Kyoka, Kikuchi Kan, and Kume Masao. Until 1966, when Bungeishunju was located in Ginza, the bar became a popular spot for many writers. Particularly famous for attracting writers of the "rakugo" (transient) school, such as Osamu Dazai, Ango Sakaguchi, and Oda Sakunosuke, the bar has a casual atmosphere that resembles bustling bars overseas. Despite its high status, it is easy to visit for both regulars and first-timers, with friendly bartenders creating a comfortable environment. For a charge of 800 yen, you can enjoy cocktails starting from the 1000 yen range, making it a stylish hangout spot in Ginza. The bar's charm is its pickled cucumber. With a menu that makes it easy to choose, some of the notable signature cocktails include the Moscow Mule, Charlie Chaplin, Golden Fizz, and Martini. Descending the stairs to the underground area feels like stepping back in time, with elements like a counter made from a 100-year-old Yachidamo tree and other fixtures that have been in use since pre-war times. With table seating available, it is convenient for groups as well. Besides Dazai, Sakaguchi, and Oda, regulars included literary figures like Nagai Kafu, Naoki Sanjo, Ryutaro Takeda, Yasunari Kawabata, Jiro Osaragi, Fumiko Hayashi, artists like Takeji Fujishima, Tsuguharu Fujita, Seiichi Hayashi, Sotaro Iwata, Seitaro Okamoto, Taro Okamoto, and theater personalities like Rokuhana Kawa, Kaoru Koyama, Jukichi Uno, and Osamu Takizawa.