Bar
Shinjuku Golden Gai
A tight grid of narrow lanes in Kabukicho holding around 300 tiny bars, many seating only a handful of drinkers, each with its own theme.
The SG Club
The SG Group's multi-level Shibuya cocktail bar, blending Japanese and Western drinking culture, with a casual ground floor and a moody basement.
At a glance
- Type
- Cocktail bar
- Area
- Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- sg-management.jp
Good to know
- Two bar floors
- Members-only cigar lounge
- TableCheck reservations for Sip
Why we recommend it
The SG Club is the Shibuya flagship of the SG Group, the bar company founded by bartender Shingo Gokan, who made his name in New York before returning to Japan. The concept draws on the Japanese envoys who travelled to America in 1860 and the cocktail culture they would have encountered there, and the result blends Japanese and Western ideas across three floors. It has been one of the most decorated bars in Asia, reaching tenth place in The World's 50 Best Bars in 2020 and third in Asia's 50 Best Bars in 2021, and was named the best bar in Japan in both of those years.
Guzzle, on the ground floor, is the relaxed, vintage-styled bar for easy-going cocktails, with mocktails and even takeaway cocktails on offer. Sip, in the basement, is slower and more immersive, with a dark, New York gangster-club feel mixed with Japanese motifs, more complex drinks and a classic shoeshine booth. Upstairs, Savor is a members-only lounge pairing cocktails with cigars, so most visitors stay on the lower two floors.
For most visitors, the best plan is to start in Guzzle and book a table in Sip through TableCheck, via the link on the official website, for more elaborate, layered drinks. The cocktail lists change regularly and often play with Japanese ingredients such as tea, yuzu, shiso and sake alongside classic spirits. Staff are used to international guests and happy to explain the menu. Prices are in line with other top cocktail bars in Tokyo, and walk-ins to Guzzle are usually possible early in the evening.
The SG Club suits cocktail enthusiasts, couples and small groups looking for a polished night out, and it makes a good start or end to an evening in Shibuya. Dress is smart-casual. Weekends are the busiest time, so book Sip ahead if you have your heart set on the basement bar.
The bar is at 1-7-8 Jinnan in Shibuya-ku, in the Jinnan area between Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park, around ten minutes' walk from the station and close to the shopping streets of Koen-dori. TRUNK(HOTEL) on Cat Street and the restaurants of Oku-Shibu are a short walk away.
The SG Club FAQs
Can I reserve a seat?
The basement bar, Sip, can be booked via TableCheck through the official website.
Is the whole bar open to the public?
Guzzle and Sip are open to the public; the second-floor Savor cigar lounge is members-only.
Who founded it?
The SG Group, founded by bartender Shingo Gokan.
Has it won awards?
Yes, including tenth place in The World's 50 Best Bars 2020 and third in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2021.
What is the difference between Guzzle and Sip?
Guzzle is casual with takeaway and non-alcoholic options; Sip is a darker basement bar with more complex cocktails.
Are there non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes, Guzzle serves mocktails.
Where is it?
At 1-7-8 Jinnan, around ten minutes' walk from Shibuya Station.
What is the dress code?
Smart-casual is fine.