Inside Janu Bar Tokyo: Exceptional Design, Service and a 100-Year-Old Bonsai
- Kylie Harber
- Aug 11
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Have you ever experienced a serendipitous travel moment that stayed with you long after returning home? One you still reminisce about years later?
This is ours — an unforgettable evening we stumbled across in Tokyo.
How We Stumbled Across Janu Bar
At the end of our holiday in Japan, we returned to Tokyo before we flew home, and decided to revisit the places we loved most.
Three weeks earlier we had spotted the Christmas market being set up in Azabudai Hills and dreamt of returning once it had come to life, for an evening wandering the stalls, hot drinks in hand. I longed to find some unique Japanese gifts.
And so we arrived in the late evening to the warm glow of string lights and a gorgeous, giant Christmas tree, rugged up against the chill of the air. The market was now in full swing, with the incredible backdrop of Tokyo Tower glowing beyond, creating an ambience I'd never experienced before. The garden courtyards were overflowing with people and the excitable energy was contagious. Laughter and conversation bubbled around us as friends and families crowded in, wrapped in coats and scarves. The only thing missing was snow.
We took our obligatory selfies in front of the Christmas tree and relished the beauty of the space. But as we moved slowly through the crowds, we realised we couldn’t reach any stalls. It was standing room only, with people lined shoulder to shoulder — I couldn’t tell where the queues ended or began.
My dreams of relaxed shopping with a hot chocolate were dashed and I felt disappointed. Weary from the thousands of steps we'd already walked that day, we realised there was also nowhere to sit and rest our legs. It was too early for dinner, but we weren't ready to leave. We longed for a warm, quiet spot to take in the atmosphere.
We remembered the beautiful outdoor restaurant we’d seen three weeks earlier and spotted it nearby — a courtyard where people were dining quietly by candlelight. The restaurant is Janu Grill, and inside is a giant olive tree within the glasshouse-style atrium.
Upon enquiring, the restaurant manager told us they were fully booked, but suggested we might enjoy the bar upstairs.
This is how we stumbled across the bar at Janu Tokyo — and how our unforgettable evening began.
Inside Janu Bar Tokyo
The restaurant manager for Janu Grill personally escorted us to the bar — an unexpected gesture that immediately made us feel cared for. I couldn't quite believe it – surely he was run off his feet – but if he was, you couldn't tell. He was so calm and kind, chatting away as he took us up the elevator to the fifth floor.
Here, he led us through the Janu Lounge, alongside the Garden Terrace. As we followed, we passed through a beautifully designed lounge filled with oversized lamps casting warm pools of light, and clusters of large comfortable chairs that invited guests to linger. The noise and bustle from the courtyard below faded behind us, replaced by a sense of instant calm.
He handed us over to another server, who welcomed us warmly. I was suddenly very aware that I was definitely not dressed for the space or the occasion — wearing my regular sightseeing clothes instead of the beautiful evening dress I'd packed.
Not that the staff made us feel that way for a second.
Looking around, I could have squealed with delight. The exquisite interiors were a dream for me to immerse myself in.
The Bar: Spacious Yet Intimate
It felt like stepping into a sanctuary.
The space was moody and sophisticated, warm and welcoming. A fireplace flickered along the back wall, its flames dancing against rich textures. The carpet was plush beneath our feet. The low lighting creating an atmosphere that felt warm, cosy, and luxurious.
At the front of the room, the bar itself was a work of art — a beautiful stone benchtop paired with striking backlit cabinetry behind it. The symmetry of the cabinetry display was mesmerising, with bottles and glassware artfully arranged with a precision that felt intentional and elegant.
What struck me most was how the space managed to feel both expansive and intimate at once. With high ceilings, there was room to breathe, yet it felt personal, even private. That evening, we practically had the space to ourselves, with the undivided attention of the staff.
Our server kindly took our coats and guided us to comfortable high-top stools at the bar.
Ah, sweet relief.
My husband Jon looks tired here, but we were very happy and relaxed!
The Best $50 We Spent in Tokyo
I ordered a margarita, while Jon chose a Coke, and we shared a few small snacks as we chatted about the holiday we’d just lived — the places we’d loved, the people we adored and the memories we didn’t want to forget.
It was divine.
The drinks and snacks were expertly prepared and presented. I wasn't aware at the time that Janu Bar's cocktail manu was curated by Japanese mixologist Shuzo Nagumo, so I didn't take full advantage of the unique menu presented to me — but it wasn't just about the drinks.
We'd arrived tired, cold and overwhelmed, and somehow an hour sitting in that beautiful room made us feel completely restored. There is something extraordinary about a place that understands what you need before you've realised it yourself.
Yes, it was expensive — but it was the best $50 we spent that evening. The warmth, the calm, and the care we experienced revived us completely.
Tokyo Tower Views from Janu Bar
From Janu Bar you can see through to the lounge and across the large windows that lead to the Garden Terrace, to see a stunning view of Tokyo Tower. Not all parts of the bar have this view – there are quiet lounges tucked away in cosy nooks. But seated at the high stools right at the bar, you can.
If you are looking for uninterrupted Tokyo Tower views, be sure to book at the Janu Lounge or Garden Terrace.
We enjoyed glimpses of the magnificent glowing tower — a beautiful reminder of the magic of the city surrounding us.
Ironically, we had searched online for a rooftop bar earlier in our stay and didn't end up going anywhere. We were overwhelmed by the options, plus many of them felt too large or looked too noisy.
While Janu Bar is not on the rooftop, it is an elevated bar with a stunning, iconic Tokyo view that gave us everything we were searching for!
The 100-Year-Old Bonsai
On the bar was a beautiful bonsai that immediately captured my attention.
Deliberately positioned with a prominent spot on the bar, it was hard not to feel continually drawn to it throughout the evening. It was gorgeous, with the most delicate purple berries. It was so beautiful I could cry.
I felt its ancient energy long before I learned that the bonsai was more than 100 years old. I asked our server about it and she explained to us that a specialist company in Tokyo cares for the bonsai and rotates displays around the city.
Standing there, learning about its age and history, I felt a deep sense of reverence.
It was a profoundly moving experience for me personally (as a landscape architect turned artist) to see this living artwork that had been shaped and cared for across generations — a reminder of patience, craftsmanship, and respect for time.
This respect, ritual and creative craftsmanship is why I fell in love with Japan.
Tokyo Tower After Dark
As we were preparing to leave, we were invited onto the terrace to take in the view. One of the servers gathered our jackets and led us outside.
Perhaps because of the cold, we had the terrace entirely to ourselves.
The air was very crisp! I remember standing cuddled up next to Jon against the cold, watching the glow of Tokyo Tower as she stood proudly illuminated — bold, vibrant and elegant against the skyline.
Our server spent five to ten minutes with us, sharing information about the towers around us – including the towering, impressive curved JP Mori building. She encouraged us to take photos of the views.
It was the perfect final moment to an incredible evening!
Why Janu Bar Stayed With Us
We left feeling elated, relaxed, and completely rejuvenated — exactly what we hadn’t realised we needed after a long day on our feet.
Our evening at the bar at Janu Tokyo wasn’t planned. It wasn’t on the itinerary.
But sometimes, the most memorable experiences are the ones you discover when you least expect them — quiet moments of beauty, thoughtful design, and impeccable care that stay with you long after the trip ends.
You might laugh to read this, but we didn't continue on to a fine dining restaurant. We headed next door to Shogun Burger for the juicy burgers and fries we'd been dying to try. Over dinner, we couldn't stop talking about the extraordinary experience we'd stumbled across by chance.
Nearly two years later, we still refer to it as the best $50 we've ever spent. The sincere kindness and warm, authentic service makes me teary to recall. We cannot wait to return — next time, to stay at Janu and experience the hotel itself.
We cannot recommend it highly enough.
A Map Artwork of Tokyo To Remember
I love to create maps of the places I left my heart! If you'd like to see the progress of my Tokyo map artwork and be the first to know when it's ready, or read more of my travel stories, pop your email below to join my newsletter on substack:
Visiting Janu Bar Tokyo
Where:
Janu Bar, Janu Tokyo — Azabudai Hills
Janu Tokyo, 1 Chome-2-2 Azabudai, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0041, Japan
Janu's current information says walk-ins are welcome, and Janu Bar currently opens 5pm–midnight (last food order 11pm; drinks 11:30pm).
Why Visit Janu Bar?
Why visit: For sophisticated interiors, exceptional service, beautifully crafted cocktails and an intimate atmosphere. Janu Bar's cocktail menu is crafted by Japanese mixologist Shuzo Nagumo and draws inspiration from Tokyo's different districts. Walk-ins are currently welcome.
Go here for an intimate, gorgeous experience with glimpses of the Tokyo skyline or book the Janu Lounge / Garden Terrace for incredible, uninterrupted Tokyo Tower views from those big comfy chairs.
When We Visited:
We visited on the 8th December 2024. Janu Tokyo opened in March 2024, earlier that year.
You can watch our full three week itinerary as a series of cinematic snippets (you'll see two quick snippets of Janu Bar):
