One of the best bars I have ever been to! The vibes are amazing, the decor has been so well thought out, creating some many cool spaces, it was hard to choose where to sit! The bartender and staff were some of the coolest people we’ve met on our two week Japan trip. And the drinks were incredible. You must visit Yu when in Takayama - 10/10!!!

This is a world destination bar. A fine bar with the owner to match. My wife and I were on our honeymoon which included Takayama, Japan. A small town frozen in time, peaceful with friendly and inviting residents. The town is a touristy spot for hot springs and wagyu beef. We were thirsty for some cocktails and lucky to have found this gem bar tucked away Takayama. The owner, Yuichi, made our experience seem like it was just for us that day we visited. His bar is totally his design, every piece of furniture and art piece has his only personal story. His drinks are phenomenal. Ingredients harvested locally to accent the drink, like my plum martini or my wife’s yuzu drink. The one I was blown away with was his sake mule, made from locally sourced sake and ginger. We will be back and you should visit.

Absolutely fantastic. By far, the best cocktailbar I have ever been to. The bartender / owner and staff are more than willing to have a chat and the customized cocktails are sublime. Fo yourself a favor and visit this place if you come to Takayama ;-)

Yu is one of the nicest and best bartenders I’ve ever met. He recommended me a fantastic drink with plum, ginger, and vermouth — which my party all ordered a second round of, and gave us blankets since it was cold outside. Hoping I’ll get the chance to come back again!

To start with; the venue itself was amazing. The owner/bartender (Yuichi) is a skilled carpenter and designer as well. There are cosy seats in nooks and cranny’s. The building is all made of dark Japanese wood. It is a sheer pleasure to see the bartender make his excellent prize winning cocktails. He makes you feel comfortable and welcome. Speaks English also. We had the famous Sake Sake Mule and the Yuzu Whisky Sour. Also a special cocktail the Yuzu basil smash. Last but not least the Yu’s Penicillin cocktail with, amongst other ingredients,two kinds of whisky to layer the tastes. One of the whisky’s had a smokey taste. The cocktails all tasted excellent and looked stunning. The way Yu makes them is is a sight for sore eyes. Thank you Mr. Yu. We had a memorable time in your bar

Arrived in Takayama on a warm, rainy, summer evening. Ate near old town then decided to walk to this place. It was a beautiful, peaceful walk. When we got here, we weren't sure if we got to the right place. We ventured inside the what looked like a classic vintage home, and was wonderfully surprised by the beautiful garden like, cafe, bar inside. The owner and staff were incredibly welcoming and had perfect recommendations on cocktails/mocktails. Ingredients were fresh, local, and beautifully crafted. After being in Tokyo for a week, I finally felt relaxed, and we thoroughly enjoyed each minute we spent this evening.

Yuichi is the man! He owns and operates this fantastic pub. My wife and I hung with him for a few hours in the beginning of the evening. He makes great drinks, has great stories and a terrific establishment. A must when in Takayama. Thanks Yuichi!

Without a doubt one of the best bars I've ever visited. The cocktails were amazing, fresh ingredients. Just ask the bartender for recommendations. Super cool space. It's a 70 year old traditional house decorated with amazing style and care. Can't recommend it highly enough if you're in Takayama. It's worth the walk from downtown

Best cocktail bar I’ve been to in my life and I’ve seen a fair few in my days! Love the atmosphere Yuichi created with all the decorations and furniture, it all has a real unique vibe I haven’t encountered anywhere else in the world. The cocktails are sublime, Yuichi is a real master in his craft. Go with 2 or 3 people and order every cocktail on the menu so you can try them all cause they’re all delicious in their own way. 10 out of 10, just go.

This place is just a WORK OF ART! The bartender is a real artist the place is designed in a very unique aesthetic way. His cocktails are made from local products in Takayama ! I have been in Japan for 8 years and nothing compares to this bar! He recently moved to a different location but we still more than happy to walk 15 min from the center towards him. It’s a real pleasure ✨😍 Highly recommended!

Best bar in Takayama - hidden, no signs - but it is there. Looked like ordinary Japanese house from the street - but it is there. Just go inside - you will not regret. Great drinks, very nice host, decent English language and definitely worth visiting.

They are the definition of hospitality! My partner and I only had enough cash for one drink, I left to get more cash because we just wanted to be there. The atmosphere, how warm and inviting the two guys working there are and the the drinks. This is the perfect bar, there is no flash there is no flare it's just a great place to be with amazing drinks. I wish this place existed back home.

Must visit, it's worth the little walk, got here through recommendation. This place looks epic, service is outstanding and the cocktails are delicious! Don't doubt just go and judge for yourself!

What a place this is. Amazing ambience, and the bartender has the utmost passion and skill in crafting the most amazing cocktails. He sources local ingredients and blends them together to create beautiful, fresh flavours. Do yourself a favour and do not miss this if in Takayama

What can be said that hasn’t already been said about this place? The best review I read said “why are you still reading this? Head to this bar right now” It’s funny, as I was sitting there drinking my first cocktail I thought “this is either the best bar in the world, or it’s the start of a horror movie” thankfully it’s the former Now put down your device and head there right now.

Off the beaten path you will find an interesting, cozy and relaxing place to unwind. An eceltic craft bar in a traditional Japanese house. This was such a great jem to find in Tokayama. Yuichi, the owner is very welcoming and has given much thought into making his bar a chill vibe. The music entertained us with a selection of all genres but just loud enough to hear but still converse easily. Yuichi, the owner is knowledgeable in whisky and highly skilled with craft cocktails. I loved his signature, sake mule with yuzu. This is definitely one of my favorite drinking spots now! Bring your Yen, no credit cards.

Best cocktails we have ever had! Most amazing decor and vibes. The owner was very nice and made conversation with us!

This place is absolutely lovely! It’s a really hidden place, didn’t expect such a cosy place inside. Let mr Yu help you deciding on your cocktails choice and you will get the best creations. Super tasteful! I will definitely come back and will recommend this place to all that want to have a lovely night :)

i’ve never known a bartender to put so much passion into his job. from getting local fruit, to making his own syrups to making the best cocktails i’ve ever had ! His bar is so cool as well ! perfect balance of japanese with a cool retro-indie twist ! I’m 100% coming back if I visit takayama !!! The bartender is lovley!!

Yuichi makes the best cocktails I ever tried! The Yu is moved now to this new location, near to Frespo in Takayama. You will amazed by the atmosphere, the design of the bar and the cocktails made by Yuichi San! If you happens to be at Takayama, please do not miss this place! Oh my god, the bar is just superb!

GO HERE! Hands down my favorite bar in Japan. The owner was fantastic and the drinks were great (and cheap!). No cover charge and an English menu. Drinks only, no food.

Bartender really knows his stuff, some of the most amazing cocktails we've ever had! Small capacity so fills up quickly, lovely and cosy inside and bartender was friendly. One of our favourite places in Takayama. Smoking is towards the back so sit towards the front of the bar if you're a non-smoker.

Such a great funky bar, delicious modern cocktails prepared with so much care by the lovely and friendly owner (who was also handing out samples of different liquors and brought us sake on the house, just because!) Great atmosphere, music and menu. Highly recommend visiting this venue!

Went there twice during my stay in Takayama. Excellent menu of drinks whether you want beer, sake or cocktails - real, unique ones, not just highballs. Very affordably priced, excellent service, great decor and atmosphere. Highly recommend.

Amazing place ! Very original cocktail and outstanding bartender. Atmosphere is relaxing and comfortable. If you are out in cold go there. Unique place. Though no food just drinks.

The best bar I’ve ever been to. I visited in 2019, it has been almost 3 years and I still think about the drinks here. Yu is so friendly and a kind soul - I will go back to Takayama for this bar alone. Thank you!!