Light Stand

Almost everything else on this list has been standing in the same spot for years. Light Stand opened in August 2025, the staff are all in their twenties, and it is unapologetically the easy option — which is exactly why it belongs here.

It's a long counter with a few chairs at the end, so 'standing bar' is more of a suggestion than a rule. Highballs are ¥500 and most of the food runs ¥400–600 — bamboo-steamer baskets, skewers, sashimi, things off the teppan. Order four or five and share them.

There's a big screen showing whatever match is on, heated tobacco is allowed, and cards, IC and QR codes all work. Come here for the first counter of the night, get your bearings, then go find the older places while you're warm.