Light Stand

Almost everything else on this list has been standing in the same spot for decades. 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 L-shaped counter with chairs tucked along it, so 'standing bar' is more of a suggestion than a rule. Highballs are ¥400 and nearly the whole food menu sits under ¥500 — せいろ steamers, skewers, sashimi, things off the teppan. Order four or five and share them.

There's a big screen showing whatever match is on, 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.