Mr. Kamiya opened its door in 1880 as the first “Bar” in Japan. They are famous for their history, and their special cocktail called “Denki-Bran” in the iconic cocktail glass. It is so cool that the oldest bar in Japan still exists, at the same location! They have a show window with their food and drink offerings right by the entrance, so you know what they have, and what they look like. They are made with wax, and looks so very real!
The inside is pretty big, with communal table everywhere. They also have second and third floor seatings, but they are more of a “regular” restaurant, not like the vibe down here. As the first floor space is closer to the original space, and we wanted to have that experience, we decided to stay on the first floor space. We were lucky to find two seats, as it was busy. Once you get a seat, what you need to do is to go back to near the entrance area, where there is an ordering station. It looks more like a host/hostess table, with one staff manning the station. You put in your order, get tickets, and go back to your seat.
They have more wax models of the food and drinks right by the ordering station, so you can look at them while you are waiting in line. They offer typical Izakaya-type food, plus Japanese-style Western food dishes. I put in an order for drinks and some bites.
Once you go back to your table with your meal tickets, the staffs on the floor will take care of you. Our drink orders came in quickly. My hubby ordered Draft Beer (生ビール) (950 yen/~$6.65 January 2024) and I got their iconic, signature drink, Denki-Bran (電気ブラン) (350 yen/~$2.45 January 2024).
It has been around 100 years since the Denki-Bran was first created at Kamiya Bar. “Denki” means electric, and in Meiji era, the electricity was still a rare, and a very “hip” thing. So, when they are introducing a new item, they liked to call it Denki-something. They have two kinds of Denki-Bran, “Old” and regular (current) Denki-Bran. The original Denki-Brand had whooping 45% alcohol. Now, the “Old” Denki-Bran has 40%, and the regular Denki-Bran has 30%. It is a very strong drink, mix of brandy, gin, wine, etc., etc. It is certainly a kind of drink you sip a little at a time, slowly. The first sip was so surprising with its high alcohol percentage, it was as if you are getting a bit of electric shock…
We waited for our food while we sipped our drinks. Remember to keep the meal tickets on your table so that the staffs know what your table is getting. It is like an old movie tickets, where they take a half of the ticket, and you keep the other half. First few dishes we ordered were Kushikatsu (串カツ) (600 yen/~$4.20 January 2024), Japanese Fried Chicken (鶏から揚げ) ($600 yen/~$4.205 January 2024), and Deep Fried Oysters (カキフライ) (1,200 yen~$8.40 January 2024).
Kushikatsu is a deep-fried meat and veggies, usually onion. The portion was nice and big, and with a side of shredded cabbages. We poured some sweet and tangy sauce on top, and it was tasty! The Fried chicken was nice too, juicy and flavorful. It came with a side of sliced fresh onions. Fried oysters were a nice portion as well, four large pieces, with a side of tartar sauce, tomato, pasta salad, and cabbage. I realized we ordered all fried dishes (LOL) so we added some other dishes. Once you place your first order at the ordering station, you can then start placing orders with any staffs on the floor. Makes it very easy! There is a menu at the table as well.
Most of the main dishes here at Kamiya Bar are mainly some kind of fried food or meat dishes. I so say they pair great with alcoholic beverages… We ordered Crab Croquette (かにコロッケ) (900 yen/~$6.30 January 2024). Two large croquettes came with a side of tomato and shredded cabbage. In Japan, shredded cabbage is a common side to many fried dish, helps cut down on the oil and gives that fresh flavor and texture. The croquettes were nice, piping hot and very satisfying.
The last dish we ordered was Shrimp Macaroni Gratin (海老マカロニグラタン) (900 yen/~$6.30 January 2024). At least we got one dish that was not deep fried (LOL). The gratin came super hot, right out the oven. It had creamy white sauce, and I loved that bit of charred burn spots on the top. It had a few small shrimps, with lots of macaroni pasta. This dish was comforting, nice hot dish to end the meal.
Just when we were about to finish up, I found an information about their special sake wine, Bee Brand Kozan Grape Wine (蜂印香竄葡萄酒) (はちじるしこうざんぶどうしゅ). It had a detailed information about its history, although all in Japanese. We ordered their Bee Brand Grape Punch (600 yen/~$4.20 January 2024), made with the Grape Wine and Soda Water. It was very nice and refreshing, more on the sweet side which I liked. It had a resemblance to Port wine a bit with the sweetness. You can have the wine as is, without anything added to it as well.
If you are interested in the history of their special wine, here is the short version. When Mr. Kamiya was working for a French Winery in Yokohama at young age, he collapsed due to overworking. The doctor said there is nothing he could do for him. The French employer brought him the French wine. By drinking the wine, he started to recover day by day. With that, he decided to one day make his own wine, that is healthy and would taste better, that would be more suited to Japanese people’s tastebuds. He finally realized his dream years later, by adding honey and medicinal herbs to grape wine. A wine that taste good and is good for your health? Sign me up!
Their bathroom is located in the main dining room, next to the bar to the right. You get to see the bartender pouring loads of Denki Bran on your way to the bathroom.
The bathroom was well-lit, clean, and equipped the washlet.
We had a fun dinner here at Kamiya Bar. We consumed comfort food, interesting drinks, and lots of history as well. I am glad I got to visit the first bar in Japan! Be aware that they are CASH ONLY so make sure you bring cash. And, if you want to take some history back home with you, you can purchase the special Denki Bran cocktail glass, their Bee Brand Kozan Grape Wine, and few knickknacks from the window next to the entrance door (outside). If you are looking for an interesting bar experience in Tokyo with lots of history, give this spot a try!
Kamiya Bar – 1 Chome-1-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo, Japan
神谷バー – 東京都台東区浅草1-1-1