The Arpeggio Bar

On the first day of our exploits we were planning a trip back into Shinjuku to attend a night of bands, but our exhaustion after 10 hrs of shopping resulted in a quiet drink closer to home. So it was that we found ourselves at the Arpeggio bar – a small, well furnished and private little bar like many that dot the country. One thing that you must be aware of is that many bars can have a table or cover charge, but do not be perturbed as the experience is often quite positive. The Arpeggio Bar was no exception to this rule. The martinis were exquisite, Sir S’ White Ladies were very well made, and Miss E’s Gin Fizz exactly that. The room was quiet and the bar staff very discreet yet attentive. When Miss E and I produced the cigars we had purchased earlier during the day I thought it would be prudent to make sure the smell did not offend any other patrons so I turned to the waitress and asked “Kore wa dai jobu des ka?” (which I believe, if my Japanese was improving any meant I just asked if this was any problem). At this, she produced a cigar ashtray, cigar matches and a cutter, and offered to trim our cigars. So this is what it feels like to be a rich bastard I thought.

So the evening went swimmingly, and so were we by the time we left. Unfortunately it was an expensive night (about $50 - $60 AUD each) but well worth every misplaced penny.

So, when in Ikebukuro, do drop in…..