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Virtù

Tokyo

A modern hotel bar with a deeply Japanese soul

Towering above the city on the 39th floor of the Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi, Virtù delivers a flawless guest experience under the leadership of an enigmatic Keith Motsi. Always attentive, always smiling, and always exuding warmth, the team at Virtù have taken the finest of that quintessential Asian hospitality and dialled things up.

At Virtù, Japanese drinking culture is woven into an experience that feels unmistakably luxurious, with the bar's impressive collection spanning sake, shochu and a fascinating range of retro Japanese liqueurs. A map incorporated into the menu traces the origins of these bottles across Japan, turning the drinks list into a quiet lesson in the country's remarkably diverse drinking traditions. The cocktails similarly move between Japanese ingredients and international classics, allowing guests to stay rooted in the familiar while exploring new styles and flavours. The bar's relationship with Japanese drinking culture extends beyond the menu. Near the entrance, an ageing room is filled with jars of house-made umeshu, including increasingly elaborate variations such as one built around Chartreuse. It offers a glimpse into the craftsmanship happening behind the scenes. 

What ultimately makes Virtù compelling is the way it treats Japanese drinking culture as something to be explored rather than simply showcased as novelty. From its spirits collection and carefully crafted cocktails that reinterpret familiar drinks through Japanese ingredients, there is a consistent sense of curiosity running through the programme. It is a thoughtful expression of Tokyo's drinking culture: rooted in tradition, but with plenty of room for contemporary interpretation.

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