Neo-Greek concrete pillars coyly hide a wall of glass behind which you’ll find a stunningly sophisticated bar that can only be entered through a window. That’s nothing compared with the upper floors of the building, which seem to allow access only by hang glider or transporter beam. At least several years of searching for the front entrance and elevator have yielded no success for us. It makes you wonder how the hairdresser on the second floor has survived for the last ten years. Perhaps it was he who spiked the architect’s milk.
Once through the window, you will be led by a tuxedoed waiter down some stairs into the bar. The cleverly designed interior takes advantage of every square inch of floor space. Cunningly arranged mirrors invoke feelings of déjà vu: “Haven’t I seen that gentleman just minutes ago sitting with that lady in some other corner of the bar?” The five-meter-high ceiling is one huge mirror, which may explain the many fashionable hats worn by those boycotting Art Nature for obnoxious advertising. An inspection of the recreation room alone is worth the taxi ride from across town. Yes, we are talking serious stuff here. Tip Top is an eyeful, decked out in translucent concrete, crystal, neon and chrome, and fully worth the ¥600 table charge (per seat mind you). This buys you the right to select from among 600 different drinks served à la carte with assorted French cheeses, peon-picked fruit and European amuse gueule.
After midnight Tip Top is still filled with dating couples savoring the mood of sophistication and class. Want to impress your date? Walk through the window into a different world. Experience Tip Top to forever change your perspective on life.
Tip Top
Shot Bar for the Sophisticated Tokyoite
Tel: 3590-5017
B1, Fragment MIB Bldg., 2-53-10 Ikebukuro
Five minutes from the west exit of Ikebukuro station |
