AYA-METAL

Shinjuku, Tokyo

A short walk from Takadanobaba Station, AYA-METAL is a heavy metal and hard rock bar that also calls itself a "new half" (transgender-hosted) bar. Its walls are lined with 80s–90s HR/HM bands, and the playlist runs from melodic, German, death and black metal to grunge, punk and Japanese rock, kept at a volume where you can still talk. Drinks center on Okinawan awamori and Orion beer, served at a cozy seven-seat counter.