Chartreuse is the only herbal liqueur in the world still made by monks — the monks of La Grande Chartreuse monastery in France. The recipe has been a closely guarded secret since 1605, known exclusively to a select few within the monastic community and never disclosed even to the brand's own manufacturer.
Each year on May 16, fans around the globe mark the occasion known as "Chartreuse 1605," heading to their favorite bars to celebrate with a Chartreuse cocktail in hand. This year, four venues across Tokyo and Hyogo are joining the festivities with limited-time menus.
Keio Plaza Hotel Main Bar Brillant — Shinjuku, Tokyo
Keio Plaza Hotel's Main Bar Brillant in Nishi-Shinjuku is offering a limited-time cocktail called "Bijou" — French for "jewel" — with a twist inspired by Japanese traditional craft Arita-yaki ceramics.
Period: May 1 (Friday) – June 30 (Tuesday), 2026
Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM (Last food order: 10:00 PM / Last drink order: 11:00 PM)
Closed Sundays and public holidays.
Address: 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Price: ¥2,100 (tax and service charge included)
Website: https://www.keioplaza.co.jp/restaurant/list/brillant/
BAR TRENCH Tokyo / Kyoto (New Location)
BAR TRENCH in Ebisu, Tokyo, has been crafting special Chartreuse cocktails for this annual celebration for years. This time around, the bar is also opening a brand-new Kyoto location, hosting Chartreuse 1605 events at both venues simultaneously.
[Tokyo]
Period: May 11 (Monday) – May 19 (Tuesday), 2026
Hours: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM (open daily)
Address: 1-5-8-102 Ebisu Nishi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
[Kyoto]
Period: May 13 (Wednesday) – May 17 (Sunday), 2026
Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM (last order)
Open Wednesday through Sunday. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Address: 235 Chamayacho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
Website: https://small-axe.net/bar-trench/
Lugdunum Bouchon Lyonnais — Kagurazaka, Tokyo
In Kagurazaka — a Tokyo neighborhood known for its French atmosphere — Lugdunum Bouchon Lyonnais is pairing Lyon-style French cuisine with Chartreuse during the event period.
Period: May 13 (Wednesday) – May 30 (Saturday), 2026
Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:30 PM (last order: 8:30 PM)
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Address: 4-3-7 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Price:
- ¥8,500 for a 5-course Lyon cuisine specialties menu
- ¥12,500 for a 5-course chef's omakase menu
Reservations required for course menus.
Website: https://lyondelyon.com/
BAR THE TIME — Nishinomiya, Hyogo
BAR THE TIME in Nishinomiya opened originally in 1991, but at one point closed its doors before making a comeback in April 2025. The revival was realized by Morisaki, owner of the acclaimed Kobe bar Savoy Homage, who stepped in to carry on its spirit. Bartender Uza — whose passion for Chartreuse runs deep — will be creating special cocktails for the occasion.
Period: May 1 (Friday) – May 31 (Sunday), 2026
Hours: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM (last entry: 10:00 PM)
Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Address: 2-2 Ishibanemachi, Nishinomiya-shi, Hyogo
Website: https://www.instagram.com/bar.the.time_nishinomiya?igsh=OGlnemhxb3RvZzRt
