Puff Cigar Discussion Forums

St. Lou Stu · 10-09-2008, 11:46 AM

I am preparing for a trip in December and would like to get some info on spots to relax and smoke if possible.

The vague details that I already have planned are.......

I will first be staying at the Okura Act City Hotel in Hamamatsu and then at the Shiba Park Hotel in Tokyo.

I will not have much time or desire to travel very far from the hotels.

It seems that the Shiba Park has a nice Cigar/Martini lounge.

Can you brothers/sisters suggest any other places nearby to have a relaxing smoke and drink? Preferably with some big, comfy seating.

Thanks for any input/suggestions.

Tim

duhman · 10-09-2008, 12:55 PM

I don't know about where you are going but I usually try to find a parklike setting or a bar where smoking is allowed. I've enjoyed cigars in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, China, Europe, etc. I get some strange looks from people outdoors sometimes. In China at a bar where nobody else was smoking cigars I held one up to a waitress and asked if it is ok to smoke it and she pulled out a lighter and lit it for me. Then she came back with a display case full of overpriced CCs and such. Sometimes I never find a time or place to have a smoke.
Enjoy your trip.

Stogeyfish · 10-09-2008, 03:32 PM

Stu,

Been to Japan (Tokyo area) a couple of times and cigars are somewhat difficult to find and are expensive. Prices are supposedly set by the government so there isn't much variation. Expect to pay between $24 - $34 for a churchill and about $11 for a pc.

Below is a list of a few places, not sure of your location, but the Tokyo subway/train system makes everything within 15-30 mins of each other:

La Casa Del Habano: 5-6-8 Ginza Chuo-ku, Tokyo; phone: 81-3-3571-1537. This seems to be a new store as I did not see it in May of this year.

Cigar Clubs: http://www.pacificcigar.com/eng/loca...es/welcome.php
I've been to the Le Connaisseur at Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa in Shinagawa; it's about 20 mins from the Tokyo station.

The club is located on the lower level; it's very dark but comfortable. You can sit at the bar or at a table; all seats are cushy. The humidor is a little small but well lit; has a good representation and the cigars are in excellent condition. They are not in the original boxes but in plexi boxes for you to see. The workers speak very limited english but they deal with a lot of foreign visitors. After you select a cigar(s) and if you elect to smoke it there, you will be escorted and seated; the bartender will present your cigar(s) to you. They present a candle and a cup of cedar spills for lighting your cigar. After they cut it you can either have them light it or do it yourself. Order a drink and watch them prepare it - very precise as they taste mixed drinks before serving them; it's a show unto itself. Also note the ice - other than the crushed ice, all of the cubes are hand-cut.

The manager's name is Shin and he's also a great bartender; overall service is excellent, very attentive and unobtrusive.

Have fun! Pm me if you have any questions.

TripleF · 10-09-2008, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by St. Lou Stu

Can you brothers/sisters suggest any other places nearby to have a relaxing smoke and drink? Preferably with some big, comfy seating.

Thanks for any input/suggestions.

Tim

Yup. Know just the place right here in Florida. I mean, what is your definition of "nearby" anyhow? Like is the earth "nearby" to the sun? Sure it is, but Florida is much nearer to Japan.

St. Lou Stu · 10-09-2008, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TripleF

Yup. Know just the place right here in Florida. I mean, what is your definition of "nearby" anyhow? Like is the earth "nearby" to the sun? Sure it is, but Florida is much nearer to Japan.

DUDE!
You made me spit tea out my nose....... I'm tellin uncle licker.....