Local Guide
From long-established to new, here are 5 must-visit bars in Kumamoto City, the city of bars

"Kumamoto has a lot of good bars." You'll often hear this when you're in Kumamoto. It's said that there are currently over 100 bars in Kumamoto City, and with so many bars, it's only natural that each bar has a different style. Some have a food menu that's so extensive you wouldn't think they were a bar, some have a wide selection of cigars, and some specialize in Japanese alcohol. Here are five recommended bars in Kumamoto City, where a unique bar culture has taken root. Your nights in Kumamoto may become one of the best memories of your trip.

A popular bar that is attracting attention from both within Japan and overseas and is a must-visit destination

A refreshing gin-based cocktail called "Yakoboku" (1,600 yen). It is finished with the Taiwanese spice margao to add a citrus aroma.
A refreshing gin-based cocktail called "Yakoboku" (1,600 yen). It is finished with the Taiwanese spice margao to add a citrus aroma.

This bar is run by bartender Shinya Kiba, who was crowned Japan champion at the international cocktail competition "Diageo World Class 2021." The bar is committed to "cocktails that can only be enjoyed in Kumamoto," and serves highly creative cocktails made with local shochu, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In addition to using homemade liqueurs and fruit syrups infused with herbs, the bar also thoroughly pursues the uniqueness of Yokaboku, such as serving cocktails in ceramic cups made by Kumamoto artists. This pride leads to surprises and excitement with every drink.

Not just cocktails to drink, but exciting performances too

In addition to Kiba, the bartenders on staff include those who were selected as one of the top 50 in Japan in the "Diageo World Class 2023" awards.
In addition to Kiba, the bartenders on staff include those who were selected as one of the top 50 in Japan in the "Diageo World Class 2023" awards.

The menu features around 10 seasonally recommended cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic mocktails. One of the unique cocktails is the "Imagination Cocktail," which is inspired by a painting. It's an exciting drink that lets you drink it without being told about the ingredients beforehand, and imagine what's used in it based on the aroma, taste, and painting.
It was ranked 84th in the 2023 Asia's largest ranking, "ASIA'S 50 BEST BARS." This is the first time that a bar in Kyushu has made it into the top 100. Why not add it to your travel destinations?

Comments Local Guide
This bar is a hideaway-like space with a warm wooden feel, renovated from a 150-year-old inn. The "Imagination Cocktail" is sure to spark conversation, with people asking questions like "Does it have XX in it?" and "Does it taste like XX?"
Night-scented tree

Hot, chewy takoyaki and highball are the perfect match

Osaka Takoyaki (7 pieces) "Unglazed" 450 yen, "Green Onion Salt Mayonnaise" 600 yen. "Glenmorangie Orange Highball" 900 yen
Osaka Takoyaki (7 pieces) "Unglazed" 450 yen, "Green Onion Salt Mayonnaise" 600 yen. "Glenmorangie Orange Highball" 900 yen

Osaka Takoyaki and highballs are the two main features of this shop. The Osaka Takoyaki made by the master, who is from Osaka, is made with plenty of bonito broth in the batter, and the flavor of dried shrimp is condensed into it for an accent. The best way to enjoy the flavor is to have it simply "unglazed." When you take a bite of the soft takoyaki, the flavor of the broth seeps out, and it goes perfectly with a refreshing highball.
The most popular takoyaki flavor is "Salt and Wasabi," but there are also five other flavors, including "Mentaiko mayonnaise." They are light and tasty, and many people eat two bowls at once.

Find your favorite drink from 200 types of whiskey

The shop only has counter seats, so you can watch the takoyaki being skillfully cooked right before your eyes.
The shop only has counter seats, so you can watch the takoyaki being skillfully cooked right before your eyes.

Lined up in front of the counter is a collection of whiskeys from Japan and abroad that the owner has been steadily collecting since his days as an office worker, totalling over 200 types, including rare brands.
Japanese whiskey and scotch are available from 500 yen. Drinking methods are not limited to highballs, but you can also order it with water, on the rocks, or straight. One of the great things about this bar is the communication through whiskey, such as telling the staff about the brands you like on the shelves, or your favorite tastes and aromas, and they will recommend a drink for you. Why not try looking for your favorite drink?

Comments Local Guide
A delicious and reasonably priced bar that opened in March 2023. It's also fun to chat with the humorous and friendly owner. My favorite way to eat it is to have "salt and wasabi" after eating "unglazed".
Iga-ryu Osaka Takoyaki and Highball

A long-established authentic bar where you can enjoy a variety of hors d'oeuvres

"Aso Blueberry Mojito" 1,500 yen, "White Peach Smoothie" 1,400 yen
"Aso Blueberry Mojito" 1,500 yen, "White Peach Smoothie" 1,400 yen

Since opening in 1984, this bar has been a leader in Kumamoto's bar scene. The popular fruit cocktails are made with carefully selected seasonal fruits, preserving the freshness of their aroma, flavor, and color. For those who don't like alcohol, we recommend the non-alcoholic fruit mocktails.
There are also hors d'oeuvres to enjoy with your drinks, and the lineup ranges from meals such as "Ajillo" and "Pasta" to sweets such as "Freshly Baked Pies" baked in-house. The food is so well-known that some people visit just for the food.

New knowledge about alcohol gained from conversations with bartenders

In addition to counter seating, there are also table seats. As there is a wide variety of food on the menu, many people visit here as their first stop.
In addition to counter seating, there are also table seats. As there is a wide variety of food on the menu, many people visit here as their first stop.

In addition to cocktails, they also have whiskey, wine, and sherry. The master is a Venenciador, a sommelier specializing in sherry. Therefore, if you tell him your preferred taste, he will select a brand from about 20 varieties. A glass of sherry served with a unique performance of pouring it from the barrel using a thin ladle may open the door to the world of sherry.
One of the unique pleasures of a bar is chatting with the bartender about drinks. Why not let yourself be seduced by the sense of freedom that comes with being on the road and try a variety of different drinks?

Comments Local Guide
This is a sophisticated yet comfortable bar. The cocktails, which use seasonal fruits and account for 70% of the drink orders, look beautiful and are like desserts.
Bar STATES
  • URLhttps://www.barstates.com
  • 住所Kubota Building 4F, 13-23 Hanabatacho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto PrefectureMAP
  • アクセス2 minutes walk from the tram stop "Hanabatakecho"
  • 営業時間18:00 - 1:00 (last orders 24:00)
  • 定休日Sunday
  • TEL096-324-9778
  • 駐車場None
  • メモNo charge

Enjoy single malt and a classy time at an authentic bar

Single malt whiskey starts at 1,200 yen. Cocktails such as gin and tonics start at 1,000 yen.
Single malt whiskey starts at 1,200 yen. Cocktails such as gin and tonics start at 1,000 yen.

When you open the door, you'll see a beautiful counter, and behind it is a traditional bar with a wide variety of bottles and well-maintained glasses. In a calm atmosphere that distinguishes itself from the hustle and bustle, they offer single malt whiskey, seasonal fruit cocktails, wine, and more. Whether you're a fan of single malt or trying it for the first time, the bartender will select a brand to suit your tastes.
They also pay special attention to the glasses they serve, carefully selecting from famous brands such as Baccarat, Lalique, and Saint-Louis. Even the process of the ice melting will add a vibrant touch to your bar time.

Proposing a mellow marriage of cigars and whiskey

Cigars range in price from 2,000 to 9,000 yen each. They will explain the characteristics and history of each brand.
Cigars range in price from 2,000 to 9,000 yen each. They will explain the characteristics and history of each brand.

This bar is also famous for its wide selection of cigars. They have premium cigars from Havana, Cuba, and Davidoff cigars from the Dominican Republic, and the bartenders will also suggest pairings with alcohol. Not only are cigar lovers enjoying their cigars here, but some people are also making their cigar debut here.
If you get hungry, you can also have a meal. The bartender is a licensed chef, and the pasta is especially popular. The space and time will satisfy your heart and stomach, and tickle your adult spirit. This is truly a resting place for adults.

Comments Local Guide
Located in the basement of a building in the downtown area, the bar has a strict atmosphere and is soothed by the sound of the Kumamoto dialect that pops up in conversations with the bartender.
BAR RICORDI
  • URLhttp://www.bar-ricordi.com/info
  • 住所Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Chuo Ward, Hanabata-cho 13-26, Daiichi Ginkgo Building, 1st basement floorMAP
  • アクセス2 minutes walk from the tram stop "Hanabatakecho"
  • 営業時間19:00 to 3:00, Sunday to 2:30
  • 定休日January 1, December 31
  • TEL096-327-2115
  • 駐車場None
  • メモCharge: 500 yen

Enjoying Japanese sake and chatting with the owner

Sake 1 cup from 900 yen, highball from 900 yen, shochu from 800 yen. Liqueurs such as plum wine are also available.
Sake 1 cup from 900 yen, highball from 900 yen, shochu from 800 yen. Liqueurs such as plum wine are also available.

This bar was opened in 2007 after renovating the owner's home as a bar specializing in Japanese alcohol. They stock sake, shochu, whiskey, and more, not only from Kumamoto but also from all over Japan.
At this bar, conversation with the owner, Koji Miyamoto, is the perfect accompaniment for drinks. Miyamoto is a true "wasamon" (a lover of new things in Kumamoto dialect), and he visits his friends' stores and new places, becoming familiar with a wide range of genres. Conversing with the gentle-mannered Miyamoto makes for a relaxed atmosphere, as if you were visiting a friend's home.

The darkness and quietness create a comfortable atmosphere that makes it hard to believe you're in a house in the city.

It's a house with a garden, so you can enjoy your drinks outside when the weather is nice, and in the summer they also offer a fireworks display in the garden.
It's a house with a garden, so you can enjoy your drinks outside when the weather is nice, and in the summer they also offer a fireworks display in the garden.

The store was renovated by architect and Kumamoto University professor Tomoyuki Tanaka and his students. The original ceiling beams were left intact, and the bar counter, back shelves, lighting, etc. were designed to give it a modern feel while still retaining the atmosphere of an old-fashioned house.
In this bar, there is no music playing so that conversation can naturally occur. The only lighting is on the counter. In the comfortable darkness and silence, this is a space where you can truly enjoy your drink and conversation.

Comments Local Guide
The owner is a castle lover and has traveled around the country to castles such as Himeji Castle and Hikone Castle. It might be fun to talk about Kumamoto Castle.
Japanese Sake Bar K.MIYAMOTO
  • 住所2-17 Minami Tsuboicho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • アクセスApproximately 8 minutes on foot from Suidocho tram stop
  • 営業時間19:00 - 1:00 (last orders 24:00)
  • 定休日Irregular holidays
  • TEL096-354-6218
  • 駐車場None
  • メモCharge: 400 yen

MAP

Nearby Hoshino Resorts Property
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