Local Guide
From long-established establishments to newcomers, 5 great places to visit in Kumamoto City, the city of bars

There are many good bars in Kumamoto. When you are in Kumamoto, you will often hear people say that. It is said that there are currently over 100 bars in Kumamoto City, and because there are so many, the style of each bar naturally differentiates itself. Some bars offer a full meal menu that is hard to believe they are bars, others offer a wide selection of cigars, and still others specialize in Japanese sake. Here are five recommended bars in Kumamoto City, where a unique bar culture has taken root. A night spent in Kumamoto may become the best memory of your trip.

A hot bar attracting attention from Japan and abroad that should be a destination for travelers.

Refreshing gin-based cocktail
Refreshing gin-based cocktail "Night Scented Wood" 1,600 yen. Finished with the Taiwanese spice ma gao to add a citrus flavor.

This is the bar where bartender Shinya Kiba, the Japanese champion of the international cocktail competition "Diageo World Class 2021," stands. He is dedicated to "cocktails that can be enjoyed only in Kumamoto," and you can enjoy highly creative cocktails made with local shochu, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In addition to using homemade liqueurs and fruit syrups soaked with herbs and other ingredients, he also serves cocktails in ceramic cups made by a Kumamoto artist, in a thorough pursuit of what is unique to Yakagoki. This pride leads to surprise and excitement with each drink.

Not only for sipping cocktails, but also for the exciting presentation!

In addition to Mr. Kiba, other bartenders have been selected as one of the top 50 bartenders in Japan in the
In addition to Mr. Kiba, other bartenders have been selected as one of the top 50 bartenders in Japan in the "Diageo World Class 2023

The menu features around 10 cocktails recommended for the season, and non-alcoholic mocktails are also available. Some of them are "imagination cocktails," unique cocktails inspired by pictures. This is a drink that invites excitement, as you drink it without asking about the ingredients beforehand and imagine what is used from the aroma, taste, and the picture.
It was ranked 84th in "ASIA'S 50 BEST BARS," one of Asia's largest rankings in 2023. This is the first time a bar in Kyushu has been ranked in the top 100. Why not add it to one of your travel destinations?

Local Guide Comment
The bar is a renovated 150-year-old ryokan (Japanese inn), and the warmth of the wood makes it a comfortable hideaway. The "Imagination Cocktail" is a drink that is served with the question, "Does it have 00 in it?" Does it taste like a zero? and "Does it taste like 00?
Yakouboku
  • Address 5-21 Minamitsuboi-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 1F MAP
  • Direction 10 minutes walk from "Suido-cho" streetcar station.
  • Business Hours 18:00 - 24:30 (L.O. 24:00) *Reservations accepted until 20:00
  • Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  • TEL 090-8408-5211
  • Parking None
  • Memo No charge

The hot takoyaki with a pulled texture and a highball are the best match!

Osaka Takoyaki (7 pieces)
Osaka Takoyaki (7 pieces) "Soyaki" 450 yen, "Negi-Shio Mayonnaise" 600 yen. Glenmorangie Orange Highball" 900 yen.

Osaka Takoyaki and highballs are the two main beacons of this restaurant. The "Osaka Takoyaki" made by the master, who hails from Osaka, is a dish that uses a generous amount of bonito broth in the batter, and the dried shrimp accentuated with the flavor of the dried shrimp. The best way to fully enjoy the taste of takoyaki is to simply cook it "unbaked. One bite of the takoyaki and you will be soaked with the flavor of the dashi broth, which goes well with a refreshing highball.
The most popular takoyaki is the "Salt and Wasabi" takoyaki, and there are a total of five other types, including the "Mentaiko Mayonnaise" takoyaki. The takoyaki are light and easy to eat, and many people eat two boats by themselves.

A selection of 200 different whiskeys to choose from.

Only counter seats are available in the restaurant. You can watch the takoyaki being skillfully grilled right in front of you.
Only counter seats are available in the restaurant. You can watch the takoyaki being skillfully grilled right in front of you.

Lined up in front of the counter is the master's collection of domestic and foreign whiskeys that he has been steadily collecting since his days as an office worker. There are more than 200 varieties, including some rare brands.
Japanese whiskey and Scotch are available from 500 yen. You can order whisky in any way you like, not only highball, but also watered-down, on the rocks, or straight. Communication through whiskey is one of the best parts of the store, as you can tell the staff what brands you are interested in on the shelves and what flavors and aromas you like, and ask them to recommend the best one for you. Why not try to find your favorite drink?

Local Guide Comment
A delicious and reasonably priced bar that opened in March 2023. You can enjoy chatting with the friendly master who is full of humor. I like to have "Soyaki" and then "Salt and Wasabi".
Iga-style Osaka Takoyaki and Highball
  • Address SI Building 1F, 1-4-18 Shimodori, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 4 minutes walk from "Tsurimachi-suji" streetcar station.
  • Business Hours 18:00 - 2:00, Friday and Saturday - 3:00
  • Closed Sunday, Holidays
  • TEL 090-1079-3590
  • Parking None
  • Memo No charge

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

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

Since its opening in 1984, the bar has always been a leader in Kumamoto's bar industry. The popular fruit cocktails are made with carefully selected seasonal fruits, and the aroma, taste, and color of the cocktails are made just as fresh as they are. Non-alcoholic fruit mocktails are recommended for those who are not fond of alcohol.
Hors d'oeuvres to enjoy with alcoholic beverages are also available. The lineup includes meals such as "ajillo" and "pasta" as well as sweets such as "freshly baked pie" baked at the restaurant. The food is so well known for its deliciousness that some customers come just for the food.

New knowledge of alcohol through conversation with the bartender.

In addition to the counter, there is also table seating. Many people visit as the first stop due to the wide variety of food on the menu.
In addition to the counter, there is also table seating. Many people visit as the first stop due to the wide variety of food on the menu.

In addition to cocktails, the restaurant also offers a selection of whiskeys, wines, and sherry. The master is a certified sommelier specializing in sherry, Benenciador. Therefore, if you tell him what you like, he will select a brand from about 20 different kinds. The unique performance of pouring sherry from the cask into a glass using a thin ladle may open the door to the world of sherry.
The bartenders are always happy to chat with you about their drinks. Why not try a variety of drinks, lured by the liberating feeling of being on a trip?

Local Guide Comment
The bar has a cozy atmosphere with a touch of elegance. Cocktails made with seasonal fruits, which account for 70% of the drink orders, look beautiful and are like desserts.
Bar STATES
  • Address 4F Kubota Building, 13-23 Hanabatacho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 2 minutes walk from "Hanabatacho" streetcar stop.
  • Business Hours 18:00 - 1:00 the next day (L.O.24:00)
  • Closed Sunday
  • TEL 096-324-9778
  • Parking None
  • Memo No charge

Enjoy single malts and a chic time at an authentic bar.

Single malt whiskeys start at 1,200 yen. Cocktails such as gin and tonic start at 1,000 yen.
Single malt whiskeys start at 1,200 yen. Cocktails such as gin and tonic start at 1,000 yen.

The door opens onto a beautiful counter, and behind it is an authentic bar with a wide variety of bottles and well-cared-for glasses. In a relaxed atmosphere that is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of the city, the bar serves mainly single malt whiskey, seasonal fruit cocktails, and wine. Whether you are a single malt lover or a first-timer, the bartenders will select a brand to suit your taste.
The glasses served are also carefully selected from famous brands such as Baccarat, Lalique, and Saint-Louis. Even the melting process of the ice makes the bar time more vivid.

A mellow marriage of cigars and whiskey

Cigars vary from 2,000 yen to 9,000 yen per cigar. The staff will explain the characteristics and history of each brand.
Cigars vary from 2,000 yen to 9,000 yen per cigar. The staff will explain the characteristics and history of each brand.

The bar is also famous for its wide selection of cigars. The bartenders will be happy to suggest a marriage between the cigar and the drink. Cigar aficionados enjoy their cigars, and some even make their cigar debut here.
If you get hungry, there is also dining. The bartenders are licensed chefs, and the pasta is especially delicious. A space and time that satisfies the mind and stomach and tickles the hearts of adults. This is a stop for adults.

Local Guide Comment
The location is in the basement of a building downtown. In the strict atmosphere of an authentic bar, you will be healed by the sound of Kumamoto dialect that comes out suddenly in conversation with the master.
BAR RICORDI
  • Address B1F Daiichi Ginko Building, 13-26 Hanabatacho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto MAP
  • Direction 2 minutes walk from "Hanabatacho" streetcar stop.
  • Business Hours 19:00 - 3:00, Sunday - 2:30
  • Regular holiday January 1 and December 31
  • TEL 096-327-2115
  • Parking None
  • Memo Charge: 500 yen

Enjoying Japanese sake while chatting with the owner

Sake: from 900 yen per sake, highballs: from 900 yen, and shochu: from 800 yen. Umeshu (plum wine) and other liqueurs are also available.
Sake: from 900 yen per sake, highballs: from 900 yen, and shochu: from 800 yen. Umeshu (plum wine) and other liqueurs are also available.

The owner's home was renovated and opened in 2007 as a bar specializing in Japanese sake. Sake, shochu, whiskey, and other Japanese liquors are available, not only from Kumamoto, the local area, but also from all over Japan.
Conversation with the owner, Mr. Koji Miyamoto, is the best way to enjoy sake at this bar. Mr. Miyamoto is a "wasamon" (Kumamoto dialect for "new thing lover") by nature, visiting restaurants he knows and new places he visits, and is well versed in a variety of genres. Conversation with the soft-spoken Mr. Miyamoto makes you feel as if you are visiting a friend's home.

The darkness and quietness of the bar create a sense of comfort that is hard to believe it is a house in the city.

The house has a garden, so you can enjoy drinking outside when the weather is nice, and fireworks in the garden during the summer.
The house has a garden, so you can enjoy drinking outside when the weather is nice, and fireworks in the garden during the summer.

The renovation of the restaurant was undertaken by architect and Kumamoto University professor Tomoyuki Tanaka and his students. They designed the bar counter, shelves in the back, lighting, etc., leaving the magnificent beams on the ceiling that were originally there, and added a modern impression while maintaining the atmosphere of an old private house.
No music is played in the restaurant to encourage natural conversation. The only lighting is the light at the counter. In the comfort of darkness and silence, there is a space where you can truly enjoy drinks and conversation.

Local Guide Comment
The owner is a castle enthusiast and a traveler who has visited castles all over Japan, including Himeji Castle and Hikone Castle. It would be nice to talk about Kumamoto Castle with him.
Japanese Sake Bar K.MIYAMOTO
  • Address 2-17 Minamitsuboi-cho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 8 min. walk from "Suido-cho" streetcar stop.
  • Business Hours 19:00 - 1:00 the next day (L.O. 24:00)
  • Closed Closed on weekends and holidays
  • TEL 096-354-6218
  • Parking None
  • Memo Charge 400 yen

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.