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10 Popular Bars in Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture! From cocktails to shochu (Japanese distilled spirit)

Photograph:hiro0827

10 Popular Bars in Kagoshima, Kagoshima Prefecture! From cocktails to shochu (Japanese distilled spirit)

Kagoshima is an area blessed with grand nature overlooking Sakurajima (active volcano) and a warm climate, with its history and food culture still strongly alive today. At night, the city comes alive mainly around Tenmonkan, and the lively atmosphere can be enjoyed at restaurants and bars serving local food and drinks. This time, we have rounded up popular bars in Kagoshima City where you can enjoy a wide range of drinks such as shochu and cocktails.

Created: July 21, 2026

This article is based on695Tabelog reviews.

Bar Stinger

Bar Stinger is a shot bar about a 5-minute walk from Tenmonkandori Station on the Kagoshima City Tram, where you can enjoy famous spirits from around the world and fresh fruit cocktails.

The small interior has 12 seats in total and is said to have a stately feel with a sense of history. The row of whiskies lined up across the wall is a stunning sight, making this an irresistible space for whisky lovers.

The cocktails made with seasonal fruit are popular, and you can choose from a menu of about 10 kinds at all times.

The bartenders are also said to be wonderful to watch as they cut the fruit, and people say you can enjoy not only the taste of the drinks but also the process of watching the cocktails come together.

Even the classic gin and tonic seems to be a drink you can enjoy with fruit added.

The seasonal limited gin and tonic served that day was said to have a unique taste, with the fresh sweetness of Shine Muscat grapes matching the aroma and bitterness of the gin and tonic.

Mahariku

My kinkan (kumquat) gin and tonic was very easy to drink, and I could eat the kumquat at the end, so it was almost like a dessert. The strawberry Champagne was sweet and fruity, and that too was almost like a dessert. The nama-choco (fresh chocolate) was properly tasty as well, and you can really feel how polished this bar is.

Source:Mahariku's review

tmt.t993

We ordered a Fuji-gaki (Japanese persimmon) and orange cocktail, and a zakuro (pomegranate) cocktail. Both were tasty drinks that really let the fruit shine through. First of all, the atmosphere was not too formal, which made it very comfortable. Then there was the careful, professional service with beautiful, polished movements. It made for a pleasant time that felt relaxed without being too casual. I will visit again when I come to Kagoshima.

Source:tmt.t993's review

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BAR Ohara

BAR Obara is a popular bar known for its wide selection of whiskey and authentic, great cocktails.

It is a 3-minute walk from Koto Chugakko-mae Station on the Kagoshima City Tram, and the hideaway-like interior is said to have a cozy atmosphere that makes you want to stay awhile.

The cocktail menu is extensive, with everything from classics like the Moscow Mule and Margarita to original cocktails.

They also seem to have a wide range of food options that are perfect for snacking with a drink in hand, including prosciutto, nuts, and chocolate.

Reviews say the "rum raisin cocktail" is popular. The rich aroma of rum and the raisins are said to go perfectly together.

It may seem sweet and almost like a dessert, but it is still a drink with a solid kick of alcohol.

alchemist427

If you are looking for a bar in Kagoshima, I think you cannot go wrong with this one. Along with the taste and skill behind the cocktails, the range of fruit cocktails and original cocktails also makes it highly satisfying. The space and atmosphere are overwhelmingly good, and despite being a long established bar, the staff are warm and gentle in the way they serve guests, which made me feel it is a wonderful place!

Source:alchemist427's review

Mahariku

Every drink, from the La France pear cocktail and the strawberry cocktail to the gimlet, went down smoothly and really fit the phrase “a special glass.” The cocktails had rich fruit aromas and an almost dreamy taste. There is something so appealing about a bar with a chic, grown-up atmosphere that feels this comfortable.

Source:Mahariku's review

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Wine to Tenpura Maeyashiki

Wine to Tempura Maeyashiki, about a 5-minute walk from either Takamibaba Station or Tenmonkan Station, is a popular spot where you can enjoy a wide selection of wines with tempura as a snack.

Inside, there are 7 counter seats and 2 tables, and the softly lit space has a nice, moody atmosphere.

It seems they have a wide range of wines collected by the sommelier owner.

Even if you are not familiar with wine, they will serve labels selected to pair with the tempura. Wine beginners can feel at ease.

From easy-to-snack-on dry foods to hearty simmered dishes, the food menu also seems quite extensive.

Tempura is a must-order item. They offer assorted varieties available of tempura packed with ideas, and reviews say the course where you can enjoy the pairing of wine and tempura is popular.

氷川参道

I don’t know much about wine, but every wine was delicious. Even so, the prices are reasonable. The tempura was excellent, and even if this is not a specialty tempura restaurant, it is impressive to get tempura at this level. The ideas behind the dishes are also great. The owner was kind and personable, and I had a very nice time.

Source:氷川参道's review

羽ちゃん19649

We ordered a course meal. Drinks were separate, and after ordering bottles of sparkling wine and then white wine, we went with the recommended wine by the glass. The sommelier chooses them, and they pair very well with the tempura.

Source:羽ちゃん19649's review

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Ishizue

Ishizue is a bar on the 4th floor of a building, a 2-minute walk from Tenmonkandori Station, and is recommended for shochu lovers.

Inside, many shochu bottles are lined up and organized by Kagoshima brewery, creating a stunning scene that feels almost like a gallery.

They have more than 1,500 labels of shochu from every distillery in Kagoshima Prefecture alone, and one of the big draws is the chance to enjoy everything from rare bottles to limited editions.

The owner and bartenders know shochu inside and out, so if you tell them your tastes or what you are in the mood for, they will serve you a glass that suits your request.

The food menu also seems extensive, so this is a good pick even when you want to focus more on the food than the drinks.

They seem to offer not only snack style dishes that go well with shochu (Japanese distilled spirit), but also more filling options like pizza and hot sandwiches.

美食迷探偵Sherlock

The quiet and calm space is also perfect for nights that extend from work. It feels like a grown-up hideaway you can use for a second stop during business entertainment or to end the night on your own. As I visit places all over Japan, it is rare to find a bar this focused on shochu (Japanese distilled spirit) and one where you can enjoy it in such a structured way. It was a time that made me feel the depth of shochu all over again.

Source:美食迷探偵Sherlock's review

Wアクセルローズ

As soon as you step inside, an impressive lineup of Kagoshima drinks fills the room and instantly draws your eye. The display alone lifts your mood. I had a recommended Imo Shochu at the counter, and it was a total hit, leaving me completely Manzoku. They also stock rare labels, and it is nice that they can suggest one based on your taste.

Source:Wアクセルローズ's review

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Standing Bar Kiritsu

"Tachinomiya Kiritsu" is a standing bar in the arcade just steps from Tenmonkandori Station, where you can enjoy shochu from Kagoshima and Amami.

Its appeal is the casual atmosphere, and it seems to be a spot loved by local regulars as well. Some say it is easy to visit on your own. It is also recommended as a second stop.

They have a wide selection of shochu, and it seems like a lineup that would please both shochu lovers living in the prefecture and people visiting from outside the prefecture.

If you are not sure which one to choose, the staff will help you decide. They also have a full range of beer, cocktails, and more, so even if shochu is not your thing, you can still enjoy yourself.

When enjoying shochu from Kagoshima, you will want to pair it with local Kagoshima dishes.

They offer a lineup of local specialties you can only find there, such as kibinago (silver-stripe round herring) sashimi served with vinegared miso and fluffy-textured satsuma-age (fried fish cake).

ボンドくん

There is a wide selection of shochu (Japanese distilled spirit), so you can also enjoy comparing different kinds. Appetizers like kibinago (silver-stripe round herring) sashimi and satsuma-age (deep-fried fish cake) also go great with the drinks. This is an easy place for both tourists and locals to stop by, packed with the feel of Kagoshima. It was a great meal!

Source:ボンドくん's review

こたっぴ

They have local dishes you can only find here, along with plenty of standard izakaya menu items. They also stock shochu from (Each) area of Kagoshima, so part of the fun is finding one you like. And on top of that, it’s super cheap!

Source:こたっぴ's review

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Hai Burijji

Hai Burijji is an authentic bar with a long history dating back to 1985, and it is well liked for the lovely atmosphere created by its retro style lighting and furniture.

In addition to counter seats that are perfect for solo visits, it also has sofa seats where you can relax and spend your time comfortably.

It looks like they have a full range of alcoholic drinks, including highballs, wine, and cocktails.

If you're visiting from outside Kagoshima Prefecture, you'll probably want to try the local whisky too. The Lucky Cat in the photo is said to have a clean and easy-to-drink taste.

It looks like they have a full cocktail menu based on rum, tequila, and liqueurs.

The "Bisco Tonic" is a cocktail made with grape distillate, and it lets you enjoy a mild yet refreshing grape flavor. It has a smooth, gentle taste, making it seem like the kind of drink you could have again and again.

b12344

It was a bar with a wonderful grown-up atmosphere. The Grasshopper had a refreshing sweetness plus a creamy touch, and it was excellent! The other fruit-based cocktails were also incredibly good!

Source:b12344's review

とら子グルメ

Each drink has its price listed, so even first-time visitors can feel at ease. The bartender was also friendly and told us all sorts of things about Kagoshima. This was a bar a local recommended to us, and it was absolutely the right choice❣️I’ve found another favorite spot in Kagoshima.

Source:とら子グルメ's review

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BAR S.A.O

BAR S.A.O is a bar known for letting you enjoy good food along with a wide variety of shochu. It offers easy access from Tenmonkandori Station.

Inside, where many kinds of shochu line the shelves, there is said to be a quiet, grown-up space that is perfect when you want to take your time and savor your drink.

The owner has selected about 150 kinds of shochu by personally visiting the breweries.

The owner serves each shochu in a way that suits it best, so not only shochu fans but also first timers can enjoy it. The drinks are prepared with care, and the owner finishes them while checking the best way to mix them in detail.

The food also has a great reputation, with a wide lineup from light snacks to more carefully prepared dishes.

The photo shows “Kagoshima-ken (Kagoshima Prefecture) san (produced) katsuo (skipjack tuna) no harakawa (belly skin),” a local favorite. The thick cut is rich with fat, and its just-right saltiness makes it a great match for drinks.

rinchan1987

What stood out most was how knowledgeable the staff were. They explained the characteristics of each shochu brand and the differences in flavor in a way that was easy to understand, and their recommendations were spot on, which made the shochu taste even better. The food was also all very good, with just the right portions. The broccoli in the vegetable salad in particular was cooked and seasoned perfectly.

Source:rinchan1987's review

辻モン

This shochu bar is located in the basement of a drinking district. Even though it is a shochu bar, the food was really good too. With carefully selected shochu and tasty dishes, I was able to fully enjoy the night in Kagoshima. The yakko-dofu (chilled tofu) was very smooth and had a rich flavor. The house-made satsuma-age (fried fish cake) was also light and delicious.

Source:辻モン's review

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La Petite Serine

La Petite Céline is a popular wine bar loved by local wine fans.

Located on the 4th floor of a building just a few minutes on foot from Tenmonkan-dori Station, it is said to have the feel of a hidden spot known only to those in the know. The space is calm and relaxed, making it a great place to take your time and enjoy wine.

The owner, who knows wine inside and out, offers a wide range of natural wines.

Guests say you can enjoy a highly satisfying glass matched to your taste and mood. Every wine is said to be good, and you can really feel how impressive natural wine can be.

The snacks paired with the wine seem to center on nama-hamu (dry-cured ham), which is sliced right in front of you with a slicer.

Freshly sliced, it seems to have a soft texture that gently melts apart. The set also comes with fresh cheese, olive oil, and bread.

だいやめ太郎

The wine selection is wide ranging, with a focus on natural and organic bottles, and if you share your tastes or what you are in the mood for, the owner will suggest the perfect glass. The nama hamu (dry cured ham), sliced on the spot, is like fluffy snow and absolutely delicious.

Source:だいやめ太郎's review

こめぱん62

This hidden wine bar is polished on every level. The quality of the prosciutto, the wine selection, and the calm feel inside are all great, making it perfect for a second stop. The distance with the regulars also felt comfortable, and I had a good time even on my own. It is a place I would like to stop by again when I come to Kagoshima.

Source:こめぱん62's review

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Yuragi

Yuragi is a bar known for its tasty fruit cocktails that let you feel the seasons. It is said to be a great choice when you want to spend a stylish night in Kagoshima.

The interior has a chic feel, with counter and table seating, and it seems many guests come on their own.

Cocktails made with fruits and vegetables unique to Kagoshima (Kagoshima) are popular here, and they usually have about 15 kinds available at all times.

They can also make a drink using your favorite ingredients or serve a glass that matches the image you have in mind.

Besides cocktails, they also have a full lineup of drinks including whisky and brandy.

The menu mainly focuses on drinks, but it also seems to offer cut fruit, chocolate, and casual food items you can snack on.

だいち777777

A lineup of rare drinks fills the shelves, and the bartender carefully explains each one. The bar also has a very relaxing atmosphere with dim lighting. If you come to Kagoshima, this is a place anyone who loves drinks should visit at least once.

Source:だいち777777's review

tuzu37

The atmosphere was fantastic. They had plenty of juicy fruit cocktails that are unique to Kagoshima, and the atmosphere inside and the thoughtful service from the staff made us feel very comfortable, so we had a great night. Many of the other guests were also very courteous, and when we were talking about sightseeing in Kagoshima the next day, they told us about some recommended spots. This is a place where you can enjoy drinks in a very nice and fun atmosphere.

Source:tuzu37's review

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Japanese sake and shochu Sakomukai Yumehana

Nihonshu to Shochu Sako Yumehana is a place with only 9 counter seats, where you can enjoy chatting with the owner, who knows a lot about alcohol. It is recommended for people looking for a homey bar in Kagoshima City.

The stylish and calm interior is lined with many bottles of Japanese sake and shochu, according to reviews.

The Japanese sake that the owner Specially selects and procures from local breweries is served by the glass. They always have 40 varieties on hand, and they even stock aged sake.

The shochu is also Specially selected from breweries across Japan, mainly in Kyushu. You can choose from more than 100 varieties, with a wide range including imo (sweet potato), kokuto (brown sugar), and awamori (Okinawan distilled liquor).

One of the big draws is the wide variety of food, including flavors from Kagoshima and local specialty dishes from around Japan.

The menu is packed with dishes that go great with drinks, such as daikon radish mochi made with Sakurajima daikon radish grown by the owner, Chinese dim sum, and Japanese style side dishes.

gourmet.ty

There is a reasonably priced Omakase course + All you can drink, and you can also upgrade the drinks for an additional fee. You can enjoy Homemade dishes centered on small plates, paired as an Omakase with Special Japanese sake. It lets you enjoy Japanese sake without any fuss, so it comes recommended.

Source:gourmet.ty's review

食べ歩き大好き@男

This bar, with its wide selection of Japanese sake and shochu, was truly an irresistible spot for anyone who loves a good drink! The Japanese sake lineup included seasonal limited editions and local specialties from different regions, and each one had a rich aroma and deep flavor. The shochu selection was also extensive, with varieties like sweet potato, barley, and brown sugar, and the staff kindly explained them, so I was able to try all sorts of different ones.

Source:食べ歩き大好き@男's review

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