Popular bars in Kumamoto City, Kumamoto! 10 recommended places

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BAR STATES is an authentic bar that opened in 1984.

The wood based interior has a calm atmosphere, and many people seem to find it comfortable and easy to relax in. There are 24 seats in total, with 5 counter seats and 19 table seats.

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They offer a wide range of cocktails, from classics to original creations.

The photo shows a mojito packed with mint. After the flavor of the rum spreads across the palate, the fresh scent of mint comes through cleanly, leaving a crisp finish.

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Cocktails made with fruit are also popular.

The “kanjuku kinkan (fully ripe kumquat) gin and tonic” is said to pair the fresh aroma of gin and kinkan beautifully. It comes with a fork, so after enjoying the drink, you can eat the remaining kinkan.

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Yako is a hideaway cocktail bar along Kaminoura-dori. While the space is stylish, it also has a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy conversation.

The menu is entirely original, and this bar is recommended for those who want to enjoy aromatic cocktails.

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The photo shows their signature drink, “Yakoboku.”

Based on Tanqueray, this drink is said to feature the bright aroma of jasmine. It is known for being lightly sweet, clean, and easy to drink.

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"Imagination" is a drink whose recipe and flavor are not revealed in advance.

They make a cocktail to match the picture you choose, so you can enjoy it while letting your imagination grow.

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Many people visit BAR Tabibitonoki just to see the owner.

This bar is located in the basement inside the Shimotori Arcade in central Kumamoto City. In its moody atmosphere, you can quietly enjoy a drink.

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You can enjoy a variety of award winning cocktails from contests.

The "Shunsho" shown in the photo is a cocktail scented with sakura (cherry blossom) liqueur. It is sweet yet clean and easy to drink, with a bright, elegant feel.

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The classic mojito seems to use a blend of four kinds of house-grown mint.

With one sip, the fresh aroma of mint apparently fills your nose. The right level of sweetness, the tartness of lime, and the bitterness of rum and mint are said to come together beautifully.

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BAR BLUE is a popular spot where an award-winning bartender with experience winning many competitions makes high quality cocktails.

The interior has a bright and stylish feel, while also offering a casual atmosphere that makes it easy to enjoy conversation.

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From a selection of about 600 kinds of drinks, they will make a cocktail to match how you feel that day.

The carefully and slowly stirred "Martini" is said to have a mellow, gentle finish with the Kaku taken off.

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The photo shows a Sidecar, made with a brandy base plus white curaçao and lemon juice.

It is said to be a well-balanced drink with a nice brandy aroma and an excellent balance of sweetness and acidity.

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Glass Wonder is in a great location, about a 2-minute walk from Hanabatamachi Station on the Kumamoto City Tram.

The stylish interior has a moody feel, and the good service also seems to be part of its strong reputation.

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They say you can enjoy more than 100 kinds of drinks here, including authentic cocktails, whiskey, brandy, and wine.

They say the "Kir" has a great balance of the depth of the wine and the light sweetness of the cassis liqueur.

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The photo shows a “Mint Julep.” It is a refreshing drink made with Maker’s Mark as the base, known for its bright aroma, with mint leaves added.

Besides classic cocktails, they can also make original cocktails based on your mood and feeling.

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Bar Hironosuke is a bar where you can enjoy good drinks while looking out at the illuminated Kumamoto-jo (Kumamoto Castle).

With 45 seats, the space feels roomy, and at the counter you can also enjoy chatting with the friendly bartender.

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From standard picks to original creations, they offer a wide range of cocktails.

The "Pink Dragon" is an original yogurt based cocktail. It combines sweetness with the good taste of the alcohol for a clean, refreshing flavor.

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Homemade snacks by the master are also said to be good, and they are popular among Tabelog reviewers.

The photo shows the most popular item, the "Homemade raisin butter." It is packed with raisins soaked in rum, and some people end up ordering it again and again.

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Bar rest fine is a bar located on the basement level along Pools Court-dori in one of Kumamoto’s best-known downtown entertainment areas.

At the back past the spacious table seating, there is also counter seating. The round lamps at the counter create a warm atmosphere.

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Cocktails made with fresh seasonal fruit are a highlight.

The “Julia” in the photo is a creamy strawberry cocktail. It is said to be an easy to drink cocktail, almost like a dessert, with a nice aroma of amaretto.

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They also have a wide selection of whisky, with more than 300 bottles available.

The highball made with Johnnie Walker Swing seems to offer a bold, punchy flavor.

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Bar Vespa Kumamoto is run by a master who is well known in the bar industry.

It has branches across Japan in places like Ginza and Hakata, and even the fun conversation with the master is said to be part of what makes the drinks so enjoyable.

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The bar’s high level of hospitality is part of its appeal, with careful attention paid even to the glasses and the water served alongside the drinks.

The photo shows a martini, a classic cocktail. They will chat with you about things like your gin preference and whether you want it before or after a meal, then choose the base and proportions to make one that suits you.

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It seems that many people get hooked on the ultimate mizuwari (whisky and water).

They quickly chill a whisky oyuwari (hot water mix) with ice, which gives it a mellow finish. Some reviews rave that it tastes great, with the whisky’s natural flavor and aroma opening up.

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Fruit Cocktail Bar Charmant Ballad is a fruit cocktail bar founded in 1964 and loved in Kumamoto for many years.

The historic interior has a refined atmosphere like an art museum. There is also live piano music by a pianist, and it seems you can request songs as well.

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The "Fresh Fruit Cocktail" comes in a style where you choose your favorite fruit when ordering. You can also choose the base spirit, such as gin or vodka.

It is said to have rich sweetness and acidity, with a great taste that feels almost like eating the fruit itself.

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There were also many reviews saying the Homemade otoshi (small appetizer) is good. They apparently change what is served in the otoshi to match the type of drink.

The signature “raisin butter sandwich” is said to be an authentic treat that shows how carefully it is made.

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Osake no Bijutsukan Aso Kumamoto Kuko Ten is a standing bar at Aso Kumamoto Airport where you can casually stop by before your flight.

Though it sits in one corner of the departure lobby, it seems to offer a calm and relaxed space. You can enjoy a proper drink here, from spirits from around the world to rare old bottles.

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The original brand cask whisky “Aso Kumamoto” is said to be a blend of whiskies made between 1980～1990.

It has a clean taste, with the aroma of ripe raisins spreading across your mouth.

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Many people apparently choose Asahi Nama Beer Maruefu (Asahi Draft Beer Maruefu) for a drink before their flight.

Many reviews also say that each glass is prepared with care, with beautiful, creamy foam.