Kumamoto, famous for its exceptional bar culture, boasts a remarkable density of bars per capita, supposedly the highest in Japan. This vibrant scene is a blend of tradition, innovation, and camaraderie. Let’s delve into three distinct Kumamoto bars that encapsulate the spirit and uniqueness of the local bar culture.

Bar States is run by Makoto Miyamoto, who opened Bar States when he was 20 in 1984. When Mr. Miyamoto was young, his parents owned a bar. His fond memories of the interesting people he met there inspired him to open his own bar in downtown Kumamoto.

Stepping through the unassuming door to States is like going back in time to a classy New York bar from the 1930s, complete with dark-stained wood counters and polished bronze fixtures. The menu is a delightful mix, featuring seasonal cocktails, States originals, and a wide array of food ranging from simple snacks to omelets and fresh-baked pies.

I started things off with a seasonal Kumquat Gin & Tonic. The aromatic, juicy kumquat paired beautifully with the botanical aromas of the gin.

Next, I ordered an apple pie and Mr. Miyamoto paired a tasty glass of sherry to go with it. Mr. Miyamoto is a sherry expert and pours sherry using an authentic venencia.

According to Mr. Miyamoto, something that makes Kumamoto bar culture unique is the camaraderie between fellow bar owners. Bartenders are more than happy to recommend other bars to their customers to make sure they enjoy their night on the town. 

Bar States

Address: Kubota Bldg. 4F, 13-23 Hanabatacho, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto

Hours: 6PM-1AM (last order: 12AM), closed on Sundays

Website: barstates.com

Bar Ladybird, tended by Yukihiro Miyamoto (who trained under Bar States’ Miyamoto), is a testament to creativity and ambiance. Ladybird is spacious yet cozy, well-lit yet with shadows in all the right places and surprises at every turn. There’s even a hidden door leading to a secret room!

Ladybird prides itself on creating unique moments and turning these moments into unforgettable memories. As such, Ladybird has no set cocktail menu. Mr. Miyamoto instead crafts each cocktail based on the customer’s mood and preferences, focusing not just on the drink but also on the presentation, glass selection, and even theatrical embellishments.

My first drink was a magical Aladdin-inspired cocktail with a smoking genie lamp and sparkly swirling blue drink. Next, I had two tasty sherries perfectly paired to the cheese plate I ordered. The evening culminated in a completely custom, citrus-forward, floral cocktail that was as potent as it was refreshing.

Ladybird

Address: Be-9 Bldg. 4F, 10-1 Minamitsuboi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto

Hours: 7PM-2AM, closed Mondays

Website: instagram.com/barladybird

Just a minute or two on foot from Ladybird is Yakoboku. Head bartender Shinya Kiba learned to mix cocktails in places like Tokyo and Sendai before spending five years in Singapore, one of Asia’s top bar spots. After deciding to open his own bar, Mr. Kiba considered a big city like Tokyo, but he wanted to make unique, one-of-a-kind cocktails. A key part of unique cocktails is sourcing unique ingredients. Kiba realized his hometown of Kumamoto grew almost every fruit, vegetable, and spice under the sun and would offer great opportunities to make great cocktails. Since opening in 2020, Yakoboku has quickly made a name for itself, and was named #84 out of all bars in Asia in 2023.

For drinks, Yakoboku keeps it simple with cocktails and mocktails only, but keeps those cocktails complicated with variety and inventiveness. I started with a Yakoboku cocktail, named after night jasmine, a fragrant flower that blooms at night. The cocktail is both floral and fruity, complex yet easy to drink. As a quick snack, I had two gourmet chocolates that were some of the best I’d ever had. I followed these up with a Phoenix martini, a cocktail Mr. Kiba served at a world cocktail competition. While totally different in flavor profile, it is once again easy to drink yet deceptively complex. I finished things off with a Beni, a delicious riff on a Manhattan that showcases Yakoboku’s housemade vermouth.

Yakoboku

Address: 5-21 Minamitsuboi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto

Hours: 6PM-12:30AM

Website: instagram.com/bar_yakoboku_kumamoto