Can you believe it’s already March?
Farewell party season has officially arrived in Japan.
It’s been a year filled with wonderful encounters and new friendships.
But along with those connections come just as many goodbyes.

If you’re visiting Kumamoto and want to experience authentic Japanese nightlife,
or maybe break away from a bigger group for a quieter, more intimate drink,
this curated list of cozy local spots is exactly what you need!

To make planning easier,
we’ve included Google Maps locations
and Instagram links wherever available!

Ishihara NISHIGIN

A beloved izakaya popular with everyone from university students to seasoned locals.
The biggest draw? Incredibly wallet-friendly prices.
The space is charmingly compact and intimate,
perfect for catching up with close friends in a relaxed atmosphere.
Don’t miss their signature dashimaki tamago (rolled Japanese omelet)—it’s a must-try!

Make a reservation here

A post shared by y.kthr (@y.kthr) – Jan 12, 2018 at 5:03am PST

Sake Bar Kurabe

Tucked away just in front of Don Quijote,
this hidden gem offers all-you-can-drink Japanese sake.
The only minor drawback is the relatively early closing time,
but you can leisurely browse and self-serve from an enormous selection of premium sake.
Bonus: bringing your own snacks is totally welcome!

Reserve your table here!

A post shared by Nihonshu Kurabe (@nihonshu_kurabe) – Jan 19, 2018 at 6:05am PST

http://sarukuma.info/gourmet/nihonsyu-kurabe

SKY BAR

A stylish bar boasting absolutely stunning views of Kumamoto.
It stays open until quite late into the night,
and the all-you-can-drink menu is impressively extensive,
making it a top recommendation for groups of friends—especially popular with women’s gatherings.

Reserve your table here!

Gyoza-ya Ni-no-Ni

A legendary gyoza (Japanese pan-fried dumpling) restaurant that needs no introduction.
Incredibly cheap with a lively, buzzing atmosphere—
perfect for laughing and chatting the night away.
The menu is wonderfully varied and easy on the wallet.
During this season, despite the slight chill,
we highly recommend the rooftop terrace seating on the second floor of the main branch!

Reserve your table here!

A post shared by Imamon (@imaitetsuo) – Jul 15, 2017 at 7:54pm PDT

OLIVE

An incredible spot that stays open until morning,
with an astonishing unlimited-time all-you-can-drink option.
What’s even more amazing? It includes proper draft beer.
Personally, we prefer not to drink at places with karaoke,
so a cozy spot like this where you can actually have meaningful conversations is truly a blessing.

Reserve here!

A post shared by LENY☆MAI (@aiken_anrenlin) – Feb 2, 2017 at 3:38pm PST

PRIMADONNA

A stylish Italian restaurant featuring elegantly designed private rooms.
We’ve personally returned here time and time again!
If you want a quiet space for an intimate one-on-one conversation, the semi-private rooms are highly recommended.
They still offer their popular ¥2,000 course with all-you-can-drink included—
an absolute steal that always brings a smile.

Reserve your table here!

A post shared by Daisuke Hatsuta (@daisukehatsuta) – Oct 15, 2017 at 1:57am PDT

Yofu Nagomi-ya LINK

Conveniently located on the third floor along Shimotori shopping arcade.
Since you can reach it without getting wet,
it’s an especially great choice on rainy days.
With plenty of budget-friendly menu options,
it’s also a popular hangout among university students.

Reserve your table here!

A post shared by Yofu Nagomiya LINK (@nagomiyalink) – Jan 1, 2018 at 12:40am PST

Final Thoughts

There you have it—our handpicked selection of the best second-round spots in Kumamoto!
Goodbyes can be bittersweet, but the spring of new encounters
is always just around the corner.

Speaking of which—
where did my own youth disappear to, anyway?

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.