After the Port of Kobe opened to foreign trade, exchanges with foreign countries became more active
and bar culture took root in the port city of Kobe.
If you’ve come all the way to Kobe, why not have a drink in Kobe, the city of bars?
Even those who find bars a bit intimidating should feel at ease discovering the charm of bars in Kobe—a port city with
an open atmosphere born from its long history of welcoming seamen and passengers.
Once you step out with a little courage, you’re sure to have a wonderful night.
Click here for information on how to enjoy bars in Kobe and frequently asked questions.
When Kobe opened its port to foreign trade, Western culture began to flow into the city. It is said that bars and jazz clubs developed as places for interaction with people from other countries. There are many long-established bars, which have played a part in the development of foreign liquor culture in Japan. Currently, Kobe is home to a variety of bars, including traditional chic bars known as authentic bars, jazz bars, and casual bars, making it a place where anyone can enjoy themselves.
Kobe’s bars are deeply loved not only by tourists but also by locals. People who drop in after work or gather with friends on weekends to drink—bars have become everyday social venues, perhaps because a culture has taken root where people are drawn by the charm of the bartender as a person and keep coming back. When you visit Kobe, why not experience the city’s unique bar culture?
The now-familiar highballs actually have deep ties to Kobe. The style of mixing ice-cold whisky with soda and drinking it without ice was a signature drink at a bar that once existed in Kobe called “Kobe Highball.” In the days when ice was a luxury item, highballs (whisky and soda) were served without ice across Japan. Even after ice became widely available, Kobe reportedly continued to serve them this way. You can still enjoy highballs at various bars throughout the city.
The Sol Cubano, created by Yoshihisa Kimura of SAVOY Kitanozaka is the one cocktail that cannot be overlooked when talking about Kobe’s bar scene. This refreshing long drink combines white rum with grapefruit juice and tonic water. Its fresh acidity and slight bitterness pair beautifully with the rum, making it an easy drink to enjoy in any situation. After drinking about half with a straw, remove the grapefruit and drink directly from the glass, by then the ice will have melted slightly, allowing you to enjoy a different nuance of flavor.
Drinks to Enjoy on a Night in KobeIn Kobe, you’ll find many bars where you can easily stop by for a drink. The deep aroma of whisky
and the graceful movements of bartenders crafting a cocktail are essential parts of enjoying a night
in Kobe city.
For first-time visitors, it can be hard to decide what to order, but that’s part of the fun because you
can discover a drink that suits your taste or mood by talking with the bartender. Share your
preferences, and they may suggest the perfect glass for the moment.
Also, knowing just a little about whisky or cocktails can make the experience of choosing even more
enjoyable. Why not take the first step and drop by a bar in Kobe?
Whisky is a distilled spirit made by fermenting and distilling grains such as barley,
then aging in wooden casks. During maturation in the cask, its color, aroma,
and flavor gradually develop,
with each whisky gaining its own character depending on where and how it is produced.
It’s a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in many ways—from savoring its aroma on
its own to mixing it into cocktails.
Typically made mainly from barley and known for its light, smooth character. It is often distilled three times, resulting in a clean, easy-to-drink style with very little harshness. Its gentle aroma and smooth mouthfeel make it easy to drink for beginners.
A whisky made primarily from malted barley. Its character varies by region, ranging from bold styles with distinctive peat (peat smoke) aromas to lighter, more delicate types. It is also one of the most widely distributed and enjoyed whiskies in the world.
Known for its light and smooth taste. It often has a subtle spiciness derived from rye. With relatively mild character, it is also easy to use in cocktails.
A whisky made mainly from malted barley, crafted using Japan’s pure water and unique climate. It is known for its delicate aroma and well-balanced flavor. While incorporating a variety of production methods, Japanese whisky is carefully crafted and highly regarded around the world, and it also pairs well with food.
Made primarily from corn. Because it is aged in new oak barrels, it is known for its sweet aroma and bold flavor, often featuring notes of vanilla and caramel.
The flavor of whisky can vary greatly because its ingredients, production methods, and aging environment all differ. The type and proportion of grains used, the kind of yeast, and the distillation process can all influence the aroma and mouthfeel.
In addition, factors such as the type of cask used for aging, the level of charring inside the cask, the length of maturation, and the temperature and humidity of the storage location also affect the final taste.
The combination of these elements creates the rich diversity of flavors that give each whisky its own unique character.
Mixed with soda, it creates a refreshing drink that is light and easy to enjoy. It pairs well with food and is popular in both bars and Izakayas. It’s also an approachable way for beginners to start exploring whisky.
By mixing whisky with water, the aromas open up and the drink becomes easier to enjoy. It pairs well with food and is a classic style that even beginners can enjoy casually.
A style enjoyed with ice. The chill tightens and sharpens the flavor, and as the ice slowly melts, the taste becomes gradually smoother. It’s a great option for those who prefer to sip and enjoy their drink at a relaxed pace.
A way of drinking that allows you to fully experience the original aroma and flavor of the whisky. By savoring small sips slowly, you can also enjoy how the aroma changes over time. Recommended to first take a sip to start with.
A way of drinking whisky by mixing it with room-temperature water in a 1:1 ratio. This style makes the aromas easiest to detect and helps bring out the whisky’s distinctive characteristics. It’s perfect for beginners who want to understand the differences between various whiskies.
“You’ve received this drink from the guest over there.” It’s a scene often seen on TV, but in reality, this is considered poor manners in many bars. Most bartenders will not accept such request, especially when it involves someone of the opposite sex. If you’d like to start a conversation with someone, it’s better to keep the bartender involve and talk in a topic that a few people can enjoy together.
A cocktail is a drink made by combining a base spirit with ingredients such as
fruit juice, soda, or syrup. With a wide range of styles, from sweet to refreshing,
cocktails are easy to choose according to your taste and can be enjoyed casually even by
those who are not used to alcohol.
A cocktail made by mixing spirits with soda or juice, resulting in a drink that is easy to enjoy and served in a larger portion. The alcohol taste is mild, making it a style that pairs well with food. Since it can be sipped slowly, it’s a great and approachable choice for beginners.
It is best enjoyed while it is still cold since it does not contain ice. However, many of these cocktails have a relatively high alcohol content, so there is no need to drink them quickly. The most enjoyable way is to savor them slowly at your own pace while appreciating the aroma and mouthfeel.
| Types |
VODKA |
GIN |
ROOMS |
TEQUILA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredient |
Grains such as wheat, rye, barley, and corn, as well as starchy ingredients like potatoes. | Grains such as barley, rye, and corn. | Molasses, a byproduct of sugar production. | Agave (a plant native to Mexico). |
| Feature | A clear spirit made from grains or potatoes, with a clean and mild taste. In cocktails, its smoothness and balanced alcohol make it enjoyable for both beginners and experienced drinkers. | A spirit flavored mainly with juniper berries and various botanicals. Known for its refreshing character, it’s often used in easy – to – drink cocktails like gin and tonic. Ideal for those who enjoy distinctive aromas. | A spirit known for its sweet sugarcane aroma. It ranges from light to rich styles and is widely used in cocktails. Its subtle sweetness makes it approachable for beginners. | A spirit made from the agave plant, known for its clean and crisp taste. It has an image of being strong, But it is actually quite aromatic and easy to use in cocktails. It pairs well with citrus such as lime and orange for a refreshing drink. |
| Classic Long Drinks |
 Moscow Mule |
 Gin and Tonic |
 Daiquiri |
 Margarita |
| Classic Short Drinks |
 Balalaika |
 Gimlet |
 Mojito |
 Pigeon |
Moscow Mule
Balalaika
Gin and Tonic
Gimlet
Daiquiri
Mojito
Margarita
Pigeon
When people think of cocktails, they often picture a bartender shaking a shaker. In fact, there are different types of cocktail shakers. Generally speaking, there are two main types: the three-piece shaker, which consists of three parts, and the Boston shaker, which has a larger capacity. Bartenders choose different materials and sizes depending on the purpose.
Made by combining ingredients such as fruit juice, herbs, spices, syrup, and soda,
mocktails offer aromas and appearances similar to cocktails while remaining
alcohol-free—making them easy to enjoy even for those who prefer not to drink alcohol.
They range from sweet to refreshing styles,
and many pair well with food, making them an approachable choice for bar beginners.
In recent years, more specialty shops and bars have added mocktails to their menus, offering a wide variety of options—from vibrant drinks made with seasonal fruits to more refined flavors featuring spices.
They are also gaining attention as a great choice for tables where mixed of people who do and do not drink. Being able to choose according to your mood or preference is one of the biggest attractions of mocktails.
| FRUITS MOCKTAIL | NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRITS | |
|---|---|---|
| Feature |
A drink where the fruit’s aroma, sweetness, and freshness take center stage. Because there is no alcohol to mask the flavor, you can enjoy the direct essence of the ingredients. These drinks are often visually stunning, highlighting the vibrant colors and garnishes of the fruit, some bars will even craft a glass using fresh seasonal fruits upon request. They are perfect as a light post-meal dessert substitute, offering a beautiful presentation that is sure to lift your spirits.
 |
By blending non-alcoholic spirits with fruit juices, herbs, and soda, these mocktails offer a complex aroma and satisfying body that rivals traditional cocktails. They have become a favorite for health-conscious guests and those who want to enjoy the bar atmosphere at any hour. Beyond non-alcoholic versions of classics like gin, rum, tequila, and vodka, the recent rise of playful, innovative spirits has opened up a whole new world of creative flavors to explore.
 |
Fruit mocktail
A drink that takes center stage with the aroma, sweetness, and freshness of fruit as it is. Since there is no alcohol flavor, you can directly enjoy the taste of the ingredients. The color and decoration of the fruit are easy to shine through, and some shops will make a cup made with seasonal fresh fruits if asked. It is perfect as a light dessert after a meal, and it is a cup that will lift your mood with its gorgeous appearance.
Mocktails of non-alcoholic spirits
Mocktails made with non-alcoholic spirits combine fruit juices, herbs, and carbonation to create a three-dimensional aroma and drinkability without alcohol, and are becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious people and those who want to enjoy them regardless of the time of day. In addition to flavors such as gin, rum, tequila, vodka, etc., many playful non-alcoholic spirits have been created in recent years.
When visiting a bar for the first time, we recommend sharing your flavor preferences, your current mood, and budget. As masters of their craft, bartenders have a deep knowledge of spirits and can suggest the perfect glass—tailored to your preferred aromas, tastes, and price range.
Here is a guide to the typical ordering process.
It’s perfectly fine to be general—whether it’s a cocktail, whisky, mocktail, or beer. Since some bars in Kobe do not have a printed menu, letting the bartender know your “starting point” will make the ordering process much smoother.
If you’re ordering a cocktail, it’s okay to share as far far you know. The bartender will likely ask a few follow-up questions to narrow it down. You might consider:
It is also perfectly acceptable to simply say, “Osusumede” (As you recommend).
First, select your preferred serving style:
Sharing your flavor preferences will help the bartender narrow down the perfect drink for you. Consider terms like:
Don’t hesitate to mention your budget if you are concerned about the cost. Since whisky prices vary significantly depending on the age and brand, and it’s perfectly fine manner-wise.
Since many bars in Kobe use delicate glassware, it is considered “smart” and sophisticated to avoid clinking glasses together. Instead, simply raise your glass slightly toward your companions for a toast.
Five Senses
History
Mastery & Creativity
Pairing
An early evening bar trip is fun! 
Don’t you think bars are for late at night?
Actually, one way to enjoy a bar is to go during the “early evening” hours at dusk, just before dinner.
If you go right after opening, you can have a leisurely chat with the bartender, making it a good option for beginners.
Here we will introduce bars ideal for early-evening drinks where even beginners can enjoy themselves.
*The bar numbers on the map correspond to the numbers listed in the “KOBE BAR MAP 2025” booklet.
KOBE BAR MAP
Kobe Bars
The deep amber color of whisky. Some beginners may think that a darker color means it has been aged longer, and therefore tastes better, but that isn’t always the case. Not only the color, but also the flavor and aroma can vary greatly depending on the type of cask used and the aging environment. Let’s appreciate and enjoy whiskies in different colors.