Once you know the bartender, the bar door feels light!
Fast starters are fun!
My first time at a bar in Kobe.
Is it best to go to the bar late at night? Actually, going at dusk before dinner—during the 'early' hours—is another way to enjoy it. As a port town that has consistently welcomed ship passengers, Kobe's bars have a welcoming atmosphere even for first-time visitors. If you want to visit right after opening and take your time talking with the owner, it's recommended for those unfamiliar with bars, making it a more accessible and enjoyable place.
Easy to join as a group
To the Obako shop
Providing space.
The large bar in the basement looks like a plaza for the townspeople. "There are hundreds of bars in Sannomiya, but many people come only to our place. Rather than being a formidable bar, people see it as a casual tavern. "The person behind the counter isn't wearing a bow tie either." Wearing a casual shirt, the third-generation owner, says this, Ryota Yamamoto. From the founder's grandfather, three generations have preserved a peaceful space. Various people gather in the square. Right after opening, it's for people who want to spend their own time at a relaxed pace. After 8 PM, the suit-clan group gathered at the tables, wanting to form a circle with friends. While watching the ever-changing bar scenery with my eyes, I deeply felt that the bar is a plaza that welcomes everyone, and I wanted to drink.
A long L-shaped counter lined up with over 1,000 bottles of alcohol lined up. In the early hours, lively jazz music plays and celebrates the early drinks. Charge 400 yen, beer 700 yen~, 40 seats.
Since its founding, the standard gin used in gin and tonic has been the low-proof 'Gilby Gin.' Adding soda to keep it refreshing, it goes down smoothly. 800 yen.
The clock inside the shop seems to be moving 10 minutes ahead... But this was because the master wanted to make sure I wouldn't miss the last train.
If you want to casually try whisky,
To the new generation barman shop
I want to be the gateway to that place.
Although it's a small brand, the whisky stock is an impressive over 200 varieties! However, owner, Kyoichi Muramoto, believes in the shop that "a wide range of bottles from expensive and hard-to-find rare bottles to beginner-friendly options." "Whisky is now in such high demand that it has become too niche. That's why we're gathering official distillery bottles that everyone can easily buy at liquor stores. "Because we want to increase the number of whiskey lovers." Furthermore, Muramoto-san passionately says, "It's nice to drink high-quality whiskey moistly, but sometimes it's nice to drink casually," showing his love of conversation. Thanks to that, he happily says, "There are a lot of customers who stay here for a long time." A bar where whiskey is more accessible, you can visit early and enjoy the owner's heartfelt talk.
Ordering half shots of whisky is also a joy! I'm happy with their stance. "I want you to find a bottle you like," says Aifuka. Charge 400 yen, whiskey 700 yen~, 15 seats.
For a refreshing first bowl, the Jameson ginger ale for 900 yen is the perfect choice. On the back of the coaster, there's a map of Scotland featuring a whisky distillery handcrafted by the owner. It's a place where you can casually enjoy whiskey.
If you're worried about payment,
Cash On(Cash advance payment system)to the shop
Create a 'Port Tavern' vibe!
The soul bar, which opens at 3 p.m., is tucked away in an adventurous alley. When I gently opened the door, a mesmerizing space that startled Daytime Eyes burst in. "The door to the extraordinary opens. Otherwise, bars aren't interesting," says the master, Tetsuya Shishido. This mysterious world seems to follow the mood of the seafarers' bars that colored Kobe's nights in the past, and the cash-on-delivery style, where you pay one drink at a time, is a remnant of the sailor bar. It's also nice that there's a menu. "Our poster girl is the jukebox in the back. People in their twenties who have become interested in records, and people from other prefectures, come here just to see it." Day and night, and regardless of generation, people are invited like a dock. It's a bar that truly carries the spirit of a Kobe-style 'port tavern.'
The jukebox, which lets you freely choose the records you want to listen to, costs 100 yen per song. The food is also excellent, and the handmade pizzas made from dough available after 5 PM are popular. No charge, whiskey from 500 yen~, 16 seats.
The signature drink is the original 'Moonshine' drink, made by soaking brandy in lemon and honey, with soda for 600 yen. Shishido's 60s~70s soul music selection, combined with his wife HISAMI's gentle smile, makes you want to drink.
