The Best Bars in Fukuoka, Japan

Bars in Fukuoka, Japan.
Bars in Fukuoka, Japan. | © TOSHIFUMI KITAMURA/AFP via Getty Images
Esme Rose Curtis

Sing karaoke, learn how to salsa and sip on award-winning cocktails at Fukuoka’s best bars.

Fukuoka is the largest city in Japan’s southwestern island Kyushu, and when it comes to bars it’s full of surprises. Whether you fancy trying a glass of homemade infusions, a salsa class or just want to make some friends – you’ve come to the right place.

Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu
Fukuoka is well known for its yatai, small night-time eateries that pop-up every evening

Megane Coffee and Spirits

Cafe, Bar, Japanese

Fukuoka is well known for its yatai, small night-time eateries that pop up every evening. They usually serve traditional Japanese dishes, but this yatai offers something slightly different. Order a coffee-infused shochu and watch the world go by from inside this intimate venue that seats around seven people. Hours are irregular and weather dependent, so check their Twitter page for the latest.

Oscar’s Bar

Cocktail Bar, Japanese

Oscar’s Bar, run by Shuichi Nagatomo, is one of the most well-known cocktail bars in Fukuoka. It’s a classy place in the heart of Daimyo, a trendy shopping district. The bar is located on the sixth floor of an office block called Stage 1 Daimyou and has beautiful views of the surrounding neighbourhood. Nagatomo trained in Tokyo under Kazuo Uyeda, who invented the “hard shake” technique, designed to mix drinks without breaking up the ice, thus preventing dilution. Go here to see the technique performed first-hand, or to try Nagatomo’s signature drink, the Four Leaf Clover. It’s a delicious mixture of whisky, melon liqueur, grapefruit juice and lemon juice that won him first place in the 1994 Suntory Cocktail Competition. Look out for the large “STAGE 1” sign at street level to locate the bar. Drinks start at around 1000 yen.

Bar Sebek

Cocktail Bar, Japanese

Bar Sebek is an intimate, 10-seater bar in Nakasu run by Makiko Ohtsu. Everything about the bar is chic and elegant, down to the handmade glasses. Her gimlets are very popular, but Ohtsu’s original cocktails are what makes Bar Sebek really worth the trip. Her Tourbillon, a combination of brandy, red tea and yuzu powder, even won her the national Hennessy XO Cocktail Competition in 2017. Bar Sebek is located down a narrow alley and is marked by its black-and-white logo of a crowned alligator.

C.C. Cafe

Bar, Japanese

This laid-back international bar is a great place to meet people. The staff are bilingual, friendly and constantly host events. Karaoke, 100-yen shot nights, D&D – C.C. Cafe has it all. The bar is on Fukuoka’s aptly named Oyafuko-dori, or “unfilial child street”, the heart of the city’s clubbing scene.

Petrol Blue

Bar, Japanese

Buy a craft beer, some bean-to-bar chocolate and really settle in to listen to music at this cosy bar. Between the paraphernalia on the walls and squashy sofas, Petrol Blue feels a little like hanging out at your friend’s house, if said friend had a fantastic collection of vinyl records and whisky. Want to get a feel of the vibe before you go? Listen to their latest playlist on Spotify. Check their Facebook page or website for hours, and bring cash since they don’t take cards. Petrol Blue is on the fifth floor of Daimyo Eito Building (大名エイトビル) near Plaza Hotel Tenjin. Look out for the Thai flag at street level.

Fukuoka Craft

Bar, Mexican

This microbrewery serves up craft beer made in-house and on-site. Opened up in collaboration with El Borracho, a local Mexican restaurant, you can enjoy an ever-changing range of local and international craft beer here, alongside tequila and tacos. Not sure what to choose? Get a flight to try their latest selection. They have an English menu, which is uncommon in Fukuoka.

Citadel

Cocktail Bar, Japanese

Citadel is the place to go for some of the most unusual drinks in Fukuoka. If you can dream of it, they’ve tried it. Bartender and owner Yoshimitsu Obara offers a constantly changing line-up of homemade alcohol: from browned butter rum to chicory root gin, it seems like there’s nothing he can’t make. Go in with an open mind and a sense of humour. Look out for the sign at street level, opposite Butabara.

Latin Bar Salsa

Bar, Cuban

Feel like dancing but not clubbing? This place is perfect for you. They run salsa, merengue and bachata lessons several times a week. It’s a great place to have a few drinks and let off steam. The atmosphere and staff are very welcoming, so don’t worry if you have no experience. Check their Facebook page for the latest events and class times. You can find Latin Bar Salsa on the third floor of the Bacchus building.

culture trip left arrow
 culture trip brand logo

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

women sitting on iceberg

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

culture trip logo letter c
group posing for picture on iceberg
group posing for picture on iceberg

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points
culture trip brand logo
culture trip right arrow
landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.