CONTENTS
About YAKOBOKU
Concept
Nestled quietly in Kamino-ura, Kumamoto, BAR YAKOBOKU greets you with a serene atmosphere where time seems to flow gently as you open the door.
“Yakoboku” (Night Jasmine), the bar’s namesake, is a flower known for its fragrance that blooms at night.
True to its name, this bar cherishes the “fragrance that blooms only at night,” separated from the bustle of the day—an experience that appeals directly to the senses.
Though composed simply of only a counter, the space is filled with the owner’s refined aesthetic: dim, calming lights, understated jazz, and meticulously polished glassware…
Every detail is curated, with no excess, expressing the proprietor’s sense of beauty throughout.
The menu centers on classic cocktails, as well as original creations using seasonal fruits and Japanese ingredients.
Rather than focusing on showiness, each drink quietly surprises you with its aroma, aftertaste, and mouthfeel—truly, the “fragrance of the night” in a glass.
About the Owner
The master of YAKOBOKU, Shinya Kiba, is an accomplished bartender who became the Japan Champion at the world-renowned cocktail competition “Diageo World Class” in 2021.
Born in Nagasu, Kumamoto Prefecture. After graduating high school, he started working in a liquor shop and then entered the bartending world. At 22, he moved to Tokyo to gain experience at Rigoletto in Marunouchi, then moved to Singapore at 29, working for about five years at the speakeasy “CACHÉ.”
He returned to Japan in 2019 and opened BAR YAKOBOKU in January 2020, renovating a ryokan (Japanese inn) with about 150 years of history.
In 2023, YAKOBOKU ranked 84th in “Asia’s 50 Best Bars,” marking a first for Kyushu.
With a passion for crafting cocktails that showcase local Kumamoto ingredients, he continues to attract attention from both Japan and abroad.
BAR Recognition
As mentioned, Shinya Kiba was crowned Japan’s best at the international competition Diageo World Class Japan in 2021 and was a global finalist.
The bar itself is also rapidly gaining attention.
In 2023, YAKOBOKU made history as the first bar from Kyushu to be ranked (No. 84) in the 51–100 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars.
Furthermore, in 2025, it achieved an impressive debut, coming in at No. 25.
The precision in fragrance and composition, respect for locality, and sophisticated service—all of these qualities have earned YAKOBOKU recognition as one of Kumamoto’s leading bars, now standing shoulder to shoulder with world-famous establishments.
Bar Prelude
Exterior & Entrance
The building retains the atmosphere of an old ryokan. Gently sliding open the wooden door,
you are greeted by a tranquil space befitting the name “YAKOBOKU”—imbued with the quiet elegance of a tree that scents the night.
First-time visitors may even pass by without noticing the understated entrance.
That is why the moment the sliding door opens feels like a beautiful ceremony, unique to this place.
The soft texture of the wood and the gentle light spilling from the entrance, shrouded in the night, usher you into a different “layer of time,” apart from the city’s bustle. With each step inside, a quiet night’s story begins.
Bar Area
Stepping inside, you’ll find a pristine solid wood counter reflecting the gentle light directly ahead.
The space is divided into right and left: the main open counter area on the right,
and just four semi-private counter seats on the left.
This small area on the left feels like a place to savor tranquility all to yourself.
It is gently separated from other voices and glances, making it ideal when you want to enjoy a quiet conversation or simply focus on your glass.
The textures of the walls and furnishings are quiet and restrained.
There is no excess decoration—rather, the space is designed as a canvas where “fragrance can emerge.”
A sense of warmth within the silence.
What makes this bar special is not just the cocktails, but also the entire sensibility of the space, including how sound and sight are orchestrated.
Cocktails I Tasted
First Glass: “Yokoboku”
The signature cocktail named after the bar itself, “Yokoboku,” is the perfect way to start the evening.
Inspired by the theme of “a flower that only blooms at night,” it layers fragrances delicately in a single glass.
The base is the beautifully botanical Tanqueray No.10.
With the aroma of Snow Jasmine layered on top and finished with apple soda,
the gentle sweetness of citrus agave honey and the depth added by Maqaw (Litsea cubeba) spice bring the drink together.
The aromatic foam evokes the illusion of a flower blooming.
On the palate, gentle sweetness and a subtle mystique unfold, drawing you into the world of the night with its quiet elegance.
The earthenware cup, radiating warmth, also reflected the fusion of nature and humanity unique to “Yokoboku.”
Roasted and Deep Flavors: “Pistacchio & Espresso”
For my second drink, I chose “Pistacchio & Espresso.”
Unlike the typical sweet cocktails you might imagine from pistachio and espresso, this one is all about roasted notes and bitterness—an adult flavor.
The base is “Oishi,” a craft shochu from Kumamoto.
Layered with nutty pistachio, bitter espresso, and the gentle acidity and richness of fermented cacao syrup, this cocktail has great depth.
Walnut and milk provide a soft mouthfeel, while cacao nibs and pink pepper on top add a final aromatic accent.
A precisely structured cocktail, both smooth and with a strong core.
Not sweet, not light—an impressive drink that pairs beautifully with or after a meal, thanks to its sophisticated balance.
Playfulness & Local Pride: “Kumamon Sling 2”
My final drink was “Kumamon Sling 2.”
A neo-arrangement of the Singapore Sling, inspired by “Kumamon,” Kumamoto’s beloved mascot—it’s a cocktail sure to make any Kumamoto native smile.
It uses Kumamoto craft gin, Bear’s Book Gin.
Layered with shiso kombucha, cranberry cordial, and pineapple,
and finished with tonic water for a refreshing touch.
Despite its cute name, the flavor is decidedly grown-up.
The tartness of shiso and the complex aftertaste from fermentation add unique depth, while the pop appearance contrasts beautifully with the layered flavor.
A glass that brings together Kumamoto’s character, playfulness, and skill in one.
Summary & Impressions
BAR YAKOBOKU in Kamino-ura, Kumamoto.
A bar themed around fragrance, aftertaste, and tranquility—not just a place to “drink,” but one that teaches you to experience with all five senses.
From the moment you take your seat at the counter, time seems to gently unwind.
The lighting, choice of vessels, glass temperature, and even the spaces between words—all carefully composed, each drink is like a course dish with its own story.
The space itself is stylish and calming,
yet never pretentious—playful names and visuals add a welcoming touch.
Rooted in the theme of the “night flower,” it strikes a perfect balance of stillness and movement, beauty and humor.
The clientele includes many travelers from overseas, and the presence of a new trilingual bartender from Taiwan is memorable.
You sense a spirit of sharing this space across borders and languages—truly a place that embodies “the now” of Kumamoto’s bar culture.
I want to visit again to follow the changes in aroma with the seasons.
It was an unforgettable night, leaving a lingering impression.
Reservations & Access Information
How to Reserve
During business hours, especially in the busy nighttime period, it’s recommended to reserve by phone by 8:00 PM if you want to be sure of a seat. Reservations are accepted from opening until 8:00 PM; after that, bookings are closed for the night.
Access
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Address: 5-21 Minamitsuboimachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto, 1F
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Nearest station: About a 3-minute walk from “Fujisakigu-mae” Station on the Kumamoto City Tram. Also about 8 minutes on foot from “Suidocho” and “Tori-cho Suji” stations.
Hours & Holidays
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Business hours: 18:00–24:30 (last order at 24:00)
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Closed: Irregular holidays. Closed about 1–2 times a month, with updates mainly posted on Instagram.
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