Drinking Holes

As with any city in Japan there are literally hundreds of places to go within a short distance of a major train station. It`s always a wonder how a place in a 9 story building competing with dozens of other establishments, that are practically the same, survive. The following couple of guides will hopefully help you find a good time on the town.

Check out Dan`s nightlife page for great information on bars and clubs, including comments and a good map to find the places. The original site has been taken off the server and David has been kind enough to put up a backed up copy on his site, so some of the information may be outdated or inaccessible. Thanks for the effort, David.

David`s JET page also has a fine list of places to check out and also includes a map.

Moonbeams is a cafe located along the Murasaki River boardwalk near Izutsuya department store. A good selection of coffee and drinks available till late at night. Nice spot to enjoy the night view.

Although not alcoholic in nature, coffee provides a special something to many of us. And there are places that offer more than just a plain cup of coffee. There are three locations of Espresso Bar (Eng) in Kokura: on the second floor of the LaForet Building Part 2 (above Best Denki) behind Kokura Station; along the plaza that sits between the two buildings of the Izutsuya department store; and in Ki machi near Minami Kokura train station. Check out their menu and head on down for a pick-me-up.

Beer Gardens

Outdoor Beer Gardens

On the roof of Toei Kaikan, next to Kokura Izutsuya along KyuDensha road, Xelha is serving the food and drink from 17:00 to 22:00 (last order 21:30) until the end of August. For 2 hours of eating and drinking it`s 3,000yen for both men and women; Mondays it`s only 2,500yen and Wednesdays is only 2,000yen for women. For more information call 521-5318 (after 15:00).

The Beer Terrace at Station Hotel Kokura is open till Friday, September 10th. 100 minutes of eating and drinking between 18:00 and 22:00. 3,900yen for men (3,500yen in advance), 3,500yen for women (3,200 in advance). The entrance is off the 7th floor of the hotel. For more information call 512-0376.

The Tokyo Daiichi Hotel offers a nice outdoor setting along the Murasaki River with a view of Katsuyama park. All-you-can-drink and a set menu of 8 plates of food is available for groups of 4 people or more, the cost is 3,500yen (including tax). Open from 17:30 to 22:00 Monday to Saturday and from 17:30 to 21:00 on Sundays and national holidays until August 31st. For more information call 511-4166.

From Friday, July 16th to Saturday, September 4th BEER DIVE CAFE at the Mojiko Hotel is dishing out a great view of the Kanmon Strait along with plenty of food and drink. Tickets are 3,500yen for junior high and older (3,000 yen in advance), 1,500yen for children. Closed Sundays and national holidays. For more information call 321-5551.

Budweiser Carnival is held on the rooftop of Kokura Izutsuya Department store. They have a dome set up on the roof so there is no need to worry about the weather. Open from 17:00 to 23:00 till the end of August. 2 hours of drinking for 1,365 yen. Food is a la carte for groups of less than 4 people. Party (2,625 yen) and Enkai (3,150 yen) food plans are available for groups of 4 or more. For more information call 512-5216 after 12:00.

Kurosaki Izutsuya, next to JR Kurosaki Station, also has a beer garden on the roof. More information coming soon. If you can't wait call directly at 643-5111.

Indoor Beer Halls

Probably the cheapest in town is the beer hall at Asano Patio, at the end of the moving walkway to AIM on the north side of Kokura Station. Between 17:00 and 23:00 this place has 90minutes of all-you-can-drink for the low price of 780yen for women and 980yen for men. Plenty of drinks to choose from: draft beer, cocktails, chuhai, whiskey, wine... Tel: 533-1888.

The AIM Beer Garden is located in the Asian Import Mart (AIM) across from the Righa Royal Hotel. Until Sunday August 31st the promenade area of AIM becomes a beer garden from 17:00 to 21:00. All-you-can-drink and eat is 3,500yen. All kinds of food with lots of emphasis on chinese food. From Monday to Wednesday there is live music from 19:00 and again from 20:00. Reservations and inquiries can be made at 511-9991.

The Righa Beer Hall (Jp) is open from 17:30 to 21:30. All-you-can-eat-and-drink is 3,500yen for adults in advance (3,800yen at the door) and 1,500yen for elementary aged children and younger. Open from Monday, June 21st to Saturday, September 11th. Closed on Sundays and national holidays. Tel: 531-1121.

Bay Side Beer Hall (Jp), with a nice view of the ferry terminal and out onto the channel, is located at the La Plage restaurant in the Kitakyushu International Conference Center. From Friday, June 20th to Friday, August 29th. All-you-can-drink is 1,200yen in advance (1,500yen on the day). Menu items start at 300yen, or you can get the Chef's special menu for 2,000yen per person (available for groups of 4 or more). Tel: 551-0151.

The Kitakyushu Prince Hotel changes their ice rink into a beer dome for the summer - from Friday, July 9th to Saturday, September 4th (closed Sundays, national holidays, and 8/13-15). A variety of events are held each week: stage shows; karaoke contests; and other surprise events. All-you-can-eat-and-drink is 3,980yen for adults, 2,500yen for J&S high school students, 1,500yen for elementary school students, and 500 yen for 4-6years old (tax included). Tel: 631-7725.

Internet Cafes

Let us all know if you`ve found a nice place you want the rest of us finding out about. This page is in the process of being developed so till there`s more make sure to check out the pages above.