Kohaku Bar image

Kohaku Bar

Bar

👍👍 Yesterday, I had the delight of stepping into this charming old-school bar, a gem that instantly transported me back to simpler times. The vintage charm was accompanied by a warm, welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for a memorable evening. What struck me most was the high-quality cocktails on o... People often mention amazing, great, cocktails, staff, Kanazawa, drinks, friendly, whiskey, time, Taka,


Address

Japan, 〒920-0981 Ishikawa, Kanazawa, Katamachi, 1 Chome−1−21 石黒ビル二階

Website

kohakubar.com

Contact

+81 76-234-5898

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (129 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 5 pm to 12 am
  • Tuesday: 5 pm to 12 am
  • Wednesday: 5 pm to 12 am
  • Thursday: (Labor Thanksgiving Day), 5 pm to 12 am, Hours might differ
  • Friday: 5 pm to 12 am
  • Saturday: 5 pm to 12 am
  • Sunday: 5 pm to 12 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: amazing (14) great (13) cocktails (13) staff (13) Kanazawa (11) drinks (10) friendly (10) whiskey (8) time (8) Taka (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Rachel T. 6 years ago on Google
    What a great bar! Yummy fresh cocktails and amazing service from the bar staff. Highly recommend to go for a nice drink on a cosy bar! Had a great night there and would go back in a heart beat.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul B. 1 year ago on Google
    Come here! Had a great experience over our night here. This is a small, ~10 seat bar specializing in whiskey (but they serve other spirits too). No menu but they can make whatever you want, or otherwise can be creative from your suggestions: they're able to take some flavor requests (e.g. whiskey + fruity) and turn it into a drink. We walked in at 7:30pm on a Friday and there were only 2 others there, but it started to fill up by the time we left. Chatted it up with the owner/master bartender throughout our time here; good English and great conversation with him. Highly recommend the old fashioned, whiskey + freshly pressed pomegranate juice, and gin + japanese pear. All fruit is freshly grated/pressed in front of you. And the glassware is super unique and stunning. Including the cover charge (and some delicious little snacks) and 5 drinks, it was 8600¥ (~$58 USD), which was a steal considering the amazing whiskey we drank in those cocktails. You can opt for cheaper or more pricy spirits as you want too. Speaking as a tourist from America - you'd miss out not coming here for a night when you're in Kanazawa!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 DietsBeats 11 months ago on Google
    Yesterday, I had the delight of stepping into this charming old-school bar, a gem that instantly transported me back to simpler times. The vintage charm was accompanied by a warm, welcoming atmosphere that set the tone for a memorable evening. What struck me most was the high-quality cocktails on offer. Each was mixed with finesse and class, showcasing the bartenders' expertise and attention to detail. Each sip was a testament to their skill, delivering delicious, well-balanced flavors that left me wanting more. Speaking of bartenders, their friendliness was beyond comparison. They were knowledgeable, attentive, and made us feel right at home. Their passion for their craft was evident, and it only added to the bar's charm. In an era filled with modern, fast-paced bars, finding a place like this that holds onto the charm of yesteryears is truly refreshing. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a friendly atmosphere, delicious cocktails, and a delightful dash of nostalgia.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sritam P. 4 years ago on Google
    Looking to give the six star button but couldn't find one. My friend came back wanting "one last drink" and that's how he classifies the place as being a 5+ star experience. I personally enjoyed 4/5 drinks. So give the bar tender atleast 4 drinks to impress you.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julia W. 6 years ago on Google
    THE BEST! Reasonably priced. The bartenders are phenomenal - great cocktails, good whiskey selection and nice snacks. Our favorite bar that we went to for the two weeks we were in Japan
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 איתי �. 7 months ago on Google
    The best bar we visited in japan so far! The owner speaks English and he's very funny and friendly, we ordered 6 amazing whiskey cocktails, and the price was so cheap for such quality of service and drinks. Just visit while in kanazawa, amazing experience!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Krittipat N. 1 year ago on Google
    To say that this bar is the best in Kanazawa would be an understatement. The hospitality of the bartenders here were through the roof and I was glad that I visited here. Would definitely come here again.

  • 5/5 Person M. 5 months ago on Google
    Taka and Muck were amazing. Every drink was perfect and they were incredible hosts. Made sure we were happy, kept the quality high, and made great recommendations.

  • 5/5 Andrew M. 7 months ago on Google
    The staff and the bar were amazing. Let the bartender know the flavours you like, sweet/sour, strong/mild, etc, any fruits you like and the spirits you prefer, and they'll knock something up for you. The ginger rum cocktail I had was amongst my favourite all-time cocktails. The staff couldn't have been friendlier. Very well priced for what it was too. Can't wait to come back to Kanazawa to pop by again.

  • 5/5 Todd H. 6 months ago on Google
    We found this lovely and quiet small bar on through google reviews and were not disappointed. A little hard to find as it is upstairs and not well marked but so worth the little extra time we spent to find it. The bar itself is amazingly well appointed and beautifully designed and decorated. Dark wood tones and excellent lighting and some jazz background music set the mood. The care and attention to the cocktail making process and patrons alike set Taka, the owner and his barback apart. Taka is an expert ice carver and gave us an amazing demonstration of his craft. Each cocktail and even the Japanese Whisky on the rocks that I ordered were crafted and presented with a calm attention to detail and muted flair. The cocktails were amazing. Taka even shared a few restaurant recommendations. Would highly recommend and will return when we next find ourselves in Kanazawa which is a great town to visit..

  • 5/5 Alina F. 9 months ago on Google
    A great experience! Wonderful staff, drinks and ambience. Fantastic value and delicious snacks! Intimate experience that made our evening - would recommend!!

  • 5/5 yuval b. 9 months ago on Google
    This place was amazing and totally one of the highlights in out trip in Japan! It starts with the friendly staff that make you fill very welcomed, and continues with the amazing atmosphere - nicely dimmed lights, super clean and comfortable place, huge variaty of alcoholic bottles and extraordinary glasses that are seen from the bar. There is no menu, but that was for the better because Taka, the owner, was able to make the exact taste we wanted so we did not need to adapt ourselves to some default flavours like happens sometimes when menus are provided. Also, it was fun to watch the preparation of each drink since it felt that each one of them were made with such class and accurate technique! The pouring was precise and smooth, so we were entertained even when the drinks were not made for us. Except that, the staff were kindly and truly interested about us and our trip in japan so we had a really fun and unique conversation. Taka even gave us a little present when we understood that Japan is our honeymoon trip. When we asked for the bill, it was lower than I expected. Entertainment, freshly squeezed fruity cocktails, expertise and precise of the staff, and amazing feeling that we had when we left - all these worth much more than what we paid. I highly recommend anyone to come to this excellent and unique bar if you are at Kanazawa.

  • 5/5 Dylan T. 1 year ago on Google
    Thank you Taka-san and Muck-san! An amazing, intimate bar with the friendliest owners who really take pride in their cocktails and whiskey. Was the only foreigner in an 8 seater bar but still felt right at home. Highly recommended!

  • 5/5 Katy Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Had an amazing time at Kohaku. The staffs were super friendly and created a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The Master 用村さん was super nice and kind to us. Will definitely go visit again next time in Kanazawa. Highly recommended!!

  • 5/5 陳名俞 1 year ago on Google
    This is a friendly bar and a great place for foreign visitors to come to. The owner has lots collection of whisky glasses from England and Europe. If you're staying overnight in Kanazawa, you should consider coming here.

  • 5/5 Oscar F. 1 year ago on Google
    Great experience.A must if you are looking for a classic Japanese bar.

  • 5/5 Roxanne M. 1 year ago on Google
    The best bar we’ve been too around Kanazawa! Lovely welcoming staff, expertly prepared drinks and wonderful bar snacks. The decor is great with cleverly designed wardrobes for each person sat at the bar. They were very friendly and kind to our baby niece too.

  • 5/5 Greg R. 1 year ago on Google
    Just to re-state, this has to be one of the friendliest bars in Kanazawa. We had such a great time the first night, we went back the second. Taka, the (head?) bartender was telling us about how all the bar staff likes skydiving. Even though the bar staff doesn't have the greatest English, they were so happy to do everything they could to understand what we wanted. The drinks were all different and had a Japanese flair, with very reasonable prices considering the quality of the ingredients, time to prepare, and complimentary snacks.

  • 5/5 Tuan N. 1 year ago on Google
    speakeasy vibe, lovely, relaxing & intimate. bartenders are knowledgeable, able to adapt and make any drink your mind can fancy up. great establishment for a wonderful laid back evening

  • 5/5 anvy p. 4 years ago on Google
    Amazing bar with lovely staff and worth going back for sure ❤❤❤

  • 5/5 John A. 4 years ago on Google
    Great drinks, good prices and very friendly owner, Taka! Def worth a visit if your in Kanazawa!

  • 5/5 Ally M. 5 years ago on Google
    Very classic traditional Japanese cocktail bar. Great personalized cocktails and friendly service by the bartenders. Maybe around 8 seats and great counter experience

  • 5/5 Lee L. 6 years ago on Google
    Excellent cocktails, carefully chosen selection of american, scottish, irish and japanese whiskey and the most friendly staff I ever met on my trip through japan! Would give even more stars if I could.

  • 5/5 Matt T. 6 years ago on Google
    Toured Japan for 3 weeks and this was my favourite bar by far. The staff were so friendly and the drinks were amazing; the cocktails were carefully made and fruit cut on order so everything was fresh. A good selection of whiskeys and very knowledgeable suggestions. If only we had more time in Kanazawa... My advice to fellow tourists: find this bar!


Call +81 76-234-5898 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway

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