Tabelog ratingNikka Bar Nanashima (ニッカバー 七島) opened in 1958 and is described as the oldest bar in Nakasu, Fukuoka's nightlife district. Its late founder trained more than 50 bartenders, and his daughters now run the counter. It was selected for Tabelog's Bar "Tabelog 100" in 2022. Unusually for a serious Japanese bar, it charges no cover or table fee. The draw is the house cocktails built on Nikka spirits. Above all, that means Yozakura, gin infused with cherry blossom, and Yū, a 60th-anniversary drink of Nikka whisky layered over matcha liqueur.
Reviewers keep coming back to precise, unfussy mixing. Beyond Yū and Yozakura, they name D-51, a spicy drink made with two kinds of tomato, and the Sky Ball, vodka, lemon and tonic served in a chilled mug. Well-made classics such as the Martini and Sidecar also earn praise. The Nikka range runs deep, with Yoichi, Miyagikyo and From the Barrel on the shelf. Visitors from Korea, China and Taiwan single out the warmth of the staff, and one notes the owner makes an effort to chat in English.
This is a lively bar rather than a hushed one. Several Japanese reviewers found loud, drunk regulars disruptive. Two felt the bartenders were too taken up with regulars to look after newcomers. One reviewer was short-changed. A few find the cocktails slightly pricey, while noting that the whisky is cheap.
The bar opens only in the evening, so there is no lunch service. For an evening, expect about ¥2,000–3,000 per person, more if you order several cocktails; the listing's review-based average is ¥3,000–3,999. Reviewers in 2024–2026 paid around:
- ¥1,300 for Nikka Coffey Gin
- ¥1,400 for a gin and tonic
- ¥1,500 for Yozakura
- ¥1,700 for a Martini or Sky Ball
- ¥2,300 for a Miyagikyo highball
Rare aged Nikka pours cost far more. With no cover charge and drinks from about ¥1,300, reviewers consistently call it good value for a bar of this pedigree and craft.
- Getting there: 3-minute walk (about 250 m) from Nakasu-Kawabata Station. The bar is on the ground floor (1F) of the Mizukami Building.
- Hours: listed daily 18:00–24:00. Reviewers report irregular closures, often on Mondays, and one lists later hours, so call ahead.
- Booking: walk-ins are welcome. Booking is not required but recommended late on weekends, when it gets busy. Call 092-291-7740; depending on the time, phone bookings are accepted as little as 10 minutes before arrival.
- Payment: VISA, Mastercard, JCB, AMEX and Diners accepted. Electronic money and QR payments are not accepted. There is no cover charge.
- Seating: 31 seats, including counter seating. No private rooms and no private hire. It suits solo visitors and small groups of friends.
- Smoking: allowed, including cigars.
- Food: dry nibbles only, so eat beforehand.
- Parking: none on site; there is coin parking nearby.
