
I’ve heard that Matsumoto is a city of bars, but I have no idea which ones I should visit…



This article will help answer those questions.
Hello.
Suddenly, I have a question: do you go to bars?
It’s often said that young people are drinking less nowadays.
I think bars are special places where you can enjoy both drinks and conversation at a relaxed pace.
Especially in Matsumoto, there are many bars,
and it’s also known as a “city of bars.”



However, if you search online, you mostly just find Retty, Tabelog, or Hot Pepper pages.
So, as someone who used to go out drinking 4–5 days a week,
I wrote this article to share my experiences of actually visiting these bars!
In this article, I’ll introduce bars I have visited and include the unique features of each!
Shot Bar Bacchus
You can reach it by walking from Matsumoto Station’s castle-side exit toward the Super Hotel.
The interior is slightly dim, with a nice atmosphere.
They have a wide variety of drinks including cocktails, so much that going through the entire menu is a challenge.
The price per drink is relatively low compared to other bars, so it seems popular among students as well.



So depending on the day, you might feel a younger vibe from the crowd.
Bacchus (SHOT BAR BACCHUS) – Matsumoto / Bar | Tabelog
SHOT・BAR Bacchus(@shotbar_bacchus) • Instagram Photos and Videos
Mahorobi Whisky Bar
It’s about a 5-minute walk from the station.
This bar is perfect for those who want to drink and learn more about whiskey.



They suggest various ways to enjoy different whiskey brands.
The bar has a strong love for whiskey, and there are occasional events where rare whiskies are shared among regulars and staff.
By the way, students from Shinshu University have traditionally worked part-time here.
If you want to enjoy a luxurious time while savoring the aroma of peaty Scotch whiskey, this is the place to go.
Mahorobi – Matsumoto / Bar | Tabelog
Bar La Siesta
A prime location, about 4–5 minutes from the station.
No matter when you visit, this bar, “Bar La Siesta”, is always busy with other customers.
The striking vermilion exterior is a distinctive feature.



The calm, mature atmosphere envelops the entire bar.
Personally, I recommend the fruit cocktails,
but the classic cocktails are also delicious.
La Siesta – Matsumoto / Bar | Tabelog
THE BAR J
This bar is located on the second floor of a multi-tenant building, a little off Park Street from Matsumoto Station.
It’s a 5-minute walk from the station.
The interior walls are covered with irregular textures that make you feel like you’re inside a cave.



The lighting is a bit dim, making it perfect for a date or a quiet night out.
When I was younger, going to this bar was like a personal treat and a place I admired.
It has such a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
THE BAR J – Matsumoto / Bar | Tabelog
BAR ALPHA
6 minutes on foot from the station.
A bar located along Isecho Street, where Parco used to be.
Step in with courage and give it a try.
The interior has white walls and sofa seating, giving it a luxurious feel.
Sitting in the sofa seats in the back with a chandelier makes you feel like you are receiving VIP treatment.
ALPHA – Matsumoto / Bar | Tabelog
ENTRANCE BAR PORTER
5 minutes on foot from the station. Located along Matsumoto Chuo Street.
This bar is across from OLD PAL, which will be introduced next.



Climb the stairs and pass through a corridor with white walls to find a stylish atmosphere inside.
What sets it apart from other bars is that the counter is decorated with shoji and calligraphy-like artwork.
The bar has a Japanese-inspired style, which may make it popular among foreigners.
I will never forget the taste of Glenfiddich 12 that I had here for the first time.
Be sure to find your favorite drink at this bar!
OLD PAL
This OLD PAL is also a long-standing popular bar in Matsumoto.
It has the atmosphere of a classic authentic bar, and
the master’s gestures are elegant and captivating.
Of course, the cocktails are top-notch.



If you use it for a date, it’s guaranteed to create a great atmosphere.
Personally, I recommend the sweets that come with the charge and the metal coasters, which are very stylish.
OLD PAL – Matsumoto / Bar | Tabelog
MAIN BAR COAT
8 minutes on foot from the station.
This is a long-established bar in Matsumoto.



Opened in 1998, so this year marks its 27th year.
Located on the second floor near the Clock Museum.
They offer a variety of Irish whiskies, so enjoy your favorite in your preferred style.
The interior blends indirect lighting with wooden counters and tables, creating a calm and relaxing atmosphere.
You can relax with your favorite drink, which should help relieve the stress of daily life.
MAIN BAR COAT – Matsumoto / Bar | Tabelog
Cantina Wan
11 minutes on foot from the station.
A bar located on Nakamachi Street near Matsumoto Castle.
Go up the stairs to the second floor to enter the bar.
The bar’s main feature is its wide variety of rums.



If you tell the staff your preferred flavors or tastes, you can enjoy rum that suits you perfectly.
Straight is recommended, but since the alcohol content is high, adding water might be better.
Nearby, there are other izakayas run by a hunter and a smoker-owner, so check them out too.
Cantina Wan – Matsumoto / Bar | Tabelog
SIDECAR
14 minutes on foot from the station.
Also located on Nakamachi Street.
Previously, as the name suggests, there was a car at the entrance, but it seems to have been removed.



It is a classic bar with a calm, adult atmosphere.
Every cocktail is delicious, and you’ll find yourself ordering one after another.
Even though carrying drinks to the second floor is difficult, the staff served us carefully, leaving a strong impression.
The entire street has a retro vibe, so walking around while enjoying the atmosphere is also recommended.
SIDE CAR – Matsumoto / Bar | Tabelog
Daruma Yoshu-do
About 14 minutes on foot from the station.
This bar is located in the “Agemachi” area on Nawate Street, a bit farther from Matsumoto Station.
It is on the second floor, so climb the stairs to enter.



Among the bars introduced, the interior lighting here is relatively bright.
The friendly master welcomes you, though on busy days it might be hard to get attention.
Although the whiskey selection is not huge, it is a calm and comfortable space.
Daruma Yoshu-do – Matsumoto / Bar | Tabelog
Summary
How was it?



Did you find any bars you’d like to visit or that caught your interest?
All of these bars are wonderful, so please visit at least once.
I’m sure you will have a fulfilling and enjoyable time.











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