Looking for truly good shochu in Miyazaki—so I headed to Nishitachi.
When I chose Miyazaki as my travel destination, the first thing that came to mind was shochu.
Miyazaki is home to many renowned distilleries, such as Kuroki Honten and Inoue Shuzo, making it one of Japan’s leading regions for shochu production.
If I’m going to Miyazaki, I want to encounter truly delicious shochu.
With that thought in mind, I headed to Miyazaki’s entertainment district, Nishitachi.
That’s where I found Bar Mint.
Whether you already love shochu or are just starting to explore it, the staff help you choose something that suits your mood that night.
It’s a warm and welcoming place, perfect for solo travelers or girls’ trips alike.
Currently, on weekdays the shop operates as a Shochu Bar, and on weekends, it becomes Pub Mint with live performances—offering different atmospheres depending on the night.
In this article, I will first introduce the current Bar Mint / Pub Mint, and then share my personal experience from my visit in 2023—a night where I felt the warmth of both shochu and people.
About the current Bar Mint / Pub Mint
At Bar Mint, the style of the venue changes depending on the day.
On weekdays, it operates as a Shochu Bar, where you can enjoy shochu quietly in a relaxed atmosphere.
Whether you’re a shochu lover or a newcomer, it’s a day when you can enjoy the experience at your own pace.
On the other hand, on weekends it becomes Pub Mint with live shows.
Depending on the night, there may be belly dance, sexy dance, muscle shows, and other performances that bring a lively, glamorous side of Nishitachi to life.
Opening hours, show schedules, and pricing may change, so please check the latest updates on the official Instagram.
My visit to Bar Mint in 2023 (at the former location)
When I visited in 2023, Bar Mint was located in a small multi-tenant building in Nishitachi (it has since moved to the Sunshine Miyazaki building). I remember feeling a little nervous before opening the door, as it looked a bit like a hidden spot.
But the moment I walked inside, the atmosphere changed completely. Gentle lighting and the warm voices of the mama and the female staff eased my shoulders instantly.
I immediately felt that it was a place where you can feel comfortable—whether traveling with friends or alone.
Even if you don’t know much about shochu, they help you choose based on your mood
When I told the mama, “I’m not very used to drinking shochu,” she smiled and asked, “What kind of mood are you in today?”
Do you want something refreshing? Something aromatic and deep?
Simply expressing your mood is enough—she will pick the right bottle for you.
Starting with something easy to drink, then gradually moving into deeper flavors. Before I knew it, I was naturally drawn into the world of shochu—and enjoying it more and more.
They even offered some fresh fruit as a service.
The drinks from that night that left a lasting impression
Among Miyazaki shochu, there are bottles known nationwide as “premium shochu.”
But even in Miyazaki, you may or may not encounter them.
On that night at Bar Mint, I was able to.
I finally tasted Hyakunen no Kodoku (“Hundred Years of Solitude”). I’ll never forget the aroma the moment it was poured into the glass.
Kyuu was served in a wine glass.
Yamaneko had a gentle mouthfeel that blended perfectly with the night.
The mama also shared stories—not just about the names, but about the people who make the shochu and the land it comes from—making the experience feel richer and more personal.
A soft, warm night where I felt the kindness of both shochu and people
My time at Bar Mint remains close to my heart.
The distance between people feels naturally close here, and conversations start without effort.
The charm of shochu isn’t forced on you—the staff simply stay close to your pace.
Locals and travelers share the same counter, exchanging words without pretense.
I visited hoping to “find good shochu in Miyazaki”—and I truly did.
A night to savor shochu, or a night to enjoy a show—both are here
Bar Mint / Pub Mint offers completely different nights depending on the day you visit.
If you want a calm evening to enjoy shochu, go on a weekday.
If you want a lively night full of energy and performance, go on a weekend.
Even as the style shifts, the warmth of people connected through shochu remains unchanged.
“If you want to encounter delicious shochu in Miyazaki,”
“If you want to spend a night you’ll remember,”
this is a place worth keeping in mind.