Kumamoto

After the illumination of Kumamoto Castle ends, neon lights begin to flicker across the city. Laughter and karaoke spill out from snack bars and girls bars where locals gather.

The nightlife hub centers around Tōrijōsuji, where the tram runs, and the covered arcades of Shimotōri and Kamitōri. Most nightspots are concentrated here. From Kumamoto Station, it's about 15 minutes by tram or 10 minutes by taxi.

Kumamoto's nightlife is notably affordable. Many hostess bars charge around 3,000–5,000 yen per hour, while girls bars and snack bars are even cheaper, with some offering all-you-can-drink for 2,000–3,000 yen.

Venues tend to be small—counter-only snack bars and girls bars with 5–6 seats are common. Large hostess bars are rare; instead, you'll find cozy, homey places where you can easily chat with regulars.

Getting around is easy by tram. Tōrijōsuji station is the main stop, and most venues are within walking distance. Taxis are cheap—under 1,000 yen for a ride within the city. First-timers should start by strolling through the Tōrijōsuji drinking streets.

One thing to note: nightlife in Kumamoto winds down early. Most snack bars and girls bars close by 1–2 AM. Also, many places don't accept credit cards, so bring plenty of cash.