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[Nagano Prefecture] Enjoy a blissful drink at an authentic bar! 10 recommended places by area

Photograph:おりょう0914

[Nagano Prefecture] Enjoy a blissful drink at an authentic bar! 10 recommended places by area

Nagano is an area with calm streetscapes and a rich food culture, and it has plenty of places where you can enjoy a relaxed evening. Matsumoto City in particular is known as a “city of bars,” and its appeal lies in the wide range of options, from classic authentic bars to unique spots making the most of local sake and fruit. This time, we have put together a by-area guide to recommended bars in Nagano Prefecture.

Created: July 21, 2026

This article is based on531Tabelog reviews.

Nagano Prefecture: Recommended bars in Matsumoto City

Main Bar Coat

Main Bar Coat is a popular spot about a 6-minute walk from Matsumoto Station's Oshiroguchi Exit, located on the second floor of a kura-zukuri (traditional warehouse-style) building, with an authentic yet approachable atmosphere.

The woody, calm interior feels relaxed, and the single-slab wood counter really catches the eye.

The Shine Muscat Sour is an impressive drink packed with seasonal fruit and full of juicy freshness.

Its light sweetness and clean finish are said to balance well, letting you enjoy the fruit flavor in a fresh, easy way. Its bright, lively taste is also part of its appeal.

The charm gratin is said to be a satisfying dish, with the good flavors of bacon and potatoes layered together.

It is an easy size to pair with drinks and is said to be tasty. The toasted aroma and satisfying bite are also said to be nice.

buchi1979

The atmosphere was very calm and relaxing, and I could take my time enjoying good drinks. The Irish coffee in particular is highly recommended, and the performance of making it right in front of you is wonderful too! This is a great place to enjoy a grown-up kind of time. It is usually crowded, so it may be better to check in advance before you go.

Source:buchi1979's review

イロハす

What’s good here? The recommendations are the fruit cocktails and Irish coffee. What’s so amazing about it? Everything, really. Come experience it for yourself. It’s an amazing space.

Source:イロハす's review

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Old Pal

A 5-minute walk from the East Exit of Matsumoto Station, Old Pal has a calm atmosphere. It is said to have the kind of ambiance that makes you want to slowly sip your drink.

The softly lit interior has the warmth of wood. The service, with just the right sense of distance, is comfortable as well.

The original cocktails made with seasonal fruit are popular. The “yonashi (pear) cocktail” in the photo is said to leave an impression with its softly spreading fruit aroma and gentle mouthfeel.

It is said to have a well-balanced flavor, with aroma, sweetness, and acidity all coming together nicely.

"Matsumoto Breeze" is a fruit-forward cocktail made with vodka, Shinshu ringo (Shinshu apples), and cranberries.

It is said to have a clean, easy-drinking taste layered with gentle sweetness and refreshing tartness. You can enjoy its juicy finish.

れおんたんたん

In Matsumoto, a city with a well-established bar culture, one memorable spot is Old Pal. What impressed me every time was the quality of the fruit cocktails. They use plenty of seasonal fruit, with an excellent balance of aroma, sweetness, and acidity. The chestnut cocktail has a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture, with a luxurious feel that is like turning Mont Blanc (cake) into a drink.

Source:れおんたんたん's review

d017a9

They recommended cocktails made with seasonal fruit. It has an authentic atmosphere, but there is a menu, so even first-time bar visitors can feel at ease. When I asked which version of Octomore they had, to my surprise it was 08.1! Encounters like this are exactly why bars are so irresistible.

Source:d017a9's review

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Blowera

Brola is a bar located a 6-minute walk from Matsumoto Station. It has a quiet feel, and the time here seems to pass at an unhurried pace.

The single-slab counter made from aged wood gives the space a solid, weighty feel. The interior is refined, and reviews say it is the kind of place that makes you want to end your night in Matsumoto here.

Whisky (Komagatake) is a glass that lets you feel the character unique to a distillery in Nagano.

It is said to balance a bright, fruity aroma with a clean finish, and you can also enjoy the range of flavors that comes from differences between each barrel. It is described as a flavor you will want to sit with and savor slowly.

The Dekopon cocktail leaves a strong impression with its lovely aroma that brings the fruit itself to mind.

It is said to offer a fresh taste along with a nicely balanced alcohol feel. You can simply enjoy the fruit’s natural appeal.

きむにる

This long established bar is about a 5-minute walk from Matsumoto Station. As others have mentioned, the one-piece wooden counter table is especially striking. I ordered a highball, and a bar highball really does taste special. The mixed nuts assortment was also good.

Source:きむにる's review

egg06

Chic and grown-up. The wine was elegant. It was easy to drink, and the glassware was beautiful. There were so many different kinds of drinks that it felt like a whole grown-up world I could hardly take in.

Source:egg06's review

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APERO

"APERO" is a dining bar located a 4-minute walk from Matsumoto Station.

The attic-like interior creates a calm space that somehow feels like a secret hideout, with an atmosphere that makes you want to stay and relax. The staff's friendly service is said to be pleasant as well.

One of the draws is that you can enjoy several kinds of wine by the glass that pair well with the food.

They also carefully guide you to recommendations based on your preferences, so you can enjoy the conversation while choosing a glass.

The food menu is also extensive, with a lineup of dishes that go well with wine, including pasta and meat dishes.

Among them, the Bolognese style pasta stands out as a memorable dish, and it gets good reviews for the care put into the choice of ingredients and preparation.

世界一の虎は俺一人

The interior is unpretentious but well put together. It is just the right size, with a calm atmosphere. We started with a toast of sparkling wine and ordered the items that caught our eye. We ordered marinated tomatoes and olives, potato salad, jamon serrano, and more. In short, everything was delicious!

Source:世界一の虎は俺一人's review

akky ski

From the potato salad to the seasonal vegetable Appetizers, pasta, and meat dishes, everything is delicious. The Bolognese-style pasta is outstanding! The meat dishes are great too! They also offer red wine starting with options that are easy on the wallet, which is a nice touch. I would definitely come back.

Source:akky ski's review

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Recommended bars in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture

Glory Nagano

A 4-minute walk from Nagano Station, Glory Nagano is a stylish bar with an amber-colored counter. It is a calm bar located on a basement floor.

In its retro mood, you can enjoy a drink tailored to your taste. It is said to have a cozy feel that makes you want to come back.

The martini leaves an impression with its bright, tight aroma and the crisp taste of gin.

It has a smooth mouthfeel, and they say you can also enjoy how the aroma and finish change over time. It is also said to have a satisfyingly strong finish.

The Smoky Espresso Martini layers the aroma of freshly ground coffee with the character of whiskey.

With each sip, the flavors come together more smoothly, letting you enjoy its toasty notes and deep finish. Its evolving feel on the palate also seems to be part of its appeal.

yuyuyu2016

There was no menu, and only a few recommended drinks were posted on the partition. If you tell the staff what kind of alcohol you like or the cocktail you have in mind, they will make something for you. Many people come on their own, and it feels like a bar where you can relax.

Source:yuyuyu2016's review

tom0218

The counter sits under spotlights, and the wide selection of fine sake shines in a bright, dazzling display. First, Ardbeg neat. Then Kilchoman and tea with shochu, and to finish, Irish coffee. The Irish whisky and coffee warmed over an alcohol lamp go perfectly with the mellow cream.

Source:tom0218's review

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BAR599

BAR599 is a bar located a 5-minute walk from Nagano Station. The chic and refined interior centers on counter seating, and also includes table seating and box seats in the back.

The master's service is pleasant, and it is well loved as a place where you can spend a relaxing time.

Ardbeg Smokiverse is a drink with a rich fruitiness behind its smoky aroma.

It has the distinctive character of Islay while also letting you enjoy the solid structure that comes from the malt. It is said to be satisfying to drink, while also offering changing impressions as you sip.

"Glenmorangie," which offers a fruity aroma and a fresh finish. It is said to be a drink with a smooth mouthfeel that leaves a lasting impression.

Some say that enjoying it straight brings out the delicate character unique to a single malt even more.

happy&orion

When I opened the door, I unexpectedly found shelves lined with a huge selection of whisky. I was able to get a counter seat with a clear view of the whisky on the shelves, so I looked around for one I wanted to drink. First, Highland Park 12 Year Old. I also appreciated the thoughtful touch of providing a dropper for adding water when drinking it straight.

Source:happy&orion's review

osa86ff

A restaurant located about a 5-minute walk from Nagano Station. Inside, there are counter seats and table seats. There are also Semi-private room table seats. The master is very kind and friendly. This was my second visit, and every time I stop by, the fun conversation makes for a great time along with tasty drinks. I was very Manzoku.

Source:osa86ff's review

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Bar Apollo

Bar Apollo is located on the 12th floor of Hotel Metropolitan Nagano, directly connected to Nagano Station.

Inside, there are also counter seats with a view of the night skyline, where you can slowly enjoy a drink in a calm atmosphere. Its comfortable setting is said to be one of its attractions.

Akkeshi, a whisky made by a distillery in Hokkaido, has a character that reflects its young makers.

Served straight, it has a well-defined flavor, and on the rocks, it shows a different side. It is said to be a glass you will want to take your time with.

"Mars Maltage Kosmo" is said to balance a lightly smoky aroma with a soft sweetness.

It is loved for its smooth taste, and people say you can enjoy its gentle finish all the way through.

*baebae*

While taking in Nagano’s understated night view, I enjoyed cocktails and highballs on the spacious sofas of this long established bar. Thank you for a lovely evening.

Source:*baebae*'s review

drmomo0522

It has very good access, about a 3-minute walk from Nagano Station, and is located inside the Metropolitan Hotel. This bar is well suited for business conversations while looking out at the night view, and it may be one of the only bars around Nagano Station where you can enjoy a night view. It was a lovely bar.

Source:drmomo0522's review

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Recommended bars in Kitasaku-gun Karuizawa-machi, Nagano Prefecture

Mampei Hotel Bar

Located in Karuizawa-machi, Manpei Hotel Bar is known as a place with a classic feel where you can enjoy a relaxed evening.

The rich texture of the wood and the stained glass leave a strong impression, and its atmosphere feels like another world.

The "Hakushu 1998 Manpei Single Cask" has a Special feel you can only get at this bar.

It is said to open with a rich aroma, and you can take your time enjoying the long finish. Paired with the atmosphere of this historic hotel, it makes for a memorable whisky.

The Shine Muscat cocktail is a fresh and juicy drink that brings out the refreshing character of the fruit.

Though it is rum-based, the sweetness is not too heavy, and it has a clean, refreshing taste. It seems to be well loved as a seasonal cocktail.

996GT3MK2

This bar is next to the main dining room on the first floor of Mampei Hotel. Judging from the back bar, the amount of liquor is not large, but the selection is varied, with whisky, brandy, tequila, sherry, and more. Perhaps because of the area, many villa owners visit, and there were also many bottle keep options.

Source:996GT3MK2's review

アキタン34

・Midori Sasu
In general, it uses many ingredients you would not expect to find in cocktails, but when you try it, it is surprisingly tasty. A wooden cup does not feel very cocktail-like, does it? It has a refreshing taste, so it is very easy to drink.

Source:アキタン34's review

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COCKTAIL WORKS Karuizawa

COCKTAIL WORKS Karuizawa is a bar in the Kyu-Karuizawa (Old Karuizawa) area, a 15-minute walk from the north exit of Karuizawa Station.

The antique-style interior has a calm feel, and the dim lighting creates a comfortable mood. It is known as a relaxed space for adults to unwind.

One of this bar’s highlights is its award-winning drinks, along with cocktails tailored to your preferences.

The bar also offers a lineup of original cocktails, so you can enjoy flavors that match your mood from its wide selection of drinks. You can expect to find a seriously good drink here.

The Appetizers assortment is a satisfying plate lined with items that pair well with drinks. In particular, reviews say the pâté has a memorable flavor.

It seems the food is rated highly for how good it is, not just the drinks.

かつ19861227

This is a bar where you can have a solid meal. The food was good, and the master was friendly and chatty, which made for a really fun time. They also had a great selection of Japanese gin and whisky.

Source:かつ19861227's review

RuSa

COCKTAIL WORKS is a bar where many different cocktails have won awards. Even though the drinks were fairly strong, they went down very smoothly. Quattro Formaggi is one of my favorite pizzas, and this one was incredibly stylish. It had a grown-up flavor. It was a great place where I could relax and enjoy an escape from the everyday.

Source:RuSa's review

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Bar Katsuji

At the entrance to Kyu-Karuizawa Ginza-dori, you'll find Bar Katsuji. It was renovated from a traditional old house, and the long counter inside leaves a strong impression.

With a somewhat nostalgic atmosphere, it seems to be well loved as a bar with a wide selection of drinks.

The wide selection of cocktails ranges from glasses like the "Napoleon Sidecar" to drinks made with fruit.

The standard cocktails are also carefully crafted, and you can take your time enjoying them in the calm atmosphere.

The “cheese assortment” is a plate where you can enjoy European cheeses served with crackers.

Each one has a different flavor, and it is loved as a classic snack to enjoy with drinks.

Kayoyon

The gin and tonic made with original Nagano gin has a kind of good taste that is a little different from a regular gin and tonic. My friend was drinking white wine and said it was very crisp and tasty.

Source:Kayoyon's review

abeya848

This BAR is in a renovated kominka (traditional Japanese house) that used to be a soba restaurant. The entrance is narrow, but the space goes quite far back, with a long counter stretching inside. Near the entrance, the display focuses on Japanese whisky, while farther in, it centers on Western spirits. You may end up lingering here while snacking on the otoshi (small appetizer) of smoked nuts.

Source:abeya848's review

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