Bar Kotobuki — Restaurant in Taketomi

Every so often, you come across a place that feels magical, that creates an indelible impression, and becomes a core memory and experience. This is one of those places.

In an unassuming back-house along a semi-unlit road is a Master Mixologist who creates cocktails of creative genius and masterful artistic expression. The Mixologist specializes in Tequila but has high quality varieties and specialty flavors of all types of Alcohol, leaving the possibilities endless. There were many kinds of unique local or regional brews that were quite delicious.

There is no set menu—you can either tell him a particular drink or flavor you want, or leave it to his own recommendations, and he will create a unique and masterfully done Cocktail or Drink that you would be unlikely to find anywhere else. What’s more, the taste is always divine and the presentation exemplary.

What amazed and astounded me more so than anything else was his ability to create equally delicious, stylish, and aesthetically pleasing Non-Alcoholic drinks as well! Unlike many bars who do not create nonalcoholic mixed drinks or just provide Cola, the Mixologist was polite and humored my nonalcoholic requests and created masterpieces for me that rivaled anything I’ve had anywhere else in terms of taste and presentation.

One of my drinks was a Mango, Pineapple, Mint, Salt, and Jasmine Tea infusion blend. Another was Guava Juice, Pineapple, Mint, Carbonated Soda Water, Lemon, and Shikuwasa. My final drink was a Shikuwasa Mint Freeze. Each drink had its own unique symphony of flavors, texture, and presentation.

Each of the drinks are specially crafted and take about 5-15 minutes to complete for every creation. Fresh herbs and decor are picked from his personal garden for the drinks. Cost is roughly ¥1,500 a drink, but it’ll be the best drinks you’ve had!

A phenomenal, accommodating, and creative place for drinkers and nonalcoholic types alike, this is an island experience you don’t...

Most wonderful place 🌴❤️ You can expect a very familiar atmosphere, beautiful interior and nice conversations. What makes this bar really special is that there is no menu, but you just tell the bar tender what taste you like, and he will mix you a personal cocktail. And the best thing: if its getting too late, he can even drive you home by car.

Thank you for this wonderful evening, we will come back...

You don't expect to find world class cocktails on an island like Iriomote but that is exactly what you get here. Great atmosphere, friendly owner and fantastic, unique cocktails made with local...