Nagasaki might have been one of the smaller cities we visited on our trip, but not only did it have great day stuff, but also fabulous nightlife, with Tatanbaa leading the charge.
This is what us known as a standing bar, with you putting money into the bowls in front of you, with cash being deducted as you spend. This was not only a great concept, but also made this one of the very few card free zones….
What the standing bar?
Tatanbaa is part if broader culture ion standing bars in not just Nagasaki, but Japan in general. Here patrons come in after work, from where they stand to enjoy a few drinks before the commute home. The whole standing part is equally cultural, as well as programatic. By doing this you can get more people in.
With Tatanbaa this also meant a healthy line of people waiting outside for their chance to come in. What these bars have in common is that they offer an extensive range, are cheap by Japanese standards and they offer small snacks.
Tatanbaa Nagasaki
Being one of the few places that I got to spend more than one night meant that I went in Tatanbaa about three times. This is partly a compliment of course, but also testament to just how much of a creature of habit I can be.
In fairness ot the var though it did have both an excellent atmosphere, as well as a great range of drinks. For me this pretty much meant sake – beer – highball, but at least there was a range.
It was also the one and only place where I found Japanese up for chatting and having a few drinks. Two locals I spoke to explained that in places like Nagasaki people were warmer and friendlier than in say Tokyo. I have to say I thoroughly agree, Muscle Girl Bar notwithstanding.
How do the drinks work at Tatanbaa
As was stated you do indeed get a bowl in front of you where you place money, say 5000 and then change goes back into the bowl. Bartender then makes your drink, but also places change in the bowl.
This was a really fun quirk and for us doing rounds at least created a bit of a beer kitty, which of course led to more drinking. The snacks were also fairly eclectic, with me falling in love with the chips coated on a parmesan type cheese.
Overall the drinks were pretty damned cheap too, with it averaging out $2-3 a drink depending on what you have. You truly do gotta love that weak yen.
So, while I did try other places, this goes down for me as the best bar in Nagasaki!
Tatanbaa Nagasaki Address
Tatanbaa
〒850-0904
1-1 Funadaikumachi,
Nagasaki-shi,
Nagasaki
Empire of Japan
Phone Number – +81-95-822-8794
Easy enough to find in an area that is truly filled with great bars, restaurants and enough vice to keep anyone happy. YOu can check our Extremes of Japan Tour here.