Considered one of the finest shochu bars in all of Kagoshima — the spiritual homeland of the spirit — Ishizue stocks over 500 different bottles in a chic, amber-lit space panelled in warm wood. The owner can personally discuss the provenance and character of each bottle if time permits, transforming what could be a simple drink into a genuine education. From delicate barley varieties to robust sweet-potato imo-jochu, this is where you'll discover that shochu at its best rivals any spirit on earth. Reservations are nearly always required.