The 10 Best Bars In Kyoto Japan

Kyoto, Japan, has preserved much of its historical buildings and aesthetic from ancient times, while gaining international recognition. This has translated over to its nightlife. Here are the 10 best spots to drink.

Kurakura (蔵倉)

This izakaya offers a relaxing atmosphere for enjoying sake, Japanese beer, and traditional Japanese food such as sashimi. Kurakura is decorated in the traditional style of the Japanese tavern. With its wooden ceiling, tatami mats, and seating on the floor, it is sure to give you an authentic Japanese experience. What better place to try this than Imperial Japan’s ancient capital?

Beer Komachi

Beer Komachi is one of the best craft beer bars in Kyoto. The family-run establishment has a friendly and warm atmosphere, making it a great place to hang with friends or to meet new ones. Though their drinks do not have a lot of variety beyond beers, there is a great selection of craft beers on tap, of both local and overseas brews.

Fishbowl

Bar, Wine, Cocktails, Beer

Looking for a bar that’s a little more familiar? Try Fishbowl. This chic Western bar located near Sanjo station is one of the most popular with internationals, due to their great cocktails and English speaking staff. Their extensive menu includes pretty much every kind of liqueur you can think of, as well as bar snacks. This is a great place to meet locals and other travelers.

Jo Social Sake Bar (釀)

Bar, Japanese, Beer, Wine, Cocktails, Pub Grub

This fun sake bar offers a new experience of the traditional drink, with its fun and relaxed atmosphere. At Jo Social Sake Bar, you can sample different kinds of sake and learn more about the liqueur. The English-speaking staff are well-informed about sake and can inform you about the different vintages they serve. Even if you’re not familiar with the drink, they have great recommendations.

Sayura Vins Fins

Bar, Wine Bar, Pub Grub, Japanese

Sayura Vins Fins is a classy establishment that offers wine, which is mostly imported from France, as well as other alcoholic drinks. This restaurant is situated in a former geisha house in Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha training district and one of the most popular tourist spots. The interior is decorated in a traditional Japanese style, juxtaposing the distinctly French wine and food. This is an east-meets-west sophistication.

Shishin Samurai Cafe & Bar (士心　サムライカフェ＆バー)

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Japanese, Pub Grub, Wine, Beer

A small, intimate restaurant and bar, Shishin Samurai Cafe & Bar is a favorite hangout of locals. The establishment, located in a 100-year-old house, fosters a great sense of community that encourages you to talk and meet new people. With the fantastic traditional fare and Japanese beers, this bar exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere. Here, you can learn more about Japanese culture and the samurai spirit by chatting with the locals.
Asahi Beer © Magnus D

Agave Kyoto (アガヴェ京都)

Bar, Japanese

One branch of Japan’s largest tequila bar, Agave Kyoto has an impressive collection of 400 different kinds of tequila on its menu. Even if you prefer a milder taste, they have a fantastic selection of tequila-based cocktails. Paying homage to the roots of tequila, this bar is decorated with traditional Mexican art and aesthetic style. Whether you’re a fan of tequila or not, this cosy bar is worth a visit.

Pig & Whistle

Pub, British, Pub Grub, Wine, Beer, Cocktails

This British pub has been a favorite of locals and international expats and travelers in Kyoto for 30 years, due to its authentic British style, friendly and fun atmosphere, and great selection of drinks and food. Conveniently located near Sanjo station, Pig & Whistle has 10 kinds of beer, both local and international, on tap, as well as whiskeys and cocktails. With their dart boards and sports games on TV, this British pub is a great place to hang out and make new friends.

Sky Lounge Kuu (スカイラウンジ「空」kuu)

Bar, Restaurant, Cocktails, Pub Grub, Wine, Beer

This chic bar is located on the observation deck of the Kyoto Tower Hotel, offering a dining and drinking experience with a spectacular view over Kyoto. Sky Lounge Kuu has a delicious cocktail list, a great selection of other liqueur, and also serves beautifully presented food. Much more impressive is the view over downtown Kyoto, which is as modernized and glittering as any metropolis, a far cry from the quaint, old-fashioned architecture the city is famous for.

Yoramu (よらむ)

Bar, Pub Grub, Japanese

Japan is famous for its sake, but it’s difficult to learn more about savoring the drink. Yoramu is a small, traditional shop that allows you to sample different kinds of sake. The owner, who is proud of his collection, is happy to explain to you the special points of each different drink and how you should savor it. To learn about sake and its place in Japanese culture, visit Yoramu to learn about the Japanese’s art of sake.

About the author

Elizabeth Lee

Elizabeth Lee was born in California and grew up in Hong Kong, the city where she has lived her whole life (so far!). She is currently studying at the University of Hong Kong, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in English Studies and Linguistics. Rather than look for a place to call home, Elizabeth is a wanderer who wants to experience life on this earth to the fullest. Driven by her curiosity for the world and in particular other cultures, Elizabeth has travelled to various places in Asia, Britain, Australia and North America. Elizabeth is an aspiring writer who is inspired by literature, history, and foreign cultures, and her work features themes of freedom and feminism. She hopes to publish her fictional writing someday.