The 10 Best Rooftop Bars In Kyoto Japan

In recent years, many thriving cities such as Kyoto have been reinventing existing establishments and incorporating Western features to make bars more appealing to tourists. Presenting extravagant architecture and interiors along with thirst quenching beverages, here is our list of the ten best rooftop bars in Kyoto.

Sora Yuki Shoki

This glorious rooftop bar fosters a nurturing spirit and is located at the Screen Hotel. Providing spectacular views of the charismatic city below, Sora Yuki Shoki aims to alleviate the stresses that burden you with the help of a soothing cocktail along with enticing appetizers that include kalamata olives along with smoky ham. The award-winning establishment delivers tantalizing antipasti and refreshments that will make the perfect accompaniment to a breathtaking sunset. For a taste of lavish simplicity, the Sora bar is a must-see venue that exudes charm.

Address & telephone number: 640-1, Shimogokyomaecho, Teramachi marutamachi Sagaru, Nakagyoku,
Kyoto city, Kyoto, Japan, +81-75252-1113

2. Southern Court

Bar, Restaurant

Southern Court

Offering palatial views of the ancient city that was once the capital, the Southern Court Sky Lounge can elevate your senses and redefine the essence of fine dining. Though not a restaurant, this bar serves up the best of hard liquor including whisky and brandy while boasting a sleek and sophisticated ambiance, complete with a vibrant color scheme of lilac, maroon and grey, all of which heighten the distinct element of poignancy and decadence. Southern Court mimics the experience spent in a helicopter or plane to give you views of Kyoto that will leave you in awe.

Address & telephone number: JR Kyoto Station, Karasuma Chuo-guchi, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216, +81-(0)75-344-8888

Pastries| © Alex Flickr

3. Grand Jour

Bar

Grand Jour

Grand Jour is a quaint and airy lounge that can satisfy any palate with its irresistible assortment of pastries and fragrant mixes of tea and coffee. The best way to start your morning or even end your night is with a steaming cup of aromatic tea; as a result, Grand Jour has spent years scouring different nations to produce their own blend of mixes that contain both Japanese and Western influences. The fusion theme is even carried on to their mouthwatering delicacies that range from flaky tart á tains to creamy and rich cheesecakes flavored with green tea, typical to Japan. The harmonious partnership of Western delights and Japanese hospitality makes this bar a definite destination.

Address & telephone number: JR Kyoto Station, Karasuma Chuo-guchi, Shiokoji-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216, +81-(0)75-344-8888

4. Dining Café & Bar Ronde

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant

Dining Café & Bar Ronde

Attracting guests from all over the globe, this suave and trendy cafe produces a vast array of dishes to appease your taste buds while accommodating a grandiose bar that caters to a wide range of niches. Whether you’re in the mood for a cocktail or a light brunch before setting out to explore the historical prefecture of Kyoto, the Bar Ronde has something for you and is guaranteed to become a favorite among friends and family. Providing tranquil views of the scenery, the Dining Café exudes a welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy a light snack or take a break from your busy routine.

Address & telephone number: 17, Nishikujo-Inmachi Minami-ku, Kyoto 601-8412, Japan, +81-75-661-7111

5. Rooftop Garden

Bar, Restaurant

Rooftop Garden

An elusive terrace bar for adults that is available to the public during the spring and summer months, Rooftop Garden is laden with ceramic pots sprouting prolific amounts of vegetation. Enjoy the international variety of dishes that are served here, including tasty tapas, succulent cuts of prime rib eye steaks along with a refreshing bottle of Corona, Carlsberg or a zesty sangria to take the edge off.

Address & telephone number: Fortune Garden Kyoto, Japan, +81-75-254-8843

6. Pontocho Marble Room

Bar

Pontocho Marble Room

Housing a unique interior with a strip of comfy sofas, a column of pristine tableware along with an extensive bar, the Marble Room also extends out onto a terrace that showcases unrivaled views of Kyoto. Oozing a casual and friendly ambiance, Pontocho Marble Room has many delicacies to offer as well as a wide selection of decadent beverages to enjoy. The impeccable service provided here cannot be topped; lounge in opulence at the Marble Room.

Address & telephone number: 135 Hashishitacho, Pontocho Sanjo-dori Kudaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, +81 75-213-0753

Fish and Chips| © Mika Ueno Flickr

7. Atlantis

Bar

Atlantis

A modern and trendy bar that attracts Kyoto’s most elite and voracious travelers, Atlantis is a beautiful and contemporary establishment that endeavors to attract guests with its energetic buzz. You can bask in the cool and crisp atmosphere while indulging in a fruity cocktail or a well-deserved meal. Savor a generous portion of fish and chips, a much loved British classic presented with a Japanese twist.

Address & telephone number: 161 Matsumotocho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8013,Kyoto Prefecture, +81 75-241-1621

8. Sky Lounge KUU

Sky Lounge KUU

Embark on a journey of gastronomy when you set foot in this mile-high edifice that promises you a once-in-a-lifetime experience to sample a delectable menu comprising of some of the most exclusive dishes in Japan. Sky Lounge KUU combines the best of the West and the Far East, culminating in a fresh and innovative selection of heavenly cuisine. In addition, the beverages can be enjoyed while overlooking the awe-inspiring views of Kyoto.

Address & telephone number: 721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shichijoo-sagaru, Higasinotoin-dori, Shimogyo-ku | 京都タワーホテル 13F, Kyoto 600-8216, Kyoto Prefecture, +81 75-352-0253

Beer & Edamame| © Jeremy Keith Flickr

9. Touzan Bar

Restaurant, Japanese

Nestled within the Hyatt Regency Kyoto Hotel, the Touzan Bar is artfully decorated with antique decorations and grand wooden beams. The luxuriously-lit bar boasts an impressive collection of high quality whiskeys, zesty mojitos and beers indigenous to Kyoto along with strong shots of sake, another Japanese specialty. Arrive for their Happy Hour, between 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, to make the most of the drinks selection.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.