This is my second post in a series on some of the best places to drink in Japan. This time I’m going to focus on Kyoto, which is mostly known for the the rich history and beautiful shrines and temples across what is a stunning city. But Kyoto also is a great drinking town. Here are some places that I love!
Another Japanese cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe. You won’t find a sign that says “Bee’s Knees” to identify the location, instead look for the yellow door that says “Book Store.” Once you open it you’ll be greeted by Tux and Toru - two of the best bartenders in Kyoto- and a 90’s hip hop soundtrack. The bar only seats about 10-12 and there is one small table with a couple of bar stools. The blackboard menu changes seasonally and the normal menu is filled with lots of classic cocktails with a modern twist. If you need a snack, don’t sleep on the okonomiyaki hot dog. Also, don’t worry, if you don’t see something on the menu that you like, they can whip up something off menu that suits your tastes.
A very traditional Japanese bar with a cocktail menu that is above ordinary. The owner of this bar is a progeny of the famous Bar K6 in Kyoto. There are both traditional counter seats but also tables that seat parties of 2-4. If you call ahead before you come to the bar they will hold a seat for you.
I’m disappointed we waited so long to find Ixey, it’s such a gem in the Kyoto cocktail scene. Like so many places in Gion District, its not so easy to find. The sign on the street is in Japanese kanji, so it won’t be readable for most, but look for a small white backlit sign with three cocktail glasses and “3F” on the sign, follow the alley back, and take the elevator to the 3rd floor. The bartender speaks excellent English and specializes in botanical herbs to make some innovative drinks and great riffs on the classics.
An extremely popular bar with international travelers and foreigners, with a bit of a steam punk/magician theme. The owner Christoff hails from France. My favorite is the Kyoto Garden- matcha, yuzu, egg white, and Kinobi gin. Pre-COVID you had to plan ahead to go early as there were often lines to get in on the weekends. The bar seats about 12, but they also have plenty of standing room areas like more traditional bars in the U.S. Be warned that they only take cash, but they will happily escort your party to a conbini if you don’t have any and try to walk out on your tab.
Nokishita 711 Gin & Cocktail Lab
Located on a quiet side street in Shimogyo Ward, this small little cocktail bar specializes in gin but nothing on the menu is typical or can be found anywhere else. The menu changes with the seasons and the availability of ingredients. On my last visit I imbibed in a wild herb gin with hassaku orange, sansho pepper, and tonic. They also offer food paired with your cocktail.
A bar that instantly feels special, like you found some hidden place you aren’t supposed to find. It partly feels this way because its not easy to find and there is no sign. Simply look for the Elephant Coffee Company and you’ll find the bar on the 3rd floor above it. The bar is lit by candle light, but don’t worry they have electricity… there is music, ice machines, and other things going. We didn’t see any international tourists in this bar, it was filled with young Japanese revelers, some of which you’ll share a table with because of the nature of the seating.
While not a cocktail bar, this restaurant makes the list because of the creative cocktails that accompany your Michelin one star meal. You’ll need a reservation and be willing to pay the hefty price tag for the meal, but you won’t be let down when you leave. Each course is accompanied with a cocktail or wine pairing. One of the co-founders is a fantastic bartender and he really does an excellent job creating cocktails that harmonize with each course. The food and drink here are modern, innovative, and one of the highlights of my Japan culinary adventures.
Kyoto is a great town for exploring hidden bars in between the sightseeing! Let me know if we missed a bar that we need to find on our next visit!
