Best Bars & Nightlife in Kyōto, Japan
1. Camellia Lounge
Modern, classy bar with live music and an extensive cocktail menu. Perfect for a sophisticated evening out.
- Live Music: Enjoy nightly live performances by local artists
- Cocktail Menu: Wide variety of creative, expertly crafted cocktails
- Upscale Atmosphere: Experience a stylish and refined environment for an unforgettable night out
2. Izuju
Traditional Japanese pub offering izakaya-style dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the traditional side of Kyoto's nightlife with an authentic izakaya
- Izakaya-style Dishes: Delicious, unique dishes served in small portions to share among friends
- Welcoming Atmosphere: Relax and socialize with locals in a friendly, inviting environment
3. Yasaka Tavern
Popular bar located near the Yasaka Shrine, offering an extensive selection of local beers and spirits.
- Local Favorites: Discover Kyoto's best local drinks at this beloved bar
- Convenient Location: Nestled in the heart of Gion, within walking distance of popular attractions
- Wide Selection: Over 30 types of Japanese sake and 10 local beers to choose from
4. Gion Machiya Pub
Traditional Kyoto-style townhouse bar offering a variety of Japanese drinks and light snacks.
- Authentic Machiya: Enjoy the charm of a traditional machiya (townhouse) while sipping on local drinks
- Friendly Service: Experience genuine, warm hospitality from the knowledgeable staff
- Intimate Setting: Relax in a cozy and intimate atmosphere with just a few tables available
5. Gion Kakuzen-tei
High-end kaiseki restaurant offering traditional Kyoto cuisine and stunning geisha performances.
- Kaiseki Experience: Savor the art of kaiseki, a multi-course traditional Japanese meal
- Geisha Performances: Witness the beauty and grace of geisha performances during dinner service
- Luxurious Setting: Dine in elegance in a beautifully decorated, historic mansion
6. Bar B-Cubic
Modern bar with an extensive cocktail menu and a focus on mixology techniques.
- Expert Mixology: Savor expertly crafted cocktails made with precision and passion
- Cocktail Menu Innovation: Experience innovative, unique cocktails created by skilled mixologists
- Chic Atmosphere: Relax in a chic and modern setting for an unforgettable night out
7. A-Bar Kyoto
Speakeasy bar hidden behind an unassuming storefront, serving craft cocktails and small plates.
- Hidden Speakeasy: Discover this secret hideaway with a password-protected entrance
- Craft Cocktails: Savor expertly crafted, intricately designed cocktails
- Intimate Setting: Relax in an intimate, cozy atmosphere with just a few tables available
8. Bar Yoron
Stylish bar offering cocktails, shochu, and Japanese whiskey in a modern setting.
- Shochu Selection: Discover the world of shochu with an extensive selection of labels
- Modern Design: Relax in a sleek and stylish setting, perfect for a modern night out
- Knowledgeable Staff: Learn about the history and intricacies of Japanese spirits from expert mixologists
9. Bar Gion
Traditional Kyoto-style bar offering a wide variety of Japanese drinks and light snacks.
- Authentic Atmosphere: Experience the charm of a traditional Kyoto-style bar
- Wide Selection: Choose from a vast array of Japanese beers, sake, and spirits
- Local Favorites: Discover Kyoto's best local drinks at this beloved bar
10. Bar Katsukura
Popular bar offering a variety of kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and drinks.
- Kushikatsu Variety: Choose from over 30 types of kushikatsu, including seafood, meat, and vegetables
- Friendly Service: Experience genuine, warm hospitality from the friendly staff
- Lively Atmosphere: Enjoy a lively and energetic atmosphere perfect for socializing
11. Yatagarasu
Popular bar offering a wide variety of Japanese beers and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Beer Selection: Choose from over 30 types of Japanese beer, including local favorites
- Laid-back Atmosphere: Relax and unwind in a laid-back, comfortable setting
- Friendly Service: Experience genuine, warm hospitality from the friendly staff
12. Bar Ujihito
Cozy bar offering a variety of Japanese spirits and light snacks in a traditional Kyoto setting.
- Traditional Atmosphere: Experience the charm of a traditional Kyoto-style bar
- Wide Selection: Choose from a vast array of Japanese beers, sake, and spirits
- Intimate Setting: Relax in an intimate, cozy atmosphere with just a few tables available
13. Bar Uroko
Modern bar offering creative cocktails, Japanese whiskey, and a focus on mixology techniques.
- Expert Mixology: Savor expertly crafted cocktails made with precision and passion
- Cocktail Menu Innovation: Experience innovative, unique cocktails created by skilled mixologists
- Chic Atmosphere: Relax in a chic and modern setting for an unforgettable night out
14. Bar Katsura
Traditional Japanese pub offering izakaya-style dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the traditional side of Kyoto's nightlife with an authentic izakaya
- Izakaya-style Dishes: Delicious, unique dishes served in small portions to share among friends
- Welcoming Atmosphere: Relax and socialize with locals in a friendly, inviting environment
15. Bar Hana no Iori
Elegant bar offering a variety of Japanese cocktails and small plates in a refined setting.
- Refined Atmosphere: Experience elegance and sophistication at this upscale bar
- Creative Cocktails: Savor expertly crafted, artistic cocktails made with precision and passion
- Intimate Setting: Relax in an intimate, romantic atmosphere perfect for a special night out