Exploring the Best Bars in Kyoto

Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan, and it is home to some of the best bars in the country. From traditional sake bars to modern craft beer pubs, Kyoto has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a place to relax after a long day of sightseeing or a lively place to enjoy the nightlife, there is always something going on in the city. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best bars in Kyoto so you can experience the best of what the city has to offer.

1. Izakaya: Traditional Japanese Pubs

The first type of bar we’ll explore is the traditional Japanese izakaya. These pubs typically serve a variety of sake and other alcoholic beverages, as well as an array of small dishes to accompany them. The atmosphere of an izakaya is typically very relaxed and casual, and you can often find locals enjoying a night out with friends or family. Some popular izakaya in Kyoto include:

• Kizakura Sake Bar
• Kikizake
• Konnichiwa
• Kawara

At these establishments, you can expect to find a variety of traditional Japanese dishes such as grilled fish, tempura, and sushi. The sake selection is always impressive, and the staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. Whether you are an experienced sake connoisseur or just looking to try something new, an izakaya is the perfect place to start your Kyoto bar experience.

2. Craft Beer Pubs

If you’re looking for something a bit more modern than the traditional izakaya, then you should definitely check out one of the many craft beer pubs in Kyoto. These pubs typically offer a wide selection of craft beers from both Japanese and international breweries, as well as a rotating selection of seasonal beers. Some popular craft beer pubs in Kyoto include:

• Kyoto Brewing
• Baird Beer Taproom
• Kizakura Taproom
• Kinshachi Beer Hall

At these establishments, you can expect to find a variety of craft beer styles ranging from light lagers to dark stouts, as well as a variety of snacks such as fries, wings, and pizza. The atmosphere of a craft beer pub is typically very lively and casual, and you can often find locals enjoying a night out with friends or family. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast or just looking to try something new, a craft beer pub is definitely the place to be.

3. Sake Bars

If you’re looking for a more traditional experience, then a sake bar is the perfect place to go. Sake bars typically offer a wide selection of sake from various regions of Japan, as well as a variety of small dishes to accompany them. Some popular sake bars in Kyoto include:

• Kikizake
• Kizakura Sake Bar
• Kuramoto Sake Bar
• Kocha Sake Bar

At these establishments, you can expect to find a variety of traditional Japanese dishes such as grilled fish, tempura, and sushi. The sake selection is always impressive, and the staff is always friendly and knowledgeable. Whether you are an experienced sake connoisseur or just looking to try something new, a sake bar is the perfect place to start your Kyoto bar experience.

4. Cocktail Bars

If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, then a cocktail bar is the perfect place to go. Cocktail bars typically offer a wide selection of classic and modern cocktails, as well as a variety of small dishes to accompany them. Some popular cocktail bars in Kyoto include:

• The Rabbit Hole
• Fuga
• Irori
• Bar Kizakura

At these establishments, you can expect to find a variety of classic and signature cocktails, as well as a selection of small dishes such as tapas, sushi, and tempura. The atmosphere of a cocktail bar is typically very sophisticated and refined, and you can often find locals enjoying a night out with friends or family. Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or just looking to try something new, a cocktail bar is definitely the place to be.

5. Wine Bars

If you’re looking for something a bit more refined yet still casual, then a wine bar is the perfect place to go. Wine bars typically offer a wide selection of wines from both Japan and around the world, as well as a variety of small dishes to accompany them. Some popular wine bars in Kyoto include:

• La Cave de l’Est
• L’Atelier de Vins
• Vin et Vin
• Kizakura Wine Bar

At these establishments, you can expect to find a variety of wines from different regions of Japan and the world, as well as a selection of small dishes such as cheese plates, charcuterie, and tapas. The atmosphere of a wine bar is typically very relaxed and intimate, and you can often find locals enjoying a night out with friends or family. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking to try something new, a wine bar is definitely the place to be.

6. Whiskey Bars

If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, then a whiskey bar is the perfect place to go. Whiskey bars typically offer a wide selection of whiskies from both Japan and around the world, as well as a variety of small dishes to accompany them. Some popular whiskey bars in Kyoto include:

• Kizakura Whiskey Bar
• Kuramoto Whiskey Bar
• The Den
• Kansai Whiskey Bar

At these establishments, you can expect to find a variety of whiskies from different regions of Japan and the world, as well as a selection of small dishes such as cheeseburgers, wings, and fries. The atmosphere of a whiskey bar is typically very refined and sophisticated, and you can often find locals enjoying a night out with friends or family. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or just looking to try something new, a whiskey bar is definitely the place to be.

7. Jazz Clubs

If you’re looking for something a bit more musical, then a jazz club is the perfect place to go. Jazz clubs typically offer a wide selection of live jazz music from both Japan and around the world, as well as a variety of small dishes to accompany them. Some popular jazz clubs in Kyoto include:

• Omotesando Jazz
• Jazz Club Coco
• Jazz Spot Utsuwa
• Jazz Bar Kizakura

At these establishments, you can expect to find a variety of live jazz music from different genres, as well as a selection of small dishes such as sandwiches, salads, and tapas. The atmosphere of a jazz club is typically very relaxed and laid-back, and you can often find locals enjoying a night out with friends or family. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or just looking to try something new, a jazz club is definitely the place to be.

8. Karaoke Bars

If you’re looking for something a bit more fun and interactive, then a karaoke bar is the perfect place to go. Karaoke bars typically offer a wide selection of songs from both Japan and around the world, as well as a variety of small dishes to accompany them. Some popular karaoke bars in Kyoto include:

• Big Echo
• Karaoke no Tetsujin
• Karaoke Hatago
• Kizakura Karaoke

At these establishments, you can expect to find a variety of karaoke songs from different genres, as well as a selection of small dishes such as snacks, ramen, and sushi. The atmosphere of a karaoke bar is typically very lively and energetic, and you can often find locals enjoying a night out with friends or family. Whether you’re a karaoke enthusiast or just looking to try something new, a karaoke bar is definitely the place to be.

9. Live Music Clubs

If you’re looking for something a bit more musical yet still interactive, then a live music club is the perfect place to go. Live music clubs typically offer a wide selection of live music from both Japan and around the world, as well as a variety of small dishes to accompany them. Some popular live music clubs in Kyoto include:

• Metro
• Sarutahiko Coffee
• Muse
• Kizakura Live Music

At these establishments, you can expect to find a variety of live music from different genres, as well as a selection of small dishes such as snacks, ramen, and sushi. The atmosphere of a live music club is typically very lively and energetic, and you can often find locals enjoying a night out with friends or family. Whether you’re a music enthusiast or just looking to try something new, a live music club is definitely the place to be.

10. Jazz Cafes

If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed yet still musical, then a jazz cafe is the perfect place to go. Jazz cafes typically offer a wide selection of jazz music from both Japan and around the world, as well as a variety of small dishes to accompany them. Some popular jazz cafes in Kyoto include:

• Café Jazz
• Café de la Musique
• Kizakura Jazz Café
• Kinshachi Jazz Café

At these establishments, you can expect to find a variety of jazz music from different genres, as well as a selection of small dishes such as snacks, ramen, and sushi. The atmosphere of a jazz cafe is typically very relaxed and laid-back, and you can often find locals enjoying a night out with friends or family. Whether you’re a jazz enthusiast or just looking to try something new, a jazz cafe is definitely the place to be.

11. Shochu Bars

If you’re looking for something a bit more traditional yet still casual, then a shochu bar is the perfect place to go. Shochu bars typically offer a wide selection of shochu from both Japan and around the world, as well as a variety of small dishes to accompany them. Some popular shochu bars in Kyoto include:

• Kizakura Shochu Bar
• Kuramoto Shochu Bar
• Kinshachi Shochu Bar
• Kocha Shochu Bar

At these establishments, you can expect to find a variety of shochu from different regions of Japan and the world, as well as a selection of small dishes such as tempura, sushi, and yakitori. The atmosphere of a shochu bar is typically very relaxed and intimate, and you can often find locals enjoying a night out with friends or family. Whether you’re a shochu enthusiast or just looking to try something new, a shochu bar is definitely the place to be.

12. Izakaya Bars

If you’re looking for something a bit more lively and interactive, then an izakaya bar is the perfect place to go. Izakaya bars typically offer a wide selection of alcoholic beverages and small dishes to accompany them, as well as a variety of games and activities. Some popular izakaya bars in Kyoto include:

• Kizakura Izakaya
• Kuramoto Izakaya
• Kinshachi Izakaya
• Kocha Izakaya

At these establishments, you can expect to find a variety of alcoholic beverages and small dishes such as tempura, sushi, and yakitori. The atmosphere of an izakaya bar is typically very lively and energetic, and you can often find locals enjoying a night out with friends or family. Whether you’re an izakaya enthusiast or just looking to try something new, an izakaya bar is definitely the place to be.

As you can see, Kyoto is home to a wide variety of bars and pubs offering an array of different experiences. Whether you’re looking for a traditional Japanese izakaya, a modern craft beer pub, or something more unique such as a jazz cafe or whiskey bar, there is always something going on in the city. Whether you’re an experienced bar-goer or just looking to explore the city’s nightlife, Kyoto has something for everyone.

So what are you waiting for? Come explore the best bars in Kyoto and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife for yourself!