Kyoto Nightlife

Kyoto by night

Kyoto, while no rival to Tokyo or Osaka, has it's own fair share of pubs, bars and izakaya (Japanese tapas bars) and being a student town as well as a cultural mecca of Japan, there is plenty on offer after the temples close. There are also a large number of young ladies and men working at the many host, hostess and girls bars, but we won't delve into that side of things here.

This guide will mostly focus on places popular with the international community and where you have a good chance of a bit of English being spoken. Most of these places have a fun atmosphere and a reasonable price. Let me know if you have one to add. There are too many to choose!

Explore the places below by clicking the name of the place for the google map link. This guide is brought to you by our friends at www.kyotofun.com

IRISH PUBS

Man in the Moon Gion: click image for full review.

Man in the Moon Gion 1F
www.maninthemoonpub.com
This charming pub has plenty of beers on tap to choose from, good grub and friendly staff. There are actually four locations throughout the city. The owner loves British pubs and has obviously put a lot of thought into the decoration and creating an autentic atmosphere. It gets a mixed crowd of travellers, expats and local Japanese who enjoy a pint too. This location has great bay windows looking out to the gion district where all the nighttime action takes place.

The Pig & Whistle: click image for full review

Pig & Whistle Pub 2F A mainstay in Kyoto with great selection of drinks, darts, pool, foosball, lots of sports on TV and great pub grub. Also the best place in Kyoto for a bit of atmosphere for the earlier (9:30pm, 11pm) kick offs of Premier League and the most packed place for World Cup matches and Euros. Call them if you want to check if your match is showing.

GASTRO PUBS / CRAFT BEER

Tag's Gastro Pub: click image for full review

Tadg's Gastro Pub 1F
http://tadgs.com/
Offering micro brews from all over Japan and further afield, make sure to get something from the kitchen run by local Irishman Tadg McLoughlan. Also the best Christmas dinner in Kyoto if you are here over the holidays and prefer turkey to KFC. Lovely space with a little garden out the back too.

FORUM: click image for full review

The Forum
http://www.forumkyoto.com/
A classy place serving craft beer, select wine and a small but delicious menu of french/Japanese food. The space is stunning with a cafe on the ground floor, bar on second floor and exhibition space on above floors. Run by a friendly French artist they often have events and it is always a nice place for a drink. And one big plus is it is SMOKE FREE environment. A big plus in smokey Japan.

HOOKAH (SHISHA) BARS:

Zaza Pub: for full review click the image

Zaza Pub 1F this sports bar is one of the most lively drinking spots in Kyoto and attracts a crowd both local and international. Can get a little rowdy at times too. If this place is empty, then everywhere is!

Zam Zam 1F one of the many hookah (water tobacco) bars which offer a fun atmosphere and even serve some middle eastern specialties.

FRIENDLY BARS

FSN (Philipe's) Bar: click image for full review

FSN (Phillipe’s Bar) 3F Run by a resident Frenchman with a great vibe, good drinks and plenty of friendly banter with the barman or other guests.

FISHBOWL: click image for full review

FISHBOWL (Jesse’s Bar) 5F A cosy bar run by a friendly and entertaining guy from Guam (Jesse). A top bartender in a cool little space. He will entertain you with stories and mix you up whatever kind of drink you like. Always a fun time at Jesse's!

A-bar 2F
http://www.abar-kyoto.com/

This recently renovated Kyoto classic is a cheap and cheerful with pints of Bass and a wide range of drinks but mostly specialise in big bottles of beer. It’s long bench tables make it easy to get chatting with new folks. Sometimes a bit quiet in the early evening but lots of space for big groups. Also have foosball and you can ask to play your own music. Fumiya the owner loves the tequila and won't refuse if you are buying shots!

Ki Bar on Pontocho: click image for full review

Ki Bar
A cosy counter bar on the ground floor and more to discover upstairs this is a friendly place to have a drink and chat with the resident expat owners. Great location at the top of Pontocho alley and no cover charge!

CLASSY BARS & LOUNGES

K6: click image for full review

k6 One of the classiest bars in Kyoto and no cover charge. Great cocktails, whisky selection and the best pint of Guinness in town. Plus Yona Yona ale from the cask.

Ace Cafe:

Ace Cafe 10F A lounge/cafe/bar with sweeping views out at the Kamo River. House beats and low rise sofas make it a popular hang out for all.

CAAMM:

CAAMM 2F Well decked out and classy bar with plenty of whiskeys to choose from, extensive cocktail menu and Heineken on tap.

CLUBS

Chambers 2F a small scale nightclub with a great sound system and a bit of international flair. Regularly pumping out hip hop and top dance hits. Plus big discounts for entry to foreign guests.

World B1
http://world-kyoto.com/

The biggest nightclub in Kyoto in a cool venue. Mostly house DJs spinning for college kids and the young at heart. They do discounts for non-Japanese guests especially if you go earlier. They close up around 1am due to stricter laws for bigger clubs.

KARAOKE BARS

BAR CODE 2F

A fun place to bust out some karaoke with a crowd of mostly expat students and the like joining in. They have drink specials and shots at the bar are not uncommon. Run by friendly Philipino brothers. Beware that sometimes not everyone in attendance has the voice of an angel.

LIVE THEATRE

RAN Theatre: Click image for full review

RAN Theatre
www.rankyoto.com
A new addition to the nightlife scene in Kyoto and this show really packs a punch. It starts with some traditional music and moves on to some more upbeat and jazzy numbers. A nice way to soak up some culture while you sip on some of the local sake and beer on offer.