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
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 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.
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
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.
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.