The 34 best bars and drinks in Uji

As others have commented, the attitude of the station staff is very bad. I was interrogated what I did inside the station when I wanted to exit again after going through the ticket gate (I intended to meet somebody inside, but they didn’t come, so had to go out again). Not sure what they are afraid of / what the harm is, but definitely doesn’t feel like they appreciate their customers.

Super easy to use JR station connecting the uji and central kyoto. It takes around 10 minutes on foot to go to uji bridge from here. It also appears in Hibike Euphonium series along with its nearby keihan Uji station!

It's fun that big stations in Japan have stamps for tourists. You can bring your own notes, paper or just ask the staffs if you dont have anything. And stamp on it. This is a typical station. A few minute walk from the station is tourist attactions Byodoin Temple 平等院, which is on ¥10 coin; the Uji park in the middle of the river; and Sakura trees along the banks.

The river glides beneath arched bridges, green as powdered tea. Uji feels like peace embodied — the scent of matcha and old wood, the sound of temple bells carried by wind. Every breeze tastes like history and forgiveness. Tourist Tip: Famous for Byodoin Temple (10-min walk) and Uji Bridge. Try matcha soft cream, tea ceremonies, or riverside cafés. One of Japan’s most beautiful small towns.

JR Uji Station is indeed a local station. You can see the old fashion of taxi is waiting for picking up the customers.

A station on the JR Nara Line. If you are heading to Byodo-in Temple, this is the nearest station. Miyakoji Rapid, Rapid, and Local trains stop here. After exiting the ticket gate, head to the south exit and go down the stairs to the rotary. Cross the traffic light and walk along Ujibashi Street for about 1 km to reach the torii entrance of Byodo-in Temple. 💟💟💟💟💟💟🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧✨✨✨✨🏢🏢🏢🏢🌐🌐🌐🌐💌💌💌💌🛣️🛣️🛣️🛣️🚙🚙🚙🚙🚃🚃🚃🚃

It's a convenient station to visit Uji if you have a JR pass. It is close to the main store of Nakamura Tokichi. However, if you choose to visit the Byodoin and the shops around, it will take you about 15 - 20mins walk. Buses are available around.

Beautiful place to see if you are in Kyoto! It was busy but not the worst. They also have lots of ramps and an elevator if you are a wheelchair user or are bringing your child in a stroller. Lots and lots of shops and food stalls! Great place to get souvenirs and also enjoy yourself and see a beautiful shrine! If you enjoy hiking it’s a great place to go as well, or you can turn around after the first leg of the Torii gates.

This might be Kyoto's most famous temple. I went in the evening on a Thursday night at the end of October, and it was still full of people. The temple is beautiful and its many gates are iconic. Since it is open 24 hours, I would recommend arriving as early as possible, if you intend to hike up (I have done it once and it is a very neat experience). If you go at night, you will have some cool photos and a different vibe, but maybe not the best hiking experience (though it is still possible a good experience). This is a best of the best cultural experience in my opinion, and I would highly recommend it (though everyone seems to be aware of that!).

I left the hotel to take an early morning train just to avoid the crowd. Alas, despite the morning shower, the crowd is still present during such early hour. The overcast sky is a stark contrast against the orange hued architecture here. Everyone had their umbrellas out which means navigating the narrow vermillion hued corridors was a challenge but nevertheless, I persisted. Taking a photo without anyone present is almost impossible but our commnunity is very cooperative and once we see someone taking a photo, we all stopped behind them and let them finish. I really love this vibe. Thanks to the weather, we left this place earlier than we wanted to but I do intend to return under better weather conditions.

Visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha at night was an unforgettable experience. We decided to go after dark, and it was absolutely breathtaking. The paths were quiet, the air cool, and the Senbon Torii illuminated in a soft, ethereal glow. With no crowds around, the atmosphere felt serene and almost sacred, allowing me to wander in silence and truly absorb the beauty of the shrine. It’s a completely different experience from visiting during the day. Peaceful, reflective, and deeply moving. If you have the chance, I highly recommend a night visit to appreciate the spiritual stillness of this incredible place.

Got here at 5:30pm right as the sun went down and seemed like majority of tourists had just left. The pathways with gates had lots of lights so getting around In the dark was no problem. Beautiful shrine and lots of cool statues. A few cats around which made the experience even better. You can likely spend 2 hours if you would like to hike to the top and back. We went maybe 1/3 of the way up and was satisfied. There's also a QR code for a free audio tour if you like.

We returned to Kyoto (3rd time) just to visit this magical place again. Absolutely breathtaking, serene walk with the option to go the full circuit (highly recommend! Approx 2 hours) or turn back at any number of junctures. One of the main draw cards for myself are the shrine cats at Kaji-tei teahouse on the way down from the mountain top (take the first route back down if you want to skip to the cats!). The owner is a cat lover and takes wonderful care of the cats - there is a shop where you can buy photos of the cats, gifts and other trinkets that support their costs. I always bring some cat treats for them to enjoy. Whilst some areas of Fushimi Inari can get quite crowded, we've found regardless of the time of day Kaji-tei area is pleasantly uncrowded. We've been at 7am, 8am, and 2pm. For the earlier times the shop hasn't been open, but the cats are around and it avoids the crowds at the entrance. Highly recommend the whole experience. Don't be deterred by the crowds - if you are going very early (6am) and the crowd will think out very quickly as you climb.

​Historical Significance: Established in 711 AD, it's a very old and important shrine. ​Iconic Torii Gates: The path lined with thousands of vibrant red torii gates is its most famous feature, creating a breathtaking and unique atmosphere. ​Family-Friendly: It's a great place for families, with children often enjoying the climb and the expansive grounds. ​Accessibility: The shrine offers free parking, and it is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking, entrances, and restrooms. ​Open 24 hours: You can visit Fushimi Inari Taisha at any time, making it a flexible destination for your Kyoto itinerary.

We lined up at opening time and weren’t sure if we were gonna be seated or asked to come by later. We were able to get a table at the time and the staff were friendly. The drinks were amazing. Highly recommended.

Beautiful bar with excellent drinks and attentive staff. It is very popular and fills up quickly, so reservations are recommended. They will hold a spot for 30 min. If you are patient, kind and not rude, then you will have a good time (they will meet you with the same energy if you are rude). Don’t believe the bad reviews, we were let in after waiting for ~20 min and the staff was extremely attentive and we had drinks within a few minutes. They also noticed the second we were finished with our drinks and offered the next round. They take their jobs very seriously and the drinks are made with care.

Incredible cocktail bar with a great vibe, good drinks and awesome service. We sat in the back, over looking the garden. My husband got a few highballs and I had Moscow mules and another tasty cocktail. Get there early if you want to secure a seat!!

Kinda dissapointing, o.k. bar for the price and drinks/ service. The ambience is amazing, very pretty and relaxing. We have been to great cocktail bars in Japan and here the average price of cocktail from the menu is a bit above the average ( around 2000-2500yen each + seating charge almost 1000yen) with no above-the-average delivery. I would say they were all ok cocktails (we had 4, classics and signature). That being said, I would be ok with the price if the service paid off - but I dont think it did... They were kind of absent minded and unnatentive. We asked two times to move from a table to the counter when there was a spot open (so we could watch they work) and they snobbed us :( When leaving the bar they had 5 open and clean spots (ready for customers) and I asked if there was any reason for they not taking us there - and the waiter said there was no reason. If you are interested in drinking privately an ok cocktail in a very beautifull bar with good music this is your spot... If your are a cocktail aficionado I think that are better places to go. I dont think I will be back or recomend.

We experienced an indifferent attitude towards foreigners, and compared to other places we visited, the cocktails lacked flavor and the overall bar experience felt overly formal. Additionally, although they charged a cover fee, we were only given water when we explicitly asked for it, whereas other guests around us were served water and snacks without asking. I believe this speaks for itself in terms of hospitality.

if you're a cocktail afficionado this is a top tier experience. we were lucky enough to squeeze in on a sunday night for a night cap. our bartender was very attentive and every drink was phenomenal and well balanced. complimentary traditional japanese bar snacks and parmesan truffle fries were such a nice touch! highly recommend!

Located on quite street esp at night, entrance fee 1000 yen, small and well decorated, there are actually some rocking chairs , privacy is respected, you can’t take photos of other

Kiyomizu-dera: Where History, Culture, and Nature Converge ​Welcome to one of Japan's most celebrated and beloved temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Kiyomizu-dera (Pure Water Temple). ​Breathing History, Living Culture: Founded in 780, the temple is a vibrant testament to over 1,250 years of rich history. The highlight is the "Kiyomizu Stage"—the famous main veranda, built entirely of wood without a single nail, standing 13 meters (43 feet) above the hillside. This iconic structure was historically used for dedication dances and inspired the famous Japanese expression for "taking the plunge" (to jump off the Kiyomizu Stage). ​Breathtaking Nature: The temple is nestled on the slopes of Mount Otowa, offering stunning panoramic views of Kyoto. The "Pure Water" (Kiyomizu) that gives the temple its name flows from the sacred Otowa Waterfall, where visitors believe that drinking from its streams brings blessings, success, and longevity. Come and witness the ever-changing beauty of nature, as the cherry and maple trees burst into brilliant color during spring and autumn. ​Experience a moment of purity, serenity, and wonder, where spirit, architecture, and landscape become one.

This is one of Kyoto's most famous temples, and the crowds match its fame. I would recommend arriving early (ideally, before 7:30 am). The temple is a beautiful and it is located in a gorgeous area. It is also walking distance to many other temples and historical streets, so it is possible to start your day at this temple and then go on to see other interesting places. This is a wonderful temple, and if you can arrive earlier, it truly becomes a magical experience.

Kiyomizu-dera is truly a must-visit in Kyoto. The temple is not only beautiful, but it also offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding nature. Walking through the historic wooden halls and seeing the iconic veranda built without nails is an experience in itself. The atmosphere feels peaceful yet vibrant, especially with the sound of flowing water from the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink for good fortune. The paths leading up to the temple are lined with charming shops and local treats, which make the journey as enjoyable as the destination. Whether you go during cherry blossom season, the lush greenery of summer, or the autumn foliage, the scenery is absolutely stunning. This is one of those places where you can truly feel the blend of culture, history, and natural beauty all at once. A highlight of Kyoto that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Japan.

This is a great tourist attraction: The scenery is breath taking. All great are the sights, smell of incense from the shrine, the energy of the many people around. Tip: Get here early (7am) to not be in the crowd. The area is serene, the structure is magnificent, the views towards the city is grand. A high recommended.

Kiyomizu dera is one of themmost popular Buddhist temples in Kyoto. The temple is dedicated to Kannon. The temple is really beautiful and massive. You get a beautiful view from the temple. There is also the souvenir shop street leading to the temple which is lined with souvenir shops, snack stalls including the famous mochi making shop seen on Instagram. It is very popular so it gets quite crowded during mid day.

Great views in the early morning sun (6:45 am). But no spiritual feeling, with people just taking photos. A lot of the mountain paths are closed off. Best part of the walk was at the end, through the silent cemetery, without the crowds. For both temples and views, there are ”better” temples than this, especially if you think serenity is more important than selfies. (Visited late October, almost no red leaves yet. 500 yen entrance, paid mid-through the walk through the temple area. You need to visit early morning to beat the worst part of the crowds.)

Arrive early and you will have place to yourself. Spend the money to take a cab. We were there at 0600 on a Friday in early November. Maybe 100 people on the entire grounds. Easy to take any photo you want and help others get group shots. I would go to Kyoto and just see this in am and be happy. All the approach streets empty so the walk to see architecture is worth it. No shops open but similar shops can be found most everywhere so no loss in trade off for no people. By 0645 the streets were starting to fill and make harder to stop for pictures. The views of temple, valley, and city spectacular. Hilly route but you can avoids stairs.

Famous street food market in Osaka. You will find everything one can ever dream of there from wagyu beef over takoyaki to mochi's🍡. If you look closely you will also find several vegan and glutenfree options. No one will get away there still hungry 😋. The prices are also totally reasonable. Definitely a recommendation to go there. Maybe not around lunch or dinner time as it then might be very stuffed with people and hard to see everything. Or you say that this is the real experience you want to have. Both have it's ups and downs. Nevertheless you shouldn't miss this. Your tummy will thank you🤝

Why do I not live here? I cannot explain how truly brilliant this market is. There are souvenirs, fresh foods, teas, fresh produce, ice cream, alcohol. Whatever you need, it's there. Somehow we went during high season for tourists yet it was never cramped! It is a beautiful place for photography and every bite we had was unreal. Every day we made a point to head back to the market to get cucumbers and the deep fried large crab with tempura sauce. The broiled crab is also wonderful but that tempura is one of the best bites I have ever experienced in my life. At the end of the market there is a store that sells seasonings. They give out samples and in the month since being home we are still not through our first bag. We put it on everything! Just a beautiful market that any food lover should check out. Magnificent!

I have mixed feelings about this market. It was packed to the rim with tourists. There were many stalls, some of them obviously catering to tourists with wagyu beef and oysters and such. Some of the smaller stores selling local goods were less busy. I’m not sure how authentic this market really. Perhaps it is evolving before our very eyes.

Nishiki Market is Kyoto’s flavor-filled heartbeat — a narrow, bustling street packed with colors, aromas, and endless temptations. The moment you step in, you’re hit with the smell of sizzling skewers, roasted chestnuts, and sweet mochi. Locals and travelers weave through rows of stalls selling everything from pickled vegetables and fresh seafood to matcha treats and handmade knives. It’s noisy, a little chaotic, but completely alive. Sampling your way through feels like tasting Kyoto’s soul — vibrant, traditional, and full of surprises at every turn.

We visited this market in Kyoto and it was amazing! So many different kinds of food and shops to explore. The street food quality was excellent — everything we tried was delicious. It can get a bit crowded, but that’s part of the charm. If you’re in Kyoto, this is definitely a must-visit spot!”

​Review: A Visit to Nishiki Market (Kyoto's Kitchen) ​Nishiki Market in Kyoto is a vibrant, immersive culinary experience that you simply cannot miss. This covered, bustling street, rightfully nicknamed "Kyoto's Kitchen," is home to thousands of stalls offering a vast array of local foods, unique sweets, and various souvenirs. ​The market is the perfect place to sample high-quality Japanese street food. ​Focus on Quality and the Tuna Sashimi: Despite the crowds and the somewhat touristy atmosphere, the quality of the food is very good. The exceptional seafood stalls are a testament to this. The highlight of my visit was the Tuna Sashimi (Maguro) – the cuts were incredibly fresh and simply melted in my mouth. It was a clean, rich flavor experience that perfectly demonstrated the market's reputation. ​The Tourist Aspect and Pricing: It's important to note that the market is a bit touristy, and the prices reflect that. The goods are not cheap, but tasting the small, fresh portions served on the spot is well worth the investment. ​In Summary: Nishiki Market is a must-see for any food lover. If you're ready for some light crowds and prices that match a popular tourist destination, you'll be rewarded with an authentic and delightfully delicious taste of Kyoto.

Love love ❤️❤️ lots of treats for all. My daughter got unique Matcha bowl kit. The cream puffs to die for & place called city bakery had the best lemon meringue pie & the BEST COFFEE (Aussie style) we had in all of Japan PLEASE NOTE : they ask if you buy food or drinks you MUST NOT WALK WITH ITEMS - they say stay at venue you purchased & eat it there !! (They will remind you of this rule if you walk & eat etc )

If you are in the area, Ichiran is a must do. The experience is unique. You sit at a bar on affixed stools that has individual partitions so you have a little bit of privacy from the person sitting next to you, but you can also open the partitions to talk to the person next to you. You place your food ticket order and your preference sheet in front of you on the counter. The server, who is hidden behind the half wall in front of you will take your tickets and the preference sheet— all without looking at you or speaking with you. After the server takes your food tickets, the server will close the bamboo screen so you don’t see anything. There is a self service water faucet in front of you so you can get your own water. There is a loud music cue to let the servers or the customers know food is ready and shortly afterward, the bamboo screen will be lifted and food placed in front of you. The ramen was delicious— I ordered the suggested medium richness and flavor. I noticed that the number of pork slices differed between us, from 2-4 slices even though we all ordered the same thing. Ordering and waiting: you order and pay first at a self service screen. You can order extra garlic and the screen says you get up to one clove free but it wasn’t obvious whether you ordered the one clove at the screen and the price would be reduced— answer: the garlic ordered at the screen is in addition to the choice of adding free garlic later. After ordering, you pay at the machine and then little tickets are printed of what you ordered. You hold on to these and wait in line to be seated. Each room only has 8 stools, so you have a larger group, you may have to be split up, and if you have over 8 people then you are definitely split up. While waiting in line, they pass out the preferences sheet for you to fill or you do it at your seat.

It’s my first time having Ichiran ramen in the shop, as I hate waiting in long line. I guess we were lucky and probably just waited for ~5 mins. Ramen was pretty good. I enjoyed the unique setup with individuals stations.

I came to ichiran after so many people recommended this place in the internet or even my relatives. With high expectations, I came to this place. Needless to say, their ramen is top notch. One of, if not even the best I have ever tasted. The broth was rich and creamy, the noodles were very chewy (the way I liked) and the chilli was spicy too. As it was winter at the point in time, the noodles were very cozy and warm, which made me feel very comfortable. The food was so good I had to order extra noodles and rice to finish everything. You can also customise your meal too! The service is very good, and for people who are more introverts or you just want good ramen, this is the number one ramen spot that you should go to if you are in Japan.

Classic Ichiran experience right in Kyoto! The location is convenient, and the ramen is just as delicious as expected—rich broth, perfectly cooked noodles, and that unique private booth dining style. But I queued for almost an hour, and honestly, it wasn’t worth the wait tbh. Still, always a reliable stop when that ramen craving hits!

Best ramen in Kyoto. I recommend the deal with extra meat and adding an additional egg on top. On the preferences paper I choose all recommended except for garlic, I get the max. Also having your own water spout to get as much as you need is genious Ordering is super easy as it's done at kiosks on the bottom or second floor. They have an English option.

Ichiran is the ichiban (best) ramen food chain in Japan. This was our first experience. The ramen was good but we had much better in several other ramen places. It's convenient that it stays open all night long for a late night ramen bowl.

Favourite ramen I've had so far, broth not too miso heavy, just creamy umami. They let you customise the dish with a little form and the actual experience is neat, the waiter talks to you through a little bamboo hatch, secluded booths, introvert's dream

A nice restaurant and bar in the Gion area of Kyoto. For a birthday, it’s nice. We got a lunch set menu for about 4000¥ with pizza, pasta, appetizer, soup, and dessert (with coffee/tea). They even made a custom message for my wife’s special occasion. Food is good for the price, but the beef loin was over cooked. Small things. Would come again.

Bar and restaurant located in the middle of Gion area, a busling shopping and entertainment district. For restaurants in the area, the price was relatively affordable and the atmosphere was relaxing. At least when I visited there, there were several female customers dining and drinking alone. It's a kind of place where you can relax and enjoy your time even if you are alone. They are specializing smoked foods. For me, their foods were smoked a little too strong, but maybe it was just my personal preference.

I was not a fan of most of the food and would not really go back to eat. But the prices are reasonable for the serving size and quality. The appetizers were just okay with the best one being the smoked fish. The rest felt lackluster and lacking in flavor and texture. For the pasta, the best and the unique one is the mustard cream pasta. This one is a 4/5 alone. Would recommend ordering and trying this dish! The wagyu bolognese pasta was just the usual tasting bolognes. There was nothing special to it. The tiramisu was just okay with most of the flavor being very light.

We got the course menu for less than 3000yen! The servers here are very pleasant and kind and easy to talk to. This is a great restaurant in the gion area and would definitely come back here if we visit kyoto again.

Sssssh. This is one of Kyoto's best kept secrets. Just happened to look behind the curtains that guard the doorway, and the place is a hidden gem. We only dropped by for an afternoon snack. I wish I took photos of the food before we started, but all I can say is ... That food was absolutely delicious, and I hope the photo I did capture shows the real quality of the food. PS. The staff were beautiful, and very helpful. PSS. Happy hour is 3 to 5pm for discounts.

It technically is Italian food but it is all in an Japanese flair and cooked that way as well. Just go you will love anything you tried. The waygu was great. The GION Mule was an experience enough that I will buy some sansho and attempt to recreate it at home.

It felt like a fine dining experience for super reasonable price. Depending on your main entree, prices range from 1200 to 1900 yen and comes with a soup or salad. Interior is classy and staff are attentive and friendly.

Great experience! The place is beautiful and the atmosphere is calm and stylish but unpretentious. The menu is small and everything is made with top ingredients. The noodles are made in house, the stocks are very well reduced and you can taste the care they put into the dishes. Highly recommended.

Amazing Ramen! Atmosphere and service was great. They offer an English menu which was nice and price was very reasonable aswell. Thank you once again, we loved it! 😊

Ramen was delicious! The lemon flavor was something we’ve never had before. The dashi is a thick broth, but surprisingly refreshing and easy to eat. A great spot to grab lunch!

Fantastic spot for ramen lovers! If you’re near Nishiki Market, don’t miss this place. The Chicken Ramen is excellent, but the real standout is the Black Ramen—deep, rich flavor and totally satisfying. Prices are very reasonable, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. Definitely worth a stop.

Best ramen I have ever had, no competition! Only thing was the service could have been a bit better and swifter. We were out the back and the servers rarely came to attend and the service was a bit slow.

This place was such a cozy little gem tucked away. The staff was super friendly and attentive and the food was delicious. The lemon ramen was perfect comfort food, and my husband and I are glad we stopped here before leaving Kyoto

The food was delicious. The vibes were very chill and cozy. It is woman owned and ran. Couldn’t ask for a better experience! 10/10

The space between tables is a little close. You could literally hear strangers' conversation loud and clear. Other than that, the food is great. Enjoy Japanese style beer & tapas.

Yebisu Bar Kyoto is a great spot to unwind and enjoy some quality beer. They offer a variety of Yebisu brews, including seasonal options, all served fresh and perfectly chilled. The food menu complements the drinks well, with tasty bar snacks and small plates. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, and the staff are friendly and attentive. A perfect place for beer lovers looking to relax after exploring Kyoto.

A nice bar serving some European-style food and a great range of Yebisu beer. My uncle tried many different types and he really enjoyed them all. I tried the matcha and hojicha beers which weren’t too strong tasting but worth it just for the experience! Also, if you can get a seat outside it’s a nice atmosphere, since it’s not on a busy road.

I have to start with the service because it was exceptional. Truly outstanding. I returned here because I was so impressed. And then I made a mistake of ordering the cheese platter (see pic). Cheese is expensive here in Japan, and so the quantity of cheese for the price (¥1,580) was as expected. But for all that cheese and prosciutto: two little crackers. Count them. One. Two. Pathetic. I would return to this bar to experience the good beer and awesome service, but I won’t be touching their menu given that level of stinginess.

Nice beer-focused restaurant near Kyoto station. Everything was ordered from the tablet , and the service was quick and attentive. Beer was good but a little expensive. I bought the Wagyu beef to try. 100g was a bit over 4000 yen. Not too bad given it is an expensive steak, but I'd prefer scotch fillet instead as i found it very oily and I had to wipe the hot stone between pieces.

A good spot for a pretty quick meal. Good beer, good sausages, and you should try the meat platter! The ordering was pretty easy and the drinks were VERY fast. It was busy the whole time as well!

Nice place to eat and drink! Cozy atmosphere. They have indoor and outdoor seats. English menu is available. Nice taste of food. A bit expensive price. Recommended!

I had a great evening at the bar. The host greeted us warmly and was very friendly, which immediately created a wonderful atmosphere. Even though we had to wait a bit, it was completely fine given the special ambiance of the place. We each enjoyed five different drinks so ten in total, all of them were delicious and beautifully presented. What stood out the most was the staff, they truly put their heart into what they do and made sure everyone was in a great mood. The prices were very reasonable for the quality we received. Overall, it was an excellent night with fantastic drinks, a great vibe, and heartfelt service, I highly recommend this bar!

a wild experience! very fun and intriguing bar ambiance and dedicated, theatrical bartenders/mixologists who know their stuff. especially Santiago, the handsome Argentinian (aunque no sabía quién era Freddie Mercury). all of the staff are also well fluent in english, japanese, and probably another two or three languages each, so very foreigner friendly! good selection of creative cocktails and excellent showmanship; a great place to spend an evening/night either alone or with a friend.

You HAVE to check out this bar in Kyoto! Seriously, it’s the best spot. The cocktails are killer (obviously), but it’s not just the drinks. The whole atmosphere, the amazing team working there, and everything about the experience is just a unique vibe you can only get here. It just tastes better and feels more fun because it's this place. If you are visiting Kyoto, do yourself a favor and go. You won't regret this night out!

Definitely one of the most a must go to bars in kyoto if you’re around. And if you like magics as well. Had an amazing drinks, amazing people, amazing performances amazing musics. Cheers to everyone who made our Kyoto trip much memorable and fun :)

Wowza. We were looking for another bar when we walked past this joint and got immediately drawn in by the vibes. Did not disappoint. We had amazing drinks, brilliant service by the bartenders while we partied with them!

Excellent experience at L'Escamoteur Bar, I can't remember how I heard of it but I love steampunk and magic so I had to try. It did not disappoint. The atmosphere is great, the bartenders and owner super friendly (and happy to speak to fellow French people 😊) and the "magical" cocktails were truly impressive (and tasty!). Very reasonably priced given the whole concept around it. The bar is tiny but we were very lucky to spend 2 evenings there, you need to get there early! Hope to go again when I'm in Kyoto, and discover their newly opened cabaret too.

Top shelf service. Cocktails were well recommended off preferences. Brilliant showmanship & conversationalists. Suggest getting there on open at 8pm, gets busy quick & a seat is helpful!

When I arrived at Kyoto Station, I was amazed by how huge and modern it felt, almost like a small city on its own. It was really easy to find my way around thanks to the clear English signs, and I loved that I could quickly switch between the Shinkansen, JR lines, subway, and buses for my day trips. I grabbed a quick meal in the underground Porta mall, which had plenty of affordable options, and later explored the upper floors where I found the rooftop garden and Skyway with amazing views over Kyoto, plus the illuminated stairs that looked magical at night. I also used the coin lockers to store my bag, which made sightseeing much more comfortable. The station was definitely crowded, especially near the bus terminal, but I felt it was part of the experience, and overall I enjoyed spending time there—it turned out to be not just a station, but a destination in itself.

Kyoto has a massive sprawling station that connects people to the subway, JR West Lines, Kintetsu, Kyoto City buses, and Shinkansen. It greatly contrasts the rest of the city with its rather modern architecture and grand design, with high ceilings, and a rather cool “skybridge” at the top floor, which serves as a bonus observation deck. The station is usually very busy with the Shinkansen level being especially crowded, and it is usually wise to budget 5-10 minutes to navigate to your platform as crowds may be challenging to navigate through.

Was here in July recently on a break visiting Osaka Expo. This is the 3rd time in Kyoto over that last 15-20 years, and this is always a must-make stop. Nice atmosphere and can go up to the top level for a view of Kyoto. Also plenty of food options in this station.

I’m a US travel today taking the train from Kyoto station to Nara. I checked the schedule of the train B01 leaving at 9:27. The train station is big so we were not able to find the right platform. I went to platform 8-9 then we were told that was not the right platform so we needed to get out and go downstairs. I asked the service officer to manually waive the train charge because we were at the wrong platform and didn’t board the tram at all. Then I asked the service officer how to get to the B01 line platform to Nara, he immediately lost the patience and rudely told me “I don’t know!, I don’t know!”. The attitude was extremely bad…this is the first time we met such rude officer who WORKS in the train station but would not tell travelers the direction! You work here you don’t know?! I was shocked by his attitude! My wife took his photo when he came out to repair the reader. I then asked a different officer from the same office at the window and he explained to me well how to get to the B01 platform, luckily I was having one minute before the train left. I would like to report this officer’s unprofessionalism and attitude! He rained professionalism being an officer working at the station, and also ruined travelers entire day!

This is a humungous station that has several different train lines including the world renowned Shinkansen aka bullet train of Japan. The station has more than eight floors, several platforms, exits, ticketing booths and multiple customer service booths. Alongside being a station, it is also adjacent to a shopping center. There are some landmark spots too, especially the eight floors of steps. The station is very clean. Directions are posted everywhere but it’s little bit confusing. It’s so huge that when we returned to the station from Fushimi Irani, we couldn’t locate the store where we left our luggage. We walked around for 20 minutes to find the path to other side of the station. Buying Shinkansen tickets was difficult too. Since we were boarding evening train, regular ticket wasn’t enough, the clerk sent us back the booth to buy express tickets. Tickets are expensive for express lines, about $175 per passenger to go from Kyoto to Tokyo. Once we were inside the Shinkansen platform it was super nice. The platform and their destinations were clearly marked. All the timestamps were posted on display screens. The platforms themselves had wonderful small waiting rooms. People waited in there for 1-2 minutes before the arrival of their train, as we could see the train arriving from the waiting room. There were several vending machines to purchase drinks and snacks.

I was pleasantly surprised by how grand and luxurious Kyoto Central Train Station is. I’m not sure why more places around the world don’t do the same—it truly leaves a lasting impression on travellers and makes a big difference to your overall experience of the city. The sheer variety of food options is incredible, and they’re all good—there’s just no other way to put it. It’s also a fascinating place to simply stand or sit and people-watch, as you see so many different walks of life passing through this impressive transport hub—coming together and then parting ways to their own cities, towns, prefectures, and adventures. I stayed in Kyoto for five days and used the station as a base for day trips to places like Osaka, Nara Deer Park, and Nagoya. The transport system in Japan is just so well designed and thought out—I can’t wait to visit again!

I love this station. It has everything and it is so busy from day to night. I can find all sorts of food and buy my souvenirs there. It is accessible to the porta dining area as well as the isetan food court. The mall behind the station has quite a few shops such as Donki and Gu.

After getting in to our hotel in the evening, we were looking for a place to have dinner with our large party. We found this place that happened to be open a little bit later. Definitely amazing food and atmosphere! If you’re in the Kyoto area and are looking for a place that’s open a little later for dinner please try Mar Café! They have a variety of dishes on the menu to satisfy everyone’s craving. Excellent staff and beautiful atmosphere.

Entrance elevator is kind of hidden in the parking garage. It's on the 8th floor. I came during a night they had an event party so seating for dine in was outdoors only which didn't hurt at all because the view of the river from the 8th floor is nice. Great atmosphere and perfect for dates. Every table around was a couple. I ordered the hamburg dinner set. Nothing out of the ordinary but great and delicious quality. Also first time having fried avocado. Not too bad. Reading the other reviews, I see it's quite popular and may need reservations and I can see why. Open til late as well.

Lovely atmosphere with music playing. Very friendly staff. Limited English (we had limited Japanese) our fault not theirs. But they were very helpful. The food tasted great and the beers were a much needed refreshment. It was a little difficult to find but the building itself in has a small lift and you need to take it to the 8th floor. It’s also got an outdoor seating area.

Had a dinner plate with a non-alcoholic drink on the rooftop balcony. It was a hot day, but with the evening breeze, it was a perfect dinning place. The night view over the river is pleasant. Food came quickly and everything tasted nice, and the service was fine.

The cafe is located on the 8th floor on top of a dance studio. There is no English sign so initially I couldn't find it. One of the few cafes that exceeded my expectation on everything including interior atmosphere, view, food, and of course coffee. From the cafe, you can get a good view of the river and even a castle in the distance. There is a parking space for bicycles near the 1st floor elevator, but I'm not sure if it's usable for customers of this cafe.

Very nice and informal place with stunning views onto the Kyoto's river and the Higashimaya ward from the 8th / top floor! The food was amazing and the service first class! Will be coming back!

Didn't expect it from a restaurant on the 8th floor rooftop, but the Mars Burger is FIRE! Cafe has a great ambiance, definitely a nice place for a meal and a chat

Absolutely loved this place! The Common One Bar Kyoto is a hidden gem. The staff are incredibly professional, welcoming, and always smiling. The bar itself is super clean, calm, and has a very relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a chill evening. You can tell they care about the details and the customer experience. Highly recommended – I’d go back without thinking twice

Loved this bar near our accommodation, signage is lowkey and the bar is down a long path off the street. Love small bar vibe with excellent service and fun cocktails. We got a Japanese negroni, match cocktail and seasonal fruit cocktails, all were yum

I was on the fence about ordering a matcha cocktail… the bar tender recommended a tequila based one and genuinely left me speechless. It’s actually one of the top 3 drinks I’ve ever had. Whether you like matcha or not try the tequila matcha before you leave kyoto

The Common One Bar in Kyoto is a hidden gem for cocktail lovers. With no menu in sight, the bartenders craft bespoke drinks tailored to your taste—and they absolutely deliver. Each creation is thoughtful, balanced, and expertly made, showcasing both skill and creativity. The team is highly attentive, taking the time to understand your preferences and elevate them with surprising twists. The atmosphere is intimate yet unpretentious, making it perfect for a relaxed night of discovery. If you’re after a personal, high-quality drinking experience in Kyoto, The Common One is an unforgettable stop. Let them surprise you—you won’t regret it.

What a nice bar this was! I started with the Ki No Bi Negroni, then asked for a matcha Japanese Whiskey cocktail that was so smooth, and finally I asked for a Ki No Bi original cocktail which I think had tonic water and a citrus fruit which they told me what it was but I forgot already but was in season and doesn’t exist in the states. Also the vibe in the bar is relaxing and luxurious.

The Common One is a must visit if you want top tier bespoke cocktails. The bartenders were very knowledgeable and gave us a great experience. 10/10 would recommend!!!

First of all, beautiful bar. Fantastic service and no menus! They are known for matcha cocktails but everything we had was delicious. Must try if you love a good cocktail and are in Kyoto!

This station is amazing. You got to walk around the inside. The elevators to up 12 floors. It even has a small park on the roof. The top floor have great restaurants to eat at. Don't miss this place.

Everything you could ever want but a maze to find! All the fun ! Loads of great places to eat and drink. Plenty of lockers and toilets. Fabulous building very impressive.

A very impressive building with a phenomenal structural design, engineering and interior design. The finishing quality is top notch. You can spend hours exploring the multitude of stores, shops and restaurants spread over 11 floors plus the Basement.

Kyōto Station is a major railway station and transportation hub in Kyōto, Japan. It has Japan's second-largest station building and is one of the country's largest buildings, incorporating a shopping mall, hotel, movie theater, Isetan department store, and several local government facilities under one 15-story roof.

Huge structure to be within. Difficult to grasp the length and depth of the place but worth a visit.

Needs better guidance for the non Japan visitors. The crew was very helpful the whole time tho.

Wow large station area with shops restaurants and large food hall - you could spend days in this place and never see it all This is also where the hop on hop off bus departs from and where you can buy tickets for it The shopping area has levels and levels of all sorts of things - there is a food hall down in the basement and more restaurants on the 11th floor There is also the other side of the station that has lots of restaurants and the options are huge

I did not expect to find a place like this in Kyoto. It's a small place, for maybe 15-20 people tucked away by a canal with a nice selection of beers on tap. Someone put a thought into the selection, and I am sure everyone will find a beer they enjoy. The staff was friendly, English speaking and welcoming. If you're tired of the Asahi Super Dry, definitely pay them a visit. From the food I can vouch for the chicken bits and the potato wedges with harisa sauce.

This was such a gem in our Kyoto trip. Excellent beer, great atmosphere, fun for the kids and adults with games and other things to play, awesome food and overall just a great experience. The staff were very helpful, attentive and friendly and understand and can speak enough English to help out with anything you need. We also happened to be staying near the The Garage as well; which meant we’d already tried some of their beers and met some of the team before coming here. The food was so tasty! Everyone enjoyed it, the kids even liked the hot sauce! Thanks so much to the team at KBL 🫶

Amazing beer. The first craft brewery I've come across in Japan so far. Unlike in Canada it seems all I see is the large alcohol companies so this was a cool change. Delicious beer. Amazing karaage. Friendly and welcoming staff. Cozy little spot with only bar stools and some standing outside. A great stop if like me you finished waking through Nishi Hongan-ji, Higashi Hongan-ji and the Shosein Garden! Also some nice merch for sale

Super cute spot!! It happened to be close to our hotel room so we decided to check it out. It's very friendly for foreigners, Amost all patrons in there were travelers. But the staff were super friendly and the beers were amazing, especially if you're looking for craft beer. I'm from the west coast of BC so it's very similar to the small microcraft breweries that are all over the place out there and it was super fun to hang out and drink beer. I highly recommend the pineapple sour and the pernicious weeb double IPA. Five stars absolutely!!!!!!

Excellent craft beer stop next to the canal - Green Tea IPA and Char Face Keller were our favorites, and their chicken Karaage had a nice hint of spice, pairs perfectly with hoppiness of our beers. Outdoor drink zone is cute and cosy, located on a side street so far less car and pedestrian traffic than surrounding streets, despite proximity to the train station. Only downside is the Place is small so seats limited

Small little craft beer bar with a solid assortment of exciteting beers to try. The place has a cozy vibe with nice bartenders. They serve food as well. I went back several times during my stay in Kyoto to try all their beers on tap and each was worth it.

Good choice on menu, very descriptive and accurate on the point of taste, super happy I took a good walk to come down here, staff are friendly and welcome to welcoming, around nine beers on tap, look like a good representation of what is made locally, with cocktails and snacks as well 😊 lovely walk along the river and it's away from the noisy streets, good for the adhd'rs and other out there 😉

I am so glad I was able to eat here because I came with a Japanese friend. There are a lot of comments about them not being tourist friendly. It’s more like you need to speak Japanese as they don’t have English menu and they also don’t speak Japanese, so it will be quite impossible to order without knowing Japanese. We ordered quite a few dishes and they were all very tasty. However I saw everyone else was ordering their Yakisoba, so one to try next time.

Amazing Izakaya which will project you 30 years in the past A very unique experience to enjoy a Japan of the old days Food is fun and sake 🍶 is great Smoking is allowed so be warned Service is welcoming and friendly

Famous for its ‘Hamu Katsu’ or ham cutlet, set in a wonderful Shōwa/almost Parisian cafe style interior.

Kyogoku Stand in Shin-Kyogoku Street near Shijo Kawaramachi has been loved by the locals since it opened in 1927. The small restaurant has kept everything the same in the Showa period style with the marble counter, nostalgic beer posters, and the continuing use of the abacus for calculations. Although the drinks and food are nothing more than the classic Japanese bar selection, the ambiance will have you coming back for more. Please be aware that there will be smokers here and you may want to come with a Japanese speaker.

The best izakaya in town with a very good atmosphere, very local and friendly staff. And the food is good 💛

Melon soda was amazing! Authentic local place with drinks and quick eats.

This place hates foreigners. I was told "we're shut" despite lots of Japanese people eating and drinking inside.

My favourite lzakaya in Kyoto! We visited 7 years ago and it was amazing! We returned last year and this year - quality of food and drinks are fantastic! Their produce are fresh and has passion & pride in their food & drinks! The owner / staff welcomed non Japanese speaking customer and very friendly service! The ambiance is great!

Hidden gem! The perfect traditional Izakaya experience with great food. This was a truly wonderful find! We were looking for an authentic, traditional izakaya, and this place exceeded all expectations. Despite the completely classic and genuine Japanese atmosphere (which we absolutely loved!), the staff was foreigner-friendly. The presence of a full English menu made our evening comfortable, easy, and stress-free. The food was nothing short of fantastic—fresh, perfectly prepared, and genuinely delicious. A huge plus is that they offer excellent vegetarian options, which can be rare in traditional izakayas. The service was attentive and quick. We left with the best memories of our evening here. If you are looking for an authentic yet accessible Japanese izakaya experience, you must visit this spot! Enjoy the memory!

Absolutely my favorite meal I had during my 2 week vacation in Japan. We came with a group of 4 around 7 PM and they sat us almost immediately. We easily stayed for 3 hours. Every dish we had was excellent, but especially the salmon and tuna sashimi. The sake selection was top-notch and delicious, and the beers were refreshing and crisp. Most importantly, the atmosphere was sooo fun and lively, it was a perfect spot to start the evening!

This place was one of our favorite meals on the trip! They have an English menu which was great and it was a really delicious and authentic meal. So many vegetarian and vegan option too but they felt like a normal part of the menu rather than something made for tourists! Can recommend the Aubergine and the green salad which just tasted so good after of week without any raw vegetables! Pickles were also great and everything was also arranged in such a beautiful way! 10/10 recommend

Surprisingly very good & delicious 😋 We ordered a lot of food, which I forgot to take pictures of 😋, the only thing I didn’t like personally was the huge oyster 😞 The dining area is kind of old & worn looking though, the floor was very sticky too 😞 The stools too are old & worn too.

Stumbled on this place on our last day and wish I had found it earlier. So tasty. My friend is vegetarian and there is a whole menu for vegetarians. We both l found the corn fritters so good we both ordered another round. The indigo sake was so sweet and delicious. Miso Eggplant was a plus and they go to the fish market each morning to buy fresh sashimi. Mackerel was a bit strong for me but the salmon melted in my mouth. They chefs are so nonchalant and we feel like the dishes are high end fine dining level. Thanks Gion Yuki.

Still a great little izakaya in Gion but its standards have come down. Limited menu options - about 30% not available. Seems to attract a loud rowdy touristy crowd now.

We’d seen the menu here as we’d passed it daily travelling to our hotel, so we decided to check it out. We didn’t try any of the beers - only food - so we ordered the Popcorn Shrimp and the Seasonal Vegetable Fritters. The food was good but the service was lacklustre (which was surprising as there were more staff than customers when we were there). Not sure we’d head back, especially as there are so many great food places in Kyoto to choose from.

Fantastic craft beers and friendly staff. They have quite a selection and it was hard to try them all, but will definitely be back again! Good food, too! The only thing that bugged me was that they were serving some beer (for a special they were having) in plastic cups! I requested they use glasses for us, as I don’t like creating more plastic waste. They politely obliged.

Our hotel was nearby, and we came here twice to try their excellent beers. The 3 glass flights are good for testing out some options. My favourite was the Destroy Angle IPA, and the stout. We also loved their fried chicken and their fish’n’ chips 👍

A lovely spot to enjoy a craft beer, slightly way from the madding crowd at the markets. The vegetable fries are excellent But the range of craft beers is terrific and most enjoyable. Quality beers with flavour, diversity and local ingredients. We loved it and will return to try another flight of beers.

Being able to test local beer warms my German heart. And this pub does not only offer a nice (rotating) selection of craft beer on tap, but also local bottled beer. Being able to order beers in a flight of 3 is a nice option to try several different kinds. It is also very foreigner friendly with a modern, bright atmosphere. Did not try the food, so can not judge that. But everything else was very good. Will come again on my trip next year.

I’m not a beer person, but loved there options. Everyone in our party loved what we ordered. They have won some awards as well- very well deserved.

This bar has a go-away attitude towards foreigners. Same goes for their local clientele that laughs at you and makes very obvious gestures shooing you away. A very stark contrast to what (naively) you would expect from Japan, which is politeness and manners. Your own polite behaviour will be met with mockery. They should just put up a big sign that says “no foreigners” and everybody’s lives would be easier.

The atmosphere is very nice. However, the service was not good at all. They seemed to ridicule people who didn't know much about whiskey. This place looks good for cocktail lovers, but I would not recommend it at all for whiskey lovers.

Cocktails here were nice, but they were very rude because we were tourists. We had to pay ¥600 each as a cover for the seats, something which only we had to do, but no Japanese who came in after us had to pay this charge. Waste of money!

Beautiful cover but inside you will face the fact that you simply will not be allowed in. I came to this place on the recommendation of friends. If you expect to be received as a respected guest and receive service, then do not even hope for this. I stood for almost half an hour waiting hoping that someone would notice that a client had come to them. As a result, I was almost kicked out of the place. I stood calmly and was sober. Behaved adequately. Otherwise, defenders of Japanese service about which legonds are composed will come running 🤣 0 out of 10. I do not recommend. Do not go here if you do not want to ruin your evening of course :)

Super serious staff. Great signature cocktails. Expect local flavours like sake, yuzu, dry gins, fruit. Light, well balanced. Professional staff that might turn you away if you are looking into super cozy vibe. Enjoy zen moments there with a glass of your favorite drink and have fun.

Amazing experience! We made friends in another bar that took us to this spot. We had a few drinks and snacks. The atmosphere feels very traditional and tranquil. Would recommend this spot to come with friends or a date

Interesting small spot for after-dinner drinks with friends or a nice date. Cozy and quiet, nice interiors, a cool bar and a pleasant indoor garden view. The drinks are priced quite like Tokyo, so it was a bit overpriced. Expect to pay ¥2-3000 for a round of drinks.

Cool and little hidden place.. good bartender, good cocktails, friendly staff although maybe too many of them. it could have a better mood but the patrons were a little noisy, too many photographs..still, good drinks.

Stumbled across this place in Kyoto. Great food. Great atmosphere. Would definitely recommend!

We stopped and had apple pie and Japanese whisky. Great little place. Cool vibe, nice people.

great lil place to stop in! we were the only ones in there at the time but still yummy pizza and prosciutto salad, the OG steak cooked medium with the vegetables was cooked perfectly! good selection of whiskies too. Staff very friendly!

came here while strolling pochonto alley, since we were a bit tired after a long afternoon walk, we decided to try it. our first impression of this place was quite gloomy maybe because of dimmed light, but, hey it's a bar so that's fine for us. no staff was welcoming at the entrance and it was so quiet, so we were confused about whether this place was still open or not at that time. the staffs were only 2 and stand behind the bar. we told them that we would like to order warabimochi and tea, and they let us sit in any seat we like and then came with the menu. our order came quite some time but tastes good. forgot the price, but, I think around 1000 yen above for a dessert set with hot tea. the service was ok, the staffs were not rude or anything but not typical Japanese service and hospitality that you might get from other similar places in Japan.

Not the best experience. We ordered some curry and chicken. The chicken meal never arrived. The curry was good. Nice flavour. After waiting 40 min for the chicken we cancelled it. The river view is amazing. The place was almost empty. So there is no excuse for delaying a meal.

Cannot believe this place isn’t highlighted. Unreal view of the river, delicious food, English speak staff, and they even had paper towels in the restroom. The beef curry was amazing and the soup & salad that came with the set were both carefully crafted and delicious.

We had just something to drink... The personal was nice and helpful but then the drinks were just bad: The drinks tasted watery and they used to little liquor. Then there is also a charge of 500 ¥ just for sitting down. The drinks are also grossly overpriced for what you get... As I‘ve see in other reviews its not the food that needs improvement (i cant say since i haven‘t tried it) but the drinks need some improvement... I‘d say adjust the prices and give the bartenders something better to work with...

My husband made a reservation for a kushi katsu omakase and honestly I didn’t expect much because I thought having only fried food would feel too heavy. But to my surprise everything was incredibly light, flavorful, and not greasy at all. It completely changed how I think about fried food. We were the only non-Japanese guests there which made it feel even more authentic and like a real hidden gem. The atmosphere was cozy and it truly felt like we were in Japan. What made it extra special was that Tanaka san, the elderly owner, was the one making the kushi katsu right in front of us. You could really feel the craftsmanship and care in every piece. I have so much respect for him. He even came out to say goodbye as we were leaving. It was such a warm and unforgettable experience. I truly hope he stays healthy and continues sharing his amazing food for a long time. I would definitely love to come back. Thank you for the beautiful memory!

A real "must visit" restaurant in the great foodie city of Kyoto. We had an absolutely amazing meal. A real Japanese experience. 30 different courses of fried food, all made in front of you by a master of their craft. Fantastic dark beer as well - the best beer I tasted in Japan and I couldn't find it anywhere, so if the restaurant reads this please let me know where I can get it!

FEB 2024 Came here with a reservation for the first dinner session. It is a small restaurant where you need to take your shoes off, and you will be seated in a C-shape counter where you can watch the chef who has been deep frying kushikatsu skewers for many decades. Price was very reasonable for 20 skewers with a light bread crumb coating which was crisp and not heavy on the stomach; very tasty. Also there is free refills of fresh vegetables which goes well with the creamy mayo and is also great as a palate cleanser. After the meal and as I was preparing to leave the chef personal thank me for coming which I greatly appreciate and made the dining experience well worth it.

Wasn’t expecting such good service and such good quality food. I’m usually not a big fan of fried food, only tried because it’s a Kansai specialty. Was pleasantly surprised, the skewers, although fired, were not greasy. Ingredients were top notch. Service was superb. Really good value for money.

A truly memorable experience. Twenty courses of delicious skewered food. The waitress explained each dish and which sauce complemented it. Highly recommended.

Fantastic! Savored 20 amazing skewers of Kushikatsu, topped off with a delightful dessert. Truly one of my most memorable dining experiences.

Very nice 20 piece omakase, got very authentic vibes. No shoes allowed inside and tasty selections of produce

Came here on a hotel concierge recommendation, who also made a reservation for us. Our waiter was friendly and efficient, and spoke good English. The yakitori (chicken skewers) were all excellent! Well seasoned, smokey and delicious. Surprise favourites were the potato salad (which was meaty and smokey), and the tomato salad. It was our first Izakaya experience and we had a great time.

What a fantastic izakaya! We actually couldn't find it, and asked a man on the street where it was by pointing at photos of it on our phone - turns out, he was the owner opening the restaurant for the night! He led us into the restaurant in the back and it was so cozy, cute, and played Beatles songs all night. The yakitori was phenomenal, so fresh and juicy and simple but just perfect. The karaage + chicken & leek skewer were my favorites. Also, their pottery is GORGEOUS, I wish I could buy it!

Average taste in Japanese standard. Nothing special items on the menu. The young service staff (trainee) tried very hard to communicate in very limited English which I had to applaud him for trying. Kept missing food orders as our party sat at the bar and we could see the chef was giving our ordered food to the party next to us. They had lots of free food from the house. It is one of those restaurants which I am happy to try once but not likely to return.

This yakitori restaurant mainly serves chicken skewers but with some special items like grilled camembert cheese, deep fried cucumber, deep fried mini corn, and grilled onigiri (rice ball). The signature deep fried chicken is a must-try item.

We want to try some local restaurants that served yakitori. Found this place via google map. The foods were not great. The atmosphere was a bit uneasy. As the waiter who could speak little English insisted us to order alcohol. We tried to tell him we couldn’t have alcohol. He then pointed to us some fruit drinks. We only found out they were alcoholic drinks. The only thing that was good was onigiri. Not a place for tourists I guess.

Excellent yakitori. All chicken dishes are solid. Great place for cold one.

Delicious yakitori! Friendly staff and great selection of craft beer from japan. Loved the chicken bone soup!

Went there yesterday night (on a Friday) and sat at the bar corner nearest to the piano. Was served by the older of the two bartenders, which from the reviews I realised that was the father. He provided me an amazing service throughout the night, guided me through 3 different glasses of Japanese whiskey I did not know (I explicitly told him to avoid the beaten path). He knew very good English and was very kind. The live piano started about 20:30 and the atmosphere was very enjoyable. It was the best bar we have been in Japan! In the end we had to leave in a hurry for personal reasons, but please know that we are deeply grateful for the experience!

We had a great last evening in Kyoto at Birdland. The bar is very cozy and intimate. The bartender duo were both delightful and very knowledgeable on cocktails and whiskey. We got some great recommendations for Japanese Whiskey from them and even had some cocktails made up on the spot based on our preferences. We also had some nice chats with them, both in Japanese and in English when our Japanese knowledge failed us. The atmosphere was great, and even without live music on a weekday we still greatly enjoyed our time. The prices were also very fair. Thank you so much for a great evening!

A traditional Japanese bar with the kindest bartenders! The prior owner who still works there with his son is genuinely kind and curious about his customers. We had a great chat with him while I drank an amazing gimlet and my husband tried an assortment of Japanese whiskey. Would highly recommend!!

We had a fantastic evening at Birdland. The father and son duo were attentive and knowledgable on their drinks and jazz! If you’re looking for a homely vibe with adorable hosts this is the place!

We spent the most beautiful evening in this hidden bar. The owner made us some amazing cocktails and played jazz music from his collection. The vibe felt like we walked into some other time. Definitely drop by for some great cocktails, Japanese whiskey and some good jazz.

Been to Kyoto several times, and always make sure to stop by as many times as possible. True masters of the craft, they're able to concoct delightful drinks at mere whims. We've had many wonderful conversations over many wonderful drinks, and I expect to have many more in the future. Can't recommend it enough.

This was a personal highlight on my trip to Kyoto! Incredibly friendly service and good conversation. Loved talking about our favorite jazz tunes with the owner, his son, and the pianist.

We made the mistake of walking up the stairs before checking the reviews- shame on us. Upon immediately walking into what is a gorgeous atmosphere, the bartender immediately begins shouting directions at us: no shoes, cover charge, no menu (just saw one posted outside, but alright bud), and instructed us exactly where to sit. My wife accidentally sat an inch too far to the left and the bartender snapped for her to slide over. The barkeeper grew impatient as we were analyzing the wall of whiskeys, so out of impulse I ordered an old fashioned and advised them to hit me with their best shot. My wife ordered a vodka martini. They made the drinks, displaying excellent craftsmanship. My wife’s drink came up first, and when she didn’t take a sip right away as she waited for mine to be served, they rudely gestured that she starts drinking…it was laughable at this point. There was one other couple in the bar who seemed to be locals- they left after our drinks were served and we were left alone with the bartender. At this moment, their attitude completely changed and they were welcoming, asking us about our travels, and recommending places to visit in Kyoto and Osaka. It was such a bizarre change in behavior, albeit a welcomed one as it helped make the great drinks taste even better. Needless to say we did not order a second round based on the rude welcoming, and I was almost tempted to ask what the deal was with a translating app…but decided to just thank them for the hospitality instead and ducked out. Drinks were a bit overpriced but not egregious. I can understand if they don’t want drunk foreign tourists disrespecting what really is a beautiful space, but this seemed to draw an extremely fine line between setting boundaries vs. overt racism. We will not be returning, and I’m choosing to give this location three stars based on its aesthetic, and because the bartender did lighten up.

I wanted to like this place because it looked mysterious on the outside but I was disappointed and I felt ripped off. Amina (the bartender) if you are reading this I wish you would have more work ethic you could have more customers. She is rude maybe because of the language barrier, there is no menu and a cover fee. You expected a fair price for cocktails and a nice ambience since you are being charged for a cover. We paid $50 dollars for one basic Margarita and a local whisky. Please avoid this place it’s a waste of time and money. Not all Japanese people are that honest.

I don’t leave bad reviews very often, but I felt very uncomfortable at this venue. We came in, greeted the bartender and were greeted with rudeness immediately. The pricing on the front was different from what they said they’d charge for foreigner cover, but we still decided to come in for one drink. There was no menu, which seemed suspicious, because prices were listed at the front and the cover charge listed was already incorrect, so we decided not to stay in the end, as it was very clear from the bartender’s attitude that we were not welcome. If you don’t want foreigners, just say you’re closed, or ask for no tourists. We have been so grateful to experience Kyoto and respect the wishes of locals and don’t deserve to be treated in this way.

Cocktails were nice, but wouldn’t recommend as overall experience was poor. Despite there being a menu outside, none of the prices are applicable once you walk through the door (cover charge or drink prices) and the bartender was quite rude. Service was not worth the premium we ended up being charged.

We went there for drinks and little bites, there were NO savory bites at all, not even olives (everybody has olives to serve as they are easy to store!). I ordered red wine to match it with cheese, but after I ordered it they told me there was no cheese and no bites at all! I asked to cancel my order of drinks, but the staff spoke zero English, so they brought drinks anyway and I felt bad to leave without paying them. So we were stuck there. I think, as they let you pay a cover just to seat outside, they should provide what is written on the menu, and they should hire someone who can speak a proper English for a better communication! I wouldn't recommend it

Don't choose this place if you are a tourist. We ordered some drinks and the quantity of liquid was less than the local people's drinks. One of the drinks we ordered was a stawberry frozen daikiry, but when the waiter brought us the drinks it was a classic one, and when we complained he was quite rude, almost shouting, saying that we never asked for that... The drinks were expensive and the fare for sitting in the terrace too.

Felt absolutely unwelcome and prices were super misleading and not what were advertised at the door. Avoid this place if you want decent service and hospitality.

This is my first time in Japan and I have traveled from Osaka to Tokyo and then onto Nagano followed by Kanazawa and to here in Kyoto. I have eaten some amazing meals on my journey, but this place has blown my mind. 100% one of the best meals I have ever had in my life. I’m a 15 stone man and the portion sizes and quantity were absolutely spot on. The quality was hands down the best I have ever had. The taste and flavour of each course was absolutely mind blowing. I don’t know if anything could ever top this meal as it was perfection. If anyone is in Kyoto, get down to here and have the best meal of your life!

This was a great authentic dining experience. They have 7-9 course meals so that you can try a bit of everything to see the food in Japanese culture. I really felt like a special guest in a Japanese home here.

Incredible food. Excellent service. Good price. I tried both Hana/casual and Tsuki/high end. 4300 and 6480 yen. Both great. 8 course vs 9. Different style. Worth try the high end. But the casual one was very good too. I'd rather have Sake than Beer. Incredible sushi. Highly recommended.

Perfect food, nice service, good price, true Japanese kaiseki experience.

An excellent restaurant, a very elaborated menu with lot of courses I will defentely come back when I come back to Japan

A lovely restaurant hidden in the corner of Gion. Every meal in the course was very tasty and beautifully presented. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Kyoto.

I had the privilege of having dinner in this lovely place during my recent stay in Kyoto. The food was incredibly delicious and lovingly prepared, the ambience was warm and relaxing, and the meal was incredibly well-paced. My favourite was the soup course, and the sashimi course was so rich with crunchiness and sweetness. Every bite lingered, and the fresh sweetness of the final dessert was just the perfect note to cap off the evening. The people running this beautiful little place were incredibly sweet, gentle and kind, even letting me use their bathroom. Despite my language barrier, they were incredibly accommodating. I wish them much success in the future!

The place was convenient for the quick dining. They had English menu. Food was good and it was tasted as traditional Japanese. There was a bar for sitting and some small tables.

Good value for money. Taste very good. The shop is understaffed which cause the delay. We have to ask for menu, to order, and ask them to get out the food. Need to hire more staff really

Cocoro is located in Uji— and is a nice dinner place to visit after tea shopping. We tried the cod roe balls, yams, egg omelette, squid, salmon scallop pasta, and steak. Cod roe balls were the highlight: a nice crunchy outside filled with salty savoury roe. Yams had a nice marinade and crunch. Egg omelette was fluffy and flavourful. Pasta had a nice sauce. The steak is a fun cook it yourself experience. Make sure to flip the steak quickly: it’s small cuts and grills fast.

Staff were attentive and quick. I really loved the food. Good place for a quick bite. Very happy

Very nice selection of dishes,local cuisine, fresh local produce, nicely decorated, well tasting. Restaurant has two floors, first is entrance, a bar area with seating, and behind a few tables, more of a social area. The second floor is low lying Japanese tables, hollow for the feet, less lighted, quieter area, good for groups or a quiet dinner. There is no restaurant parking, but there are nearby public parking, easiest one to find is the one in front of Uji station. The restaurant is located between Uji station and Uji old town, on the main old town road. Good to visit when goin either direction. They accept credit cards. Good atmosphere.

Dishes were prepared with local fresh produces! Not a whole lot of selection in here but dishes were quite neat and delicious! Prices were reasonable, given it is located in the tourist area (2500¥ for two-person lunch)! Foreign traveler like me has no problems of ordering! Staff members were quite nice and welcoming! It, however, may have to consider to turn down the heat a bit! To stuffy!

This restaurant provides a highly unsatisfactory experience with poor service. >> We strongly advise against visiting. << We intended to convey this message to the " OWNER" due to our unpleasant encounter. We politely ask for a table, the female waitress curtly responded with a single word, "Full." Despite our inquiry about waiting for a table, she repeatedly and unfriendly said, "NO." The situation became more confusing as other customers entered the restaurant while we were still waiting. We deceided to ask again.....the waitress maintained her unfriendly demeanor and said NO AND NEVER!!! After reviewing other 1-2 star ratings, it appears that many others share similar experiences with the lady waitress displaying a consistently bad attitude and unfriendly service. We consider ourselves fortunate to have read these reviews beforehand.

(Translated by Google) It's a calm shop 😀 The master is friendly 😀 A shochu bar that even one person can enjoy Here it is 😀 The food is delicious and you can enjoy the food 😀 I’m thinking of going out for drinks again 😀 (Original) 落ち着いたお店で😀マスターが気さくな方なので😀お一人様でも楽しめる焼酎BAR です😀 料理も美味しく料理も楽しめます😀 また飲みに行こうと思います😀

(Translated by Google) Whether you are alone or with a family, there are counter seats and table seats to suit the number of people, so I think this is a restaurant where you can relax. The snacks are really delicious, and it's a bar where you can eat and drink well🙆🎶 (Original) 一人でも家族でも、人数に合わせてカウンター席やテーブル席があるので、ゆっくり出来るお店だと思います。 おつまみが凄く美味しくて、しっかり食べて飲めるBARです🙆🎶

(Translated by Google) You can drink delicious beer and shochu. Snacks and side dishes are also good (Original) 美味しいビールと焼酎が飲めます。 つまみ、肴もグッド

(Translated by Google) A stylish and relaxing space The food was also delicious. (Original) オシャレで落ち着く空間 食べ物も美味しかった。

My husband and I stopped by Cheers on our last night in Takatsuki and wish we’d found it sooner! The bartender (Shawn) was so friendly, and offered us 7 different craft gins to choose from for our gin n’ tonics, which were delicious. 🥰 highly recommend!

Cheers Bar in Hirakata City is a great spot for drinks, offering a solid selection of beers. Unfortunately, they were sold out of some options the night we visited, but the staff made up for it with their fast, friendly service. The bartenders were knowledgeable and crafted excellent cocktails, even willing to adjust drinks if they weren’t to your liking. Prices were fair, and the overall atmosphere made it a pleasant place to unwind. Highly recommended for a relaxed evening out.

It’s a great bar with really amazing staff! Everyone’s really welcoming and the manager speaks English so it’s easy to order! They have lots of drinks, from cocktails, smoothies and even mocktails! No matter what you get it’ll be delicious!

Takuya was super friendly and created the most amazing cocktails tailored to our individual taste. Takuya spoke great English and cocktails were very affordable. Would 100% recommend for anyone visiting this area.

Best bar in hirakata, the bartender (shon) is amazing - he can make you any cocktail 🍹!

Lovely staff and close to the station

The owner is a really nice guy and makes amazing cocktails. Good place to hang with a good vibe

(Translated by Google) You can drink various kinds of alcohol. It's a small and stylish shop that also sells craft beer. I think the knobs are reasonably priced and have a variety of handmade knobs. It looks like you can have lunch on weekdays as well. (Original) 色んなお酒がのめます。 クラフトビールも置いてあり小洒落た店です。 ツマミも手作り等色々ありリーズナブルで良いと思います。 平日も昼飲みできるみたいです。

(Translated by Google) There were lots of awamori I'd never tried before. The Okinawan snacks were also cheap and delicious ^^ The owner was very friendly and easy to talk to ^^ (Original) 始めてみる泡盛が沢山ありました。 沖縄料理のおつまみも安く美味しかったです^^ 店主さんもニコニコで話しやすかったです^^

(Translated by Google) It was very nice to have sake that can only be drunk here (*^^*) Especially the blue lemon sour was beautiful and delicious! (Original) ここでしか飲めないお酒がありとても良かったです(*^^*) 特にブルーレモンサワーが綺麗で美味しかったです！

(Translated by Google) There was no cover charge, and there were many drinks and food items that you don't often find in Kyoto, so I was able to enjoy it cheaply! (Original) チャージ料金が無く ドリンクやフードなど京都にあまりない物が多いので安く楽しむことができました！

(Translated by Google) The snacks were cheap and delicious 😋 (Original) おつまみが安く美味しかったです😋

(Translated by Google) It's a place where you can have fun with the staff and fellow customers alike. If you like Orion Beer, this is the place for you. (Original) 店員さんとはもちろんお客さん同士でワイワイできるそんな場所です。 オリオンビール好きな人はぜひ

(Translated by Google) The manager was friendly and easy to talk to. It was easy to talk to other customers. (Original) 気さくで話しやすい店長さんでした 他のお客さんと話しやすかったです

(Translated by Google) It was open until late and was a comfortable place to visit even if it was your first time. I only drank alcohol this time, but the thrust was delicious and I would like to eat there next time. (Original) 遅くまで開いていて初めてでも居心地のいいお店でした。 今回はお酒しか飲んでいませんが突き出しも美味しかったし、次は食事をしたいと思います。

(Translated by Google) A relaxing and fun shop for everyone, whether alone or with friends. (Original) 一人でもみんなでもほっこり楽しいお店

(Translated by Google) There are many types of alcohol and the atmosphere is great! (Original) お酒の種類が多く、雰囲気も良いです！

(Translated by Google) master is fun (Original) マスターが楽しいです

(Translated by Google) My favorite bar near my parents' house! I can't help but go there...It's close, easy to talk to, and there are a lot of regulars. I've become one of the regulars...I recommend beer and a highball, and you can also eat there, so be sure to try the homemade curry at least once. (Original) 実家近くの行きつけのバー！ ついつい行ってしまう…近いし、話しやすい、常連さん多いし。 常連の一員になってしまった…おすすめはビールとハイボール、食事も出来るので是非手作りのカレーを一度は食べて欲しい。

(Translated by Google) This bar is located in front of Kobata Station on the Keihan Railway. I visited you for the first time in about 5 years (!). I thought the customer service was good, adjusting the distance appropriately depending on the atmosphere at the time 👍️. (Original) 京阪電車の木幡駅前にあるbarです。 約５年ぶり(!)にお邪魔しました。 その時の雰囲気次第で距離感を適度に調整してくれる接客が良いな👍️と思いました。

(Translated by Google) This is the bar you go to when you want a quiet drink. The bartender is a woman, but she does it quietly so you can enjoy your drink at your leisure. (Original) 静かに飲みたい時に寄るバーです。 女性のバーテンダーさんですが、そっとしてくれるのでゆっくりお酒を楽しめます。