Bistro Yamagata-san was our second stop after celebrating my best friend's birthday dinner. We were debating between this place and another, but my friend chose this one because she had been here before with her boyfriend and had a good experience. Nearby, there is also dining&lounge HARI and Restaurant Nagatake, which are also great options. As soon as we entered, we noticed the Kyoto-style entrance with eel decorations. We were seated at a cozy sofa table on the first floor. We ordered a red wine glass for my friend and Aoi no Shizuku for me, a refreshing cocktail made from tropical fruits. The Aoi no Shizuku was delicious and paired well with the mixed nuts and fried short pasta snack. The atmosphere was nice and the staff was friendly. Overall, we had a great time and will definitely visit again. The total cost was around 1500 yen per person. Thank you for a lovely experience!

We visited a bar located deep in a narrow alley. The atmosphere was calm and sophisticated, with high ceilings and a dimly lit, Kyoto-like ambiance. We made a reservation beforehand as it seemed like a popular spot. The cocktails were the main highlight, with nearly 10 seasonal options priced around 1,000 to 2,000 yen each. The presentation of the cocktails was impressive, served in wooden cups or adorned with cute decorations like dandelions. Despite their appearance, the cocktails were surprisingly smooth and lacked a strong alcohol taste. We found ourselves quickly enjoying them, so we hurriedly ordered some snacks like chocolate, cheese platters, and rice crackers. Overall, the experience at this place was pricey but definitely worth it for the quality of drinks. I have never had cocktails this delicious at any other bar. I will definitely be returning!

Lagavulin whiskey at Bar Oku in Kyoto is amazing! The cocktails and food are also great. This bar is a must-visit for whisky lovers in Kyoto.

After eating Chinese food, I visited this place for the second time. It has been about 10 years since my last visit. The atmosphere is still great with a wonderful old house feel. I had Tequila Tonic, China Blue, Gin Tonic, Geisha, and a cheese platter. The Tequila Tonic was consistently delicious, the Gin Tonic was also tasty, and the cheese had a strong and unique flavor which was delicious!

The master was very approachable and the atmosphere was calm, which was nice. I tried the cocktail called "Mizukaze," which won an award in a contest. Even though it's alcohol, I felt refreshed and good after finishing it. There were some noisy customers, making it feel like a party venue, which was the only downside.

Kyoto BAR, first time. Through the back alley and arrived. Truly "hidden". Authentic Kyoto BAR TIME, feels good. Enjoying cocktails while watching the bartender's skillful hands. The friendly service is also appreciated. There is a well inside the shop. The sound of its trickling water is the best BGM.

Around 9:00 PM, we visited with 3 people. It is located at the end of a quiet alley on the west side of Shijo Takakura. As you walk down the alley illuminated by dim lights, you will see a row of townhouses and several restaurants... and at the very end, there is "Oku." Stepping inside through the curtain and into the darkness, you will find an authentic bar space. This time, we were led to a room on the second floor. It is a private sofa seat with a cozy atmosphere. The space is perfect, and the drinks are equally impressive. They offer a lineup of creative cocktails, including the cocktail that won the Grand Prize at the SUNTORY COCKTAIL AWARD, cocktails selected for the final round, seasonal fresh fruit cocktails, and cocktails inspired by the four seasons of Kyoto. Here are some of the cocktails from the menu: (COCKTAIL AWARD) - Mizukaze (Best Cocktail Award 2017) - Grande Hilasol (Finalist in the Long Cocktail Division 2018) (Using Kyoto ingredients) - Maiko - Mamekou (Fruit cocktails) - Seasonal Fresh Fruit Cocktails (Kyoto-themed cocktails) - Sakura Champagne Cocktail (Spring) - Ruka (Spring) - Aoi no Shizuku (Early Summer) - Benimai (Autumn) - Akizuki (Autumn) - Chayuki (Winter) - Rin (Winter) In addition to the original cocktail menu, they also offer standard cocktails, whiskey, brandy, wine, champagne, sherry, plum wine, beer, shochu, and more. [Food Received] - Mizukaze: A complex cocktail made with gin, yuzu sake, lime, and green tea. It starts off refreshing and sharp but leaves a lingering aroma that eventually fades away. - Seasonal Fruit Cocktail: I chose grape, and enjoyed the intense flavor of frozen grapes. [Overall] The original cocktails are delicious. Using various alcohols, ingredients, and juices to create cocktails sets them apart from others. While classic cocktails are good, bars with original "works" deserve high praise. The atmosphere is perfect, and you can have a wonderful time here. Thank you for the meal. #Kyoto #KyotoBar #Gourmet #KyotoGourmet #Bar #Cocktail #KyotoCocktail #ShijoBar #KyotoSightseeing #Shijo #ShijoKarasuma #Karasuma #ShijoKarasu

The battlefield where men and women fight for love! It's truly a BAR with intense battles and various tactics going on around. Everyone is doing their best~♫ In the midst of it all, I casually ordered "A Martini like James Bond" and added my recent favorites, a Negroni and an Old Fashioned. Ended up also having a Glenfiddich on the rocks, totaling 4 drinks and feeling a bit tipsy. The atmosphere here is great, and I was expecting the bill to be quite high, but to my surprise, it was just a little over 5000 yen. I was amazed by the cost performance. The bartender was very polite and the counter had backrests, making it very comfortable. I highly recommend this kind of BAR for solo customers, ladies, and gentlemen to gather. Dating apps are good, but meeting someone at a BAR is also wonderful, don't you think?

I came to Kawaramachi. I don't know much about the bars in Kawaramachi, so I'm looking forward to trying the famous ones. I've already started drinking, so as usual, I tried a fruit cocktail. First, I had a delicious strawberry champagne. It was really good. The bartender's touch really makes a difference. Next, I tried an orange cocktail, which was also delicious. The grapefruit cocktail was also very tasty. It's different from Gion, but still delicious! I drank too much, so I'm done for today. I'm drinking with chocolate!

We tried the award-winning Mizukaze, the acclaimed Grand Hirasol, and a cocktail with peach and rose liqueur and champagne (can't remember the name) at the Cocktail Awards. All the cocktails were delicious and the bartender was very kind and made the experience enjoyable. We also ordered a Mojito, which was good but seemed ordinary compared to the original cocktails. We had a total of 6 drinks for about 8,000 yen, which was surprisingly reasonable. This bar is a must-visit when in Kyoto.

A hidden gem located in a narrow alley between Shijo-Karasuma and Shijo-Kawaramachi. This stylish bar is housed in a renovated traditional Kyoto townhouse that is over 100 years old, giving it a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Their signature cocktails, the Mizukaze and Grande Hilasol, are both refreshing and easy to drink. With its sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance and reasonable prices, this bar is recommended for a wide range of people.

This is a Kyoto machiya bar located in Karasuma. It is tucked away in a hidden alley just off Takakura Street from Shijo Street. The atmosphere is like a Japanese-style speakeasy, making it a cozy hideaway. Foreign customers are rare here, but the place is always bustling with Japanese patrons. The master bartender, who has won numerous cocktail competitions, creates cocktails of impeccable quality, like classic cocktail masterpieces. They also offer signature cocktails and Kyoto-inspired drinks on the menu, making it a great choice for a wide range of customers, including those new to bars. The staff, including the master, are friendly and welcoming. If you're bar-hopping in Kyoto, this is a must-visit spot. Since it's in Karasuma, taking a nighttime stroll to Kawaramachi or Gion can be a fun way to sober up after enjoying drinks here.

Yanagino-san and I walked here from Shijo Takakura. It's a bit hard to find, but look for the lanterns. The bar is located at the end of the alley, as the name suggests. The crowd here seems to be on the younger side. We had peach cocktails and Daiquiris. My companion always starts with a Daiquiri at any bar. This time, however, there was a bit of a hiccup with the first drink. The master bartender here is a regular competition winner and a cocktail expert, so maybe that's why? Later, we realized that the second drink was made by someone else. Too bad. We quickly finished our drinks and left. We decided to go back to that other place we like.

Located about a 5-minute walk from Karasuma Station and Shijo Station, on Takakura Street, is a charming bar. Around 1 am, I was out for a late-night stroll by myself, looking for a nice bar to end the day, and I stumbled upon this place. The name of the bar, hidden in the back alley, immediately caught my attention. It was tucked away in a small alley, and I felt like my "bar radar" was telling me that this place was special. I entered the bar, which was quite hidden in the back, and I might have missed it if I had just been walking normally. Looking at the map later, I realized it was a tricky spot to find even with a map. Inside, the atmosphere was unique, not commonly found in the Kanto region. I learned that it was renovated from a Kyoto machiya house that is over 100 years old, giving it a lot of charm. I started with a Gimlet and then tried their original cocktail, Mizukaze. The bartender was very friendly and we had a great chat while enjoying the delicious cocktails. I didn't want to leave yet, but the bar was closing at 2 am. I arrived too late... I definitely want to come back when I visit Kyoto again! This is a bar I highly recommend.

Located near Shijo Station, a little off Takakura Street, is a cozy bar called W Bar Okusan. The bar is renovated from a townhouse, with high ceilings and a comfortable atmosphere. It has an authentic feel but is welcoming to people of all ages. They offer original cocktails, classic drinks, and whiskey. It's a hidden gem where you can enjoy a quiet and relaxing time. I visited in late February after making a reservation about 10 days in advance. The place was packed on a Thursday night around 9:30 pm. It's a popular spot indeed. I was introduced to this bar by the owner of Beads Needs, a bar in Kiyamachi. The interior is renovated, with visible beams and a high ceiling that creates a sense of openness. There is a well or something that produces a soft water sound, which is quite soothing. Sitting at the center of the counter offers a front-row seat to watch the cocktails being made, which is a delightful experience. I tried the Mizufu, Grand Hirasol, and Gin and Tonic (Tanqueray No. 10). The original cocktail I had first was interesting, with a nostalgic feel of Showa era cocktails. The Grand Hirasol was more easy-drinking. But more than what I drank, what I couldn't say for a long time was finally heard, and that was the best part of the night. Thank you for listening. Thank you for the meal.

After dining at Instagram Tokyo Rocks, I felt like having a drink and my friend took me to this place. It's located in a stylish alley, with a very Kyoto-like bar exterior. We sat at the counter inside, surrounded by couples. There were various fruit cocktails available, perfect for women who don't like strong alcohol. The interior was dark, but not too dark, just the right amount. This time, it was just two old guys, but next time I'll bring a lovely lady as my date.

A Kyoto-style bar with a quaint atmosphere, located about a 5-minute walk from the station in a quiet alley. It was a bit hard to find in the back streets, but it was worth it (laughs). This is the perfect place to visit when you want to get away from the noise of Shijo-Karasuma and enjoy a leisurely drink. Thank you for a wonderful time! ♡

Located near Shijo Karasuma, just a short distance from Takakura Street, is "BAR Oku". This hidden bar stands quietly at the end of a narrow alley, truly living up to its name "Oku" which means deep in Japanese. This bar was one of the reasons that sparked the plan to explore shops in the alleys and lanes of Kyoto. The entrance to the alley off Takakura Street is inconspicuous, and I almost missed it. Finally finding the entrance to the narrow path, I proceeded to a row of machiya townhouses with about three shops, with this bar located at the far end. Upon entering, I found a stylish atmosphere where Japanese and authentic bar elements blend together in a renovated space. Sitting at the counter, I perused the menu which featured original cocktails. We tried the "Mizukaze" and the "Grande Hilasor" cocktails. - Mizukaze: A vibrant green cocktail based on Japanese gin with a refreshing yuzu flavor. It has a clean finish, but personally, I prefer something a bit drier. - Grande Hilasor: A refreshing cocktail with a fruity taste. The alcohol is not overpowering, making it easy to drink. In fact, even my friend who is not strong with alcohol enjoyed it. As a nightcap, we had a Talisker 10 on the rocks. It had a robust and peaty flavor. We savored the atmosphere for about an hour before heading back to the hotel, feeling the pleasant night breeze as we stepped outside, leaving behind the daytime heat.

After enjoying a revisit to a kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto, I visited this Nagaya Bar with my brother. We made a reservation about a month in advance, just to be safe. The bartender we met was the runner-up in the NBA (Nippon Bartender Association) Kansai qualifying competition held in April (I couldn't watch it as I was on a cherry blossom viewing tour in Tohoku). The bar was almost full when we arrived at 20:45. When searching for Kyoto's "nagaya" and "machiya" bars, three charming options come up, attracting not only tourists but also casual visitors. We ordered three standard cocktails based on a reviewer's comment that we were drinking too many fruit-based drinks: - Gin and Tonic - Sidecar - French 75 The Gin and Tonic had a unique twist with the combination of gin and citrus flavors, showcasing the bar's character. It would be fun to compare the taste of standard cocktails at different bars, but it's a bit difficult to remember the flavors. I'll skip mentioning the other drinks we tried due to my unsophisticated palate. In front of the counter, there was a bright space that caught my eye, and when I asked the bartender about it, he mentioned a "dry well" located there. It was left unsealed for good luck, adding to the unique atmosphere of the nagaya. The bill came to just over 5000 yen for two drinks my brother had, which I found quite reasonable for an authentic experience. The pricing was almost half of what you would expect in Ginza or Shinchi. We left around 22:00, with the bar about 70% full. It's definitely a popular spot.

I revisited a bar near Shijo in Kyoto that I had visited 5 years ago. It's located next to the popular Osho and Kazuya restaurants. The bar is housed in a renovated over 100-year-old machiya. They have 7 counter seats on the first floor, 8 table seats in the back, and 10 table seats on the second floor. I visited without a reservation and luckily there were 2 seats available. They served me an orange cocktail and a highball with some snacks. The drinks were not exceptional but still good. They are known for their original cocktails inspired by Kyoto. They also pour sherry wine using a Venencia, which is Instagram-worthy. There is a female bartender as well, mostly young but provides good service. This bar would surely be appreciated by tourists visiting Kyoto. It's recommended to make a reservation before visiting, especially on weekends.

Over the weekend, my wife and I went to Kyoto to enjoy the cherry blossoms. After having dinner at an Italian restaurant in Gion, we strolled through the beautifully lit night cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park and enjoyed the atmosphere of Gion. Afterwards, we stopped by this bar located deep in a back alley off Shijo-Karasuma. We were able to sit at the counter on the first floor. I ordered a Macallan on the rocks, and my wife ordered the short cocktail "Mizukaze." I had another Macallan refill, while my wife tried the long cocktail "Grande Hirasol." "Mizukaze" won the Best Cocktail award in 2017, and "Grande Hirasol" was a finalist in 2018. "Mizukaze" had a refreshing yuzu flavor, while "Grande Hirasol" had a refreshing ginger flavor. The bar had a traditional Kyoto townhouse atmosphere, which suited the city of Kyoto perfectly. The bartender, Mr. Mitsukawa, reminded me of the actor Tuyoshi Muro. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

Introduction of the bar owner of a newly visited establishment. He is said to be a rising star in this year's bartender competition. The bar is located about a 5-6 minute walk from the first townhouse bar, but it is tucked away in the back of the rowhouse, so it is quite hard to find... The staff kindly came to greet us. We entered at 21:35, and the place was about 70% full. The atmosphere maintains the charm of the rowhouse while also having a modern Japanese feel. The establishment is run by the owner and two staff members, one male and one female. We tried three original cocktails: 1. "Mizukaze" - Gin, pear liqueur, yuzu sake, etc. 2. "Grande Hilasol" - Tequila, banana liqueur, ginger liqueur, etc. 3. "Overture" - Vanilla vodka, passion fruit liqueur, cranberry liqueur. Interestingly, we ended up having cocktails from 2017-2019 in order. Cocktails 1 and 2 were made by the No.2 bartender, while the owner crafted cocktail 3. Our impressions were as follows: 1. A fantastical color and flavor. The light green hue comes from matcha, creating a mysterious taste that is indescribable. 2. Inspired by sunflowers, this cocktail has a perfect touch of ginger liqueur as a hidden flavor. 3. This year's signature cocktail. It exudes a gentle warmth and a subtle acidity in its captivating color. These three cocktails, showcasing the owner's sense of style, were a delightful experience. We left at 22:30, with the place about half full. The owner even escorted us outside, which was much appreciated...