KKyoto

Best places in Kyoto for good cocktail variety?

  • September 11, 2025

Hey everyone,

I’m looking for recommendations in Kyoto where I can find a good diversity of cocktails. I’d love to explore bars that go beyond the basics (gin tonic, mojito, etc.) and offer creative or wide-ranging cocktail menus.

I’m not necessarily looking for luxury hotel bars (though I wouldn’t mind one or two suggestions), but rather places with personality, good atmosphere, and of course, skilled bartenders who can mix interesting drinks.

Any recommendations for hidden gems, speakeasies, or local favorites would be super appreciated. 🙏

Thanks in advance!

by FlyGroundbreaking949

5 comments

  2. Bar Yanagi is a little pricey, but beautiful, dark, and moody.
    Seven & Seven Bar has a great master, really great drinks, and a small and intimate vibe. Classic classy bar vibes.

    Both of these places I reccomend if you’re looking for a nice atmosphere with great drinks. They’re also in walking distance of each other, so you can easily check out both in one night. Neither is a loud/ ワイワイ so if that’s more your style somewhere else would suit you better.

  3. A few places I’ve been or were recommended (from Reddit as well) since I one time made a post about how surprised I was that Bees Knees had so few locals it seemed…

    Bee Knees: Top 50 bar in Asia. I really enjoyed their Negroni in particular (since I don’t generally love Negronis)

    bar K-ya: Was a good solid cocktail bar. Overall was good with well made drinks, but didn’t have anything that wowed me.

    Cocktail Stand FUREK LABO: They focus on the water used for their cocktails. Is a cool place and enjoyed it overall.

    Apotheca: Next on my list for the next time I’m in town.

    Beer Bar Miyama 162: Not really a cocktail bar, but had a few local gins I enjoyed and the bar tender was nice.

    Bees Knees and FUREK LABO were the standouts to me. I’m curious about Apotheca though. All of them you need reservations (except Beer Bar) though ideally, or you have to wait a bit if you walk in.

  4. **L’Escamoteur** for the flair, quality and silly atmosphere (no reservations. just get there AT LEAST 30 mins before they open)

    **nokishita711 Gin and cocktail labo** for a true culinary experience. Reservations required.

  5. I used to love L’Escamoteur and Bee’s Knees but they’ve been so crowded since the end of corona restrictions…

    Here are a few I’ve liked–
    –Star Bar – run by a friend of mine from my tea ceremony kyoshitsu so it’s got a cocktail or two with matcha

    –Caamm bar – primarily whiskey but absolutely mind-boggling selection, rum and vodka and such in addition to whiskey from every country that’s known for it, and plenty of cocktails

    –Alchemist – not sure this one is much less crowded since I only went once ages ago but worth a shot, the door is disguised as a bookshelf or something so it’s got slight speakeasy vibes there

    –UE – seasonal rooftop bar (probably closing down soon if they haven’t already) but way less crowded than K36 and In The Moon. The view at K36 cannot be beat though, so I also recommend this one if you’re okay with waiting a bit.

    –Sent James Club – disclaimer that the only thing I remember about it was it wasn’t crowded because I went in there after seeing the line at L’Escamoteur and giving up.

    Most fancy cocktail bars I’ve been to will make something a little less standard for you too, the menu is often just kind of a starting point.

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