3 bars Updated 16 September 2026

Bars in Kyoto

Where to drink, and what the seat itself costs

3 bars in Kyoto, including what the cover charge really comes to.

Small tasting glasses of sake lined up on a wooden counterWorth it

Sake Bar Yoramu

An Israeli sake specialist pouring aged and obscure bottles in 60ml measures, four nights a week, to about ten people at a time.

¥1,600 sets 18:00–24:00 Wed–Sat
KyotoExplore

Not to be missed

Fushimi sake districtBee’s KneesL’Escamoteur
A dimly lit cocktail bar counter with a bartender stirring a drinkIt depends

Bee’s Knees

Kyoto's best-known speakeasy-format cocktail bar. It keeps its hours off the internet, which is either the joke or the problem.

Cocktails Hours not published Kiyamachi
KyotoExplore

Not to be missed

L’EscamoteurSake Bar YoramuDowntown and Nishiki Market
Shelves of antique bottles and curios behind a small cocktail bar counterIt depends

L’Escamoteur

Apothecary bottles, conjuring props and flame, in a tiny room off Kiyamachi. Nobody can tell you when it opens, including the bar.

Cocktails Hours not published Shijo Kiyamachi
KyotoExplore

Not to be missed

Bee’s KneesSake Bar YoramuDowntown and Nishiki Market

The rest of Kyoto

Every other collection in the city guide, with what is in it.

Sights 6 Museums 3 Districts 4 Restaurants 6 Where to stay 4 What to eat 4 Things to do 3 Walks 2 Events 2