Gion
El Tesoro faces Kawabata Street, offering a serene setting away from the bustling crowds. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely chat or a romantic evening as they only about 10 seats and a room, if you’re lucky, you might snag the counter seat with a view of the street. No drink will go wrong here.
Karasuma
A nestled within a beautifully renovated Kyoto machiya (traditional townhouse) that boasts over a century of history. Using local ingredients like Kyoto vegetables and soy milk, their original concoctions are a trea. A knowledgeable sommelier serves Sherry using the venencia technique. Whether you’re a fan of shochu, plum wine, or other spirits, Bar 奥 has an extensive collection to choose from.
Kawaramachi
Bar K-ya, also known as K家, is a delightful spot nestled in a traditional Kyoto machiya townhouse. Their signature cocktails include Original Fruit Tomato Cocktail: Don’t let any tomato juice reservations hold you back. Bar K-ya’s cocktail, made with fresh tomatoes, is a revelation. The flavors are exquisite, and it’s a must-try.
Gosho Minami
It's tucked away in a quiet corner of Kyoto, just off Karasuma Street. Here, you’ll find a cozy standing bar with the 8-person counter, sipping on delicious sake. The bar boasts an impressive collection of distinctive junmai (pure rice) sakes, including some aged varieties.
Kiyomizu gojyo
With seating for around 20 people, including a 7-seat counter and several standing tables, offering a rotating selection of 30 different Japanese sakes carefully chosen from breweries across the country. Their tasting course allows you to freely compare these selections. They also have a non-alcoholic option.