Kyoto Nightlife Tips by j-san

Nightlife Spot: very very popular on Saturdays with good reason

There are some well-known "foreigner" pubs in Kyoto, none of which I am too keen on. A little too much testosterone, bad service and bad music. This is a small cozy (although on Saturday nights VERY smoky!) pub. Hako-san and his wife are the friendliest owners who never forget a name or a favorite song. Yes, if you like rock classics, chances are it will be available to be played at your request. The beer is cheap at just around 500Yen for a large bottle. The food especially the salads and cheese-sticks (deepfried cheese!) are delicious considering the tiny cooking space out back. Another good thing is that as the night wears on and seating space becomes limited, you will be sharing tables with strangers who usually go on to become friends.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Dress Code: casual casual
Phone: 075-255-5087
Address: Kyoto Royal Bldg 2F, Takoyakushi, Nishikiyamachi
Directions: On the West side of Kiyamachi street, just south of the Kebab shop. Look for the young japanese pimps hanging out front (NO CONNECTION!) and the black and white ING sign among all the others on the outer wall. It's on the second floor.
Website: http://www.kansaiscene.com/2004_01/html/drink.shtml
Other Contact: Open 7days, 6pm -til very late!!

Nightlife Spot: Club Metro

If you like 'alternative' music, 80's, techno, acid-jazz etc. Metro is not bad. They have a monthly schedule. A very small bar and the atmosphere varies with what's on that night.

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Theme: Other
Dress Code: Depends on the night, eg. techno night- techno gear, Beatles night- ummmm...
Directions: It is a little tricky to find. It is tucked into Marutamachi station, exit 2, of the Keihan train-line.
Other Contact: Entry ranges from 500Yen to 3500

Nightlife Spot: The Hub

It is a fairly relaxed foreigner bar, very little sleaze factor. When we go out we usually meet here. Beer is about 500Yen which is good value but the same goes for non-alcoholic drinks, which is a rip-off!! :( I love their fried salmon and chips and also their Ceasar Salad, (about 500Yen each). They also have Guiness on Tap.

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Theme: Other
Directions: One street south of Sanjo street and east of Kawaramachi street.

Nightlife Spot: Independant

A few meters west of Teramachi/Sanjo. Go downstairs. I would have like it more in my University days, I think. Rather large bar downstairs, with no actual bar to sit at, but big garden-like tables. Also have snacks like salsa chips etc.

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Theme: Other

Nightlife Spot: Bar Isn't It?

I hate this place.

But, MANY foreigners (age group 21-31)love it. This is a point of contention between me and my friends. I find it sleazy, smoky and the staff really unfriendly.

Still, you can meet people for sure after a few drinks. It is essentially a pick-up bar. eeeuuggh :/

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Theme: Other
Dress Code: None. Just the usual casual stuff like jeans, mini skirts etc.
Directions: Just south of Sanjo street, off Kawaramachi street.

a map This page says you get 2 free drinks! ha!! no, it's only 1. Map is correct though.
Other Contact: Entry is usually around 1000Yen

Nightlife Spot: Soware

This is an icon of Kyoto's Taisho era... open til 10pm. Not exactly a nite spot in itself, but near all the nightlife of Kiyamachi street. Nice spot to meet before you go out. Girls are the main clientelle. Also thin people only - the tables and chairs are tiny!!!

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Theme: Other
Phone: 075-221-0351
Directions: Kiyamachi street, just north of Shijo street. Western side.

Nightlife Spot: Soware

In case you didn't know it, Japan is in a coffee boom. But as much as I'm fond of Starbucks (there are now 5 of them just in central Kyoto! And also Tulley's... ) it's lovely to go somewhere with a little more character. You will find coffee houses all over Kyoto! See if you can find one that suits you!

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Theme: Other
Directions: (see above)

Nightlife Spot: Kiyamachi area of central Kyoto

The information on the web about Kyoto nightlife in English, is geared toward foreigner bars and expensive clubs that have had the money to pay for a translation. There are however dozens and dozens of gorgeous little bars open into the wee hours of the morning. Here is one example: HATCH - Surreal all white interior. In the afternoon it is a cafe, while in the evening the food service begins and the cocktails start to flow. Enjoy the lights of the city, in a gorgeous bright open atmosphere. Open all year round til 4AM.

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Theme: Nightclub
Dress Code: Most of the bars you would dress neatly for. As the Japanese usually dress well. Shorts are pretty much unseen.
Address: Maps in ENGLISH for all bars
Directions: http://www.geocities.com/jitkasan1/cocktail_bars.html

Nightlife Spot: Sarasa - Cento Cento - Soware - Ask a Giraffe....

Unless you know someone who knows it, you will never find it.... An example here is Sarasa, as it is up a flight of stairs with no signs or any other indicators on the street. I passed my bicycle here hundreds of times, never knowing such a cool place existed! Friendly staff, huge servings of food and yummi lassi (!) in this spacious renovated old Kyoto tea-house. Many of the ingredients are organic even! And their menu is in English as well as Japanese. I have included this late night cafe along with 14+ more on my external webpage.

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Theme: Eating and Drinking
Directions: http://www.geocities.com/jitkasan1/cafes_late.html

Nightlife Spot: Club East

A very small club with friendly and usually good DJ's. No sleazyness, just a good spot to dance.

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Theme: Nightclub
Directions: on Kiyamachi street, south of Sanjo. In the basement of the Sexus building. (yes, that is the name of the building!)
Website: http://www.club-east.com/