Bar Hopping Night in Kyoto Prefecture: A Comprehensive Guide

Do you want to enjoy a night of hopping from bar to bar in Kyoto? Then you’re in the right spot! In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to plan a perfect bar-hopping night in Kyoto. We’ll cover everything from the types of bars in Kyoto and the places to go, to the best time to visit, and more.

Kyoto is the largest city in Japan’s Kansai region and is a popular tourist destination. It’s home to numerous historical sites, traditional Japanese restaurants, lively nightlife, and more. A bar hopping night in Kyoto is a fun way to experience the city’s vibrant bar scene and get a taste of its unique culture.

Types of Bars in Kyoto

The first step to planning your bar hopping night in Kyoto is to familiarize yourself with the types of bars in the city. These include traditional izakaya bars, craft beer bars, sake bars, cocktail bars, whiskey bars and more.

Izakaya Bars: Izakayas are traditional Japanese bars that specialize in small plates and alcoholic beverages. The atmosphere is usually lively and relaxed, and patrons can order multiple dishes at a time to share. The most common type of food served at izakayas is robatayaki, which is a style of grilling.

Craft Beer Bars: Kyoto has a growing craft beer scene, with a number of craft beer bars serving unique and interesting beers from small local breweries. Some popular craft beer bars in Kyoto include TanaBrew, Koelsch Craft Beer Laboratory, and The Cat’s Paws Café & Bar.

Sake Bars: If you’re looking for a more traditional bar experience, you should visit a sake bar, where you can sample different kinds of sake and learn about their intricate production process. Some popular sake bars in Kyoto include Uotsurihashi Brewery, Kobe Sakagura-en, and Genji-ya Brewery.

Cocktail Bars: Cocktail bars are also becoming increasingly popular in Kyoto, with some bars offering classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan crafted with Japanese ingredients. Popular cocktail bars include Alchemist, Oto Didi, and Bar Axis.

Whiskey Bars: Whiskey bars are an excellent place to sample Japan’s impressive collection of whiskeys, which range from smoky single malts to fruity blends. Popular whiskey bars in Kyoto include Ujamama Animal Café & Bar, Tower Bar Maizuru Blaze, and Johnnie Walker Kyoto Mender House.

Places to Go for Bar Hopping

Now that you know what kinds of bars you can visit in Kyoto, it’s time to decide where to go for your bar hopping night. Here are some neighborhoods worth exploring:

Gion: Gion is one of Japan’s most iconic neighborhoods and is known for its old-world atmosphere and traditional architecture. It’s also home to numerous izakaya bars, whiskey bars, sake bars, and more. Some popular places for bar hopping in Gion include Oto Didi, Johnnie Walker Kyoto Mender House, Kirin Beer Garden Ginza Oiwake, and more.

Kiyamachi Street: Kiyamachi Street is another popular area for bar hopping, offering cosy ambience as well as numerous izakaya bars and craft beer bars. Popular places worth checking out include Ujamama Animal Café & Bar, Artisan Cocktail Bar Collective Elixir, Tower Bar Maizuru Blaze, and The Cat’s Paws Café & Bar.

Pontocho: Pontocho is a narrow alleyway lined with traditional buildings and home to many traditional eateries and taverns. It’s a great place for an evening stroll and there are numerous izakaya bars, sake bars, cocktail bars, and whiskey bars worth checking out. Popular bars include Enobar, Genji-ya Brewery & Café, Uotsurihashi Brewery, and The Old Yolks Bar & Kitchen.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kyoto for a bar hopping night will depend on what kind of bars you want to experience. If you want to visit traditional izakaya bars or sake breweries, then it’s best to visit during the summer months when they are busiest (June-August). If you’re more interested in visiting craft beer bars or whiskey bars then autumn (September-November) is a good time to visit as the weather will be cooler and the atmosphere more relaxed.

Tips for the Perfect Bar Hopping Night

Once you’ve decided on where and when to visit for your bar hopping night, it’s time to plan your route. Here are some tips for making your night perfect:

• Start off at a traditional izakaya bar for some delicious small plates and drinks before moving on.
• Visit different types of bars to experience different types of drinks and atmospheres.
• Take your time; don’t try to rush from one bar to the next.
• Plan some snacks in between drinks to help soak up any alcohol.
• Keep track of the number of drinks you consume throughout the night.

So if you’re looking for the perfect bar hopping night in Kyoto Prefecture, follow this comprehensive guide and you’re sure to have an unforgettable time! And why not make your night even better by booking an organized bar hopping tour with GetYourGuide? The tour includes pickup from your hotel or accommodation, tour guide services in either English or Japanese, and admission fees for several popular bars in Kyoto. Book today for an unforgettable bar hopping experience!