The Pub Crawl Culture in Kyoto: A Guide to Exploring the City’s Best Bars

Kyoto is a city of culture, tradition and history, but it also has a thriving nightlife scene, especially when it comes to its pub crawl culture. The city has a diverse and exciting selection of bars, each with their own unique vibe and drink menus, making it the perfect destination for bar-hoppers looking to try something new.In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best bars in Kyoto and give you some insider tips on how to make the most of your pub crawl experience.

The Culture of Pub Crawls in Kyoto

Pub crawls in Kyoto have become a popular activity for locals and tourists alike. It’s a fun and social way to explore the city’s many bars, meet new people and sample a range of different drinks.The concept of pub crawls in Kyoto is simple. A group of people, usually between 5-10, will visit a number of bars in a particular area over the course of an evening or night. Typically, pub crawls will last around 3-4 hours and may include a final stop at a karaoke bar.Most pub crawls in Kyoto are organized by local tour companies or pubs, offering a more structured experience. These tours offer a guide who will take you to various bars, offer drink recommendations, and provide information on the history and culture of Kyoto as you go.

Top Bars to Include in Your Kyoto Pub Crawl

Kyoto is home to a diverse range of bars, from cozy, traditional izakayas to modern, trendy cocktail bars. Here are some of the best bars you can visit during a pub crawl in Kyoto:

Bar G-Sharp

Located in the bustling district of Gion, Bar G-Sharp is one of the city’s most popular cocktail bars. With an extensive drink menu, live jazz music and a classy atmosphere, it’s the perfect choice for those looking for a sophisticated night out.

Craft Beer iBrew

For beer lovers, Craft Beer iBrew is a must-visit on any pub crawl in Kyoto. The bar serves a range of locally brewed and international beers, with a rotating menu of 20 different beers on tap. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff make it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a few drinks with friends.

Bar Copa

Bar Copa is a unique and quirky bar located in the heart of Kyoto’s nightlife district, Sanjo. With a menu of creative and innovative cocktails, a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s perfect for those looking for an alternative to the usual pub crawl destinations.

Aneboji

Aneboji is a cozy izakaya located in a quiet alleyway in central Kyoto. The bar offers a range of traditional Japanese dishes and drinks, including sake, shochu and Japanese whiskey. The friendly staff and intimate atmosphere make it a great spot to stop for a few drinks and some light bites during your pub crawl.

Useful Tips for a Successful Pub Crawl in Kyoto

Here are some tips to get the most out of your pub crawl in Kyoto:

• Start early – Most bars in Kyoto close relatively early, so it’s best to start your pub crawl around 6 pm.
• Bring cash – Many bars in Kyoto only accept cash, so it’s best to bring some yen with you.
• Take advantage of happy hour – Many bars in Kyoto offer happy hour deals, so be sure to take advantage of these special offers.
• Be respectful to others – Japan is a culture of respect, and it’s important to be polite and respectful to locals and other patrons while on your pub crawl.
• Stay safe – Drink responsibly and arrange transportation before starting your pub crawl. Taxis and public transportation are readily available in Kyoto.

In Conclusion

Kyoto’s pub crawl culture is a great way to explore the city’s nightlife and experience its diverse bar scene. Whether you’re a beer lover or a cocktail connoisseur, Kyoto has something to offer everyone. With the right planning and some useful tips, your pub crawl in Kyoto will be an unforgettable experience.

The Pub Crawl Culture in Kyoto: A Unique Guide to Exploring the City’s Best Bars

Welcome to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan, known for its serene temples, beautiful gardens, and time-honored rituals. But there’s more to Kyoto than just its heritage and traditions. For those looking for a night of fun and frolic, Kyoto is also home to an exciting pub crawl culture that is sure to leave you buzzing. In this insider’s guide, we will take you beyond the typical tourist spots and show you some hidden gems, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that only locals would know.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems Beyond the Tourist Spots

While it’s hard to resist the pull of Kyoto’s famous tourist spots, such as the golden pavilion, Kiyomizu-dera, or Fushimi Inari-Taisha, there are plenty of hidden gems in the city worth visiting. One such gem is the Philosopher’s Walk, a picturesque canal-side path lined with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. Another is the Tofuku-ji temple’s Hojo Garden, known for its stunning rock and sand arrangements. Finally, for those interested in contemporary art, the Kyoto Art Centre showcases the works of local artists in its beautiful, modern setting.

Dining Spots: Savoring Kyoto’s Cuisine and Culture

Known as the capital of traditional Japanese cuisine, Kyoto offers a variety of dining spots that showcase the city’s rich food culture. From the iconic kaiseki-ryori multi-course meal to the more casual okonomiyaki, yakitori, and ramen joints, Kyoto’s food scene has something for everyone. A must-try is Kyoto’s own take on sushi, called kazarimaki, where the chef creates intricate shapes using various seasonal ingredients. To satisfy your sweet tooth, try some wagashi, traditional Japanese sweets, at famous shops like Nakamura Tokichi or Kanshundo.

Cultural Experiences: Unveiling Kyoto’s Hidden Traditions and Customs

Kyoto’s cultural experiences go beyond temples and gardens; the city has unique traditions and customs that are fascinating to explore. For instance, you can witness a geiko or maiko performance, traditional Japanese entertainers, at the Gion Corner or Kamishichiken theatres. To immerse yourself in Japanese hospitality, consider staying at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you can relax in an onsen, a hot spring bath, and enjoy a kaiseki-ryori dinner. Finally, for a more hands-on experience, learn about Japanese tea culture at the Uji tea farm and participate in a tea ceremony.

Local History: Captivating Stories from Kyoto’s Pasts

Kyoto’s history spans over a thousand years, and the city has seen its share of battles, power struggles, and cultural revolutions. Get a glimpse of the city’s past by visiting the Nijo Castle, the former residence of the Tokugawa shogun or the Byodoin temple’s Phoenix Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1052. The Kyoto Imperial Palace, former residence of the Emperor, is another spot that gives you a glimpse of the country’s history and legacy.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique Experiences to Remember

For those seeking something off the beaten path, Kyoto has plenty of unique experiences to offer. Take a stroll in the bamboo forest in Arashiyama or visit the monkey park, where you can play with hundreds of Japanese macaques. You can also explore the offbeat drinking scene in Ponto-cho, a narrow alley filled with izakayas, or visit the haunted Eikan-do temple at night. You can even take part in a ninja or samurai experience at the Toei Kyoto Studio Park and learn about Japan’s martial arts history.

Kyoto may be Japan’s traditional cultural center, but it also has a lively and colorful nightlife that spans from bars and izakayas to clubs and karaoke. With this insider’s guide to Kyoto’s best bars, offbeat attractions, and cultural experiences, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time in this magical city. So, go ahead, drink, eat, and dance like a local; you won’t regret it!