5 Standing Bars to Enjoy Nightlife in Kyoto Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-Date: Jun 4, 2025

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

5 Standing Bars to Enjoy Nightlife in Kyoto

After sightseeing in the lively city of Kyoto, how about relaxing and unwinding at a comfortable restaurant in the evening? This article introduces unique restaurants where guests can enjoy Kyoto's distinctive drinks, including casual standing bars and authentic bars.

KYOTO TOWER SANDO Bar

At KYOTO TOWER SANDO Bar, located a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Station, a variety of alcoholic beverages are offered, ranging from classic to rare, including local sake and craft beer from Kyoto Prefecture. The sake, carefully selected from breweries within Kyoto Prefecture, is served in wine glasses. The recommended "Tanba Wine" includes unique options such as unfiltered and unpasteurized wines, as well as sparkling wine made from Joushu Hakubai grapes cultivated in Kyoto.

5 Recommended Bars and Standing Bars to Enjoy Kyoto's Night

The restaurant is located inside Kyoto Tower Sando, in front of Kyoto Station. It has 14 counter seats and offers a casual atmosphere where guests can easily stop by. It also serves drinks such as non-alcoholic cocktails made with amazake and grape juice, making it suitable for those with children. Guests can enjoy alcoholic beverages along with dishes from other restaurants within Kyoto Tower Sando.

KYOTO TOWER SANDO BAR

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 900 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, in Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

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The Roots of all evil.

Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a diverse menu. It is known for its fresh ingredients and excellent service.

The Roots if all evil., located a 2-minute walk from Kyoto Station, is a gin bar where guests can enjoy original cocktails made with carefully selected craft gins from around the world. The "BOTANICAL GARDEN", a gin and tonic featuring the aromas of lavender and rosemary, is visually stunning. The gin buck "THE ROOTS", made with burdock, ginger, and dandelion root, offers a robust flavor inspired by the earth.

5 Recommended Bars and Standing Bars to Enjoy Kyoto's Nightlife

The restaurant features a design inspired by roots drawing water from the earth. It is a small space with only eight counter seats, where visual effects create a fantastical atmosphere. Guests can enjoy an endless variety of cocktails unique to this place, combining Kyoto craft gin "Kino Bi" with Japanese ingredients such as dried bonito flakes, Japanese pepper, and gyokuro tea.

The Roots of all evil.

Open: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 800 JPY
Access: 2 minutes walk from the central exit of JR Kyoto Station, in Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1, Higashishio-Koji Cho, Karasuma Dori Shichijo Sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

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Tori no Koku Bar Time to Drink

Located a 1-minute walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station, Torinokoku Bar Time to Drink is an authentic bar where skilled bartenders serve exquisite drinks tailored to guests' moods and preferences. Each drink, made with rare gins and whiskeys carefully selected from across Japan, creates a special night. The bar also offers uniquely Japanese cocktails featuring matcha and yuzu.

When guests open the heavy door, a space filled with silence and tranquility unfolds. The stained glass inside the restaurant, which catches the eye, represents the essential elements of "time" and "water" in sake brewing. The restaurant's name, Torinokoku, refers to around 6 p.m., symbolizing the time to enjoy sake. In the pleasant atmosphere created by the changing light, guests can enjoy a drink that becomes a memorable part of their journey.

Tori no koku Bar Time to Drink

Open: 2:00 pm - 12:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from Exit 1 of Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the Kyoto Municipal Tozai Line
Address: 1F, ABS Bldg., 424, Ebisu-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

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Cafe&Bar Refrain

Located in the heart of the city, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a diverse menu featuring both traditional and modern dishes. The staff provides attentive service, ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Popular items include the signature ramen and seasonal appetizers, which are highly recommended by regular customers.

Cafe&Bar Refrain, located a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Kawaramachi Station, is a bar popular for its original cocktails. Their "Seasonal Fruit Cocktails", which incorporate the freshest seasonal fruits into classic cocktails, offer a delightful drink that can only be enjoyed at that time of year. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of whiskies and many dishes that pair well with alcohol, such as the "Assorted Prosciutto and Salami".

The interior is a calm and mature space with a cozy atmosphere. The spacious area includes 12 counter seats and tables ideal for groups. It is a comfortable restaurant where guests can fully enjoy delicious drinks and carefully selected dishes.

Cafe&Bar Refrain

Open: [Wednesday] 6:30 pm - 3:00 am[Sunday - Tuesday,Thursday - Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] 3:00 pm - 3:00 am
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access:
Address: Yamaoka Building 2F, 391 Funayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Map

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bar HIGH CENTRAL

bar HIGH CENTRAL, located a 3-minute walk from Kyoto Station, is a bar specializing in Japanese whisky and cocktails. The recommended drink is the "Genmai Gin Tonic," made by infusing roasted brown rice into Kyoto's craft gin "Ki no Bi." It is a flavorful drink with a roasted aroma, enhanced by the acidity of apple and elderflower vinegar. The "Apple & Herbal Mojito," known for its herbal fragrance, is the most frequently reordered drink.

The interior, featuring a black-based design with indirect lighting and red lights, creates an extraordinary atmosphere. The owner bartender holds qualifications as a whiskey professional and sommelier and has experience winning an international cocktail competition. There is also a mobile ordering system that guests can view detailed information about ingredients and photos, allowing them to order with confidence. Here, everyone can enjoy special drinks and the unique space.

bar HIGH CENTRAL

Open: [Tuesday - Saturday,Holidays,Day Before Holidays] Dinner 7:30 pm - 2:00 am (last order 2:00 am)
Closed: Monday,Sunday
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 5,000 JPY
Access:
Address: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Shimogyo Ward, Shinoyacho 211 K-UP Shichijo 3F Map

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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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