Where to drink Japanese whisky in Kyoto
If you’re a whisky drinker, and particularly if you like Japanese whisky or Scotch, then Kyoto’s a good place to visit. There are many great places to enjoy whisky. So many, actually, that it can be difficult to know where to start! Here, you’ll find a list of a few places to get you started. And if distilleries are more your thing, check out my post about whisky (and gin) distilleries to check out near Kyoto. But before that…
What to know before going to bars in Japan
Here are a few things to be aware of before going to bars (and especially whisky bars) in Japan:
- Seating charge – almost all whisky bars have a seating charge even if it’s not clearly stated on any signage out the front. Rule of thumb is, if it’s a whisky bar, expect a seating charge!
- Smoking – unfortunately smoking is still common in many bars in Japan, particularly smaller ones
- Small groups only – many bars don’t accept groups larger than 4, even if they seemingly have space to accommodate larger groups. This is often partly to preserve the atmosphere of the bar – large groups tend to dominate the room
- One drink minimum – bars will expect each customer to order at least one drink
- Cash is (sometimes) king – there are smaller bars in particular that still only accept cash, though I feel like there’s more and more places that accept cards these days
Whisky bars in Kyoto
This is not a definitive list by any means! Kyoto has countless great whisky bars, so this is just a very small selection. And despite the title of this post, these bars are great not just for Japanese whisky, but for other types of whisk(e)y as well, especially Scotch.
Bar K6
Kiyamachi
Bar K6 is one of the most famous bars in Kyoto. Actually, its influence can be felt all around the city, because many whisky bar owners in Kyoto originally worked and trained at K6. A bit bigger and livelier than many of the other places on this list, it’s a good all-round bar with a huge selection of whisky and a range of cocktails.
Map
CAAMM Bar
Kiyamachi
Of all the bars on this list, this is the one I’ve spent the most time at. When I was first learning about whisky, a lot of my education (i.e. drinking!) took place here. This bar leaves a pretty strong first impression – as soon as you step out of the lift and into the bar, all you’ll see is bottles everywhere. And it’s glorious! There’s cocktails and food as well, although to be honest, I haven’t tried much of either. My focus is always on the whisky, and there’s an enormous selection of Japanese whisky, Scotch and just about anything else you can imagine!
Map
Luckenbooth
Kiyamachi
This bar is tucked away in a little alley that connects Pontocho and Kiyamachi. Honestly, most of the best bars in that area are hidden in tiny laneways! It’s a small bar, so it’s perfect if going alone or with a friend. The selection of whisky is impressive too.
Map
Rum and Whisky
Kiyamachi
As far as bar names go, this is one of my favourites. You know exactly what to expect! Another small and cosy bar with an excellent selection of whisky and a friendly owner. I assume the rum selection is equally good, but it’s not something I’ve personally delved into. Yet.
Map
Whisky Spot Chalmun’s Toybox
Nijo Castle area
Japanese whisky. Star Wars. The Chicago Bulls. If you like one or two of these things, you should probably go to Whisky Spot Chalmun’s Toybox. If you like all three, it’s a must visit!
Map
Bar Liquor Museum
Various locations
This is a chain of bars that started in Kyoto and has spread all over the country. These bars tend to be quite small, with an equally small-ish selection of whisky and a limited cocktail menu, although all of this varies from location to location. But here’s the good news: there’s no seating charge, and prices tend to be a little more reasonable than regular whisky bars. If you’re looking to try out entry-level Japanese whisky or Scotch, it’s a good choice! But if you’re looking for a large selection of whisky, or rare whisky, any of the other places on this list would be a better option.
* I won’t include a map link because there are many locations in Kyoto. You’ll find one, trust me!
Other bars worth checking out
Here are some other whisky bars that I’ve heard good things about but never been to, or went to many years ago and don’t remember too clearly:
- Annie Hall Bar (Kyoto Station)
- Cordon Noir (Kiyamachi)
- Owl Liquor Whisky Store & Bar (Kiyamachi)
- Scotch and Branch (Kawaramachi)
- Silent Third (Kawaramachi)
Or why not join a whisky tasting?
If you’re relatively new to Japanese whisky, or whisky in general, whisky bars can be tricky. Many whisky bars in Japan have so many bottles that they don’t bother with a written menu, so if you don’t know quite a bit about whisky already, it’s not easy to know where to even begin!
So before hitting the bars, why not join me for a guided Japanese whisky tasting. You can enjoy some great Japanese whisky, and learn enough about it to make your next bar visit far more enjoyable:
Kyoto Whisky Tasting
I run small-group Japanese whisky tastings in the Nishijin area of Kyoto (starting in March 2026). Each tasting session features a curated selection of 5 Japanese whiskies, and as we compare and contrast them, you’ll be able to learn about each distillery, and also learn more about Japanese whisky in general. See here for more details.