Kyoto Nightlife

A good place to meet fellow gaijin (westerners) this basement bar is big and busy with cheap drinks and an up-for-anything crowd.

Friendly staff and great reggae music have made this tiny, relaxed basement bar a Kyoto institution with the under-30 set.

There’s a definite '60s vibe at this bar, where pink seating and red bubble lamps happily clash. The drinks aren’t bad either.

The all-you-can-drink entrance ticket that you pick up at the door makes this funky bar a great value and a fun stop on any nightlife itinerary. Good selection of both cocktails and beer.

Floor-to-ceiling windows afford wonderful city and mountain views at this laid-back retro cocktail bar.

This very popular club offers DJ sets (depending on the night, beats range from trance and lounge to latin and pop), live music and the occasional art exhibition.