Kyoto: Nightlife

Ace Café (Kiyamachi Dori) Floor-to-ceiling windows afford wonderful city and mountain views at this laid-back retro cocktail bar. Central; Empire Biru 10F, Nakagyo-ku, Kiyamachi dori, Sanjo-agaru; 011-81-75-241-0009
lounge | bar

Bar Isn’t It? A good place to meet fellow gaijin (westerners) this basement bar is big and busy with cheap drinks and an up-for-anything crowd. Central; Nishikiyamachi bldg B1F; 67-3 Daikoku-cho, Sanjo-Kawaramachi sagaru, Nakagyo-ku; 011-81-75-221-5399
bar

Den-en (Kiyamachi Dori) 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. Central; B1 Vox Biru, Kawaramachi-Sanjo; 011-81-120-071-688; www.vox.co.jp/denen/
great value | bar

Metro 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. East; Kawabata –Marutamachi; 011-81-75-752-4765; www.metro.ne.jp/ index.html (Japanese only)
culture | art | live entertainment | dancing

Rub-a-dub Friendly staff and great reggae music have made this tiny, relaxed basement bar a Kyoto institution with the under-30 set. Central; Kiyamachi dori sanjo sagaru ishiyamachi 115 BF, Nakagyo-ku; 011-81-75-256-3122
bar

Switch There’s a definite '60s vibe at this bar, where pink seating and red bubble lamps happily clash. The drinks aren’t bad either. Central; 3F.Shiori Bldg.; Shijo; Pontocho, Kawahara Cho, agaru higashi gawa; 011-81-75-212-4555
trendy | lounge | bar