Kyoto, Japan｜Matsuda

Tiny traditional Japanese bar where you can have small plates of food to accompany your drink. Such a great and relaxing atmosphere, clients are pretty much all locals. The owner speaks very little English but she’s very welcoming and will help you with the order. We ordered using the pictures from past reviews. Everything was absolutely delicious, gyoza are homemade by the owner just in front of you. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to interact with the clients as well, they were very curious to know where we were from and we had some hilarious conversations in broken English/Japanese and gestures. A little gem to experience a piece of local life!

Visiting from London and we were looking for a fun locals' bar which would not be overrun with tourists and would not be very loud and smoky… We found this great little gem of bar near the train station. Barely noticeable from the street, behind a non-descript sliding glass door, this tiny, rustic place has been open for decades but hasn't even been listed until just recently. Numerous types of sake, shochu, whiskey, cocktails and other drinks, plus a warm and welcoming family staff. Mama Matsuda, the founder of the bar, resplendent in her retirement, sat with us at one end of the bar while her daughter and the trusty bartender were serving the other guests. There was laughter and conversation across the language divide and great recommendations for the local Kyoto sake. If you are staying anywhere near Kyoto Tower and are looking for a mellow yet pleasant little locals' place for a drink, away from the maddening crowds and trendiness, this is your spot.

I entered at a glance 😊 There are many types of sake and shochu, and it was difficult to choose, but there is no loss. I had a good time drinking with the proprietress and other customers (*^^*) Thank you. Thank you again 😊