Kyoto, Japan｜Bar Yanagi

Beautiful location with an amazing jazz atmosphere. The bartender really enjoys the craft of making a cocktail. Very accommodating and the cocktails are delicious. We ordered an old fashioned with Yamazuki, it is smooth and crisp.

After reading the reviews, I decided to check out this bar since it was close to my hotel. This was probably the best place I visited during my time in Kyoto. When I walked in, there was just one local couple having a few drinks. The bar is beautiful. It looks like it could hold about 10-15 people max. It’s immaculately clean. The bartender was impeccably dressed. The lighting was dimmed and jazz music was playing on a record player at the perfect volume to listen without being blasted. I was greeted by the bartender and took a seat at the bar. The bartender spoke a little English and I was able to order some good Japanese whiskey. Through the help of Google translate I had a great time talking to the bartender and the couple next to me. The bartender even asked what kind of jazz I liked and then played my favorite album. All in all this was a great experience at a local old school bar served by a true professional. If you’re in the area, you should check it out.

Yanagi-san was skilled and serene behind the bar. Drinks were crafted with the care and attention you would expect from a top bar in Japan. The music was lovely and the bar was a perfect retreat from a busy day in Kyoto.