Kyoto, Japan｜kazubar

This is a literal hidden gem. Only candle lit, which gives a nice touch. Cocktails are nice and beers are cold. Music wise I would give it a bit more thought. The minimal techno doesn’t add any atmosphere to be honest. This calls for French chansons or something more with a happy or 1920's vibe.

The best bar I’ve ever been to, hands down. Everything was great; fantastic music selection at the perfect volume, VERY reasonably priced and delicious drinks, nice decor, ultra friendly staff/owner and even a few tasty snacks. The newer bar downstairs AND the 24+ year old bar upstairs were both lovely places to be. This is the type of place I wish I had in my neighbourhood back home. Please do yourself a massive favour and visit. Thank you Kazu and friends 💪🏻🫡🍻

For those that know, a little door a few floors up in an unassuming alleyway (find the Elephant Factory Coffee marker on Google Maps and follow your ears) takes you to a derelict space lit entirely by candles. This no frills bar has no menu but you can enjoy Asahi draught or any concoction of the bottles of spirits lined up on the bar. The staff look cool and edgy but are friendly and hospitable, whilst the clientele is a mixture of locals and clued-up foreigners that share the same values - people who enjoy a chilled atmosphere with visceral electronic music and good conversation. My ‘two beers’ visit turned into a 4-5 hour experience getting to know the owner, staff and anyone that pulled up a stool next to me. With plans to see the tourist sights of Kyoto the next day, I had to tear myself away at 3am but I could have easily stayed until closing at 5am. Time has no meaning here. Put your phone away and be present in the moment.