Kyoto, Japan｜BAR PILLARS

A+ EXPERIENCE! This was our best bar experience in Japan by far and we came back multiple times during our stay in Kyoto. The owner and bartender here are extremely professional, considerate and happy to share the most amazing recommendations across Kyoto (and Japan in general). You must try #1 on the menu, a simple, yet delicious drink made using his own gin. And pro-trip: the owner smiles a little extra, when you order this drink. A small intimate bar with a great atmosphere, great drinks, and bartenders that are not scared to have a English-chat over the counter.

Hidden along the pontocho ally ways, a friendly to tourists and loved the maximalist decor. Like watching a show when cocktails are made. Heavenly cocktails and their homemade gin is wonderful.

We had a total of 4 drinks at theirs. I had two on my own because the drinks are amazing. I had the Negroni in the Woods, which had three phases of unique flavours when you drank it. Amazing. While the owner was chatting with a guest, I became aware of them creating their own Gins. I could taste one with Sandler wood. It was a blast. They also have one with artichoke. I requested a drink with that one. A flamed rosemary came in it with other ingredients I could not see what they were, but the result was outstanding. Bar Pillers was my first bar in Japan. And they raised the bar very high. Own Gins, quality ingredients, unique flavours, the man and his female colleague were super friendly. You are looking for a drink? Be quick: They only have 9 seats. As for the interior: Super cozy They play classic music / lounge music at a volume where you can easily talk with anyone in the bar. But still hearable and enhancing the experience.