Ki Bar
4.5
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Monday
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Tuesday
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Wednesday
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Thursday
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Friday
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Saturday
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Sunday
4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
About
"Ki Bar is located on Pontocho, one of the most beautiful and traditional streets in Kyoto. We opened in April 2017 to offer a fun and friendly place where anyone can come to have a drink, learn about Kyoto and possibly make some new friends. Ki Bar is a foreign run bar and offers a wide variety of drinks. We do live bands, quiz nights and can host your wedding, birthday or office parties/events. Our facilities are available for meetings or training sessions as well. ​We have a wide selection of drinks including Japanese Whiskey and Sakes as well. Come visit Ki Bar while you're in Kyoto."
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Pontocho
Though small by comparison, Pontocho is one of Kyoto's most spirited and memorable neighborhoods. A narrow street straddling the Kamogawa River, it is Kyoto's busiest nightlife spot. When darkness falls, Pontocho's many signs and lanterns bolt to life, making the area glow with invitations to passers-by to come inside and pull up a chair. Its restaurants and bars sprawl onto the riverbank, providing a friendly atmosphere and delicious food. Verandas are always filled with people young and old crowding tables, biting into hot yakitori or sipping cold beers. It is a culinary heart of Kyoto as much as one of its most laid-back, clamorous, and entertaining evening hotspots. Pontocho has more of an amiable vibrancy to it than an elegant one, attracting newcomers, local veterans, and everyone in between, in casual attire like sneakers and jeans.
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,068 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
70 reviews
Excellent
62
Very good
2
Average
3
Poor
0
Terrible
3
Kevin D
6 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Best bar in Kyoto. Maybe even the world.
Shaheed is great, the regulars are super welcoming. Everything is geared towards a great time and an awesome social environment. We never made it past the first floor but I don’t think you can go wrong here.
Enjoy!
Shaheed is great, the regulars are super welcoming. Everything is geared towards a great time and an awesome social environment. We never made it past the first floor but I don’t think you can go wrong here.
Enjoy!
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ktari3
Kyoto, Japan232 contributions
Apr 2019 • Solo
Great little bar on the 1st (ground) floor with 2 more rooms up above. The barman (Nobu) was really friendly/easy going and made an effort to involve me in the conversation with a regular as I had stopped by on my own.
Good prices and a wide choice of drinks and they have a lot of local beers/gins too. Great location right at the north end of Pontocho.
Well worth checking this place out whether you live in Kyoto or are here on vacation.
Good prices and a wide choice of drinks and they have a lot of local beers/gins too. Great location right at the north end of Pontocho.
Well worth checking this place out whether you live in Kyoto or are here on vacation.
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessi2288
25 contributions
Jan 2020
We had a great time at Ki Bar in Kyoto. Super upbeat atmosphere, lovely staff, quality Japanese spirits, a table soccer table and karaoke upstairs. Will go bacK!
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
emconway1
Melbourne, Australia65 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
Went in here because it looked busy. We asked for small sake and he poured us huge large cups which were 1200y each instead of the regular 500. A bit awkward as we didn't want that much, we paid anyway, I started to hand him money but realised I had a better note but he still lunged for it, almost desperate like. Later when we tried to order another drink he ignored us completely. I heard him say to someone his name was Peter. The whole thing made for a bad part of the night. Look elsewhere for better bars as every other one we enjoyed!
Written September 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for your comments - unfortunately not the ones we like to hear but we do appreciate your honesty. I'm the owner and would like to offer you my apologies as well as Peter's for the negative experience you received here at Ki Bar. I won't bother you by making any excuses nor will I ask you to reconsider your review of us but would like to thank you because you have given us something to think about. What I would like to say is if you ever do come back to Kyoto, give us a chance to make it up to you.
P.S.
We don't have any ¥500 saké on our menu. The cheapest one is ¥1000.
Written September 23, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CraigRShortHills
Short Hills4 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
My wife, adult daughter and I traveled to Kyoto as part of an 11-day Japan vacation, following a couple days of business that I had in Tokyo. For them, it was their first time in Japan, and for me, my first time in the country on vacation, and my first time to Kyoto, which is lovely...a great city.
We looked forward to exploring the Ponotocho and weren't disappointed when, on our first night there, after dinner, we went into Ki Bar and met Peter, one of two co-owners/managers. An American ex-pat, Peter could not have been nicer, and the three of us did a sake tasting, guided ably by Peter who chatted with us, told us of his experiences in Japan, dating back many years (19, if I recall correctly). We were there mid-week, so the bar being slow that night wasn't too surprising.
If my review was based only on this initial experience, it easily would have been a 4, or better. Peter was delightful, helpful, knowledgable and just plain nice.
So, we looked forward to going back to taste Japanese whiskey the next time, which we did two nights later, looking forward to being guided by Peter again. From the moment we walked in however, the scene and vibe were vastly different. On the upside, the first floor bar -- which by now you know is quite small -- was packed. Immediately upon entering, it was clear that some regulars were in there, some of whom had been drinking pretty hard even before we'd arrived. Most of them were ex-pats, a group of New Zealanders most notably. One among them (Pete), leaned into me immediately upon entering the bar -- aggressively, belligerently, and in a very off-putting way. He asked where we were from, and when I told him the U.S., his belligerence reached new heights. His friends saw it and tried to step between us since Pete had clearly had taken in more liquor than he could handle, was mumbling, and his aggression and overt dislike for Americans boiled over.
I said to my wife, if this keeps up, we're leaving before we even place a drink order at the bar.
While I'd have hoped that Peter (the co-owner/manager we'd met just 2 nights previously), or his partner, Shaheen (who was there that night) would have intervened, they did nothing. Fortunately, one of drunk Pete's friends stepped between us before he could do any more damage, and he, very pleasantly, chatted us up, and we enjoyed that chat.
I tell you all this because it marred what was otherwise a very good first experience at Ki Bar. We won't go back, or if we did, we wouldn't go in if we saw this same patron hanging out bar-side. Fortunately, after about 20 minutes of leering and sneering, he stammered and stumbled his way out of the bar -- for all I know, he might have been encouraged to do that. This proved to be the only un-American sentiment we experienced while spending almost two weeks in this great country.
Peter and Shaheen (at least I think I recall that being his name) are nice, long-time Japan residents, Peter (like I said earlier) from the U.S., and Shaheen from Canada. They run a nice small place and are personable and decent people. I guess they can't be held accountable for who chooses to patronize their business, but I thought it was important to call this out for anyone visiting Kyoto and exploring the Ponotocho -- which you absolutely should.
We looked forward to exploring the Ponotocho and weren't disappointed when, on our first night there, after dinner, we went into Ki Bar and met Peter, one of two co-owners/managers. An American ex-pat, Peter could not have been nicer, and the three of us did a sake tasting, guided ably by Peter who chatted with us, told us of his experiences in Japan, dating back many years (19, if I recall correctly). We were there mid-week, so the bar being slow that night wasn't too surprising.
If my review was based only on this initial experience, it easily would have been a 4, or better. Peter was delightful, helpful, knowledgable and just plain nice.
So, we looked forward to going back to taste Japanese whiskey the next time, which we did two nights later, looking forward to being guided by Peter again. From the moment we walked in however, the scene and vibe were vastly different. On the upside, the first floor bar -- which by now you know is quite small -- was packed. Immediately upon entering, it was clear that some regulars were in there, some of whom had been drinking pretty hard even before we'd arrived. Most of them were ex-pats, a group of New Zealanders most notably. One among them (Pete), leaned into me immediately upon entering the bar -- aggressively, belligerently, and in a very off-putting way. He asked where we were from, and when I told him the U.S., his belligerence reached new heights. His friends saw it and tried to step between us since Pete had clearly had taken in more liquor than he could handle, was mumbling, and his aggression and overt dislike for Americans boiled over.
I said to my wife, if this keeps up, we're leaving before we even place a drink order at the bar.
While I'd have hoped that Peter (the co-owner/manager we'd met just 2 nights previously), or his partner, Shaheen (who was there that night) would have intervened, they did nothing. Fortunately, one of drunk Pete's friends stepped between us before he could do any more damage, and he, very pleasantly, chatted us up, and we enjoyed that chat.
I tell you all this because it marred what was otherwise a very good first experience at Ki Bar. We won't go back, or if we did, we wouldn't go in if we saw this same patron hanging out bar-side. Fortunately, after about 20 minutes of leering and sneering, he stammered and stumbled his way out of the bar -- for all I know, he might have been encouraged to do that. This proved to be the only un-American sentiment we experienced while spending almost two weeks in this great country.
Peter and Shaheen (at least I think I recall that being his name) are nice, long-time Japan residents, Peter (like I said earlier) from the U.S., and Shaheen from Canada. They run a nice small place and are personable and decent people. I guess they can't be held accountable for who chooses to patronize their business, but I thought it was important to call this out for anyone visiting Kyoto and exploring the Ponotocho -- which you absolutely should.
Written June 18, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lynn A
Forestville57 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
While waiting for our reservation in Pontocho St, we found a newly opened bar run by a couple of Canadians. Very friendly and good advise about the area. Good drinks too. No cover Charge
Written April 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam_Stone_Vancouver
Vancouver, Canada29 contributions
Nov 2018
This is great little bar with amazing staff and a nice variety of drinks including some nice craft beers.
Thank you all for the wonderful time!
Thank you all for the wonderful time!
Written November 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jesse B
2 contributions
Nov 2017 • Solo
What a great experience! Loved the staff, very inviting a original bar of japan and very responsible price.
Thank you. After a few drinks it got lit.... (literally ask for the 151) !
Thank you. After a few drinks it got lit.... (literally ask for the 151) !
Written November 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lisa K
San Francisco, CA12 contributions
Sep 2017 • Couples
Ki bar is a magical little spot beside the Ponchoto river in Kyoto. The wonderful guys there are engaging and warm.
Super cool. Don't miss!
Super cool. Don't miss!
Written September 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elliott
Farnham, UK4 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Great whiskey selection and unparalleled service. Highly recommended! Craft beers, sake and the best karaoke!
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DebsSuffolk
Bury St. Edmunds, UK6 contributions
Do you offer a private karaoke room?
Ki_Bar_Kyoto
2 contributions
We have a Karaoke Room on the 3rd floor. It is usually public but can be private as well for an extra surcharge.
Ki Bar (Kyoto) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Ki Bar
- Ki Bar is open:
- Sun - Sat 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
- Hotels near Ki Bar:
- (0.07 mi) Cross Hotel Kyoto
- (0.10 mi) The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
- (0.10 mi) Hotel Resol Kyoto Kawaramachi Sanjo
- (0.14 mi) The Millennials Kyoto
- (0.16 mi) Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Kyoto Premier Sanjo Kamogawa
- Restaurants near Ki Bar:
- (0.00 mi) Mercer Brunch Terracehouse Kyoto
- (0.00 mi) Premium Wagyu Beef Shibata
- (0.00 mi) Bar 2Door
- (0.00 mi) Ukiya Pontocho
- (0.01 mi) Crusoe