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While Kyoto might not have as robust of a craft beer scene as Tokyo, there are still a few good craft beer bars to be found in the city. Here is my guide to the best craft beer in Kyoto, including beer bars, breweries, and taprooms.

The Best Craft Beer Bars in Kyoto

Bungalow

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While Bungalow may only have 10 taps, what it lacks in quantity, it makes up for in quality. I had several great beers here, including some creative ones such as a beer brewed with sake yeast called Beer Hearn Orochi. While some might scoff at the notion of going to a foreign country and drinking craft beer rather than some traditional local drink, those uniquely local beers are precisely why I enjoy seeking out local offerings.

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Add in their great food menu, and you have yourself a nice bar. While Bungalow has some izakaya dishes, their secret weapon is freshly baked bread. It’s simple, and it’s amazing. You’d never expect to go to Japan to have some of the best bread of your life, but this was delicious. It’s so popular that as soon as it comes out of the oven, everyone in the bar buys some.

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Bungalow is also an interesting building, as the entire walls are formed by plastic flaps. In the winter, it’s enough to keep the cold out, and I imagine that the restaurant is quite pleasant in the summer when the plastic is presumably rolled up. This is a can’t-miss craft beer bar in Kyoto.

Address: Japan, 〒600-8498 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Kashiwayacho, 15−15 (map)

Book your hotel in Kyoto now!

Beer House Craftman

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My first attempt to visit Beer House Craftman was a bust, as the bar was unexpectedly closed, most likely due to it still being close to the New Year. I’m glad I returned, as this bar has a great selection of Japanese craft beers.

With around 25 taps, Craftman has the largest selection in Kyoto. You’ll find everything you want here, from stouts to IPAs.

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One drawback is that the bar area is small, and there are no seats, so the amount of time one can spend there depends on one’s tolerance for standing. There is a restaurant area further to the back, but I was there to drink. I had a nice conversation with some other tourists and also made a few other bar recommendations to them.

Address: Japan, 〒604-0821 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kannoncho, 71(map)

Beer Komachi

Beer Komachi is a tiny little beer bar in an alleyway full of shops near Higashiyama station.

Peek behind the plastic wall and you’ll find seven taps of Japanese beer, plus a menu of Japanese appetizers and snacks.

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Little hole-in-the-wall bars like these are part of what makes Japan special. Combine that with the daily sashimi specials; I am a huge fan.

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Address: 444 Hachikencho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0027, Japan (map)

Beer Pub Takumiya 

Beer Pub Takumiya is another Kyoto beer bar featuring only Japanese beers. The cash-only bar has eight taps & is typically very busy but friendly.

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Address: 400-1 Funayacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-0836, Japan (map)

The Best Breweries in Kyoto

Kyoto Brewing Company

Kyoto Brewing Company (official website) opened in 2015, focusing on Belgian & American styles. Their south Kyoto brewery is open on weekends.

Address: 25-1 Nishikujo Takahatacho, Minami Ward, Kyoto, 601-8446, Japan (map)

Kyoto Beer Lab

Kyoto Beer Lab opened in 2018 & has rapidly become a popular spot for craft beer in Kyoto. They have eight taps of interesting beers, such as Green Tea Ale & Wasabi Salt Gose, and a food menu.

Address: 201-3 Juzenjicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8137, Japan (map)

While Kyoto’s craft beer scene may be small, there are still some quality places to visit. The nice thing about these beer bars is that many are located within walking distance of each other in central Kyoto, with many being closest to Karasuma station. With the right hotel planning, you could easily stumble your way home from any of them.

Do you love craft beer? Check out more of my recommendations for the best craft beer around the world!

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