Best Bars in Kansai

Oct 25, 2024

Best Bars in Kansai

Fancy a tipple in Kansai? You can head to one of the region’s many bars. The more populated cities such as Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto have quite a buzzing nightlife where you can find a range of drinking establishments. From themed expat-friendly haunts such as traditional Irish or British pubs or American bars, to Japanese izakayas, to fancy cocktail bars, craft beer specialists, bars serving up live music, hot food and more. We can’t possibly cover everything on offer here but we can give you a small selection of great places to head to in Kansai.

Bar K

This small bar in Osaka’s central Kita district is the place to go if you want to drink cocktails or fine whiskey in a sophisticated, ambient atmosphere. It opened in 1988 and its current owner, mixologist Michihiko Matsuba, was a trainee member of bar staff back then. You can choose from a range of cocktails, such as the Mojito or the High Street Fizz, or sample several Scottish single malt whiskeys. Matsuba also serves up a mean Highball whiskey cocktail.

Website: https://bar-k.jp/

Sone

One of Kansai’s most reputable live music bars, Sone is a jazz enthusiast’s paradise. Established in central Kobe – the spiritual home of jazz music in Kansai – back in 1969, it offers live music four evenings a week plus a jazz jamming session on Sunday afternoons. Drinks-wise, you can choose from beers, Guinness, whiskey, wine, cocktails or soft drinks. The place also has a menu that includes sirloin steak, pizza, salad and bar snacks. Expect to pay an entry fee of around 1,300 yen if you come for one of the live music shows.
Website: https://kobe-sone.com/foods/index_e.php

Pig & Whistle

Kyoto has several traditional European-style pubs, with the Pig & Whistle being among the most popular. It’s based on the classic British pub design, with a wooden interior, selection of ales on draft, live sports on the big screen and even a dart board. It opened in 1986 in the Sanjo district and has ample inside space that typically sees a good mix of locals, expats and visitors. As is common with British pubs, the Pig & Whistle hosts plenty of live music acts and has a menu that serves up classic British meals such as fish & chips and shepherd’s pie.

Website: http://www.pigandwhistle.beer/

Blarney Stone

This list wouldn’t feel complete without at least one Irish theme pub. Popular chain the Blarney Stone has three buzzing outlets in Osaka – Umeda, Shinsaibashi and Kitte. As you might expect, each venue has a very friendly atmosphere that can pack out with a range of revellers on the weekend. You can enjoy a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including, of course, a pint of Guinness, plus pub grub, live music and big screen sports. It’s the place to go if you’re after a no-frills good time where you can meet plenty of people.

Website: https://the-blarney-stone.com/

New Munchen

Another pub chain but this time in the German bierkeller style, New Munchen first opened in Umeda, Osaka in 1958. It now operates out of four venues in Osaka and Kobe. Although German in style, its content is a blend of German and Japanese. Sapporo beers are served and the food menu is typically a mix of traditional German sausages and Japanese cuisine. Fans of a good singalong will be pleased to hear that these pubs often host karaoke nights on the weekends.

Website: https://newmunchen.co.jp/

運転太郎, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons