Kyoto · Nightlife

A single pedestrian lane one block wide between Shijo and Sanjo, lined with tiny restaurants and bars; the riverside places put out kawayuka decks over the Kamo from May to September. Many counters seat under ten people and charge a seating fee, so ask before you sit down.

The canal-side street running parallel to Pontocho, and where Kyoto's late drinking actually happens — izakaya, standing bars and club entrances stacked into basements. Busiest between Shijo and Sanjo on Friday and Saturday.

Kyoto's largest club: five spaces in one basement building just west of Kawaramachi station at Shijo, including the main floor, a second club room, a free-entry music bar at street level and a karaoke bar. Door charges run from free to about 3,000 yen depending on the night.

Open since 1990 in the basement of the Emisu Building, connected to exit 2 of Keihan Marutamachi station — techno, live sets and long-running party nights. Door is typically 2,000–5,000 yen including one drink.

The city's best-known craft brewery, pairing Belgian yeast with mostly American hops, with a taproom at the brewery in Nishikujo, Minami-ku, south of Kyoto station. It is a walk from any tourist route and opens limited days, so check the site first.