Kiyokiyo

Down a slender alley linking the Takase River in Kiyamachi with the historic lantern-lit street of Pontocho sits Kiyokiyo. Opening its doors at 14:00 every day, this Japanese eatery provides an easy stop for a leisurely midday drink during a neighborhood walk or a quick glass before dusk. Inside, counter seating and tables create a welcoming, relaxed setting suitable for solo dining or an unhurried, spontaneous drink.

Small-Plate Obanzai and Comforting Dashi Cooking

Upon sitting down, a natural place to start is one of the chef's selection obanzai platters, available in 3-piece or 5-piece assortments. Featuring traditional Kyoto fare like seasoned okara (soy pulp), potato salad, simmered herring with eggplant, and scallops with Kujo scallions in sweet miso dressing (teppai), these small dishes make ideal companions for a drink. The signature simmered beef tongue in Kyoto-style dashi offers soothing, broth-forward comfort that holds its own just as well as a closing dish.

From Local Sake Flights to Inventive Highballs

The beverage lineup is similarly thoughtful, highlighted by sake tastings like the Kyoto Local Sake Three-Variety Flight in Basic or High Class tiers, allowing guests to compare different regional breweries side by side. Beyond nihonshu, the bar serves a refreshing house-made Japanese sansho pepper gin and soda, chunky fruit sours, and draft beer. Paired with bar snacks such as grilled chicken neck and Kujo scallions with yuzu pepper, fresh yuba tempura, or karasumi radish, it makes for a satisfying spot to settle in and explore one pour after another.