Kyoto

Kyoto is Japan’s old imperial city, with temples, gardens and the lanes along the Kamo River. The queer scene consists of small counter bars on the upper floors of tall buildings, many of them with karaoke.

The scene

The bars are around Kawaramachi, Kiyamachi and the Sanjō-Ōhashi bridge. Apple and bell KYOTO explicitly welcome travellers too, while AZURE is a classic counter bar with mainly Japanese regulars.

When to go

  • Evenings: bars usually open at 8pm and close around 4am
  • Monday: Apple closed; Tuesday: bell KYOTO closed

Tours & activities in Kyoto

See all tours and activities in Kyoto on GetYourGuide

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Practical tips

  • Some bars turn away foreign guests; call ahead or stick to English-speaking bars
  • Budget for cover charges of around ¥1,000 and bring cash
  • The bars are small, so larger groups are better off splitting up

Editorially researched, as of October 2026. Please check event dates with the organisers each year.

Map

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Places in Kyoto

Nightlife

BarAppleGay bar · Kyoto Shimogyō (Kiyamachi)Small gay bar for men in the bar district around Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi, run by owner Yuji. Popular with foreign guests.BarAZUREGay bar · Kyoto Nakagyō (Kiyamachi)Long-standing gay bar for men on the third floor on Kiyamachi Street. A Japanese counter bar where conversation with the host and…Karaoke & Drag Barbell KYOTOGay bar with karaoke · Kyoto Sanjō Ōhashi (Nakagyō)Gay bar by the Sanjō Ōhashi bridge, opened in November 2019. Owner Rin speaks English, and travellers and locals mix.

FAQ: Kyoto

Which gay bars and clubs are there in Kyoto?

The Atlas currently lists 3 bars and clubs in Kyoto, including Apple, AZURE and bell KYOTO. Each listing has the address, opening hours and our take on the place.

Is there a gay sauna in Kyoto?

There is currently no gay sauna listed for Kyoto in the Atlas. Know one? Let us know via the contact form.