Kyoto is renowned for its temples, gardens, and rich cultural history, but it’s also home to a growing craft beer scene showcasing local brewers’ creativity. For those staying at Miru Kyoto, we invite you to discover these hidden gems of Kyoto’s craft beer world. After a day of exploring the city’s stunning sights and enjoying drinks, you can return to our hotel and enjoy a selection of locally brewed beverages exclusive to our guests. Here are some of the best spots to sip Kyoto-made craft beer.

Craft Beer Stand—Stand Umineko Koto

Stand Umineko Koto is a must-visit if you’re a craft beer enthusiast looking for variety. Situated near Kawaramachi, only 3-mins walk from Miru Kyoto Nishiki, this store is managed by its own brewery, Derailleur Brew Works, this store not only serves its own craft beers but also features selections from other domestic microbreweries. This standing bar is a haven for beer lovers, with over 1,500 craft beers in colourful bottles and cans from all over Japan. Rotating 20 taps daily, Stand Umineko Koto features carefully selected microbrews nationwide.

Beyond the beer, Stand Umineko Koto is a hub for the active and creative. The bar’s second floor houses a shop selling apparel and goods, doubling as a station for weekly running events. With its unique blend of beer, culture, and fitness, this spot offers more than just a drink—it’s an experience. It’s a space to connect with people, ensuring that even those who come alone feel at ease, enjoying chats with the vibrant staff and frequently making new drinking companions throughout the bar.

Yamaneko Gion Craft Beer

For a more traditional Kyoto experience, Yamaneko Gion Craft Beer offers a wonderful fusion of craft beer and Japanese sake, all set in a 150-year-old teahouse in Gion, only 5-mins walk from Miru Kyoto Gion. This bar specialises in local Kyoto sake, offering over 50 varieties and serving eight craft beer styles on tap. The selection also includes a wide variety of Kyoto-crafted gin, whiskey, plum wine, and other spirits. The bar’s rustic charm and cosy atmosphere make it a perfect place to enjoy a drink while soaking in Kyoto’s historical ambience.

One of the standout offerings here is its original doburoku, a traditional unfiltered sake made from rice, koji, and water. Its gentle sweetness appeals to those who don’t usually drink alcohol. Yamaneko Gion’s food menu features locally sourced ingredients from the Tango region, with grilled dishes being a popular pairing. Combining craft beer, sake, and a curated snack menu makes Yamaneko Gion an essential stop for anyone exploring Kyoto’s local flavours.

BEER PUB Takumiya

A lively spot that blends Japanese craft beer with a welcoming pub atmosphere, BEER PUB Takumiya is a hit with locals and tourists. Specialising in domestic craft beers from over 300 Japanese breweries, this pub offers a rotating selection that changes with the seasons. The knowledgeable staff are happy to guide you through the menu, helping you discover new brews or seasonal specialities.

The food at Takumiya is just as creative as the beer, featuring Japanese and Western dishes that pair perfectly with your drink such as fish and chips with kelp-coated cod, or Kyoto tofu with avocado and salmon roe. Be sure to check the blackboard for today’s specials. If you want to socialise or relax with a good beer, Takumiya offers a fun, lively setting where craft beer takes centre stage.

HANTICA

A five-minute walk from Miru Kyoto Nishiki, HANTICA is a hidden gem offering eight taps of carefully selected craft beers. “HANTICA” takes its name from the bar’s distinctive position, nestled halfway below ground level in the building. This chic dining bar is a cosy retreat from the bustling streets of Kyoto. With its stylish interior and warm lighting, HANTICA creates the perfect atmosphere for an intimate evening.

With more than 15 years of training at an Italian restaurant in Kyoto, the owner of HANTICA prepares a selection of exquisite dishes that will leave you amazed, focusing on ingredients that highlight the season’s best flavours. From beautifully crafted a la carte dishes to an extensive wine and sake selection, this bar is ideal for pairing delicious food with your favourite beer.

Kyoto’s craft beer scene offers a unique and flavourful way to experience the city’s local culture. Whether you’re exploring the wide selection at Stand Umineko Koto, savouring traditional sake at Yamaneko Gion Craft Beer, enjoying lively conversation at BEER PUB Takumiya, or discovering the hidden charm of HANTICA, each bar brings something special to the table. For guests staying at Miru Kyoto Gion, we also offer local beer and sake in our lobby—the perfect nightcap after a day of exploration.

Cheers to discovering the best of Kyoto, one craft beer at a time! Follow us on social media @mirukyotonishiki @mirukyotogion for more travel tips and hidden gems in Kyoto.