Tsubokura Kenji, who has also won the World Bartender of the Year award, is the owner of a nationally famous bar. Born in 1974, he graduated from Komazawa University. He trained for 6 years at the long-established bar "Gaslight" in Chiyoda-ku, then returned to Kyoto and worked for 4 and a half years at the bar "K6" in Kiyamachi-Nijo. In 2015, he won the overall championship at the "42nd National Bartender Skills Competition." In 2016, he competed in the World Cocktail Championship hosted by the International Bartenders Association in Tokyo. Competing against 110 people from 63 countries, he won the overall championship with his cocktail "The Best Scene," becoming the second Japanese to be crowned "World Bartender of the Year." The restaurant opened in February 2009 and is frequented by bar enthusiasts, gourmets, and tourists. The location is across from the Shimogyo Fire Department Kaiji Branch on Miyakomachi Street in Kyoto. The nearest station is a 4-minute walk from Kyoto Karasumaoike Station (or an 8-minute walk from Shijo Station). Opening hours are from 5:00 pm to 1:00 am (last order at 12:30 am), with irregular closing days (posted on the official website). There are 24 seats, including 10 counter seats and 5 tables. Reservations can be made by phone between 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm through the official website, with a maximum group size of 4 people due to infection prevention measures. The ordered menu item is the Passion Fruit Non-Alcoholic Cocktail. The restaurant does not have a drink menu; instead, customers can consult with the bartender about their preferences, and the bartender will provide a customized drink. The types of alcohol available include beer (craft beer), wine (glass champagne, glass wine (red), glass wine (white), various bottle wines), whiskey (blended scotch, single malt, bourbon, Japanese), and cocktails (standard cocktails, fruit cocktails). There are also food menu items available, and for those who are not fond of alcohol, the fruit non-alcoholic cocktail is highly recommended! You can enjoy delicious cocktails in a great atmosphere.【Order】◇Passion Fruit Non-Alcoholic Cocktail

There was a garden, a fireplace, and a rocking chair next to it, creating a great atmosphere. Although I didn't sit on the rocking chair this time, I definitely want to sit on it next time. There were many people from foreign countries, so it was fun to experience a different atmosphere from Japan.

The score at the time of the visit was a whopping 4.14 (August 2023). Enjoying French cuisine while looking at the five-story pagoda of Yasaka Shrine was the ultimate luxury. However, it was a bit too much on the stomach, and I still felt a bit tipsy from the alcohol. I couldn't visit this place before due to temporary closure, but when I contacted them this time, guess what? They could accommodate me! So, off I went! The atmosphere of the Kyoto townhouse was preserved with a narrow entrance and a long, narrow layout, often referred to as the eel's sleeping quarters. The dim lighting was also carefully calculated to create a certain ambiance. It was my first time at a bar, and I usually order a gin and tonic. It is said that the bartender's skill can be judged by this choice. Nowadays, many bars don't even have a menu, but this one had an incredibly detailed menu. Apparently, they made the menu more straightforward due to the impact of the pandemic, which attracted a younger crowd. The detailed menu even included the proportions of the ingredients, which was quite impressive. The rocking chair mentioned in the name of the bar was placed at the back of the shop, but I still prefer sitting at the counter in a bar. The back bar was simple with no indirect lighting. I ordered a Delaware gin and tonic for 1,760 yen and a Luster (Glory) for the same price. The charm was a snack of senbei and beans for 880 yen. It was simple yet delicious, even though I was already full. Why is it that French cuisine always tastes so good even when you're full? This bar in Kyoto was surprisingly straightforward with the bill, and even displayed the prices clearly for inbound tourists. As a result, there were many Caucasian customers during my visit. In this age where social media is booming globally, not just Tabelog (a restaurant review site), there are often long lines at unknown restaurants. However, the area near the bus stop was too crowded to walk comfortably, which made me wonder if it was due to over-tourism. If local residents can't even take the bus, it might defeat the purpose. As a simple traveler, my theme for this trip was to only use the Seishun 18 ticket for transportation costs to and from, and to minimize accommodation costs while staying. I decided to treat myself to a good restaurant! I never expected to be able to enter this place, but it was a natural conclusion for a genuine food blogger. And on top of that, I'm on a budget! There are also bartenders here who have participated in contests, so there are challenge menus available. I decided to try the Luster, which means gloss or sheen. It had the fragrance of amaretto, the sweetness of green apple liqueur, and lime skillfully escorting them. I enjoyed some delicious snacks while being enveloped in a quiet whirlwind of joy. After wandering around, I was able to walk straight back home in this familiar area. So, thank you. It was a more affordable and excellent restaurant than I had expected. Enjoyed the meal.

There is a bar located a little off the main street, with rocking chairs at the counter. The menu suggests that cocktails are popular, but they also have over 100 types of whiskey, and the bartender is very knowledgeable about whiskey. It is a very cozy place to be.

I wanted to experience the number one bar in Kyoto, so I searched for it here. I visited after 11 PM. I tried the Watermelon Bulldog cocktail, made with seasonal fruits. I was impressed by the bartender's skill. It was the first time I had such a delicious fruit cocktail.

After enjoying a Kyoto kaiseki meal, I walked the quiet streets of Kyoto at night, feeling like a literary giant as I entered a charming old building. Dressed in a kimono, I indulged in jazz music at a lively bar, where discussions flowed freely. The perfect end to a wonderful evening.

It's a great late-night spot with a constant flow of customers. They have a variety of cocktails enjoyed in various regions around the world. The staff's attention to detail and service is impeccable, and I'm thinking of coming here from the beginning next time, not just for late-night visits! It was more about enjoying high-quality drinks in a relaxed atmosphere for just the two of us.

Kyoto Kawaramachi Station 5 minutes walk "Rocking Chair" This time, I ordered a la carte after taking a seat. Ordered items (☆ indicates favorite menu) ・Gin Basil Smash ¥1760 ・Singapore Sling ¥1870 The Gin Basil Smash was born in Hamburg, Germany in 2008 and is now a popular cocktail worldwide. It has a slightly drier finish than a Mojito, with a refreshing taste of crushed fresh basil that is becoming addictive. It is said to be a new standard for summer, a cocktail full of deep pleasure. The basil flavor is pleasant. The Singapore Sling is a classic cocktail that was born in the 1910s at Raffles Hotel in Singapore. Here, the rich and fragrant sweetness of pineapple juice, cherry liqueur, and pomegranate syrup is enhanced by the herbal liqueur and bitters, resulting in a refreshing tropical cocktail. The glass is also from Raffles Hotel. Pineapple tropical delicious. The menu is clear and the prices are transparent. With the increase in inbound visitors, the place is quite lively with many foreign customers, especially in the early hours. There were instructions in English regarding the volume of voices and charges. Reservations are not accepted, but they asked if we had made a phone call. Perhaps reservations can be made for the same day? ------Helpful Memo------ ※As of the visit date ☆Discovered the restaurant on SNS ①Seating options include counter seats and some tables with rocking chairs ②No flash photography allowed during the visit, so please be careful ---------------------------

There was a restaurant on Gokou Street with a Foodlog rating of 4.14 that I had been curious about for a while. They don't take reservations, so you have to go there directly and if there's an open table, you can get in. There were quite a few foreign customers as well. The appetizer was like rice crackers, price unknown. They had handmade chocolate using Scotch for 220 yen per piece, a mixed dried fruit plate for 990 yen, and the bar's tiramisu for 880 yen. The name of the restaurant includes "chair" and indeed, the chairs were comfortable and allowed for a relaxing time. Drinks ranged from 1,100 yen per glass, and the cocktail menu was fun to look at with various explanations. The tiramisu, made with single malt, was not as rich as expected, but still quite flavorful. Overall, I didn't quite understand why it had a rating of 4.14, but I would recommend it to tourists.

Located about a 7-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station in Kyoto, this place has a traditional Kyoto townhouse atmosphere that would appeal to foreigners. The interior is cozy, with counter seats, sofa seats, and table seats available. The dimly lit space is adorned with high-end furniture, creating a pleasant and unique ambiance. Ordered items: Seasonal cocktail 1870 yen, Persimmon cocktail 1870 yen. Table charge: 880 yen. As a popular bar, all the cocktails are delicious. However, for those accustomed to bars in Tokyo, this place may seem quite ordinary and underwhelming. The high ratings on Tabelog (over 4 points) seem a bit overrated. With relatively high prices, there doesn't seem to be a compelling reason to visit this place.

I took a leisurely stroll and couldn't resist peeking inside when passing by. The counter was still empty. The partition that was there before is gone, and a lovely counter is now in its original beauty. I started with a White Negroni, which I tried for the first time. It uses Suze instead of Campari, so it has a transparent appearance. The taste is like a dry Negroni. I also had a Rum Raisin Butter. For the second drink, I had a Gimlet. I was starting to feel a bit tipsy, so I called it a night. The place was now almost full. Kyoto is seeing more foreign visitors, and this place seems to be popular among them, giving it an international vibe.

I was brought to this restaurant by the genius horse racing bettor reviewer, Mr. Stekixinske-kun. The interior of the restaurant is dimly lit but not shady, and the atmosphere is really nice. The staff members are polite and you can tell it's a high-class establishment. I've never been to such a fancy place before, so I didn't know what to order. After some thought, I decided to try a cocktail called "Gin Basil Smash." When you sip it with a straw, the basil flavor really stands out. It's like saying, "I'm here!" I also ordered some raw chocolate and dried fruits as snacks, and they were all top-notch and delicious. I ordered a few other things too, but the names were too difficult to remember. The place was a bit too high-end for me. I'll come back when I'm a bit more grown-up.

Here is a visit to a popular restaurant as part of a tour of 100 famous shops. I arrived on a weekday night during Golden Week, walking through a deserted alley that made me a bit nervous, but eventually reached the restaurant. Inside, the place was full, and I had to wait about 15 minutes before being seated. The entrance was quite unique, with a door that you open by touching a key. There seem to be 24 seats in the restaurant. I ordered the recommended seasonal cocktails, such as "Gin and Tonic with Sweet Summer Orange," "Green Eyes," "Fresh Watermelon Salty Dog," and "Handmade Beef Jerky with Omi Beef." The first cocktail, Gin and Tonic with Sweet Summer Orange, was made with a Kyoto gin called "Season's Beauty," which had a refreshing flavor of sweet summer oranges. The next cocktail, Green Eyes, had a sweet blend of melon and coconut with a hint of rum. Lastly, the Watermelon Salty Dog allowed me to taste freshly squeezed watermelon with a touch of salt, which was very satisfying. The handmade beef jerky with Omi beef was juicy and delicious. Although smoking is allowed in the restaurant, the ventilation system seemed to be effective as I didn't notice much smoke. Overall, it was a great bar with a sophisticated atmosphere. Thank you for the wonderful meal!

With two people, it cost 4730 yen each. The atmosphere was welcoming and warm, without a stiff formal feel. We visited on a Sunday during Golden Week, arriving around 5 pm without a reservation. We were able to get a table without any issues. We had four drinks - a M30 (vodka, blue curacao), a Bamboo, a whiskey on the rocks, and a white port. For food, we had some complimentary rice crackers, as well as two dishes - Parmesan and truffle fried potatoes, and white mold salami.

2023.4.29 (Sat) Dish received: Seto Kamikan's Cocktail Fresh Cocktail 2022.5.22 (Sun) Fresh Cocktail 2021.11.7 (Sun) Imperial Fizz Imperial Fizz ¥1,540 (tax included) Scotch Whiskey / White Rum / Lemon Juice / Syrup / Soda "Imperial" means royal. Based on the Scotch whiskey Royal Lochnagar, which is a favorite of the British royal family, it adds barrel-aged rum to bring out a deep sweetness. It is refreshing but not too light, making it perfect for the first drink of autumn. Fresh Pomegranate Cocktail Fresh Fruits Cocktail with Pomegranate ¥1,650 (tax included) Fresh Pomegranate / Vodka / Orange Liqueur / Grapefruit Juice / Tonic Water Using plenty of soft acidity and a hint of sweetness from pomegranate, combined with grapefruit, it creates a refreshing and rich long cocktail. A drink that makes you feel the harvest of autumn.

I was taken by a friend who enjoys bar hopping and visited here for the first time. It seems like regular customers usually make reservations. We arrived early and were able to get in without much of a wait. I realized once again that bars are wonderful places. It was a pleasant space that made me want to relax and unwind. And of course, the fresh cocktails were amazing.

Visited the bar "Rocking Chair", one of the top 100 bars, located a 7-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station. With a rating of 4.11, we arrived right after opening during Golden Week and were able to enter without waiting. The interior is a stylish blend of Japanese and Western styles, converted from an old house. They aimed to create a space where you can relax in rocking chairs in front of a fireplace. [Ordered Menu] Short cocktail with Hinata Natsu - A cocktail combining Nepalese Sichuan pepper and Hinata Natsu, with a citrus-like fragrance, is spicy yet refreshing and delicious. Adult Strawberry Milk - Fresh strawberries roughly crushed and mixed with milk, with rum and herb liqueur to balance the sweetness, clearly making it an "adult" drink. You can taste the fruit pulp directly, and it was delicious until the end.

Ever since I found out about this restaurant that has received a rating of 4 or higher on Tabelog, I have been eager to visit despite not being a big drinker. I finally visited the other day. The restaurant is conveniently located about a 3-minute walk south from Shijo-dori on Miyakawa-dori. The exterior is a renovated machiya, and inside, there are 8 counter seats and 4 two-person table seats. Towards the back of the restaurant, there is a fireplace with a rocking chair that inspired the name of the restaurant. When I arrived just after the 5 o'clock opening, the place was almost full, showing that it is quite popular. It's recommended to make a reservation in advance. The atmosphere is that of a sophisticated adult bar, and although smoking is allowed, there were no smokers present. There is no drink menu, and the bartender creates cocktails based on the customer's preferences. I was seated at the counter, where I could watch the bartender craft the cocktails. I ordered a gin and tonic, which had a refreshing lime aroma. The lime blended perfectly with the alcohol, creating a crisp and satisfying cocktail. Following that, I requested a cocktail with a mild alcohol taste, and I was served a cocktail made with hyuganatsu citrus. It was a slightly sweet cocktail that melted in my mouth, leaving a pleasant feeling. After enjoying two cocktails and a mixed nuts snack, the total bill came to 4,950 yen, which I found to be reasonable. Each cocktail costs around 1,000 to 2,000 yen. Additionally, there were mentions of food items such as omurice and pasta, but they were not on the menu during my visit.

I visited around 7:00 PM. Since it's a popular restaurant without reservations, I wasn't sure if I could get in. The staff's service was excellent, and I'm grateful for their consideration. I'm not good with strong alcohol, so they made me a strawberry cocktail that was easy to drink. It was delicious.

We each had a spring cocktail in a cozy ambiance with a fireplace and rocking chairs, spending around 5000 yen. The Spring Feeling cocktail is a classic from the 1930s, featuring Japanese Cin and Green Chartreuse. The Japanese Citrus Hyuga-Natsu cocktail is like a fragrant bridge between Nepal's Zansho and Sichuan Pepper, perfect with homemade jerky or salami. Enjoy the slight spiciness with a touch of elegance.

I heard there is a highly rated bar in Kyoto called Rocking Chair, so I went there. True to its name, there are rocking chairs placed around. The atmosphere is nice, but the space is not very large. I had a strawberry milk cocktail, which was delicious.