My favorite "post last-train bar" in Kyoto

I don't consider Kyoto as a party city, although Kyoto is perfect place if you like to wander around at night and find hole-in-the-wall places.

Also fun part of going out in Kyoto is you can meet friendly locals as well as travelers from around the world!

Oops, you missed your last train? DON'T YOU WORRY. There are still many places where you can enjoy deep night drink/night cap in town until you catch the first train home! I will introduce you to my secret place to end the night.

Ishimaru Shoten
"What a tiny alleyway...!" I was so excited when my friend from home took me there for the first time which was almost 6 years ago. It's on a small alley in between busy Kiyamachi and quiet Pontocho, you will see cool stained glass lamps hanging from above, that's Ishimaru.

I love people there. They have two bartenders, first half until 0:30 is Ishi time. Ishi-san is super low-key and so funny, and he is very good at connecting people. And he told me that he's making new lamps himself (!) crafty person. And at Ishi time, I meet a lot of travelers! They surprisingly find the place by chance, and it's always nice to talk to them about their country, Japan and just anything and nothing in general.

After around 0:30, it would be Non time! Non-san is also very chill, seems quiet but I like to see his Kansai-person side being chatty and witty, and I think the best part of Non-san time is again people there - this place is open until early in the morning, so many people who work at other bars/restaurants come after they close their own. I really like to talk to working professionals who work for service industry, and love to make new connection!

Sometimes serious/silly conversations keep going until like 7:30 in the morning without even realizing it.

This photo is from Ishi's surprise birthday bash, giving him Nintendo switch from us Ishi regulars. Sometimes we "team Ishi people" hang out outside the bar too, like going to chill on the beach in Omi-maiko, or house party or just picnic.

Ishi-san and Non-san both speak good English, and as I mentioned, you always meet interesting people. Hope you find it fun! (And maybe you will find me there!)

Kyoto Deep Friday Night

Some travelers are up for going-out in Kyoto..."where should I go on Friday night?" that's the question they sometimes ask me.

It really varies depending on their style or mood, some people prefer having fancy quiet night sipping whiskey at dim speakeasy bar, some prefer dancing like crazy, some prefer rocking at Karaoke.

One Friday night - me, my friends and some of our guests decided to go see Drag Show at Metro in Jingu Marutamachi station.

A drag show is an entertainment which is performed by drag artists.
Many drag shows feature performers singing or lip-synching to songs while performing a pre-planned pantomime, or dancing. The performers often don elaborate costumes and makeup, and sometimes dress to imitate various famous opposite sex singers or personalities. And some events are centered around drag, such as Southern Decadence where the majority of festivities are led by the Grand Marshals, who are traditionally drag queens. (wikipedia)

 So it begins - entrance is 2,000yen including one drink ticket (two drink tickets for foreigners and students!), and we waited for the show chatting up and dancing to warm up.

It was so much fun seeing the show which was very artistic and fascinating! The drag queens entertained people with their dance and lip-synching, sometimes giving people flowers!

Metro is one of the coolest clubs I've been to, and chosen as one of the most unique clubs in the world!
https://www.metro.ne.jp/perspective

People there were very chill and friendly, we met some tourists but most of them were locals/students. You can for sure make some friends!

About Drag Show:
"Diamonds are forever" last Friday of the month
https://www.metro.ne.jp/diamonds-are-forever