K36 (The Bar & Rooftop)

K36 is best experienced as a late evening bar. The atmosphere and the professional staff are outstanding and truly define the venue. Regarding the food, the combination of Dasai (Japanese Saki, Not on the menu) and the cow muscle & kujyonegi Fettuccine was genuinely exceptional and is a strong recommendation. The Kyoto view from the bar is a major highlight that elevates the entire visit. The immediate return visit on the same day underscores its quality. This venue delivers a top-tier experience.

Located atop the Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, K36 is Kyoto’s premier destination for luxury cocktails and panoramic views. The View: Unbeatable 360-degree vistas. It is the only place in the city where you are eye-level with the iconic Yasaka Pagoda. The Experience: A sophisticated blend of a 1930s converted schoolhouse and modern luxury. It features a world-class cocktail program curated by legendary mixologist Minoru Nishida. The Cost: Expect a ¥1,100 cover charge plus premium drink prices ($15–$25+). Pro Tip: It is walk-in only for non-hotel guests. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset to secure a terrace seat; otherwise, be prepared for a long wait.

Get there early. Some of the photos are a little misleading in that you expect a fabulous view, however the greenery surrounding the terrace has not been maintained very well and gives you only limited visibility. Same with the giant air cooling towers scattered around the terrace. Most visitors would be there for the view and a 1100 per person cover charge would be fine if the area wasn’t clearly worn down with holes in the flooring and inconsistency in ambient music. Staff are lovely, but bad coordination with the kitchen. The food was fine, although the chicken was basically deep fried fat and the cheese was basic but good. Drinks normal. All an experience, but not your normal Japanese WOW experience.

This bar has amazing views with great cocktails. Staff were amazing although when we went they were quite busy and it was hard to get their attention. English speaking staff were very helpful. On the pricey side for food. If you can get a table for sunset do it. The views are incredible. We just walked in (start of September) and managed to get seated straight away. We had no minimum spend. Although if you reserve online I believe there is a large minimum spend required.

✨ Rooftop Magic in Kyoto ✨ K36 is truly one of the most unforgettable rooftop bars I’ve ever been to in Kyoto. Perched at the top of The Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, it offers absolutely stunning panoramic views of the city. From up here, you can see the Yasaka Pagoda beautifully lit up in the evening, the rolling Kiyomizu hills in the distance, and the city lights stretching far beyond—it’s a setting that feels both modern and timelessly Kyoto. I came here with friends, and it turned out to be the perfect spot to enjoy drinks together while soaking in the views. The vibe is sophisticated yet relaxed, making it just as ideal for a stylish night out as it is for a casual gathering. The cocktails were excellent—I tried the Negroni along with a few other signature drinks, and each was well-crafted with balance and character. The bartenders clearly take pride in their craft, and the presentation matches the high standard of the venue itself. If you’re visiting Kyoto and want an experience that combines breathtaking scenery, elegant ambiance, and quality drinks, I can’t recommend K36 enough. Whether you’re looking for a romantic evening or a fun night with friends, this rooftop is a must-visit.

Amazing views over Kyoto city during the evening. Arrived 2 hours in advance for the sunset and still had to queue for a short while, but the first in the line. Would recommend arriving very early if you want to stay for sunset views. Only had cocktails (¥1000 each) which were still decent along with cover charge (¥1100 per person).

We loved it! It was just what we were looking for and even though we had no reservation and they said we have to wait for an hour after sunset, we were quickly on a table drinking! Good cocktails, friendly staff, pleasant chill music, atmosphere and view were grand! They had good food options too but we didn’t try them on this occasion. Definitely recommend!!

This place was pretty hard to find, as its entrance is hidden by a security gate with a guard, but whence you get in, it’s worth the hassle. With amazing staff that offer great customer service, and impeccable food that you only wait 10-15 mins for, this place is a great find! Would definitely recommend it to other Kyoto traveler's.