Gion Finlandia Bar

While out on a late-night walk in Kyoto, I happened upon Gion Finlandia Bar, an experience that turned out to be exceptionally cool. The bar had a small entry charge, which I found completely acceptable given the atmosphere and experience it offered.

As I was alone, I managed to get a great corner seat in the bar. This spot was perfect for a bit of people watching, allowing me to observe the local residents in their element. It's always interesting to see the cultural nuances and behaviors of people in different settings, and this was no exception.

The staff at Gion Finlandia Bar were fantastic. One of the staff members spoke excellent English and helped me navigate through their impressive selection of authentic Japanese whiskies. Each whiskey I tried was exceptional. Unlike my experiences in America, they presented the bottle in front of me for each selection, which was a nice touch. It allowed me to appreciate not just the taste but also the presentation and branding of what I was drinking.

Stumbling upon this bar turned out to be a highlight of my night. It was such a great experience to immerse myself in the local scene and try some incredible whiskies. The peaceful walk back to my accommodation, late at night, was the perfect end to a surprisingly delightful evening. For anyone visiting Kyoto and looking for a unique bar experience, Gion Finlandia Bar is certainly worth a visit.

There's no food but love the drinks! We went to several bars and this one was the best. If you're into refreshing cocktails then this is the place. Love the vibes of the place

You’ll read some pretty conflicting reviews on this place but they honestly made me the best martini I’ve ever had. It’s quiet, sure, but you, too, can make conversation with the bartenders who speak English just fine (better than fine!). But it’s a cocktail bar (!!!) - so if you want an incredible drink that’s a bit a surprise or departure from what you normally drink - try this out.

Side note: we saw the bartenders buffing a lime - hand chipping spheres of ice for certain drinks - and generally putting great craft in the experience. Sometimes that takes time. Sometime that takes money. Most times - it’s worth it!

¥1000 ($7.35) isn’t bad for a drink.
¥2000 ($15) isn’t bad for a drink.
Especially these drinks.

EDIT: returned a second time and it was JUST as great. Kudos to Shinji who cared for us throughout the evening.