Rock Bar ING: The Heart and Soul of Kyoto's Night Life

Address: Kyoto Royal Building, 2Floor, Nishikiyamachi Takoyakushi Nakagyouku, Kyoto City, Japan

Website: http://www.kyotoingbar.com

In the late 2000s, I had just moved back to Kyoto after being gone for 7 years. I was organizing to meet a friend downtown for drinks when they messaged me, "We'll meet you at ING in 30 min!" They assumed I knew this about this place, ING!

But that is the thing about Rock Bar ING Kyoto ( just 'ING' to the locals). It is the late-night bar that all Kyoto residents know well. At some point, everyone in Kyoto finds themself at ING. As far as Kyoto's nightlife goes, its a late-night institution. Today, Rock Bar ING is just popular today as it was 20-years ago.

The bar is named after the 'ing' from "The Rolling Stones". This is because the owner and Master of ING, Hako, is a dedicated adoring fan. The whole bar is a tribute to the band and rock music. If you want to make the Master happy, ask him to play a Rolling Stones track.

"I once arrived very late on a rainy weekday night. No one was there but me and my mate, Ian. Hako knows I love the Stones album, Exile on Main Street. He played the album from start to finish while we talked his ear off!"

As soon as you open the door to ING, rock music comes pouring out. Rock Bar ING Kyoto can be best described as a dimly light dive bar dedicated to the love of rock music. With its well-worn wooden tables and hanging lights, it creates a dedicated space for your group to convene. It ain't pretty, but its definitely cozy!

For nearly two decades, Rock Bar ING has been my go-to spot in Kyoto. This is because the master and owner, Hako, has a unique talent for remembering not just your name but also the songs you request. It’s what makes this place special.

There’s nothing like walking into your local, and your favorite tunes are playing in honor of you. I’m sure that many people would agree that you’re not a Kyoto local until Hako knows your name and plays some tunes from your favorite band.

Located in the heart of Kyoto’s nightlife, Kiyamachi Street (木屋町通– kiyamachi-dori), and established in 1998, Rock Bar ING has become a Kyoto institution, and no night out in Kyoto is complete without stopping by ‘ING’ for a tall bottle of Sapporo.

The customer base used to be mostly made up of foreigners living in Kyoto, tourists, and some dedicated Japanese locals. However, these days, due to the heavy influx of tourists into the city, the number of tourists visiting the bar has definitely increased.

The personalized service at ING is one of the many reasons why people, myself included, keep coming back year after year. Hako’s dedication to his customers creates an atmosphere of camaraderie and warmth that's hard to find elsewhere. This bar feels like a second home where everyone is welcome.

Online reviews about Kyoto's infamous Rock Bar ING overflow with positive comments and experiences. Visitors from all over the world rave about their experiences, and I can’t help but agree.

Whether it's the eclectic decor filled with rock memorabilia or the laid-back vibe that makes conversations easy, ING has carved out a niche that’s all its own in Kyoto's vibrant nightlife scene.

The drink menu ranges from Japanese whiskies and basic cocktails to bottled Japanese beer. The food menu options are limited to basic bar meals, but it is more than enough if you need to cushion the impact of the alcohol. Prices here are very reasonable and inline with Japan's reasonable cost of living.

If you are new to Kyoto, finding ING for the first time won't be clear because you won’t see it from outside of the building.

1. Enter the building.
2. Walk down the hall.
3. Go up the stairs (or elevator) on your right.
4. Get off at the 2nd floor.
5. ING is on the right-hand side.

If you're ever in Kyoto and want to experience a night out that's truly special, make sure to visit Rock Bar ING. It’s more than just a bar; it’s a place where memories are made, friendships are forged, and the spirit of rock and roll lives on.