Rock Bar ING Kyoto and its owner, Hako.

Rock Bar ING: Late-Night Kyoto Institution

James Saunders-Wyndham

food & beverage

Kyoto

Table of contents:

Kyoto's Number One Dive Bar on Kiyamachi
ING is Popular with Kyoto Locals and Tourists
Attention to Customers
Online Reviews of Rock Bar ING
The Menu at ING
Locating Rock Bar ING Kyoto
If You’re Out in Kyoto, ING is a Must!
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Address: Kyoto Royal Building, 2Floor, Nishikiyamachi Takoyakushi Nakagyouku, Kyoto City, Japan

Website: http://www.kyotoingbar.com

Kyoto's Number One Dive Bar on Kiyamachi

Rock Bar ING Kyoto can be best described as a dimly light dive bar dedicated to the love of rock music. 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.

Rock Bar ING: Locals and tourists mix it up and socializing. Photo Source: James Saunders-Wyndham

ING is Popular with Kyoto Locals and Tourists

For nearly two decades, Rock Bar ING has been my go-to spot in Kyoto. This isn't just any bar; it epitomizes what Kyoto nightlife means to me. 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 your favorite band.

The owners of ING entertaining at the bar. Photo Source: James Saunders-Wyndham

Attention to Customers

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.

The master of Rock Bar ING, hako-san, is highly attentive to customers. Photo source: James Saunders-Wyndham

Online Reviews of Rock Bar ING

Online reviews overflow with positive remarks about Rock Bar ING. 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.

Rock Bar ING serves bottles of Sapporo and modest bar meals. Photo source: James Saunders-Wyndham

The Menu at ING

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.

The front of the Kyoto Royal Building. ING is located on the 2nd floor. Photo source: James Saunders-Wyndham

Locating Rock Bar ING Kyoto

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.

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

The entrance to Rock Bar ING on the 2nd Floor of the Royal Kyoto Building. Photo source: James Saundrers-Wyndham

If You’re Out in Kyoto, ING is a Must!

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.