October 2022: Please note Kick Up has now permanently closed. Please see our Northern Higashiyama page for other places to drink and eat in the area.
A cozy bar in Keage, just across the street from the Westin Miyako Hotel, Kick Up is an excellent place for a sociable drink in eastern Kyoto.
Taking its name from Keage, the bar’s location, which means “kick up” in Japanese, this bar is a stylish and welcoming place for a tipple after a day of sightseeing in the old capital. Attracting a crowd composed of equal numbers of local Japanese, long-term expats and guests from the nearby Westin Miyako Hotel, it’s a very easy place to strike up a conversation and the subdued design of the place automatically puts you in a chilled out mood. And, if you haven’t managed to eat before coming, the kitchen turns out some surprisingly tasty bar food.
English address:
331 Higashikomonoza-cho, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address:
東山区東小物座町331
Opening hours:
7pm-midnight
Closed Wednesday
Price:
Drink from \600, food from \500
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
1min walk from Keage Station Exit 1, Tozai subway line
Telephone: 761-5604
Website:
Official Website (Japanese)
Dresscode: None
Near To Here:
Kick Up is located in Kyoto’s Northern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Northern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
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- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
