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Apple

Bar Gay bar

👍👍 Great experience. Barman was very friendly and entertaining. People often mention Yuji, Kyoto, friendly, great, owner, drinks, karaoke, small, recommend, drink,


Address

Japan, 〒600-8001 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Shincho, 455 セザンヌビル 3F

Website

apple1985.web.fc2.com

Contact

+81 75-256-0258

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (70 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 8 pm to 4 am
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 8 pm to 4 am
  • Wednesday: 8 pm to 4 am
  • Thursday: 8 pm to 4 am
  • Friday: (The Emperor's Birthday), 8 pm to 4 am, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 8 pm to 4 am

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Yuji (18) Kyoto (17) friendly (13) great (12) owner (11) drinks (9) karaoke (9) small (8) recommend (7) drink (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Eduardo S. 5 years ago on Google
    Great experience. Barman was very friendly and entertaining.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James W. 4 years ago on Google
    My partner and I had an awesome time. Yuji is so friendly and the drinks were great. Fun karaoke in a cozy place.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erivan 1 year ago on Google • 400 reviews
    Kyoto’s historic gay small and intimately bar and for men only. For 37 years, Yuji, the owner, ensures everyone feels welcome. A cover charge gets you to get the first drinks and some snacks, plus the ability to indulge in free karaoke.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Louis N. 11 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    While the gay nightlife in Kyoto isn’t as lively as some of isn’t neighboring cities, Tokyo & Osaka. That shouldn’t deter you away from visiting this historical gem. Delicious martinis and a warm intimate spot. Great for meeting new people or coming with friends. Yuji was such a great and friendly hist. I recommend trying any of the matcha liquor blended beverages from the drink menu. Fun karaoke too! Will definitely be coming back on my next trip to Kyoto!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Erick D. 4 years ago on Google
    Cute little bar. Hard to find. You have to go up to the 2F of a small building. (Use the google maps photos as a reference) Once inside it’s an absolute treasure. Yuji the owner / barman is a delight. He gave us a map and indicated loads of places to visit. He loves Kyoto and has been running this bar for over 35 years which I found amazing. He’ll make sure you interact with the other guests whether you’re in a group or on your own. (Ladies beware. He has a strict men only policy... sorry) The Kareoke happened organically (took a few drinks to be coerced) but was a good laugh especially once us westerners brought out a bit of Babz and Madge. Quiet for a Saturday night. If you’re after a big party scene, head to Osaka. If you want to have a cute time with a mix of locals and foreigners come here. Thanks Yuji!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven E. 5 years ago on Google
    Lovely little bar. Yuji the owner was so welcome we went back four times. Westerners are very welcome. There’s a cover charge but you get a drink, some nibbles and free Karaoke for that, so be prepared.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dennis K. 7 months ago on Google • 12 reviews
    Typical Japanese snackbar but LGBT. Very friendly owner and bartender (English speaking). Meet some locals or other tourists. And maybe sing a karaoke song or two! Very nice and relaxed atmosphere.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert Y. 4 years ago on Google
    We stopped in the bar while visiting Kyoto. The owner, Yuji, was incredibly welcoming! This was a Thursday night and we met another couple there. Given how friendly and inviting Yuji is, we immediately felt at home, and he bridged conversation between us and the other couple. I found that everyone that visited ended up joining into the friendly vibes so we met everyone who walked in (partly because of Yuji, partly because I was drunk and tend to talk to everyone lol). I highly recommend visiting if you’re gay And in the area. It’s not the big club environment but it doesn’t try to be. It’s a small place with a lot of heart and really good drinks
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 drewlore 4 years ago on Google
    Had a great time here with Yuji the bar master. He was friendly, considerate, and eager to ensure all the patrons were enjoying themselves. He also has a great voice, we learned after he joined in on some karaoke! The bar itself is quaint, the drinks were tasty, and the snacks were good. Can't ask for a whole lot more!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Edía P. 1 year ago on Google
    This bar has been in business for 30+ years. Its master is a true bar keeper in my book. He is super helpful, considerate and open to conversation. I usually don't go out by myself, but I dared this time. I had no issues whatsoever. Can recommend 100%, even to solo travelers. There's a seat charge, but I feel like not having one is actually out of the norm in Japan, so don't skip coming here just because of that. The bar master painted the picture in the background himself ;3
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sean R. 6 years ago on Google
    Friendly service and delicious cocktails. Nice quaint little bar.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jordon 5 months ago on Google • 211 reviews
    What a unique experience ! Don’t be intimidated by the sketchy entrance. This is such a wholesome gay bar. It only has room for about 15 people and the owner is so kind. He made us a snack and served us drinks as though we were in his home. We met some great people while there. Highly recommend !

  • 5/5 Steven G. 7 months ago on Google • 13 reviews
    If you’re looking for the most popular gay bar in Kyoto this is it. This bar is not street level; when you get there, look up for the sign that says Apple and walk up three flights of stairs. If it’s busy you’ll hear it before you see it - open the door and you’re immediately welcomed by the owner who goes out of his way to make you feel like you’re at your own local gay bar, Kyoto style. We went twice and each night was filled with locals and tourists alike all eager to make friends and start conversation. Suggest asking the bartender for the karaoke mic.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Niklas N. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a rare find. This cozy gay bar has a barkeep and owner who is polite and considerate and is a treasure trove for all manner of facts and trivia about Kyoto. Some japanese is helpful but not required. Don't be afraid to come alone. There is a service charge, and like most bars of this type you can drink together with the barkeep if you buy him a drink.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert M. 1 year ago on Google
    Yuji was an excellent host and bartender on our visit to Apple. The retro stylings and fun karaoke (in addition to Yuji) really added a special touch to this place. Highly recommend for a small fun gay space with excellent conversation from your host!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Albus K. 1 year ago on Google
    This bar in Kyoto is very nice. Yuji, is a great and very friendly host. While preparing our drinks he gave us lots of tips about Kyoto.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 AJOBYAJO �. 5 years ago on Google
    A small gay bar. I liked the cosy atmosphere. It's not a nice and exciting place. I felt sorry for the list of drinks, but the food in the set was more delicious than I expected. And look for the boss's hobby!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vince M. 2 months ago on Google • 49 reviews New
    Very nice bar with very warm host Yuji. First order ¥1700 1 drink with snacks. Following ¥700-900. This is cash only bar. Make sure you bring some cash with you.

  • 5/5 Sean K. 7 months ago on Google • 26 reviews
    Small intimate bar. The host Yuji is friendly and happy to serve. Karoke is very fun. Had a great time with several other travelers i met here!

  • 5/5 Royce W. 7 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    If you’re looking for a unique hole in the wall kitschy experience in Kyoto this is your place. We loved chatting with the owner Yuji in his small bar he has owned for 40 years on the third floor of the bustling district. The diverse international patrons made for a great evening full of matcha cocktails, small bites, and karaoke in Japanese, Taiwanese, and English.

  • 5/5 Mike T. 9 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    This place was amazing. The owner has got to be the most friendly person in Kyoto. He makes everyone feel welcome and is more than happy to help you plan your trip. He’s also terrific at Karaoke. Highly recommend. You do have to walk up 3 flights of stairs to find it, but the pictures in Google make it pretty clear where to go.

  • 5/5 Jimmy K. 10 months ago on Google
    Absolutely outstanding. Yuji-San is fabulous and so genuine. He makes everyone feel so welcome and takes such pride in his work. It’s also clear how much he loves Kyoto. A must visit gay-bar while in Japan. Can’t wait to be back!

  • 5/5 Nick M. 1 year ago on Google
    Relaxed, intimate bar with a long history and great vibes. Get the sake and matcha liqueur cocktail and enjoy the snacks prepared by the incredibly hospitable and friendly bartender!

  • 5/5 Jonathas A. 9 months ago on Google
    Yuji-san is such a sweet and amazing person! He does know how to create a warm and welcoming vibe for all his clients - locals and foreigners. Definitely recommended!

  • 5/5 Marcus D. 11 months ago on Google
    Cozy relaxed venue with a wonderfully nice bar tender. He is quite fluent in English and will strike up a conversation with anyone. Made me sad to leave Kyoto.

  • 5/5 Jacob A. 1 year ago on Google
    This was such a chill and great bar to grab a drink. The host was so kind and patient and we had some great conversations in Japanese and English. Highly recommended for all LGBTQIA travelers.

  • 5/5 Tony C. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent time with locals and bartender. I would definitely recommend stopping by and having a drink.

  • 5/5 Daniel Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Great bar and Yuji was an amazing barman to have while you sing along to karaoke songs.

  • 5/5 alex 5 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    Really lovely small gay bar with great drinks and relaxing atmosphere. The owner/bartender Yuji is a very friendly and kind person, and he speaks English too. He gave me recommendations for his favorite places around Kyoto and I enjoyed talking with him a lot. A must-visit for any LGBT men staying in Kyoto.

  • 5/5 Ross B. 1 year ago on Google
    A beautiful intimate bar with a grand history, super friendly host, relaxed and with a real class of its own. Best little gay bar in Kyoto.


Call +81 75-256-0258 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Cash only
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway

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