The hidden speakeasy behind a bookstore
Kyoto is not only temples and tradition.
Once the sun goes down, the city reveals a much more discreet side, one where some of the world’s best cocktail bars hide in plain sight.
Bee’s Knees is one of them.
Ranked multiple times among the World’s Best Bars, Bee’s Knees Kyoto is a true speakeasy experience, perfectly aligned with Tokyo-style cocktail culture, but adapted to Kyoto’s quieter, more mysterious energy.
A secret entrance, pure speakeasy DNA
The first surprise happens before you even order a drink.
To enter Bee’s Knees, you don’t open a classic bar door.
You walk into a small bookstore, browse the shelves… and suddenly step into another world.
This hidden entrance sets the tone immediately: low lights, intimate atmosphere, and a feeling that you’ve unlocked something not meant for everyone.
It’s discreet, elegant, and extremely well executed, exactly what you expect from a high-level Japanese speakeasy.
The cocktails? I wish I remembered everything…
Let’s be honest.
I would love to give you precise tasting notes, ingredient breakdowns, and technical details for each cocktail I had that night.
But the truth is simple:
That night went long. Very long.
What I do remember, though, is that the drinks were among the best of my entire Japan adventure.
Balanced, clean, deeply refined cocktails that don’t try to impress with gimmicks, but with absolute control.
This is the kind of bar where every drink feels effortless… because an insane amount of work goes into it behind the scenes.
A team that elevates the experience
Beyond the cocktails, what really made Bee’s Knees stand out was the welcome from the entire team.
Warm, professional, attentive, never stiff, never overdone.
They make you feel comfortable instantly, whether you’re a cocktail professional or just someone curious to discover great drinks.
That human connection is often what separates a good bar from a truly memorable one.
Here, it clearly does.
Why Bee’s Knees deserves a spot on your Kyoto list
Bee’s Knees is not a bar you “check off” a list.
It’s a place you remember.
- World-class cocktails
- A real speakeasy concept
- A flawless atmosphere
- A team that genuinely cares about the experience
If you’re spending a few nights in Kyoto and you care about cocktail culture, this place is a must.
🎥 Watch the Short Video From My Visit
🍸Gervazino’s Insight
Bee’s Knees perfectly illustrates what Japanese speakeasies do best:
extreme technical mastery hidden behind apparent simplicity.
Nothing is loud, nothing is forced, yet everything is precise.
It’s a reminder that the highest level of cocktail craft doesn’t always need storytelling fireworks. Sometimes, excellence speaks quietly.
Save this bar for a night when you want to be surprised, without even realising why.