Bar Review: JOKER in Kyoto

Kyoto’s best punk(ish) bar and Knox’s favorite in all of Japan

6 min lecture June 15, 2023 The entrance to Joker in Kyoto.

My first bar review will probably start with my beloved bar, Joker, in the Land of the Rising Sun. I first encountered Joker during my first month living in the Land of the Rising Sun. With pouring rain and trains canceled, I was stranded alone in Kyoto at night. Instead of working out of a hastily booked Airbnb and Handle, I Googled "punk bars near me" and came across Joker.

According to emails from staff and owners, the space no longer seems to be considered a "punk bar," but you'd be forgiven if you weighed it for what it actually is. The basement bar is filled with a straightforward rock/punk aesthetic, eclectic decor, and sleazy British signage. I felt immediately at home in the space, and most Japanese and foreign patrons share this feeling. It's definitely my favorite bar.

First Impressions and Interior

Joker with a refreshing interior.

While most bars in the Land of the Rising Sun try to be visually colorful and beautiful, Joker is preparing a mythical piece to set itself apart in the region. Gion, Kyoto, is the largest restaurant-bar metropolis in the region, and is crowded with rivals all around. But if you know how to recite English, Joker will grab your attention. At the entrance, there is an inscription "Open me up" and a steep staircase leads to the bar.

Outside the bar, there is a landing and a friendly atmosphere. The brick wall is dotted with signs inscribed with "Bad sex than any other good work day", "Sour lemon is vetcherishly good!". Similar signs allocate the space, so you can understand that this is not an ambitious bar where arrogant followers drink. For a punk, meter and alternative person like me, the obscene language gives understanding for itself. As a rule, punk and pop-punk music is played at Joker, which I still love.

Daddle Wall Joker

Joker is spacious enough for a Japanese bar. There are a certain number of tables at the back, and space for 7-10 seats at the bar. A giant projector is set up on the back wall of the bar, often showing music clips, old anime, and famous action (such as the World Baseball Classic or the World Cup). The bar itself continues the eclectic theme, with beer taps made of saxophones for natural meaning, a neon sign with the bar's title, and walls covered in handwritten drawings and notes from staff and guests.

The Menu: Drinks, Food, Charges

Part of the food at Joker Bar. Slosty provided by J. P. M. on Yelp.

Joker is a normal Japanese bar for drinks. Here, almost any cocktails can be prepared, and the shots and beers are cheap. And the best thing is that the joker has no table charge or hourly wage!

Regardless of the bar, I always start with beer and move to cocktails. Joker tried many cocktails, including Mosco Muru, whiskey highball, and lamb crickets. I haven't been so enthusiastic and have never been disappointed. The most favorite Joker is Ron Rico. Furthermore, if you buy a shot for a group, it is always interesting how everyone will respond to it.

Citric acid menu of joker cocktail. Posted by: J. P. M. Yelp.

If the joker had a business drink, it would be a lemon sauce that advertised extensively in the menu or bar. However, the bartender himself did not impose me. While I was in the joker, I think I only drank lemon sauce once. There was nothing special, but I haven't tried a special lemon sour flavor. The lemon sour with ears looks pretty delicious.

The joker also has a small food menu. It's a basic bar food, but you can think of it as Japanese food. One day, I remember that someone was eating a stick sushi at the next bar. Generally, it's a finger food for alcohol, rather than waiting for a complete dinner.

In addition, the joker is a smoking bar, so you'll see bartenders and other customers igniting cigarettes at night. Certainly it smells of cigarette, so if you are interested, remember it before you visit.

The Vibes: Staff, Patrons, Atmosphere

Knox spent hours at the Joker Knight Bar with Australian friend Joker Joker and Coheuy. < SPAN> Joker is a normal Japanese bar for drinks. Here, almost any cocktails can be prepared, and the shots and beers are cheap. And the best thing is that the joker has no table charge or hourly wage!

Regardless of the bar, I always start with beer and move to cocktails. Joker tried many cocktails, including Mosco Muru, whiskey highball, and lamb crickets. I haven't been so enthusiastic and have never been disappointed. The most favorite Joker is Ron Rico. Furthermore, if you buy a shot for a group, it is always interesting how everyone will respond to it.

Citric acid menu of joker cocktail. Posted by: J. P. M. Yelp.

If the joker had a business drink, it would be a lemon sauce that advertised extensively in the menu or bar. However, the bartender himself did not impose me. While I was in the joker, I think I only drank lemon sauce once. There was nothing special, but I haven't tried a special lemon sour flavor. The lemon sour with ears looks pretty delicious.

The joker also has a small food menu. It's a basic bar food, but you can think of it as Japanese food. One day, I remember that someone was eating a stick sushi at the next bar. Generally, it's a finger food for alcohol, rather than waiting for a complete dinner.

Recommendation and Conclusion

In addition, the joker is a smoking bar, so you'll see bartenders and other customers igniting cigarettes at night. Certainly it smells of cigarette, so if you are interested, remember it before you visit.

Knox spent hours at the Joker Knight Bar with Australian friend Joker Joker and Coheuy. Joker is a normal Japanese bar for drinks. Here, almost any cocktails can be prepared, and the shots and beers are cheap. And the best thing is that the joker has no table charge or hourly wage!

Regardless of the bar, I always start with beer and move to cocktails. Joker tried many cocktails, including Mosco Muru, whiskey highball, and lamb crickets. I haven't been so enthusiastic and have never been disappointed. The most favorite Joker is Ron Rico. Furthermore, if you buy a shot for a group, it is always interesting how everyone will respond to it.