Apple

By food I mean, the Asahi beers I had. That was the most fun Ive had in ages. The small bar was full and everyone was participating in karaoke. Yuji, the owner, seemed so be having so much fun. Truly an unforgettable night. Just remember to bring cash!

A quiet friendly bar for men. The owner goes out of his way to make you feel welcome and is very eager to tell you about the sights around Kyoto. The highlight of the night, though, was when he showed me the proper way to hold and accept sake for the first pour. Thank you very much for being so welcoming and kind!

We went there around 9.30pm. The staff were super friendly and the owner spoke fluent in English. The bar can catering about 18 to 20 people maximum. We glad we arrived early as we saw the owner has turned people away due to maximum capacity has reached. The vibe was great. We met an Irish and Spanish couples while we were there. If you travel alone or would like to meet other gays, it's definitely the place to be.

Apple is disappointing. 2 minutes in and out. The filthy third floor stairwell was a tell. Tiny bar seats 12. 1700¥ each for first drink including the “seating charge” and second drink (and thereafter) 700-900¥. A complicated pitch and Cash Only . When we questioned the complexity and the seating charge the Owner asked “have you ever been to a Japanese gay bar?”. Actually. Yes (Tokyo and Osaka) When we stood to leave he said “this is the system in all gay bars” (mmm yeah except in Tokyo and Osaka). He was visibly unhappy with our decision to leave. Gay bars while travelling are great for meeting people, crowd watching, chatting, drinking, music, atmosphere. Being around likeminded people from all over. While the seating charge was small and the drink prices fair, Apple provided no atmosphere, no music, no crowd. A cramped space and a customer approach that was unwelcoming and simply dishonest. Nothing that a seating charge would warrant paying for. While always unnerving we were content to walk out on this one. Take a look if it ticks a box but there’s nothing I’d recommend about Apple.

I went alone and sat at the bar (the best place to sit in this venue). The owner, Yuji, welcomed me in English with a smile on his face and the characteristic kindness of Japanese people. Just two minutes later, I was already chatting with the couple sitting next to me. Highly, highly recommended place. 10/10