Masamasa (雅々)

Masamasa (雅々) is a small gay bar at 225 Sendocho on Nishi-Kiyamachi, just south of Shijo and a few minutes' walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station. It sits among the narrow bars along the Takase Canal. Expect the classic Kyoto set-up: a counter, karaoke and a host who keeps regulars and newcomers talking. It stays open late, but small Kyoto bars keep irregular schedules, so check the bar's site (sites.google.com/view/kyoto-masamasa) before going. A table charge is normal in this kind of bar. It has only three Google reviews, so there is little outside feedback to go on.