V ZONE

V ZONE is a small men-only gay bar tucked into the second floor of the Ito Building on Nabeyacho, directly below Azure in the heart of Kyoto's Kiyamachi bar cluster. Running since 1992 (and re-established in Kyoto in 2017), it is one of the longer-lived gay bars in the city, favouring a relaxed, conversational atmosphere over loud nightlife. Like many Kyoto gay bars it keeps a discreet, locals-first door policy, so a little Japanese and the usual counter-bar etiquette go a long way. Expect an intimate room, a friendly mama-san style host and a regular crowd of Kyoto gay men.