The name Kisui (器酔) could be translated as “vessel intoxication”. You see, what’s intoxicating about this bar is not just the booze. Every drink here is served in a beautifully decorated earthenware cup, hand-made and hand-painted by the bar-keeper Setsuko’s own fair hand. These are kyouyaki; traditional Kyoto ceramics, and in addition to the cups there are other wares on display that you can buy if you take a fancy to them. And in addition to the handicrafts, and the flowing beer, there is also Setsuko’s friendly smile and happy conversation. Who could resist?

Tel: 075-561-4746
18:00 ~ 24:00
Closed on Sundays.

To find Kisui, go south on Kawabata from Shijo, Kisui is on the corner of the next road you come to on your left. (Setsuko’s brother also runs an izakaya style restaurant on the second floor that I haven’t been to but Setsuko-san says that the turtle-soup is very very good indeed.) Here is a map.　And here are a few more pictures for you. Click through to flickr for a closer look.