There is a reggae bar on Kiyamachi; a pleasant space for booze and chattage, with a wonderful view over the Kamogawa, called Pagode. I have been meaning (but not quite getting around) to reviewing it for a while now, but yesterday I got a message from the proprieter, Luka, that Pagode is closing down this Saturday. There are many bars on Kiyamachi competing for an ever-dwindling trade and the rents are just too high… Apparently Luka plans to open a new place up in the mountains (a suitably hippy-type thing for him to do). Anyway, if you want to check the bar out while it still exists in it’s Kiyamachi incarnation be sure to get down there and say hi to mystic Luka before next Saturday (November 10th) (that being the last night). On Friday (November 9th) Pagode will be hosting it’s final live music show: African dance, music and song from ぺせぺせ (Pesepese). The performance should start around 8 o’clock. Check it out!
Here’s a scary picture of mystic Luka (Kyoto’s very own answer to Alan Quatermain). 
To find Pagode first check out this map: MAP! As you can see it lies on Kiyamachi between Rokkaku and Takoyakushi Streets, on the 10th floor of the Royal Building (the same building as the better known “Rock Bar Ing”). You should recognise the area because of all the hostess and “kyabakura” girls hovering around and of course the dodgy-looking guys in dodgy-looking suits. It’s what you might call “Deep Kiyamachi”. Good hunting!
Oh and just as soon as Luka settles into (or onto) his new location I’ll put a fresh review up here…
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