Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Cocktail Bars

Bee's Knees

Kyoto, Japan

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST COCKTAIL BARS WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 25 2026
Bee's Knees

A hidden speakeasy behind a yellow bookstore door in Kyoto's Kiyamachi district, serving creative cocktails. Drinks come with theatrical presentations, such as the smoking Ninja Smash, in a dim interior, though waits are long and service varies.

Highlights

  • Ninja Smash cocktail
  • Killer Bee truffle cocktail
  • Dim speakeasy interior

Good to know

  • No reservations, app-based virtual queue
  • Two-hour limit per table
  • Arrive early, queues form before opening

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