House of KI NO BI — Restaurant in Kyoto

A Sublime Encounter with Japanese Elegance: KI NO BI Gin and The Kyoto House

Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, where tradition and innovation gracefully intertwine, KI NO BI is more than just a gin—it is a poetic expression of Japan’s soul. From the moment you approach their historic machiya-style distillery, you’re transported into a world where craftsmanship reigns supreme and every detail whispers of dedication.

The house itself is breathtaking. A lovingly restored building steeped in heritage, it blends the quiet minimalism of Kyoto architecture with the subtle fragrance of botanicals that permeate the air. Whether you’re here for a tasting, a tour, or a deep dive into the world of gin-making, the hospitality is nothing short of impeccable—graceful, warm, and deeply knowledgeable.

As for the gin? KI NO BI (meaning “The Beauty of the Seasons”) is a masterpiece. Distilled using regional botanicals like yuzu, sanshō pepper, and gyokuro tea, it delivers a delicate, layered complexity that evolves with every sip. The juniper is present but never overpowering; instead, you’re taken on a seasonal journey through Kyoto’s terroir, with each botanical adding a precise brushstroke to the canvas.

Smooth, fragrant, and endlessly elegant, KI NO BI is not just a gin—it is Kyoto...

Just a short bus ride away from Kyoto Station, this is a 100% must go to destination for gin lovers!!

The building is divided up into two floors. The first floor consists of a gift shop and the bar. The gift shop has various gins, books, and other Ki No Bi products. The bar is large and bright. The bartenders here explain all the amazing gin cocktails on the menu and if you are not confident in your Japanese language skills, it’s okay! Most of the bartenders are bilingual (JPN/ENG).

The second floor has a large room and a smaller room towards the back. The large room has visuals explaining the distilling process and the history of gin. There are also various spray bottles in the middle of the room. They contain scents of all the ingredients used in Ki No Bi Gin. The smaller room is used for...

I am a big wine and liquer fan and had a memorable experience with Ki No Be in New York, so I was excited to find this place in Kyoto. But, other than standard simple description of each jin, they gave minimal explanation about the house, difference with other house's gin and many questions I had. Most bartenders give more info. But it wasn't just about the lack of knowledge and the two male employees had a terrible attitude. They couldn't care less that I had tried it in US, was very dismissive of my questions, and sometimes just ignored us. The young gaijin bartender was the worst and ignored us the whole time until I asked for a check, and he said with an annoyed...