jazz spot YAMATOYA — Restaurant in Kyoto

We went to this jazz joint on a Tuesday at around 5 PM; it was relatively slow. An elderly couple was running the place, and they were great hosts. The place is insanely stylish and has a ton of personality. It boasts approximately 5,000 vinyl records, an amazing sound system, and great music. The drinks were perfect; it being summer, we had a Ki No Bi (Japanese gin made in Kyoto) tonic, which was one of the best long drinks we'd had in a while. This place is for listening to jazz, for jazz lovers. You can have conversations, but it's probably not suitable for larger groups. I don't recommend more than three or four people because you can't really talk over the music. Also, the vinyl records are handled by the staff/owners; it's not a jukebox-type setup. I've seen some reviews with people complaining that they couldn't look at or handle the vinyl records. I thought it was pretty much a given, but apparently, there are some entitled individuals out there. Also, it’s cash...

I found myself outside by complete accident riding my bike across town.....recognizing the sign from a post online about jazz bars in Kyoto. I walked in and was the only customer.....a nice red bar very clean and wonderful sound system....two Gerarrd turntables feeding a Macintosh amplifier driving two giant Klipshorn speakers. A massive wall of LP's....wow. The owner greeted me with kindness and then after asking my about jazz and who I liked, went over and pulled out a Clifford Brown album from the wall....perfection. A lovely spot with tons of whisky and scotch and bourbon.....all for reasonable...

Personally, I’d give it 5 points for atmosphere but it isn’t perfect for everyone. That’s because this is the kind of place meant much more for listening to the music than chatting with people. If you are going to be social, this won’t be the best place. If you are going to enjoy music and drinks peacefully, Yamatoya will be ideal.

Big bonus points for playing the music at a reasonable decibel level. I’ve been to a few jazz bars where they think blasting the music so loudly that you can’t hear an earthquake is good. Yamatoya is not that kind of place. You won’t leave with a headache,...