Kyoto

<p>Flowing whiskey and conversations over smooth jazz- like a scene right out of an 80's Murakami novel   </p>

Flowing whiskey and conversations over smooth jazz- like a scene right out of an 80's Murakami novel (Photo: Connie Ng)

Kyoto

Jazz Spot Yamatoya

Late nights, smoke and whiskey over smooth jazz

Connie Ng Oct 01, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Flowing whiskey and conversations over smooth jazz- like a scene right out of an 80's Murakami novel   </p>

<p>Julie London's Cry Me A River was my request for the night </p>

<p>Good shot of caffeine for the long commute home </p>

<p>The signage can be easy to miss, the entrance is tucked behind an alley off the main street</p>

<p>The neon signage on the main street before reaching the entrance</p>

<p>Extensive selves of records</p>

<p>Gold tinted Japanese artwork illuminating the back room</p>

Like a page out of a Murakami novel, Kyoto’s Jazz Spot Yamatoya serves up late nights, smoke and whiskey over smooth jazz. With Victorian wallpaper and dark wood furniture, the atmosphere is light-years away from the lanterns, world heritage shrines and temples of this ancient capital. Reopened in 2013, this venue’s history dates back two decades and counting. Open from noon to midnight, this local jazz spot is a few blocks from Heian Shrine and the museum mile, an area mostly deserted by tourists before dusk. Unlike the jazz cafes you find along Pontocho tailored for foreign travelers, drinks are very reasonably priced here.

Connie Ng

Connie Ng @connie.ng

"Not all those who wander are lost" ... well in Japan, I get lost just about everywhere.