Hachimonjiya (八文字屋) looks like an old atelier operated by Kyoto-born award-winning photographer Fusayoshi Kai / the bar’s owner. Hachimonjiya’s concept is “ヤポネシアン・カフェ・バー (Japonesian Cafe Bar)” where it is supposed to be a place for those who seek “創造的無秩序 (“creative disorder” translated by Google)” according to Hachimonjiya’s website.
Hachimonjiya has a similar vibe as the controversial Yoshida Dormitory of Kyoto University (Stanford University of Japan, sort of) thanks to portraits of Yoshida Dormitory’s residents / Kyoto University students covering the bar’s wall. So yes, Hachimonjiya is a unique dive bar.
Inside Hachimonjiya.
The portraits of Yoshida Dormitory’s residents / Kyoto University students.
An explanation about Yoshida Dormitory in a bathroom.
While my friend and I were waiting for drinks, a pair of seemingly foreign-born scholars were arguing about the semantics of the legal status of what it takes to be a Japanese citizen in perfect Japanese, which ironically sounded unrealistic. It sounded as queer as a conversation that could take place at a gay bear bar: If Joey Fatone from NSYNC could pass off as a bear, could Justin Timberlake do that? If so, could Justin Bieber also…
Then a glass full of neat sake was delivered to my friend who had frankly asked for a sweet cocktail hoping to get a Japanese umeshu plum wine or anything like a pina colada. My friend sipped and appreciated the generosity of Hachimonjiya’s service. 1500-2000 yen ($11) would cover 2 drinks.
At the 3F of Kiyamachi Okamoto Building (木屋町岡本ビル) is Hachimonjiya (八文字屋).
Hachimonjiya (八文字屋) | Kiyamachi Okamoto Building 3F, 209-3 Nabeyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 〒604-8015, Japan
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