Kiha (Train Bar)

All aboard — it’s time to drink! While you might catch a local sipping a can on their commute, you can really let loose at this one-of-a-kind izakaya, where free-flowing drinks meet the nostalgic charm of Japanese trains.

What’s Kiha?

Having opened in 2006, this charming bar has stood the test of time. A little like a mini museum, the two-floor train-themed bar is packed with unique railway memorabilia — from retro ekiben (train bentos) to photos of classic trains and hundreds of quirky trinkets. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the friendly “conductor”, who’s happy to chat (in Japanese).

Instead of ordering individual drinks, guests pay for a set amount of time and enjoy a nomihōdai (all-you-can-drink) service. Every customer pays a standard “departure fee” of ¥500. To make things simple, it’s easiest to choose one of the set fare options. For example, 10 minutes costs ¥1,000, with options going all the way up to 5 hours for ¥6,500.

For food, you can purchase one of the many canned foods — yes, you heard that right — and eat it as you drink. These start from around ¥400. If you want to properly line your stomach, there’s some hot snack foods including croquettes, hamkatsu (breaded ham cutlet), and pizza bread. Our personal favorite is the kimchi pork stir-fry. Prices for these start at around ¥500.

As well as its fun concept and friendly service, the bar’s biggest highlight is its second-floor room, which replicates the inside of a Japanese train. You can sit or stand while holding the rails, and even dress up as a conductor (complete with the blazer and hat).

To top it off, there’s a karaoke machine and a TV where you can watch movies about Japan’s most famous trains. You know the bar is retro when there’s a DVD player and a stack of train-related disks to choose from.

This bar definitely has a down-to-earth feel — it literally looks like a train enthusiast’s home. This is what makes the experience so wholesome and a must-visit.

What to know before you visit Kiha

Do you need reservations for Kiha?

You don’t need a reservation; however, keep in mind that the bar is quite small. Also, the train-themed room upstairs is often booked for private events, so you’ll likely need to stay in the standing area downstairs.

by Jane Pipkin