Towerland Rooftop Bar & BBQ

Towerland Rooftop Bar and BBQ occupies the roof of the Kyoto Tower Building, at the tenth-floor level beneath the tower itself and directly opposite JR Kyoto Station. It is an open-air terrace where groups gather around barbecue grills, and it is one of the easiest places in the city for a relaxed drink outdoors, with views over the surrounding streets and the station.

Barbecue is the main event. According to Keihan's local magazine, which reviewed the renewed spring 2026 menu, there are three barbecue sets, including a samgyeopsal pork belly set, a set called Iso BBQ created with an outside restaurant group and a Towerland set, all with unlimited salad and grilled vegetables. At lunch there is also a plan that lets you bring your own ingredients and use the grills, with plates, salt and pepper provided. A la carte dishes are available for those who just want a snack with their drinks.

For drinks, the bar serves beer and other alcoholic drinks, and there are free-flow drinks plans of 120 minutes for both alcohol and soft drinks, a popular format in Japan for groups and celebrations. Prices are moderate, and courses carry a small surcharge from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays.

The terrace opens from 11:30, with last orders for drinks at 22:30 and for food at 21:00, and barbecue served at lunch and in the evening. Reservations are recommended, especially for groups and on weekend evenings, and the restaurant takes bookings by phone from 11:00 to 20:00. Because it is outdoors, it is at its best on warm, dry evenings from late spring to early autumn, so check the weather and the venue's notices before going. It suits groups of friends, families at lunchtime and anyone with time to fill before an evening train.

The Kyoto Tower Building is immediately north of JR Kyoto Station's central exit and about five minutes on foot from Kintetsu Kyoto Station. The Kyoto Tower observation deck is in the same building, so you can combine the view from 100 metres with a drink on the roof below, and the Kyoto Tower Sando food and shopping floors are downstairs. Higashi Hongan-ji is a short walk to the north.