‘FUL,’ which opened on July 12, 2024 in Kyoto’s Kiyamachi district, offers a unique experience. Here, you can enjoy natural wines and creatively crafted cocktails while immersing yourself in music that flows through a forest-like setting.
The idea behind the name FUL is embodying the essence of being ‘Mindful’ and ‘Peaceful.’ The interior of the bar resembles a fictional forest akin to a grove surrounding a shrine, creating an immersive and tranquil space.
Drawing inspiration from North African and Moroccan architecture, the space incorporates natural materials such as earth, iron, wood, and stone. It is adorned with rare plants collected from around the world, and a massive tree structure made from reclaimed wood stands at the center, exuding a watchful presence over the bar.
The bar is thoughtfully decorated with vintage furniture that creates a warm, rustic atmosphere. The space is divided into three distinct areas: a sofa lounge with striking curved lines that spans the entire floor (including some semi-private seating), a counter bar with high chairs for standing drinks, and a dining area with table seating for relaxed meals in the evening.
Ten state-of-the-art speakers from the renowned U.S. company 1 SOUND are mounted in the ceiling, making the music feel as if it’s cascading down from the forest canopy. The acoustics are masterfully engineered to deliver rich, immersive sound that fills the room while never overpowering conversations.
The mood is set with a soothing blend of chill-out, ambient, acoustic, electronica, post-rock, jazz, contemporary, and ethnic music, occasionally interspersed with natural sounds like bird songs and noises of the forest.
The drink menu features around 120 carefully curated natural wines from around the world. You can also enjoy original cocktails crafted by Mr. Saito from the ‘Liquid Factory’ bar in Okushibu, previously highlighted by ZEROMILE. These beverages are themed around ‘aroma’ and include unique creations like the ‘COLORFUL ¥1,800,’ a tequila infused cocktail with saffron from Saga Prefecture, yuzu, and Pinot Noir, and the ‘GRACEFUL ¥2,000,’ a coffee cocktail made with sweet potato shochu and flavored with puerh tea. These innovative cocktails, blending Japanese spirits with seasonal ingredients, are sure to intrigue even just from their descriptions.
The food menu offers a diverse selection, ranging from inventive bar snacks that give a modern twist to Japanese street food to hearty meals that will leave you fully satisfied.
With a sensory experience in a sound forest, FUL is poised to become a revitalizing sanctuary that helps visitors escape daily stress and find much needed peace and relaxation.
FUL
Address: 67-3 Daikoku-cho, Kawaramachi-dori, Sanjo-sagaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Forum Nishikiyamachi 1F
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 17:00–24:00 (Food until 23:00, Drinks until 23:30 L.O.)
Closed: Monday
Seating: 78 seats (Bar: 22 seats, Dining: 28 seats, Lounge: 28 seats)
Official Website: http://ful-kyoto.com
Instagram: @ful_kyoto
