The Sailing Bar Nara

The Sailing Bar sits in Kibi, Sakurai, a ten-minute walk from the Kibi Shrine. The room runs smart and elegant, leaning into a fusion of Japanese seafood. It holds the no. 84 spot on the list of Asia's 50 Best Bars.

The venue is a twenty-minute walk from the Omiwa Shrine, a distance that keeps it away from the primary tourist thoroughfares. While many in the area lean into traditional teahouses, the bar focuses on a global cocktail profile that makes the trek worthwhile for those tired of local standards. It is a more intentional choice than the casual spots near the main train line, providing a quiet space that feels disconnected from the bustle of the nearby religious sites.