Kyoto Century Hotel in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto will host a special event, the "Whisky and Jazz Blending Party," at its second-floor main bar, Essex, for two nights only: Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20, 2026. The theme is "authentic bar x whisky x jazz," offering a new style of bar experience while keeping the weighty atmosphere of the hotel's lobby and Essex intact. The event is open to a wide range of guests, from regular patrons to hotel guests and first-time visitors to Essex, and offers a chance to casually explore the depth of whisky in a setting far from the everyday.
Two Nostalgic Spaces Wrapped in Jazz: An Open Main Venue and a Satellite Venue for Savoring the Evening
The event offers two venues filled with jazz music, so guests can spend the evening in the style they prefer.
1. Main Venue: Lobby (Library Lounge)
In the lobby, home to the hotel's symbol, "Kanjin no Kyo Akari," an exhibition and tasting booth brings together five whisky makers from Japan and abroad. The lineup of about 20 whiskies ranges from standard brands to bottled whiskies not normally served at Essex.
2. Satellite Venue: Main Bar "Essex"
Main bar Essex serves as the space where guests can take their time enjoying the bottled whiskies they selected at the main venue. Bottles can also be kept, so guests can continue to savor the whisky's potential in the refined setting of an authentic bar after the event, for an elegant evening meant for adults.
Whisky and Jazz Blending Party Overview
- Dates: Thursday, November 19 and Friday, November 20, 2026
- Hours:
- Main Venue, Lobby (Library Lounge): 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Satellite Venue, Main Bar "Essex": 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM
- Prices:
- Tasting: ¥1,000 per type (10 ml; serving size varies by product)
- Bottle keep: from ¥25,000 per bottle
- Venue: Kyoto Century Hotel, 2F Lobby and Main Bar "Essex"
Listed prices include a 15% service charge and consumption tax. Menu items may change depending on availability. Business hours are subject to change without notice; please check the official website for details. All photos are for illustrative purposes only.
Main Bar "Essex"
Essex is a calm, weighty space that reinterprets a dignified, authentic bar style in a modern way. Guests can enjoy a slow pace and an adult evening over drinks, with a wide selection of whiskies produced around the world served in a variety of styles, including half-rock and twice-up.
- Hours:
- Through Thursday, November 12:
- Weekdays: 5:30 PM to 12:00 AM (last order 11:30 PM)
- Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays: 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM (last order 11:30 PM)
- Friday, November 13 to Sunday, November 29: 2:00 PM to 12:00 AM (last order 11:30 PM)
- From Monday, November 30: every day, 5:30 PM to 12:00 AM (last order 11:30 PM)
- Through Thursday, November 12:
- Seats: 52
- Website: https://www.keihanhotels-resorts.co.jp/kyoto-centuryhotel/bar/
Kyoto Century Hotel
The hotel's predecessor, the "Kyoto Station Hotel," opened in 1928 as one of the celebrations for the Emperor's enthronement ceremony. Centered on the hotel's symbol, "Kanjin no Kyo Akari," its nostalgic, modern space has won numerous design awards. In April 2021, the hotel adopted a new concept, "Nostalgic Journey," and continues to welcome guests with services suited to the needs of the times while carrying on its long history and spirit of hospitality.
- Address: 680 Higashishiokoji-cho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto 600-8216
- Access: About a 2-minute walk east from JR Kyoto Station
- Website: https://www.keihanhotels-resorts.co.jp/kyoto-centuryhotel/
