THE SAILING BAR
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
- Daifuku Station · 12 min walk (Kintetsu Osaka Line)
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Best time to go
- Evenings after sunset, when the fifth-floor counter windows overlook night views across the Nara Basin.
About
Located in Sakurai, THE SAILING BAR is a world-class cocktail destination helmed by award-winning mixologist Kenji Watanabe. Far from a standard local pub, this sophisticated lounge is famous for its bespoke drinks crafted from seasonal Japanese fruits and premium spirits. Expect a quiet, elegant atmosphere with impeccable hospitality where the bartender tailors each drink to your personal taste.
What Japanese guides note
A common misunderstanding among travelers is that the venue remains strictly members-only, though the fifth-floor counter has welcomed non-members since July 2017. Japanese visitors frequently travel to Sakurai specifically for this bar, often reserving four- to eight-course dinners ahead of time. Because the walking route from Daifuku Station is unlit at night, arriving by taxi from Sakurai Station is standard practice.
Details from local sources
- Formerly an exclusive members-only establishment, the bar opened its fifth-floor 24-seat counter to the general public on July 14, 2017. [source]
- The fourth-floor salon space is furnished with black leather sofas from Italian brand Mascheroni and is restricted to Sailing Gold Card holders. [source]
- Established in landlocked Nara in 1994, the venue was named to evoke a sailing voyage where guests become intoxicated by spirits, music, and atmosphere. [source]
- In addition to cocktails, the establishment offers multi-course dinner menus prepared in conjunction with its sister Italian restaurant, Pesce Rosso in Osaka. [source]
Insider Tip
Sit at the counter to watch the master mixologist at work, and ask for a custom creation based on your favorite flavor profile.
Frequently asked
Do I need a membership or reservation to enter THE SAILING BAR?
No membership is required to sit at the main 24-seat counter on the fifth floor, which opened to the public in 2017. However, the fourth-floor private salon remains restricted to gold-card members. Advance reservations are accepted by phone and are recommended when planning dinner courses.
What is the recommended transit route to reach the bar?
While Daifuku Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line is the closest walking station at roughly twelve minutes, the venue specifically cautions that the route lacks sufficient streetlights. The bar recommends arriving via Kintetsu Sakurai Station and taking a short taxi ride, which typically registers about one basic meter fare.
Can you eat a full dinner at THE SAILING BAR?
Yes. Through an ongoing partnership with its sister Italian restaurant Pesce Rosso in Osaka, the bar serves complete culinary meals alongside drinks. Guests can order seasonal Italian plates or multi-course meals featuring four, six, or eight dishes, such as seared Japanese black beef zabuton or local Nara turnip with foie gras.
Our Nara walking tours
Photos
