Mead's Guide Vol. 6 “UFO” in Kyoto

A project introducing shops where you can enjoy mead wonderfully.
"How to Walk Through Mead"

Just like a guidebook you rely on when traveling through unfamiliar lands, we hope to make this project one that conveys ways to enjoy this lesser-known alcoholic beverage. We want to introduce not only how to enjoy mead, but also the wonderful qualities of these shops and some lovely pairing examples.

Today, we’re visiting "UFO" in Kyoto, located on Gokomachi Street.

The streets running north-to-south from Karasuma to Kawaramachi each have their own distinct character. Gokomachi Street is the one closest to Kawaramachi, coming after the arcaded shopping streets of Shinkyogoku and Teramachi.

In contrast to the bustling Shinkyogoku and Teramachi, this street is wrapped in a quietness that feels uniquely local. "UFO" sets up shop on Gokomachi Street, a place that feels like it’s saying, "Welcome to the entrance of the real Kyoto."

@ufo_kyoto

1. Access
A 6-minute walk from Exit 9 of Hankyu Kawaramachi Station. You’ll see the letters "UFO" glowing on the sign.

In the same building, there is also the famous craft beer spot "Hanjika," as well as "dooop," a stew and music bar run by the same group as UFO. It’s great to be able to enjoy different places all in one building.


2. History
UFO opened in July 2023. Our partnership began because the owner happened to be a fan of ANTELOPE mead, and we both felt a connection to the fact that we have a mead with a UFO design.

"Going to a 'bar' can feel intimidating. We want to be a place that serves as an entry point for people who want to try out a 'bar' for the first time. However, we’ve made sure the selection is something that both beginners and connoisseurs can truly enjoy," says Shido-san, the shop manager.

With warm-toned lighting and staff members greeting you with friendly smiles, the space feels a bit nervous at first, but it gradually adopts a warmth that makes it feel like your own special spot.


3. Food & Drink
The highlight of the food menu is definitely the ice cream. It goes without saying that it’s delicious, but the combinations are what make it interesting. Cream cheese and Japanese pepper (sansho), apple and cinnamon, brown sugar and banana—everything on the menu makes you want to try it. These combinations would surely go perfectly with mead, right?

It seems manager Shido-san creates the recipes herself, and what I sensed from her was a true spirit of enjoyment.

"I wonder if this and that go together? Let's try it!"

Starting from that innocent curiosity, a lot of trial and error went into creating the ice cream that is at the heart of UFO. While they have classics, the lineup changes little by little according to the season. It makes you look forward to your next visit.

In addition to ANTELOPE mead, the drink lineup includes HOLON craft gin, natural wine, and the original "UFO Coffee Booze" cocktail. The "UFO Coffee Booze" is made by soaking coffee beans in brown sugar shochu to infuse them with aroma.

They seem to attract a wide range of customers, including high school students and those who aren't great with alcohol, so their non-alcoholic menu is also quite extensive. I’m planning to try the homemade lemon ginger ale next time.

4. How to “Walk”

└The recommended pairing with ANTELOPE’s classic mead "The Last Supper" is the "White Miso and White Sesame Ice Cream." Just remembering it makes my mouth water. Drool.

Speaking of Kyoto, there’s white miso ozoni (soup). That rich sweetness and flavor of the white miso remains distinct here, something anyone from Kyoto would truly appreciate. When combined with the lightness of the white sesame and the crunchy burdock chips, you could eat it forever.

And here is where the pairing gets interesting. "The Last Supper," which is already quite tart, asserts its acidity even more strongly! Because of that, you find yourself reaching back for the sweet ice cream in an endless loop.

The other item they served me was the recommended pairing with ANTELOPE’s classic mead "This is it"—the "Chocolate and Cardamom Ice Cream."

I’m usually not a fan of chocolate ice cream or cookies, but this was different. Sure, the chocolate was present, but the refreshing, spicy kick of the cardamom gave it a more sophisticated flavor. The sweet chocolate topping also kept it from getting boring.

Refreshing then sweet, sweet then refreshing. The ice cream alone is delightful, but when you pair it with "This is it," which is relatively sweet among ANTELOPE’s offerings...
The sweetness of "This is it" turns into a subtle hint of sweetness, not overpowering the ice cream, but actually stimulating your appetite further.

"You must be full, right? It’s okay to leave some," they said. But it was so delicious, leaving any behind didn't even cross my mind.


5. Open
・Hours: 19:00-00:00
・Closed: Irregular holidays

Check the shop's Instagram for detailed business hours.


With the best food, drinks, and atmosphere, UFO makes you feel truly special. But among everything, what shone the brightest were Shido-san and the rest of the UFO staff.

"I love this mead!"
"Oh, but that one was delicious too!"
"I've been telling my friends about it!"

They shared their love for mead like this. Beyond that, their coordination before opening was impressive—everyone knew their role, protected their station, and helped each other out. It was a perfect display of teamwork, and it made me want to work with them.

Everyone working at UFO truly loves mead; they not only try new meads when they arrive, but they taste them together before putting them on the menu so they can describe the flavors in their own words.

That fact makes me happy. I would be so glad if the number of people who love mead like they do continues to grow, even if just a little at a time. Thank you so much to the entire UFO team.

I hope this has helped convey a little bit about how to "walk" through the world of mead. Wonder which shop I should walk to next.