Japan’s cocktail scene is bursting at the seams. The latest? Six Senses Kyoto has appointed Olivia Lee as Bar Manager for Nine Tails, the resort’s signature speakeasy cocktail bar inspired by the nine-tailed fox, one of the most powerful mythical foxes of Japanese folklore.
Lee’s appointment coincides with a new menu, concept and guest experiences that blend Kyoto’s famed history, tradition and culture with Six Senses’ wellness principles.
About Olivia Lee
Lee brings nearly a decade of experience across Singapore and Japan. Beginning Colony (The Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore), she honed a foundation in guest engagement, service and luxury hospitality. Her rising interest in beverages led her to Republic Bar, the hotel’s famed cocktail destination, where she gained insights into world-class bar management and creativity. During her tenure, Republic Bar was recognized as one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars and among The World’s 50 Best Bars.
“Nine Tails is a reflection of Kyoto itself, where centuries of craftsmanship, culture, and natural beauty exist alongside a spirit of creativity and innovation…As hospitality continues to evolve toward more conscious and meaningful experiences, I see Nine Tails as more than a cocktail bar; it is a place where guests and the local community can connect through exceptional hospitality, thoughtful storytelling, and a deep sense of place. We hope to continue to establish Nine Tails as an internationally-recognized destination for cocktail enthusiasts while celebrating the traditions, artistry, and energy that make Kyoto so extraordinary. ”
— Olivia Lee, Bar Manager, Nine Tails
Nine Tails New Menu at Six Senses Kyoto
As Kyoto’s thriving bar scene continues to grow, Lee seeks to shape Nine Tails into an elevated yet approachable destination, where sustainability, technique and exciting flavors meet the city’s iconic ancestral lore.
The bar boasts a collection of more than 100 exclusively Japanese and Japan-made spirits and liqueurs. Its new menu takes guests on a playful journey through the senses, capturing the emotions, landscapes and moments of discovery woven throughout Kyoto’s history. Highlights include the Roasted Leaf, a Japanese take on an Old Fashioned, featuring Chita Single Grain Whiskey infused with smoky Kyoto bancha and hojicha tea; and Shiso Breeze, a refreshing gin and tonic built around Kyo Wakan Dry Forest Gin, a Kyoto wellness gin crafted with 24 Asian medicinal botanicals. Tea flavors are prevalent throughout the menu, in addition to other local touchstones such as yuzu, Japanese herbs, and seasonal fruits.
Nine Tails Food
The narrative extends to the food menu, now updated to further complement the cocktail and mocktail experience. New dishes include the sea urchin & tuna sushi roll, Japanese beef sirloin katsu bites, and Kyoto cage-free egg caramel pudding, melding classics with emblematic flavors that tempt guests to linger long beyond a beverage.
Nine Tails Philosophy
True to Six Senses Kyoto’s philosophy, Nine Tails values seasonality and local sourcing, offering fresh ingredients like house made cola and ginger ale in addition to a selection of expertly-crafted mocktails. Guests can also take on hands-on mixology and Japanese whiskey workshops, taking guests through the cocktail creation process and a tasting experience with Japan’s distinctive whiskies. Across regional flavor profiles, proper techniques and expert curation, guests will gain a deeper appreciation for the unique spirit. Nine Tails welcomes visitors to immerse in the magic and modernity of Japan.
The bar’s other latest enhancements include hands-on culinary workshops, expanded wellness offerings, celestial-inspired Full Moon gatherings and more.
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