Best Things To Do In Kyoto At Night
Kyoto, a city woven with tradition and history, is home to countless tourist attractions where I've personally experienced various aspects of Japanese culture on multiple visits.
What many don't realize is that Kyoto has numerous spots to enjoy after dark. I feel it would be a shame for visitors to leave without discovering the city's enchanting nighttime attractions, sophisticated bars, and traditional izakayas, as Kyoto's nightlife is incredibly captivating. This inspired me to create a guide to Kyoto after dark.
Another reason for creating this guide is the growing number of people who want to experience Kyoto on a deeper level. In fact, night tours offered by Magical Trip, such as the "Kyoto Night Foodie Tour" (ranked #6 among all tours on TripAdvisor in 2024) and the "Kyoto Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour in Pontocho," are attracting more attention than ever before.
In this guide, I'll introduce not only the best spots to enjoy Kyoto at night but also tours led by local guides who can help you discover the city's hidden depths.
Now, let's begin exploring the amazing nighttime spots Kyoto has to offer!
Introduction
Kyoto is a popular city that attracts many tourists, both domestic and international, with its elegant atmosphere. It has many tourist spots that exude a distinctly Japanese feel, and its traditional shrines, temples, and streetscapes captivate many people.
While Kyoto is bustling with tourists during the day, it shows a different face at night. In contrast to the daytime hustle and bustle, many places allow you to enjoy Kyoto's beauty, traditions, and rich culture in the quiet of the night. For those wondering about what to do at night in Kyoto, there are plenty of options to explore.
Kyoto is also known as a city of fine dining. It ranks third in the world for the number of Michelin-listed restaurants. In addition to high-end establishments featured in the Michelin Guide, there are places to enjoy sake and a wide variety of reasonably priced izakayas.
In this article, we'll introduce ways to enjoy Kyoto at night even more, categorized by food, night views, traditional culture, and more.
If your are looking for Comprehensive Kyoto Guide, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy different areas of Kyoto as much as possible.
Kyoto is full of spots that can be enjoyed at night
Kyoto has many spots that can be enjoyed not only during the day but also at night. Even places where you can experience traditional culture have many spots where you can enjoy the unique charm of the night.
For example, shrines and temples visited at night are enveloped in silence, in contrast to the daytime bustle. They are designed to be enjoyed with fantastical illuminations and night views, offering a different atmosphere from the day. This is a prime example of what to do in Kyoto at night for those seeking a serene experience.
Another recommendation for Kyoto at night is to visit restaurants where you can savor fine cuisine. Of course, there are authentic Japanese restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, as well as many establishments that serve food in a uniquely Kyoto style or offer meals that can only be tasted in Kyoto.
As you can see, there are many attractive options for Kyoto what to do at night, including night views, illuminations, and food.
Enjoy Kyoto's cityscape! The Gion area is recommended for enjoying a typical Kyoto streetscape
The Gion area, where you can enjoy the typical Kyoto streetscape, is another place you should visit at night. Gion is a quaint neighborhood with traditional Kyoto townhouses (machiya) lining the streets, where you can enjoy the traditional Japanese beauty of stone-paved roads and latticed doors.
There are also many long-established ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants), so if you visit at night, you might see maiko (apprentice geisha) or geisha in traditional kimono.
Geisha and maiko are women who entertain guests with traditional songs and dances.
Hanamikoji Street
If you want to enjoy Kyoto's traditional streetscape, Hanamikoji Street in the Gion area is particularly recommended. This street is known as a place that strongly retains Kyoto's traditional beauty.
Along the stone-paved road, traditional Kyoto townhouses built in the traditional Japanese architectural style line up, exuding an old-fashioned charm. There are also shops with historic geisha and maiko, as well as long-established ryotei scattered about, allowing you to experience a uniquely Kyoto atmosphere that can only be found here.
At night, the entire street is enveloped in a gentle light. When there are few people around, it feels like you've traveled back in time. To experience the atmosphere and beauty unique to this historic hanamachi (geisha district), be sure to visit at night. This is a perfect example of what to do in Kyoto at night for those interested in traditional culture.
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Gion Festival (Summer only)
source：PR TIMES
In the Gion area, the Gion Festival is held every July. The Gion Festival is a major event symbolizing Kyoto's traditional culture, with various events taking place over a month, making it the most anticipated festival in Kyoto.
Many events and customs related to the Gion Festival are unique, so if you're interested in Japan, it's recommended to visit Kyoto in the summer.
Particularly popular is the grand Yamahoko parade. Yamahoko are large decorations mounted on a pedestal, standing over 20 meters tall. During the Gion Festival, these decorated floats parade through the town.
At night, when the lanterns on the streets and floats are lit, the parade becomes even more impressive, and the festival becomes even more lively. For those seeking Kyoto what to do at night during the festival season, this spectacle is not to be missed.
Since the Gion Festival season is hot, it's also recommended to enjoy the night festival called "Yoiyama," which is like a pre-parade evening festival. During this period, the area becomes a pedestrian paradise from the evening, with many street stalls allowing you to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Savor Kyoto's cuisine! 3 recommended areas to enjoy exquisite Kyoto cuisine and drinks
To enjoy Kyoto at night, it's recommended to visit areas where you can enjoy exquisite Kyoto cuisine and drinks.
However, it's important to note that restaurants in Kyoto tend to close earlier than in places like Tokyo. Also, because there are many tourists, it's a good idea to decide on the restaurant you want to visit in advance and make a reservation.
Pontocho Area
Pontocho is one of Kyoto's famous hanamachi (geisha districts) along the Kamogawa River. Hanamachi refers to a leisure district with cafes and restaurants. Dining on the terrace by the river in summer is one of Kyoto's traditional cultures, and there are many restaurants where you can enjoy this custom by the Kamogawa River. The two establishments introduced below also offer this option.
First, let me introduce "Kyonoizakaya Ponto." It's a Japanese-style pub known for its reasonably priced Kyoto-style dishes. While it has a casual atmosphere, it's a shop that has been loved in Kyoto for over 40 years. My recommendation is dishes unique to Kyoto, such as yuba (bean curd skin).
Next, I'd like to introduce "Pontocho Robin." Located in a quiet alley, this restaurant offers delicious Kyoto-style cuisine while overlooking the Kamogawa River. I personally love dining on their terrace when the weather is nice.
For those wondering about Kyoto what to do at night in terms of dining, these establishments offer a perfect blend of traditional atmosphere and delicious cuisine.
<Kyō no Izakaya Ponto Store Information>
Address: 232-13 Nabeya-cho, Ponto-cho, Shijo Agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Regular holiday: Irregular holidays
Phone Number: +81-75-221-1537
Business Hours: Monday to Friday & Sunday: 17:00 - 23:00; Saturday: 17:00 - 00:00
<Ponto-cho Robin Store Information>
Address: 137-4 Wakamatsu-cho, Ponto-cho Street, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Regular holiday: Some irregular holidays
Phone Number: +81-50-3628-2022
Business Hours:
Monday to Friday: 17:00 - 21:45 (Last Order: Food 20:45, Drinks 21:15)
Saturday: 16:30 - 22:00 (Last Order: Food 21:00, Drinks 21:30)
Sunday & Public Holidays: 16:30 - 21:45 (Last Order: Food 20:45, Drinks 21:15)
Store URL
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Fushimi Area
The Fushimi area is known for its high-quality water and is also known as Kyoto's representative sake-brewing district. There are many shops where you can enjoy delicious sake along with Kyoto cuisine. I particularly recommend "Fushimi Sakagura Kouji."
This place is like an adult-oriented food court with about 10 restaurants. You can enjoy small amounts of sake from various breweries in the Fushimi area while ordering food from different genres.
Of course, there's Kyoto cuisine, but also ramen, sushi, and yakitori (grilled chicken). My recommendation is sakekasu oden, which is a type of Japanese home-style hotpot. It's like a stew with vegetables, fish dumplings, and various other articles of food stewed in a thin soy soup.
The unique feature of this oden is that it uses sake lees (sakekasu) produced when making sake. Be sure to taste it along with some sake. This is a quintessential experience for those looking for Kyoto what to do at night in terms of local cuisine and drinks.
<Store Information>
Address: 115 Nayacho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Regular holiday: -
Phone Number: +81-75-601-2430
Business Hours: 11:00 - 22:00
Store URL
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Shijo Kawaramachi Area
The Shijo Kawaramachi area is located in the center of Kyoto. It's a popular area where you can enjoy both shopping and sightseeing, with many people and shops. There are many different types of restaurants where you can enjoy delicious food and drinks, but here I'll introduce my two recommendations.
First, I'd like to introduce "Ishiyakijidori Torikura." While there are many izakayas in Japan where you can eat grilled chicken (yakitori), the unique feature of this shop is that they grill fresh chicken on a stone griddle. Because they use carefully selected fresh chicken, it's a rare shop where you can also eat chicken sashimi. I also like that they have a wide variety of alcoholic beverages such as beer and cocktails.
Next, I'd like to introduce "Onikai." This restaurant serves delicious dishes using vegetables grown in their own farm. Another reason for my recommendation is that you can eat delicious food at reasonable prices. The menu item I particularly recommend is called "Niyasai," which is a stewed dish similar to pot-au-feu using vegetables.
For those exploring Kyoto what to do at night in terms of dining, these establishments offer unique culinary experiences that showcase local ingredients and cooking styles.
<Ishiyaki Jidori Torikura Store Information>
Address: WISTERIA Building 1F, 685 Motohonenji-cho, Nishikikoji Karasuma Higashi-iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Regular holiday: -
Phone Number: +81-75-213-5859
Business Hours: 17:00 - 00:00
Store URL
<Onikai Store Information>
Address: 2F, 388 Komeya-cho, Shijo Agaru, Kawaramachi Street, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Regular holiday: Irregular holidays
hone Number: +81-75-223-5052
Business Hours: 17:00 - 00:00
Store URL
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Enjoy Kyoto's Traditional Culture! 3 Beautifully Illuminated Shrines and Temples
When considering what to do at night in Kyoto, visiting illuminated shrines and temples should be at the top of your list. Here are three must-visit locations that showcase Kyoto's traditional culture in a magical nighttime setting.
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is famous for its beautiful "Senbon Torii" - thousands of red torii gates standing closely together. It's one of the must-visit shrines for anyone coming to Kyoto.
Said to have been built in 711, before Kyoto became Japan's capital, it's a place where you can feel a long history and tradition. People have been visiting this shrine for centuries to pray for business prosperity and good harvests.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is occasionally illuminated during certain periods. The sight of the red torii gates lit up and floating in the night scenery is fantastical, giving a completely different impression from daytime.
The shrine is open 24 hours. While main areas are lit, there are potential hazards underfoot, so it's recommended to keep visits brief outside of illumination periods when considering what to do at night in Kyoto.
<Basic Information>
- Access: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 075-641-7331
- Official website
- Admission: Free
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Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine is located in the Gion area, where Kyoto's unique traditions and culture are strongly preserved. It's known as the central shrine for the summer Gion Festival and is one of Kyoto's main shrines.
Yasaka Shrine was built in 1654 to pray for protection against epidemics. It's visited by many worshippers and tourists day and night, as it's believed to bring various benefits such as warding off evil, matchmaking, and beauty blessings.
Yasaka Shrine also has several illumination periods throughout the year. Even outside these special viewing periods, the gates, main hall, and other buildings are lit up after dark.
If you want to experience a different atmosphere from daytime, visiting after sunset is recommended when planning what to do at night in Kyoto.
<Basic Information>
- Access: 625 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
- Hours: 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 075-561-6155
- Official website
- Admission: Free
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
source：Official website
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of Kyoto's most popular tourist spots. The view of Kyoto's cityscape from the "Kiyomizu Stage" in front of the main hall and the impressive architectural style supporting the stage and main hall are worth seeing.
Founded in 778, its long history and cultural importance led to its registration as one of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1994.
Kiyomizu-dera is also famous as an autumn foliage spot, where you can enjoy about 1000 mountain maple trees on the grounds. Every year during the autumn foliage season, the temple is illuminated, and closing time is extended to 21:30.
Over 500 lights illuminate the autumn-colored mountain maples and main structures, allowing you to enjoy exceptionally vivid autumn colors that can't be experienced during the day. This makes it a perfect addition to your list of what to do at night in Kyoto.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
- Hours: 6:00-18:00 (until 18:30 in July and August, until 21:30 during special viewing periods)
- Closed: -
- Phone: 075-551-1234
- Official website
- Admission: 500 yen
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Enjoy Kyoto's Scenery! 5 Spots to View Kyoto's Cityscape
Kyoto is a large city surrounded by low mountains, where nature feels close at hand. It's characterized by numerous historical shrines and temples, and roads designed in a grid-like pattern.
Here are some recommended spots to view Kyoto's cityscape, perfect for tourists wondering what to do at night in Kyoto.
Kyoto Tower
source：Kyotopicture.com
Kyoto Tower, standing right in front of Kyoto Station, is like a new symbol of Kyoto. At 131 meters tall, it's the highest building in Kyoto city. Its striking design of a white tower with red accents is said to be inspired by a lighthouse.
From the observation deck, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Kyoto's cityscape. You can see major shrines and temples like Kiyomizu-dera, Toji temple, Nishi Honganji temple, and Chionin temple.
Also, note the unique grid-like layout of Kyoto's streets. At night, the romantic illuminated scenery makes it perfect for dates and a prime choice for what to do at night in Kyoto.
<Basic Information>
- Access: 721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho, Karasuma-dori Shichijo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 10:00-21:00
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: -
- Official website
- Admission: 900 yen
Kyoto Station Building
source：KYOTO CHISHIN
The Kyoto Station Building is directly connected to Kyoto Station, where shinkansen, private railways, and subway lines converge. It's filled with various tenants including hotels, cafes, restaurants, shopping, and cultural facilities. Most tourists visiting Kyoto stop by when visiting Kyoto Station.
This building also offers a spot to enjoy night views. It's an area called "Kuchu keiro" (Sky Walk). Located on the 10th floor of the Kyoto Station Building, it's free to visit and open until 22:00 at night.
The highlight here is the front view of Kyoto Tower. It's perfect for social media photos, making it a great spot to visit during train waiting times when considering what to do at night in Kyoto.
<Basic Information for Kyoto Station Building Plaza>
- Access: 10th floor, Kyoto Station Building, Higashishiokoji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 10:00-22:00
- Closed: None
- Phone: 075-361-4601
- Official website
- Admission: Free
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Shogunzuka Seiryuden Temple Great Stage
source：Yakei.jp
Shogunzuka Seiryuden temple, built in 2014, is a detached precinct of Seirenin Honin temple. It's a large wooden building constructed to enshrine the national treasure Fudo Myoo statue. Fudo Myoo is a Buddhist deity who wards off evil and worldly desires, depicted with flames on his back.
A great stage was also built at Seiryuden, offering views from a mountaintop 200m above the city. On clear days, you can see as far as neighboring Osaka prefecture. While normal operating hours end at 17:00, night visits are possible during spring and autumn illumination periods, offering a unique opportunity for what to do at night in Kyoto.
As it's difficult to access by public transportation, taking a taxi from the nearest subway station, Higashiyama Station on the Tozai Line, is recommended. Special buses may operate during illumination periods.
<Basic Information>
- Access: 28 Chushioku Kacho-cho, Yamashina-ku, Kyoto
- Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Inquire about spring and autumn illumination periods and hours)
- Closed: -
- Phone: 075-771-0390
- Official website
- Admission: 600 yen
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K36 The Bar & Rooftop
source： Official website
K36 The Bar & Rooftop is a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy meals and drinks while overlooking the historic cityscape of Kyoto. Located on the rooftop of "The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu" near Kiyomizu-dera, it's housed in a stylishly renovated former elementary school, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated experience.
This bar and restaurant boasts a 360-degree panoramic view of Kyoto city, where you can enjoy the sunset over the Higashiyama district.
The highlight is the breathtaking night view. Cocktails enjoyed while gazing at the illuminated Yasaka Pagoda, built in traditional Japanese architectural style, are sure to taste exceptionally delicious. It's one of my personal favorite spots for what to do at night in Kyoto.
While cocktails are recommended, the food items like pizza are also delicious.
<Shop Information>
- Address: 4F The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, 2-204-2 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: None
- Phone: 050-5570-7371
- Hours: 15:00-00:00
- Website
Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji
source：Google
If you want to enjoy French cuisine with a spectacular view of Kyoto's cityscape, "Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji" is recommended. Located in the Higashiyama area, where cultural properties and old townscapes are preserved, the restaurant on the 4th floor offers delicious cuisine while overlooking the changing scenery through glass windows.
As a French restaurant, the menu is primarily course-based. Each dish is carefully prepared using select ingredients, resulting in deeply flavorful cuisine. There's also a wide selection of wines and champagnes, and you can consult with the sommelier about your preferences.
The service at this restaurant is also very pleasant, and I feel that the wonderful scenery and service further enhance the cuisine. It's an excellent choice for a sophisticated night out when considering what to do at night in Kyoto.
<Shop Information>
- Address: 353 Masuyacho, Kodaiji, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
- Closed: Mondays
- Phone: 050-5595-5147
- Hours: 11:30-15:00, 17:30-22:00
- Website
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Tours with Locals Are Recommended to Enjoy Kyoto's Nightlife
Kyoto Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour in Pontocho
Tours with local guides are also available to enjoy Kyoto's nightlife. While many tourists might feel there's nothing to do at night, Kyoto has many charms that can only be experienced after dark. To fully appreciate these, a local guide is essential.
This 3-hour tour introduces recommended shops in back alleys that tourists rarely find and ways to enjoy Kyoto's nightlife that only locals know about.
The tour includes bar hopping to three izakayas. Food and drink costs are included in the tour price, so you can participate empty-handed.
At the izakayas guided by the tour, you can choose drinks according to your preference, such as beer or sake. Snacks include Japanese menu items like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), and there are also vegetarian and vegan options available.
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Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
If you're looking for a night tour in the Gion area, where the history and traditions of Japan's flower towns are strongly preserved, this tour is recommended. Kyoto's restaurants and bars can feel different from other regions in Japan. However, on this tour, friendly local guides will take you to places where you can enjoy like a local.
This 3.5-hour tour visits three dining establishments. The first shop offers Kyoto-specific ingredients and sake made in Kyoto. Next, you'll visit a retro-atmosphere izakaya to experience local drinking culture. The last stop is a shop where you can enjoy dessert and coffee, though you can also order meals or alcohol instead of dessert.
If you're unsure what to eat, feel free to ask the guide. Please notify in advance if you require vegetarian or vegan menus.
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Two Recommended Tours to Fully Experience Kyoto
Here are two night tours featuring food and drinks that will help you make the most of Kyoto's evenings. Both come with English-speaking guides, allowing you to enjoy Kyoto's nightlife without any language barriers.
Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
This is a 3-hour gourmet tour through the Pontocho and Gion areas. Ranked 6th among all tours on TripAdvisor in 2024, this popular program costs $136.80 (approximately ¥20,000).
You'll enjoy authentic Kyoto flavors at three carefully selected establishments, from traditional dishes featuring Kyoto vegetables and yuba (tofu skin) to desserts. Each venue offers a sake tasting experience with three different local varieties, with soft drinks available for guests under 20 years old.
While strolling through the atmospheric townhouses and teahouse districts, you might be lucky enough to encounter maiko (apprentice geisha). The tour can accommodate vegetarians (though dashi stock contains seafood), but cannot cater to vegan or gluten-free diets. Dietary restrictions must be communicated at least one day in advance.
The English-speaking guide provides explanations about the cuisine and sake, and tour photos will be emailed to you afterward. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before, and additional orders are possible at the final venue.
For more details: Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
Kyoto Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour in Pontocho
This 3-hour tour takes you to three hidden izakaya (Japanese pubs) in the Pontocho and Kiyamachi areas. Priced at $107.53 (approximately ¥16,000), each venue serves 3-4 drinks (beer, sake, shochu, etc.) and generous portions of food.
The tour can accommodate vegetarian and vegan diets and offers an authentic Kyoto nightlife experience at local izakayas that tourists might find difficult to discover on their own. It comes with an English-speaking guide and is open to anyone 20 years or older.
Tour photos will be emailed afterward, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before. This tour is recommended for those interested in Japanese izakaya culture and foreign travelers who want to experience the local atmosphere.
For more details: Kyoto Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour in Pontocho
Each tour offers its own unique appeal. The Kyoto Night Foodie Tour provides an authentic Kyoto dining experience, while the Kyoto Bar Hopping Tour offers a more casual, local atmosphere.
Both include English-speaking guides and comprehensive photo services, ensuring a memorable night in Kyoto.
Summary
Enjoying Kyoto at night can be summarized in these three points:
- Enjoy shrines and temples that exude traditional culture: Experience fantastical scenery different from daytime in the night's silence. The illumination of Japanese structures like five-story pagodas is beautiful.
- Enjoy night view spots: There are numerous spots to enjoy night views, centered around Kyoto Tower.
- Enjoy the cuisine and drinks unique to this gourmet city: Kyoto ranks third in the world for the number of Michelin-listed restaurants. The alcohol, ingredients, and cooking methods have Kyoto-specific characteristics.
What particularly impressed me was the night scenery of Hanami-koji Street in Gion. The nearby illuminated Yasaka Shrine is also worth visiting.
For tourists wondering what to do at night in Kyoto, these experiences offer a rich and diverse taste of the city's nocturnal charms.
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