If you’ve been swept away by Kyoto’s magic during the day, just wait until you see it at night…
Although there are plenty of things to do in Kyoto during the daytime, you can’t fully experience Japan’s former capital without seeing it after sundown.
There are so many unique things to do in Kyoto at night that no visitor to Japan should miss this side of the former capital city, especially if it’s your first time in Japan.
No matter how many days you have here, make sure you add some evening activities to your Kyoto itinerary.
The post-sunset scene in Kyoto is very different to the nightlife in Tokyo. However, like Tokyo, experiencing the true Kyoto is impossible without dipping your toes into its unique nightlife.
Even if you’ve experienced all of the things Tokyo has to offer, Kyoto promises an entirely unique travel experience – at all hours of the day.
Here are the best things to do in Kyoto at night to make sure you’ve really seen this charming city at its most authentic.
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Does Kyoto have good nightlife?
In a word: yes!
But you might want to shake off any pre-existing concepts you have when you hear the word ‘nightlife’.
Kyoto probably isn’t a place you’re going to go for a wild, music-pumped night on the town (head to Ibiza for that!).
But Kyoto has a wide array of nightlife to enjoy whatever the season. And, unlike many places with world-class nighttime entertainment, there are plenty of unique things to do in Kyoto at night for all ages and interests.
How to enjoy the Kyoto nightlife
No matter what attracts you to Kyoto, you absolutely shouldn’t leave without experiencing this historical city after dark – even if your main interests are Kyoto’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
In fact, in true Kyoto style, many of these sites are open after dark for a unique viewing experience. Many of them are worth visiting both during the day and during the night!
If you prefer to keep sightseeing during the daytime hours, there’s no shortage of things to do in Kyoto at night for foodies, families and entertainment seekers.
Is 1 day in Kyoto enough?
If you’re able to spend at least one night in Kyoto, one full day (plus the night) is enough to get a taste of the city. Just make sure you don’t have an early departure the next day – or prepare to be a little tired!
Ideally, you’ll want to give yourself at least a couple of days in Kyoto because there’s so much to explore, both during the daytime and at night.
Alternatively, if you buy a Japan Rail Pass – something I HIGHLY recommend and my number one Japan tip! – then it’s also possible to base in Osaka.
The high-speed shinkansen (bullet train) runs until around 11.30 pm and takes less than 15 minutes to travel the 43km from Kyoto station to Shin-Osaka station.
If you choose somewhere central when deciding where to stay in Osaka, you can easily explore both cities (including their nightlife!) from a single base.
Japan Tip: Make sure you get Japan Rail Pass
This handy little card gives you access to the entire network of high-speed trains (and some non-high-speed local trains) across the country, giving you much more flexibility when travelling around Japan.
It will also save you a small fortune on the cost of travel in Japan!
It’s best to order your pass before you leave because it’s much cheaper than buying it once you arrive. Plus, it’s also much easier.
You can buy your pass on online and get free delivery to almost any country in 24-48 hours. If you prefer, you can also do as I did and pick your pass up when you arrive, but you’ll save time by getting it delivered.
The best things to do in Kyoto at night
You won’t have a hard time finding fun things to do in Kyoto at night. If anything, you’ll have a hard time choosing between all the many things to do here!
To make things easier, I’ve split this list by category:
- unique experiences and activities that are more traditional and/or quintessentially Kyoto
- foodie experiences for anyone wanting to get a true taste of the Kyoto delicacies that are best enjoyed after dark
- things to do in Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district
You can jump ahead to the section that interests you most.
However, my advice is to not be too quick to dismiss the types of travel experiences you don’t usually gravitate towards.
One of the things that surprised me about Kyoto (and Japan in general!) was that I found myself interested in things that don’t usually interest me so much.
Perhaps this was because I experienced many of them at night and that in itself made it a unique travel experience. Or perhaps it’s because Japan is such a unique country that it’s impossible not to feel enchanted by everything it has to offer.
From the local cuisine to the historic monuments of ancient Kyoto, you won’t be stuck for things to do in Kyoto at night.
Unique experiences to enjoy in Kyoto at night
Like all of Japan, Kyoto is full of unique experiences that will please all of the senses.
Many of these are best enjoyed at night, which is why I recommend visiting Kyoto overnight, rather than on a day trip from Osaka.
Here are some of the best things that you won’t find anywhere else in Japan (or the entire world).
See Toji Temple lit up
No trip to Japan would be complete without seeing at least a few temples, and Kyoto has some of the most impressive.
Toji Temple, a Shingon Buddhist temple, is one of the most famous pagodas in Kyoto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a beautiful sight during the day but it becomes even more special at night.
Toji Temple is illuminated every night and the five storeys of the golden temple look incredibly impressive against the dark sky.
The illumination only takes place for four weeks every year, at the end of March and the beginning of April.
It means you’ll need to visit Japan in the springtime if you want to see Toji Temple lit up but it will be well worth it – especially since it’s also the best time to visit Hokkaido. There’s a good chance the cherry blossoms will be in full bloom too!
TIP: If you can’t visit in springtime, there are still lots of things to do in Japan in winter.
If you want to get good photos of Toji Temple at night, you’ll want to get there early.
People tend to start queuing at 5:00 pm, when the park closes, and the queue can be long by the time the park re-opens at 6:30 pm.
Buy your tickets in advance to save time!
See the lanterns at Yasaka Shrine
For many visitors to Kyoto, the famous Yasaka Pagoda is high up on their list of places to discover. It’s easy to understand why because it’s one of the most famous shrines in the entire city!
I personally think it’s one of the best places to visit in Kyoto just before sundown. Here’s why you should visit this Shinto shrine during nightfall, too.
Due to its location between the popular traditional districts of Higashiyama and Gion, Yasaka Shrine is easily accessible from Maruyama Park.
While these neighbourhoods are packed with local and foreign tourists during the day, the crowds passing through here in the evening slow down to a trickle. Fewer people during this time means the experience is more intimate and enjoyable.
At dusk, the hundreds of lanterns adorning the temples become softly illuminated, creating a beautiful atmosphere where you almost feel as though you’ve been teleported centuries back into the past.
There’s something very special about visiting Yasaka Shrine towards the end of the day. It’s almost unfathomable to think how many sunsets it has witnessed in over 1,350 years!
The icing on the cake is being able to admire the grand entrance gate on Shijo-Dori basking in a golden glow, so be sure to add Yasaka Shrine to your Kyoto plans!
Relax and people-watch at the KamoGawa River
If you want to have an authentic experience of Kyoto at night, simply take a stroll or sit down along the banks of the Kamo River.
It is the main river flowing through Kyoto from north to south and a popular spot to hang out at night, especially during summer.
The area around Gion, Kawaramachi, and Sanjo is especially scenic and popular for this.
Young people will buy snacks at the nearby convenience store (and maybe some alcohol if they are old enough) and sit along the river bank with some music.
Entertainers seek out the most popular spots to make some money.
It is an atmosphere like no other in Kyoto, and you can be part of it without spending any money, but it’s worth buying some snacks to truly experience it like a local!
Go on a night trek into nature
Mt. Daimonyama offers an escape into nature that ends in a stunning view of the city in around two hours.
Many tourists trek Mt. Daimonyama during the day, but only a few know about the exclusive nighttime treks.
Trekking Mt. Daimonyama at night will offer a totally different – and much less crowded – experience! Plus, you’ll get a better night view of the city than the Kyoto Tower observation deck!
There is currently only one tour operator offering this trek (in English and Japanese) and spots are limited, so make sure you book in advance.
DON’T TRAVEL TO JAPAN WITHOUT INSURANCE!
If you only do one thing before your trip to Japan, please make sure you have adequate travel insurance. Make sure your policy covers you for healthcare and cancellations, as well as any activities you plan to do because Japan has some of the most expensive healthcare in the world!
As of 2023, I use and recommend Heymondo because they offer greater cover – they cover things that most insurers won’t – and 24/7 assistance no matter where you’re going (or where you’re from!).
They offer options for single trips, long stays and annual coverage, so they’re a great budget-friendly (yet sufficient) option for digital nomads and frequent travellers, too.
Foodie things to do in Kyoto at night
Japan is a foodie’s paradise, but did you know that many of the best experiences are reserved for after dark?
Here’s what to do in Kyoto at night if you’re a foodie (or just enjoy trying new foods when you travel!).
Enjoy a kaiseki meal in a ryokan
One of the best things to do in Kyoto at night is to stay in a ryokan and enjoy a kaiseki meal.
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn and it is very different from a western-style hotel.
One of the highlights of a stay in a ryokan is the kaiseki meal. This is a multi-course haute cuisine meal, with ingredients that are typically local and seasonal.
Each course takes you through a culinary journey and each dish is beautifully plated and impeccably presented.
There are ryokans all over Japan, but in Kyoto, they are a special treat. Kyoto was once the Imperial capital and it remains the historic heart of the country.
The main entertainment area is famous for geisha and maiko dressed in elaborate traditional makeup, hairstyles and kimonos can often be seen walking the street. They are hostesses and it is common to see them on their way to an appointment.
A unique and rare experience, though, is being entertained by a geisha while enjoying a gourmet meal in a traditional setting in the most historic city in Japan. There are several ryokans in Kyoto that offer this option, so look for it when choosing where to stay.
Take a nighttime food tour
The best way to explore any city is with a food tour, so we booked the Kyoto Nighttime Foodie tour with Magical Trip.
The night tour meets at the bridge in the Gion area and explores the area through several stops, ending up with a sake bar down a tiny alley in Potocho.
Between stops, we wandered through the neighbourhood and heard more about Kyoto including the Geisha aspect of Gion.
This food tour goes to a traditional izakaya, a modern tempura eatery, and a sake bar. Each place has several food options and a story from the local guide of how the food fits in the overall picture of Kyoto.
The walking tour was a little cheaper than an average food tour, but with slightly less food and the option to purchase more at an extra costk. We still felt like it was plenty of food to be our dinner for the night.
Exploring the food culture on a trip to Japan is a big deal. This food tour also made it easier for us as foreign visitors to find good food that isn’t aimed solely at tourists.
If you want to experience the authentic foodie side of Kyoto, a tour is a must.
Drink at an Izakaya
Often referred to as gastropubs, Japanese izakaya are traditional bars that serve drinks as well as food.
The food usually comes in fairly small portions, and the idea is to order several dishes and share them with friends. In this sense, it’s similar to the concept of tapas in Spain.
One of the best izakaya in Kyoto, where you can really experience the traditional Japanese atmosphere, is Renkon-Ya.
Located in central Kyoto near the Sanjo train station and just across the river from Gion, Renkon-Ya is a small, intimate izakaya with just a couple of Western-style tables, some seating at the bar, and a few more low tables in a tatami mat area in the back.
While the two friendly ladies who run the place don’t speak much English, they do have an English-language menu.
The menu changes with the seasons but always includes a few plant-based options that are clearly marked, so vegetarians and vegans in Kyoto can also enjoy an authentic izakaya experience here.
Take a cooking class with a local
If you want to recreate your Japan trip at home, why not learn one of your favourite new dishes?
Kyoto is a great place to take a cooking class in Japan and enjoy a dinner to remember.
Unlike other places, where cooking classes can feel quite formal and structured, this one offers a relaxed setting in a local’s home (and a chance to get a glimpse at true local life in the process!).
Get a deeper taste of local life
There’s nothing like staying in a local home to really experience the local culture – and there’s nowhere better to do that than in KYoto!
From family homes to houses with a hot tub, there are plenty of places to choose between.
Things to do in Gion at night
Gion is Kyoto’s geisha district and one of the most famous historic districts in the world. The most iconic part of an already beautiful city, it’s the area that most travellers can’t wait to see.
What many people don’t know is that its narrow streets is best explored at night.
Here’s how to enjoy Gion and get a true taste of what Kyoto is all about.
READ NEXT: The Japanese snow monkeys are another unique Japan experience.
Watch the culture show at Gion Corner
One of the most popular things to do in the evenings in Kyoto is to visit the culture show at Gion Corner.
During the 50-minute-long performance, you can learn more about traditional parts of Japanese culture. Watch the Kyo-mai dance performed by Geishas, enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and experience a puppet theatre.
Although the show feels very touristic and is certainly made for visitors, it’s a nice opportunity to get more insights into Japanese culture.
If you ever wanted to see a real geisha performing, the Gion Corner show is probably your best bet!
Since the theatre is located directly in the historic Gion district, this gives you the perfect opportunity to wander around the streets of Gion at night after the show.
Go geisha spotting in Gion
When dusk falls in Kyoto, head to the Gion neighbourhood to witness a centuries-old ritual.
At this time, the geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) emerge from their houses and make their way to their appointments for the evening.
Immaculately dressed and groomed, wearing colourful kimonos and distinctive make-up, the women seem to glide through the streets of Gion.
These traditional entertainers perform each evening at the many traditional tea houses that Gion is known for. These performances are very exclusive and expensive so most people will only see the geisha in these fleeting moments on the street.
If you want to watch these beautiful women of Gion, please respect their privacy and keep your distance. While the entertainers understand their importance to Kyoto as cultural icons, they are simply making their way to their place of work.
A tiny glimpse of kimono swishing around a corner will be thrilling enough to talk about as you enjoy your dinner at one of the many izakayas close by.
Have dinner with an authentic geisha
If you want to have the full geisha experience, Kyoto is the place to do so.
A group dinner with a geisha doesn’t come cheap (what does in Japan?) but it will be an evening you won’t forget.
Inside a remodelled tea house in Gion, you’ll spend an entire evening with an authentic geisha. And, with a maximum of 10 people per group, it’s sure to be a very intimate experience.
During the evening, you’ll see the maiko dance and play traditional ozashiki games. You’ll also be able to take photos and ask as many questions as you like – and you’re sure to have plenty!
Click here to check availability for your dates.
Japan Travel Planning
Even though I found Japan surprisingly easy to travel, it still pays to be prepared.
In fact, it’s one country where you’ll really save yourself some time and money (not to mention stress!) by having as much prepped in advance as possible.
Here is a checklist of things to have prepared before you go:
Shinkansen Tickets
The Japan Rail Pass is a no-brainer for anybody who wants to see more than one part of Japan.
Booking in advance is super simple – much simpler than buying in Japan – AND comes with free 24-48 hour delivery.
I booked through JRailPass.com and can’t recommend them more for their price, efficiency and customer service.
Travel Insurance
The good news: things generally run smoothly in Japan and, when they don’t, the healthcare is some of the best in the world.
The bad news: when things don’t go to plan, it can be very expensive.
That’s why travel insurance is a must in Japan.
Since moving to Portugal, I use and recommend True Traveller because they cover a wide range of activities and circumstances.
If you’re resident outside of Europe, EKTA travel insurance offers affordable, transparent and extensive coverage all over the world.
WiFi/Sim Card
Getting a sim card in Japan is tricky (and expensive!). Unfortunately, I waited until I was there and learned the hard way, so I highly recommend arranging your WiFi situation before you go.
The best way to stay connected while travelling Japan is with an eSim that you can use right away or this local sim with unlimited data that you can pick up on arrival.
Save on flights to Japan
Did you know that you can save up to 10% on flights with a cashback service?
With WayAway Plus, you can find the cheapest flights, transfers and other travel services and receive part of your purchase back in cash. It goes straight to your Paypal account!
I use WayAway to book all my flights so that I can save extra and have secured an exclusive discount for Alajode readers to do the same.
Use this link and the code ‘ALAJODE’ to save a massive 55% on your yearly membership plan and start saving. That mean you’ll get up to 10% off all travel services for less than $4 per month. In just one trip to Japan, that could save you hundreds of dollars!
VPN
Not only does a VPN help protect you and your data while travelling, it can also help you access geo-locked content.
That’s something that comes in really handy in a place like Japan, especially if you don’t speak the local language!
NordVPN is the one I use and trust, and currently has this great deal available.
Airport Transfers
If you’ll be arriving late or staying somewhere fairly remote, consider booking an airport transfer on arrival.
This will take a whole lot of stress out of an already confusing situation when you land in Japan, especially after a long flight.
I’ve found this website has the best prices and the widest availability (sometimes in places where there aren’t even taxis!).