Kyoto is a popular tourist destination where you can feel the history of Japan. Many people think of Kyoto as a destination for their trip to Japan. In this article, we will introduce 7 must-visit nightlife spots where you can enjoy Kyoto at night.
Highlights and characteristics of Kyoto at night
Kyoto has a long history. Around the 8th century, the Emperor of that time designated Kyoto as the capital of Japan so it has developed as the center of Japan’s politics, economy, and culture for about 1,000 years. For this reason, Kyoto is characterized by its many historical spots, such as Tōji Temple (東寺) and Kiyomizu-dera Temple (清水寺), both of which are registered as World Heritage Sites.
Even in Kyoto at night, there are many sightseeing spots where you can feel the history of Japan. In addition to visiting shrines and temples, it is also popular among tourists to enjoy Geisha entertainment in Gion. Kyoto’s nightlife spots are characterized by the ability to enjoy old Japanese history and culture.
Nightlife spots in Kyoto
Recommended #1: Gion Hanamikoji Street
Gion is a popular sightseeing spot for foreigners in Kyoto. The sight of Maiko (apprentice Geisha) walking through Gion is one of the most iconic scenes of Kyoto. Gion’s Hanamikoji Street still retains its old-fashioned streetscape, and is lined with long-established restaurants that represent Kyoto.
It’s nice to take a walk along Hanamikoji Street, but at night in Kyoto, you’ll definitely want to experience a Japanese-style tatami room play with Maiko. Some stores have plans for foreigners visiting Japan, so it would be a good idea to take advantage of them. You can enjoy Maiko perform while enjoying food and drinks, or play rhythm games with Maiko.
Not only men but also women can enjoy it. We recommend going with friends as you can enjoy it even more.
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| Official website | https://www.gion.or.jp/around/花見小路 |
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At the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (祇園甲部歌舞練場) located on Hanamikoji Street, you can watch maiko perform. If it is convenient to you, please visit.
Recommended #2: Yasaka Jinja
Yasaka Jinja is a shrine located in the Gion area. It is said to have been founded in the 7th or 9th century. The “Nishiromon Gate” that stands at the entrance is also a landmark in the Gion area.
The precincts are open 24 hours a day, and many people visit even at night. The shrine at night is illuminated by lights, giving it a fantastical and slightly different atmosphere than during the day. It’s about a 5-minute walk from Hanamikoji Street, the main spot in Gion, so we recommend visiting in conjunction with sightseeing at Hanamikoji.
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| Official website | https://www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp |
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Recommended #3: Fushimi Inari Taisha
Fushimi Inari Taisha is a shrine located in the Fushimi area – South of Kyoto City. The “Senbon Torii” (千本鳥居, means “thousands of torii gates”) covering the approach path are famous as a photogenic spot, making it a popular shrine visited by many tourists.
The precincts can be entered 24 hours a day, and the Senbon Torii have a different atmosphere at night than during the day. You can also climb Mt. Inari further back from the Main Hall. A place called Yotsutsuji (四ツ辻), located on the way up Mt. Inari, is a spectacular spot where you can overlook the night view of Kyoto.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is crowded with tourists during the day, so we recommend visiting at night.
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| Official website | https://inari.jp |
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There are fewer tourists as the night approaches, so we recommend sightseeing at night for those who want to take a leisurely tour. However, when climbing Mt. Inari, it is recommended that you go with more than one person to avoid danger.
Recommended #4: Nidec Kyoto Tower
“Nidec Kyoto Tower” is a 131m tall observation tower that opened in 1964. In order to protect the historical landscape of Kyoto, buildings cannot be built over 31m, with some exceptions. As a result, Kyoto Tower has become an iconic landmark that can be seen from many parts of the city.
From the observation deck located at a height of 100m, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto’s cityscape, shrines and temples, and other tourist spots. In addition, on the 3rd floor observation deck located at a height of 45m, there is a cafe bar called “Sky Lounge KUU” where you can enjoy meals and drinks while looking out at the night view of Kyoto. This is a recommended spot where you can spend a wonderful time with your lover.
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| Official website | https://www.kyoto-tower.jp |
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Nidec Kyoto Tower is lit up from sunset until 24:00. As one of Kyoto’s most representative night views, it can be seen from various locations within Kyoto City.
Recommended #5: Francois Kissaten
(Source: https://francois1934.com/)
Kyoto is famous as a region where a lot of the Japanese cafe culture called “Kissaten” (喫茶室, coffee shop) remains. Francois Kissaten, located in Shijo Kawaramachi, is a historic Kissaten that opened in 1934.
The charm of old Kissaten is that you can spend a relaxing time in a retro and elegant atmosphere. The interior of Francois Kissaten is designed to resemble an Italian luxury cruise ship, making it extremely comfortable. Opening hours are until 22:00 (last order at 21:30), so you can use it until late.
When you get tired of walking while sightseeing in Kyoto, we recommend relaxing at a Kissaten.
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| Official website | https://francois1934.com |
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Recommended #6: Kamogawa Riverbed
“Kamogawa Riverbed” (鴨川河川敷) is an area established near the Kamogawa River that flows through Kyoto City. The standard course is about 3km from the Demachiyanagi area to Shijo-dori, and many people take a walk or sit and relax.
In the spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms blooming along the river, and in the fall, you can enjoy the scenery of autumn leaves. Kamogawa River is a recommended tourist spot to enjoy Japan’s four seasons while feeling the atmosphere of Kyoto. Also, at night, the sight of couples sitting at equal intervals and looking out at the Kamogawa River is a well-known daily scene typical of Kyoto.
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| Official website | https://www.pref.kyoto.jp/koen-annai/kamo.html |
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In Pontocho (先斗町), a downtown area along the Kamogawa riverbed, a traditional outdoor dining space called “Nouryo Yuka” (納涼床) will be set up from May to September. It is famous as a summer tradition in Kyoto, so if the timing is right, why not try it out?
Recommended #7: Tenkaippin main store
Tenkaippin is a major ramen chain that originated in Kyoto and has more than 200 stores across Japan. Since it is a chain spread all over Japan, you can eat it outside of Kyoto, but the main store where it was founded is so popular that it is called a “sacred place.”
Tenkaippin’s ramen is famous for its two types of soup: “Kotteri” (こってり, rich) and “Assari” (あっさり, light). The Kotteri Ramen has a distinctive flavor and is popular among Japanese people, so we recommend trying the Kotteri Ramen first. The main store also has a limited menu called “Gyusuji Ramen” (beef tendon ramen), so it would be a good idea to try the limited menu.
The main store is open until 1 a.m., so you can enjoy the taste of Japan’s most popular ramen even late at night.
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| Official website | https://www.tenkaippin.co.jp |
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Tenkaippin has 18 stores in Kyoto city. There are many opportunities to see it, so if you see it, be sure to try the Kotteri Ramen.
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