Magical Kyoto after dark
Magical Kyoto after dark
Magical Kyoto after dark
Magical Kyoto after dark
Magical Kyoto after dark
Magical Kyoto after dark
Magical Kyoto after dark
Magical Kyoto after dark
Magical Kyoto after dark
Magical Kyoto after dark

What you'll do

It may seem surprising, but tranquil Kyoto has transformed into a nightlife hub. As the sun disappears, Gion takes on a dreamlike appeal – each wooden structure and grey cobblestone is bathed in a golden glow, and the district opens for business. Quiet streets become crowded as your host guides you through tight alleyways packed with restaurants, vibey local haunts, and tucked-away shrines.

Catch your breath in peaceful Shinbashi-dori Street, where elegant restaurants and hostess clubs amuse the wealthy. At Gion Corner, watch a show featuring several of Kyoto’s performing arts, belt out a song at BARCODE karaoke bar, or grab a draft beer at a dimly-lit izakaya while your local insider shares the city’s secrets.  

Where you’ll go

You don’t need to go far to experience the full spectrum of Kyoto’s nightlife. It’s all in Gion, the traditional arts district in the city center. Follow your host down Hanamikoji-dori, the main street passing straight through the center of Gion, lined with bars, izakaya, teahouses, temples, and shrines.

Another perfectly preserved slice of ancient Japan, Ponto-chō, lies 10 minutes away, just across the Kamo River to the west of Gion. Partake in a local pastime of snacking on gyoza dumplings riverside, where sunset turns the water a thousand colors, and the gentle glow of paper lanterns takes over from the sun. As the last light fades from the sky, the ethereal mood might be intensified by a glimpse of a charming geisha. 

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 4 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking Tour

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • Explore quiet Kyoto’s nightlife in the best possible locations, hand-picked by your expert host but based on your interests
  • Sit down for a traditional teahouse ceremony, with Kyoto’s famous uji matcha and wagashi confections
  • See Kyoto’s contrasts, where ancient temples stand side-by-side with popular bars and restaurants
  • Experience an izakaya, a Japanese bar where draft beer and takoyaki is the only way to end a night
  • Walk through Kyoto’s geisha district, and be mesmerized by these breathtakingly talented entertainers
  • Learn about life in Kyoto from your host, and get excellent recommendations for the rest of your adventure

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 4 hours with a host
  • Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
  • Include 2 beers, high-balls or soft drinks
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks, other than the ones included above
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    We were delighted to have Saki as our guide and host in Kyoto. She really gave us a wonderful itinerary and tour which she had carefully considered in advance in order to make the most of our time and to give us a rounded view of so much of what Kyoto has to offer. We loved every minute. Saki was great company and exceptionally attentive, great thanks for all the wonderful memories.

    December 2019

    Gerry B

    We greatly enjoyed the Night in Kyoto tour with our guide Fauzi. He met us at our hotel and introduced us eagerly to numerous interesting places. We were listened to and all our questions were answered expertly. We definitely would not have been able to do this on our own. A fun experience.

    October 2019

    Rolf E

    This was one of the best trips I have done. The walk around Gion itself is awe-inspiring whilst our guide was 1st class in terms of knowledge, explanation & interest. It is a must-do event for everyone.

    October 2019

    Duncan F

    Taibi was a fantastic tour guide in Kyoto. We really enjoyed hearing his local knowledge and would recommend Taibi to anyone else.

    September 2019

    Andrea P

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Kyoto. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

Other experiences you may be interested in

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See all experiences in Kyoto

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

Other experiences you may be interested in

Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Kyoto

Half day in Magical Kyoto

4 hours tailored to what you want to see and do. So whether it's ticking off main sites or discovering hidden gems, it's up to you and your host!

$138.60 per person

4 hours

Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Kyoto

Sunrise to sunset: the ultimate Kyoto experience

The Kyoto you want to experience in a day! See the main sites, taste the incredible food scene or go off the tourist trail. It's totally up to you!

$254.10 per person

8 hours

Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Kyoto

Eat & drink like a local: the Japanese "izakaya" dining edition

From old-school "izakaya" full of regulars to tiny standing bars serving homestyle food, eat like a local on an experience tailored to your tastebuds

$172.73 per person

3 hours

See all experiences in Kyoto