Magical Kyoto after dark
Explore Kyoto at night with a local. Explore mystical Gion and the winding streets in Pontocho or mingle with the locals at a bar; it's up to you!
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Match with one of our local hosts
Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.
100% Flexible: Adapt in real time
Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.
Experience Overview
Time:
4 hoursWhat to expect:
Fully tailored to your preferencesLanguage:
Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)Meeting point:
The host will be waiting in front of Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Sanjo-ohashi BridgeCancellation:
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring:
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
What’s Included:
What’s Excluded:
Key Highlights:
- 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
What travelers think of this experience
Michael had a unique perspective since he moved there about 9 years ago from the US. He could give us a good feel what it is like to live in a different culture than we are used to. He was enthusiastic and well versed in the history of the area. One of the best tours we have been on.
Show moreMasaya-San is a great and insightful host and guide for Kyoto - our team had such a wonderful experience with him
Show moreMichael was brilliant - so knowledgeable and great content. My three friends and I really enjoyed the tour and extra effort he put in to tailor it to our needs including a great dinner recommendation.
Show moreWe had a truly awesome tour with our guide, Mia. She was incredibly knowledgeable and was able to shape the tour to our requirements. Absolutely excellent. Our only criticism that we didn’t receive the promised two drinks which we had forgotten were included.
Show moreAi was wonderful, helpful and kind!
Show moreAmazing experience seeing the Gion area in the evening, would highly recommend doing this one on one experience
Show moreMichael had a unique perspective since he moved there about 9 years ago from the US. He could give us a good feel what it is like to live in a different culture than we are used to. He was enthusiastic and well versed in the history of the area. One of the best tours we have been on.
Masaya-San is a great and insightful host and guide for Kyoto - our team had such a wonderful experience with him
Michael was brilliant - so knowledgeable and great content. My three friends and I really enjoyed the tour and extra effort he put in to tailor it to our needs including a great dinner recommendation.
We had a truly awesome tour with our guide, Mia. She was incredibly knowledgeable and was able to shape the tour to our requirements. Absolutely excellent. Our only criticism that we didn’t receive the promised two drinks which we had forgotten were included.
Ai was wonderful, helpful and kind!
Amazing experience seeing the Gion area in the evening, would highly recommend doing this one on one experience
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.
Real Stories, Real Connections
Sunlit Smiles in Kyoto's Tranquil Courtyard
Friends Amidst the Serenity of the Bamboo Forest
Sky Painted in Gold: A Stroll at Dusk
Joyful Stroll in Japan's Historic Streets
Bonds and Beauty at a Historic Site
Charmed Moments Beneath the Pagoda
Tranquil Retreat: Guests in a Zen Garden
Morning Stroll by Tower Bridge: A Timeless Encounter
Emerging Through the Wishful Archway
Whispers by the Waterfall: Friends in Nature's Embrace
Journey Through Kyoto's Timeless Torii
Bamboo Bliss: Friends Embracing Nature's Majesty
Pathway to Serenity: A Hidden Garden Escape
Harmony in the Cascade's Gentle Murmur
Radiant Smiles in the Starlit Evening
Blossom Moments: A Spring Picnic Under Cherry Trees
Joyful Wanderings in Kyoto's Enchanted Forest
A Day of Discovery: Embracing Nature's Serenity
Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape
Capturing Joy: A Serendipitous Smile at the Fushimi Inari Shrine
Smiles in a Bamboo Wonderland
Family Adventure by the Golden Temple
A Day of Smiles and History in Kyoto
A Dazzling New Year Celebration
Captivated by Tradition: A Moment at the Temple
Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto
Family Moments at the Vibrant Torii Tunnel
Family Adventure in Kyoto
Smiles Amidst the Serenity of Kyoto
Emerging Through Wishes: A Journey to Tranquility
Surrounded by centuries of tradition
Night Lights & Lantern Legends
Charmed in Gion
Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections
Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera
Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto
Morning Light & Timeless Streets
Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around
Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way
Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine
A Table Full of Stories
New Friends in Old Streets
Tempura & Togetherness
The Fox Shrine Crew
Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins
Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company
Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections
Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates
Big smiles and even bigger stories
Soft Steps & Serene Views
From ancient torii gates to new friendships
A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city
Wandering through a forest of giants
A day filled with culture and laughter
Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades
Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm
A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley
The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.
Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope
Pagoda Postcard Vibes
Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted
Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto
Walking through these thousand torii gates
A Ryokan-Style Feast
Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove
Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari
Matcha Dreams Come True
Cocktails with a view
A walk through time
Rural charm and cultural calm