Night Experiences
5.0 (120)

Magical Kyoto after dark

3 hours English
5.0 (120)
100% Personalized

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!

GOKU
GOKU
KATZ
KATZ

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

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100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

4 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Meeting point:

The host will be waiting in front of Starbucks Coffee - Kyoto Sanjo-ohashi Bridge

Cancellation:

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What 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:

Private and personalized experience
Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
Include 2 beers, high-balls or soft drinks
3 hours with a Host

What’s Excluded:

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

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

R
Richard 1 November 2025

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.

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S
Shaz 1 October 2025

Masaya-San is a great and insightful host and guide for Kyoto - our team had such a wonderful experience with him

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C
Carol 1 September 2025

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.

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G
Glen 1 September 2025

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.

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L
Laurie 1 July 2025

Ai was wonderful, helpful and kind!

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T
Tricia 1 July 2025

Amazing experience seeing the Gion area in the evening, would highly recommend doing this one on one experience

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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

Sunlit Smiles in Kyoto's Tranquil Courtyard

Friends Amidst the Serenity of the Bamboo Forest

Friends Amidst the Serenity of the Bamboo Forest

Sky Painted in Gold: A Stroll at Dusk

Sky Painted in Gold: A Stroll at Dusk

Joyful Stroll in Japan's Historic Streets

Joyful Stroll in Japan's Historic Streets

Bonds and Beauty at a Historic Site

Bonds and Beauty at a Historic Site

Charmed Moments Beneath the Pagoda

Charmed Moments Beneath the Pagoda

Tranquil Retreat: Guests in a Zen Garden

Tranquil Retreat: Guests in a Zen Garden

Morning Stroll by Tower Bridge: A Timeless Encounter

Morning Stroll by Tower Bridge: A Timeless Encounter

Emerging Through the Wishful Archway

Emerging Through the Wishful Archway

Whispers by the Waterfall: Friends in Nature's Embrace

Whispers by the Waterfall: Friends in Nature's Embrace

Journey Through Kyoto's Timeless Torii

Journey Through Kyoto's Timeless Torii

Bamboo Bliss: Friends Embracing Nature's Majesty

Bamboo Bliss: Friends Embracing Nature's Majesty

Pathway to Serenity: A Hidden Garden Escape

Pathway to Serenity: A Hidden Garden Escape

Harmony in the Cascade's Gentle Murmur

Harmony in the Cascade's Gentle Murmur

Radiant Smiles in the Starlit Evening

Radiant Smiles in the Starlit Evening

Blossom Moments: A Spring Picnic Under Cherry Trees

Blossom Moments: A Spring Picnic Under Cherry Trees

Joyful Wanderings in Kyoto's Enchanted Forest

Joyful Wanderings in Kyoto's Enchanted Forest

A Day of Discovery: Embracing Nature's Serenity

A Day of Discovery: Embracing Nature's Serenity

Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape

Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape

Capturing Joy: A Serendipitous Smile at the Fushimi Inari Shrine

Capturing Joy: A Serendipitous Smile at the Fushimi Inari Shrine

Smiles in a Bamboo Wonderland

Smiles in a Bamboo Wonderland

Family Adventure by the Golden Temple

Family Adventure by the Golden Temple

A Day of Smiles and History in Kyoto

A Day of Smiles and History in Kyoto

A Dazzling New Year Celebration

A Dazzling New Year Celebration

Captivated by Tradition: A Moment at the Temple

Captivated by Tradition: A Moment at the Temple

Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto

Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto

Family Moments at the Vibrant Torii Tunnel

Family Moments at the Vibrant Torii Tunnel

Family Adventure in Kyoto

Family Adventure in Kyoto

Smiles Amidst the Serenity of Kyoto

Smiles Amidst the Serenity of Kyoto

Emerging Through Wishes: A Journey to Tranquility

Emerging Through Wishes: A Journey to Tranquility

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Surrounded by centuries of tradition

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Night Lights & Lantern Legends

Charmed in Gion

Charmed in Gion

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Morning Light & Timeless Streets

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine

A Table Full of Stories

A Table Full of Stories

New Friends in Old Streets

New Friends in Old Streets

Tempura & Togetherness

Tempura & Togetherness

The Fox Shrine Crew

The Fox Shrine Crew

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Big smiles and even bigger stories

Soft Steps & Serene Views

Soft Steps & Serene Views

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

From ancient torii gates to new friendships

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city

Wandering through a forest of giants

Wandering through a forest of giants

A day filled with culture and laughter

A day filled with culture and laughter

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope

 Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Pagoda Postcard Vibes

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto

Walking through these thousand torii gates

Walking through these thousand torii gates

A Ryokan-Style Feast

A Ryokan-Style Feast

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari

Matcha Dreams Come True

Matcha Dreams Come True

Cocktails with a view

Cocktails with a view

A walk through time

A walk through time

Rural charm and cultural calm

Rural charm and cultural calm

A peaceful pause with Kannon

A peaceful pause with Kannon