Kyoto
Magical Kyoto after dark
Night Experiences • 4 hours
5.0
(118)
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!
What makes this experience special
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 to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
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
What’s not included
Food and drinks, other than the ones included above
Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Gratuities (optional)
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.
How your day could unfold
A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you mostWhat 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.
1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
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
A peaceful pause with Kannon
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recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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Carol
Sep 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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Glen
Sep 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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Laurie
Jul 2025
Ai was wonderful, helpful and kind!
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Tricia
Jul 2025
Amazing experience seeing the Gion area in the evening, would highly recommend doing this one on one experience
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Tricia
Jul 2025
Amazing experience and could not have asked for a better tour guide , thank you Michael.
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Rebecca
Jul 2025
Pam engaged so well with the whole family . So many interesting facts and knowledge and knew all the best places to go
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