Kyoto
Magical Kyoto after dark
Night Experiences • 4 hours
4.9
(94)
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
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recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of this experience
Steve,
Jan 2025
He did a great job adjusting on the fly. We highly recommend
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Brian,
Dec 2024
Andy was a wonderful guide. He had already laid out the best places to see for our night tour of Gion. The night tour gave us a different look of Kyoto, and was interesting to see. While the day is full of crowds, at night you are able to quietly move through small streets and alleyways and see things you might never during the day. We got lucky and saw Maiko and Geiko on our journey, and never would have otherwise. Andy not only showed us great spots but also had a wealth of knowledge to answer all of my questions about what makes this part of Japan so unique, and the history of how it came to be.
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Karen,
Dec 2024
Austen was extremely knowledgeable, well prepared, and formed an itinerary combining iconic Kyoto with present day Kyoto. I would highly recommend him.
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Jennifer,
Oct 2024
We had a really nice time with Taiga, he walked at our pace and gave us lots of insights and tips about Japan.
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Claire,
Sep 2024
After arriving a bit late to our meeting point, Kenya was gracious, understanding, and kind. We were exhausted after a long day of travel, so he seamlessly adjusted the itinerary while still providing a great amount of sightseeing and education. The highlight of the night was a traditional Kyoto dinner with a surprise dish to celebrate a birthday in the group. He even helped us get a taxi back to the Ryokan and stayed with the group until it arrived. It was a great evening made excellent thanks to Kenya.
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Leonard,
Jul 2024
This was our first trip to Kyoto and Japan and we only had a couple of days to see Kyoto. So we knew we needed a local tour guide to make the most efficient use of our time. We usually don't like overly structured tours with rigid schedules because we often have more interest in some sites than others. So this tour was perfect. Mia delivered a tour with the perfect mix of education and fun and allowed us to spend more time at the sites where we had the most interest. She showed us the perfect mix of "bucket list" sites and "hidden gems," and shared impressive knowledge on history, architecture, food, and culture of the city and Japan. My teenage son and daughter are always hard to impress, and they loved her. They were also sad she wasn't able to eat dinner with us after the tour.
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