Kyoto

Magical Kyoto after dark

Night Experiences • 4 hours 4.9 (96)

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!

Visit on the 15th, 21st and 25th of the month to catch one of the flea markets and grab amazing bargain kimono, ceramics, handicrafts etc.

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.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

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 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.

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 most

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

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Neha, Mar 2025

This was a highlight! And Goku was the best tour guide. We got to take a train, experience off the beaten path areas, had a local meal, and saw a different part of Kyoto. So much fun and Goku answered all our questions. Very patient with our big party.

Kevin, Mar 2025

Steve, Jan 2025

He did a great job adjusting on the fly. We highly recommend

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.

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.

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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