Night Experiences • 4 hours 4.9 (99)

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.

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.  

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

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

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Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of this experience

Shirley Apr 2025

Our guide, Toga, made our tour special even though the rain came in half way through our tour. We learned about the Gion District and about the Japanese culture all together. We shared a great meal and Toga recommended some really delicious authentic dishes. I will never forget this trip thanks to Toga.

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Laura Apr 2025

Taiga was an excellent guide who gave us great insight into the local food scene as well as history of Kyoto! He also had a very well planned path that took us to see the sights at times when it was best to take photos.

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Nancy Apr 2025

Toga was friendly and knowledgeable- he explained the temples and their history very well and made our time together very enjoyable. We would highly recommend him!

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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.

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Kevin Mar 2025
Steve Jan 2025

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

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