Kyoto is not only an amazing destination for day trips, but also at night. This city transforms into a magical wonderland once the sun sets. Because as night falls, Kyoto comes alive. The city has a plethora of izakayas and street food stalls, offering delicious local delicacies like yakitori and ramen. Night markets are a feast for the senses, with the enticing aromas of grilled skewers and sweet treats filling the air.

Dining under the soft glow of lanterns enhances the experience, providing a cosy and intimate setting perfect for connecting with friends and family. Moreover, many restaurants in Kyoto offer spectacular views of illuminated temples and gardens, making your meal not just about food, but an unforgettable experience.

Also, nighttime activities in Kyoto can be truly enchanting. Join a guided night tour that often includes cultural performances, such as traditional tea ceremonies or storytelling sessions in historic settings. The atmospheric lighting accentuates the beauty of Kyoto’s landscapes and creates an enchanting backdrop for photography. Whether it’s the flickering candles at a temple or the reflection of city lights on the Kamo River, the nighttime scenery is breathtaking.

By exploring Kyoto after dark, travellers can experience a side of the city that is equally captivating as its daytime charm, making it a destination worth visiting at any hour. Want to know everything you can do at night in Kyoto? Traveloka got your back with 15 things to do in Kyoto at night.

Kyoto Cuisine Honke Tankuma Honten is a must-visit for those exploring Kyoto at night, offering a unique culinary experience that beautifully encapsulates the city’s rich gastronomic heritage. Established in 1788, this restaurant is one of the oldest in Kyoto, specialising in kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner that reflects seasonal ingredients and meticulous presentation. Dining here is not just about the food, but also a chance to get to know the culture and history of Kyoto, making it an unforgettable experience.

Sagano Romantic Train offers a scenic 25-minute ride along a 7.3 km route from Saga Torokko Station to Kameoka Torokko Station. Travelling in an art deco train adorned with gold and black patterns, passengers can enjoy the stunning beauty of the Hozukyo Ravine and Hozugawa River, experiencing the enchanting natural landscapes through all four seasons. You can enjoy it for a day's travel, but it’s just as amazing to experience at night for couples.

When you’re coming to Kyoto Steak House Pound, come for their premium aged wagyu beef cuisine. As they offer 3 different set meals, any set is perfect if you love beef. One thing to note, this restaurant employs a strict reservation system. If you are late by more than 15 minutes, your reservation will be cancelled and no refund will be given.

Miyama-Keihoku Ride-All-You-Can Bus is a great option for one of the things to do in Kyoto at night if you want to specifically try a night ride. The bus takes you to between Miyama and Keihoku. You will also get to Shuzan Bus Terminal, an essential traveller spot, including a post office, Tokiwa (a specialty store for A5 and A4 Japanese black beef), Jigenji Temple, Haneda Shuzo sake brewery, and the Roadside Station Woody Keihoku souvenir shop. You can purchase the ticket for this ride hassle-free on Traveloka.

Indulge in the flavours of Kyoto with Michelin 1-Star Kaiseki Cuisine Restaurant "Shimogamo Saryo". This restaurant is perfect for everyone, be it with family, couples or solo travellers. As for course recommendations, they’re famous for wagyu sukiyaki “aoi” and wagyu beef “tadasu”. The luxurious restaurant is a great choice if you’re planning to create the perfect dining for special occasions with your people.

If you want a structured and well-informed experience for exploring the night in Gion and Kaiseki, you should consider the Kyoto Gion and Kaiseki Night Food Tour. Take a leisurely stroll through Gion, Kyoto's historic district known for its geishas and traditional tea houses. Explore the charming Shirakawa neighbourhood and complete your experience with a delicious 10-course kaiseki meal, offering an authentic taste of Kyoto's culinary traditions.

If you choose a 1 Day Kyoto Highlight Tour with a Limon Bus, your itinerary will start in the morning and end at night. Making it a good option if you want to explore Kyoto until night without rushing. This tour will take you to explore Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji, the iconic golden Zen temple. Stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and be captivated by the beauty of Kiyomizu-dera, a stunning Buddhist temple.

Double-decker open-air buses are an attractive ride to try if you need a recommendation on things to do in Kyoto at night. Kyoto SKYBUS Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus ensures that you can experience that through popular attractions such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Heian Jingu Shrine and Nijo-jo Castle. If you’re interested already, buy the ticket on Traveloka.

Nidec Kyoto Tower: Observation Deck is a top attraction featuring an observation deck, chic bar and cosy hotel. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Kyoto with free telescopes and multilingual audio guides, while sipping fine wine or coffee at the bar 45 metres above the city. The hotel offers a relaxing stay, and spotting the tower's mascot, Tawawa-chan, adds a fun touch to the experience.

Kyoto Autumn Night Tour: Unryuin of Sennyuji Temple and Toji Temple offers you an experience of enchanting night illuminations at Sensoji Temple and Unryu-in Temple, famous for their stunning night maple displays. At Kodaiji Temple, built by the wife of Warring States general Toyotomi Hideyoshi, you can enjoy the serene garden, especially the beautiful reflections of the "reverse red leaves" on Wolong Pond. Depart directly from Kyoto Station on a comfortable bus, skip the lines, and enjoy the journey with a knowledgeable Japanese tour guide, offering a firsthand experience of traditional Japanese hospitality.

Visiting No Umeyu Sauna in Kyoto offers a unique and authentic Japanese bathing experience. This retro-style sento (public bathhouse) is a local favourite for unwinding in a casual, nostalgic setting. Known for its cosy, old-school charm, No Umeyu features traditional baths and saunas that help you relax after a day of exploring Kyoto.

The sauna’s laid-back vibe, combined with its affordable prices, makes it an excellent spot to experience a piece of Japanese culture in an unpretentious atmosphere, perfect for travellers looking to rest and rejuvenate in a local setting. Even better, this sauna opens from 06:00 until 02:00.

You can definitely do temple and holy place hopping at night in Kyoto, and it's highly recommended! Many of Kyoto’s iconic temples and shrines offer special nighttime illuminations, especially during autumn and spring. Temples like Kiyomizu-dera, Kodaiji, and Shoren-in create a magical atmosphere with their illuminated gardens, ponds, and buildings, offering a serene and enchanting experience different from daytime visits.

As you stroll through the alley, you may catch glimpses of geishas heading to evening appointments, adding to the allure. The area offers a mix of intimate eateries with riverside views along the Kamo River, making it perfect for a memorable night out. Whether you're looking for food, drinks, or just a cultural stroll, Pontocho Alley at night captures the essence of Kyoto’s nightlife and traditional charm.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is open at all hours, allowing you to explore its iconic torii gates at your convenience. The pathways are illuminated, but it's advisable to bring a flashlight or headlamp for better visibility. Visiting at night means fewer crowds, making it easier to appreciate the calm and beauty of the shrine without the daytime hustle. As the shrine is located on a mountain, and while some areas may not be as well-lit, the view of Kyoto at night from the higher paths can be stunning.

Visiting Fushimi Sake Village at night is possible, but it’s generally less common than daytime visits. Many sake breweries and shops in Fushimi may close by early evening, typically around 18:00. While some places might offer evening tastings or events, it’s best to check in advance if you have a specific brewery in mind. The village has a charming atmosphere at night, with traditional buildings and lanterns creating a lovely ambiance. Strolling through the area can be a peaceful and picturesque experience.

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