Best Things to Do in Kyoto at Night

Kyoto is known as the ancient capital, famous for its countless temples, shrines, and abundance of traditional culture. Usually, a trip to Kyoto is filled with a daytime agenda of visiting these historic sights before they close. Luckily, there’s still plenty to do in Kyoto once the sun sets.

The city of Kyoto transforms in the nighttime, lit up with the soft, warm glow of lights. There are wonderful spots to explore after dinner — that is, if you know where to go.

Check out our seven favorite things to do in Kyoto at night!

If you’re keen to catch the best view of Kyoto after dark, head to Kyoto Tower for the highest viewpoint in the city. Right by Kyoto Station, you’ll find the iconic white building standing 131 meters above the ground. Tickets are 900 JPY for adults, and be sure to arrive before their last admission at 8:30 p.m.!

If you want an extra magical experience, head to the observation deck as the sun sets. You’ll see the whole city transition from daytime into nighttime as the lights illuminate the cityscape in a panoramic view. Afterwards, head to the third floor of the tower to visit the sleek and sophisticated Sky Lounge. Open until 11 p.m., you can grab a drink and enjoy the vista while you sip.

Situated parallel to the famous Kamo River, Pontocho Alley is a beautiful place to stroll at night. During the day, most shops are closed, and there isn’t much to look at. But come nighttime, the place comes alive. You’ll marvel at how many bars and restaurants are packed into the narrow cobblestone lane, lit up by paper lanterns on either side. Though it’s only 500 meters long, there are countless options for eating and drinking the night away. Most establishments here are built with the trademark traditional wooden exterior, creating a quaint and charming atmosphere.

Most temples and shrines in Kyoto close their doors to the public around 5 p.m., often resulting in early mornings of commuting from one site to another to cram in as many as possible before they close. Luckily, not all of them close at night. Although the reception and shrine office may be closed, some are accessible to the public at any hour of the day. Yasaka-jinja Shrine is one of the easiest to visit at night, as it’s conveniently located downtown and lit up long after dark. It’s sometimes called Gion Shrine, and one of Japan’s most famous summer festivals, the Gion Matsuri, takes place here.

One of the unique aspects of the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is its 24/7 accessibility. During the day, it's a bustling hub with crowds walking through the thousand red gates that stretch up Mount Inari. However, the real magic happens at night when the shrine transforms into a serene, almost mystical place with significantly fewer visitors. Usually it’s not lit, but they do host limited illuminations from time to time. If you're up for the adventure, equip yourself with headlamps or flashlights and embark on a memorable hike to the top!

If you're fortunate to be in the area in July, don't miss the Motomiya Festival, a significant event at　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. The night before the main day of the festival, the shrine is adorned with hundreds of red paper lanterns, creating a breathtaking sight that extends up to Mount Inari. The festival is not just about the visual spectacle, but also the vibrant taiko drum performances and the joyous, festive atmosphere that envelops the shrine, making it a truly special experience.

If you’re looking for a bit of rest and relaxation rather than an adventure, look no further than Sauna no Umeyu. This beloved public bath is open until 2 a.m. every day except Thursdays, making it a great spot to indulge in the late night. Close to Kiyomizu-gojo Station, it’s quite conveniently located in central Kyoto.

Although this facility was renovated and reopened in 2015, the bath is said to originally date back to the Meiji era, giving the place a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. The sauna is also spacious and is included in the entrance fee.

The charmingly traditional Fushimi Sake District is made up of nearly 40 sake breweries in the southern area of Kyoto. It’s one of the leading sake brewing districts in the country and has been for many centuries now. Some of the breweries are open to the public and have shops, restaurants, and museums attached.

Fushimi Sake Village is one of the largest and actually opens at 11:00 a.m., though you might find it difficult to stomach sake that early. This building has a sake bar that serves sake from 18 different brewers in Fushimi, as well as food stalls that serve local delicacies. Try any of the 120+ sake brands at the 23-meter-long bar counter. If you think you can handle it, try the 18 sake-tasting set, which is made up of samples from 18 different sake brewers. By the time you leave, you’ll no doubt be quite the sake connoisseur.

When you’re planning your visit to Kyoto, considering accommodation is an integral part of the whole Kyoto experience; where you stay and what type of accommodation you stay in will influence how you experience the city. If you’re on the hunt for a little Kyoto hotel inspiration, we can help you out! We’ve compiled a list of some of the coolest hotels in the city; if you’re more budget-conscious, there are plenty of stylish options under 150 USD per night. Finally, if you’re hunting for a more boutique vibe, look no further than this list.

Here are some other options: