Planning to spend a while in Kyoto within the night? Listed here are the very best issues to do in Kyoto at night time!
When the moon hangs hazily over Higashiyama and the night time takes over the streets of Gion, Japan’s historic capital turns into the dream of each romanticist. For a whole bunch of years, the fantastic thing about Kyoto’s night time surroundings has been admired in poetry and literature and praised in folks songs such because the Gion Kouta (祇園小唄), a Japanese ballad from the Nineteen Thirties.
With its lantern-lit slender avenue alleys, tranquil temple complexes and seasonal light-ups, there are numerous methods to have a marvellous time in Kyoto at night time. Carry on studying to search out out about the very best locations in Kyoto to see after darkish.
Places to visit in Kyoto at Evening
Right here is learn how to spend an evening out in Kyoto.
1. Stroll the Streets of Gion at night time
An absolute must-see when visiting Kyoto is the well-known Gion district at night time which is understood for its geisha tradition, tea homes and historic buildings. Lately, Kyoto’s municipality has been dedicated to preserving town’s conventional attraction by means of completely different insurance policies.
The utmost peak of recent buildings is restricted. Most constructions are pretty small. Newly opened shops in historic areas typically must mix in with the facades of the encircling previous buildings, and quite a few alleyways are paved with stone tiles as an alternative of asphalt.
These are simply among the laws that permit guests to nonetheless get a style of the “Outdated Kyoto” – particularly throughout an evening stroll. Gion’s slender avenue alleys adorned by dozens of conventional picket buildings look oddly romantic when all of the pink lanterns gentle up the district at night time.
Guidelines for Visiting Gion at Evening
Whereas Gion naturally attracts numerous guests with its historic magnificence, it’s vital to hold some fundamental guidelines in thoughts upon visiting as inappropriate behaviour has sadly elevated in recent times.
Most significantly, taking pictures of personal roads and coming into personal property is forbidden. Some streets even have indicators set as much as ban guests from taking footage. Guests also needs to chorus from stopping geisha or maiko (a geisha in coaching) in the midst of the road and taking footage of them with out permission.
The municipality deemed it essential to make clear these mannerisms to keep up the fantastic thing about Gion and protect the native tradition.
2. Depart a Prayer at Yasaka Shrine
When visiting the Gion district at night time, don’t overlook to cease by Yasaka Shrine. At night time, Yasaka Shrine’s vermilion pink most important gate is superbly illuminated. The shrine itself is accessible all night time lengthy, making it an incredible addition to a stroll after darkish.
It’s additionally probably the most common spots for hatsumōde (初詣) in Kyoto, the primary shrine go to of the New 12 months in Japan. On the night time of New 12 months’s Eve, the realm is full of individuals who want for luck within the coming yr.
3. Attend the Yoiyama Festivities Earlier than Gion Matsuri
Yearly in July, Yasaka Shrine hosts the Gion Matsuri, Kyoto’s most vital annual competition. Whereas the primary occasion culminates in a procession through the day on July seventeenth, the three nights main as much as it are simply as enchanting. These nights are generally known as Yoiyoiyoiyama (宵々々山), Yoiyoiyama (宵々山) and Yoiyama (宵山).
Throughout the Yoiyoiyama (July fifteenth) and Yoiyama (July sixteenth), the streets of Shijō and Karasuma are reserved for pedestrians solely, giving guests the uncommon alternative to freely discover the realm with out the standard site visitors.
The massive floats which might be being carried by means of Kyoto on the day of the primary procession are lit up with lanterns and may be admired on the streets through the night time festivities. Moreover, quite a few meals stalls promoting every part from sugar-coated fruits to yakisoba full that excellent nightly competition atmosphere.
4. Spend the Night on the Banks of the Kamo River
Meandering by means of the center of Japan’s historic capital, the Kamo River is an atmospheric place to spend a convivial night.
Alongside the river near Gion-Shijō Station, there are lots of eating places with terraces going through the waterside promenade that are perfect for having dinner on heat, rainless evenings.
Tons of individuals benefit from the night time by sitting on the grass alongside the riverbanks, listening to the road musicians and having a chat with associates.
5. Take pleasure in Nightlife on Pontocho Alley and Kiyamachi Road
At first look, a blinding nightlife won’t be among the many checklist of issues related to Kyoto. Most individuals would stay in Osaka instead of Kyoto in the event that they’re on the lookout for the very best nightlife. Nonetheless, there are two districts to take a look at when on the lookout for bars and nightclubs in Kyoto.
Pontocho Alley is Kyoto’s sizzling spot for bar hopping. Operating alongside the west aspect of Kamo-River near Kyoto-Kawaramachi and Gion-Shijō Station, this district has an enormous choice of izakaya, eating places and common pubs to select from. Most buildings are constructed with a conventional picket exterior facade, preserving the traditional attraction of this avenue.
For nightclubs, Kiyamachi Road is the precise alternative. Simply hold following Pontocho Alley up north to achieve this space. Since each districts lie adjoining to one another, they’re straightforward to mix on an evening out in Kyoto.
6. Go for a Evening Stroll Round Kiyomizu-Dera and Yasaka Road
Higashiyama should be probably the most mystical areas in Kyoto to go to after dusk. Being residence not solely to Gion however Kyoto’s most well-known temple Kiyomizu-dera and the scenic Yasaka Road, this received’t come as an enormous shock.
Kiyomizu-dera was in-built 778 and formally declared a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1944. The temple itself is accessible till round 6 PM, with prolonged opening hours thrice a yr throughout particular night time illuminations (final entry at 9 PM). All related details about the light-ups may be discovered on their official website.
Whereas Kiyomizu-dera is particularly price visiting at night time through the particular illumination occasions for the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, strolling up the hill to the doorway of the temple makes for an incredible view of Kyoto at night time. And for the reason that temple is going through the west of town, it’s additionally a phenomenal place for seeing the sundown!
One other spot price trying out at nightfall is Yasaka Road. Identical to Gion, this space is made up of many conventional picket buildings which might be warmly illuminated by lantern lights through the night time.
The centre of this district is marked by the well-known Yasaka Pagoda that towers above the streets of Higashiyama. Lit up at night time, it’s a view to not miss out on when visiting Kyoto at night time.
7. See Nijō Fortress Lit up at Evening
In-built 1603 as a residence for Tokugawa Ieyasu, Nijō Fortress is a major relic of historic Kyoto. It was formally designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1994. Whereas the fortress usually closes at 5 PM (final entry at 4 PM), there are a number of events all year long to see it completely lit up at night time.
“NAKED Flowers” is a digital artwork exhibition that may be skilled in Nijō Fortress for round a month throughout completely different seasons. Prior to now, this included vibrant projections on the picket most important gate, completely different illuminated installations contained in the fortress, and a light-up of the bushes within the surrounding backyard.
Often, these particular light-up occasions open their doorways to guests through the cherry blossom (March–April) and autumn foliage (October–November) season. In 2023, a summer exhibition was held between July and August. It’s greatest to examine if there’s an ongoing light-up occasion in Nijō Fortress upon travelling to Kyoto. The go to is totally price it!
8. Go By the Gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine at Evening
Fushimi Inari Shrine is without doubt one of the few sights in Kyoto that’s accessible 24 hours a day. Throughout the morning and afternoon, the crowds flock to this well-known place to see the “thousand vermilion pink gates” lined up the way in which as much as the highest and right down to the foot of Mt. Inari. You’ll have a way more peaceable expertise when visiting within the early morning or late night hours.
The primary constructing and areas on the foot of the mountain are superbly lit up after darkish. In the event you determine to stroll up Mt. Inari at night time, be certain that to convey correct equipment corresponding to mountaineering boots, mosquito spray through the sizzling season, and flashlights.
A particular illumination occurs through the two-day-long Motomiya Pageant in July. The night time earlier than the Motomiya Pageant (generally known as Yoimiya Pageant), a whole bunch of pink paper lanterns gentle up Fushimi Inari Shrine and the vermilion gate path as much as Mt. Inari. The occasion is accompanied by festive taiko drum performances.
9. Benefit from the Evening View from Kyoto Tower and Kyoto Station
Kyoto Tower has one of many greatest night time views of town to supply. Measuring 131 meters in peak, it’s the tallest constructing in Kyoto – a definite landmark in a sea of in any other case small buildings. The third flooring of the commentary deck incorporates a Sky Lounge that’s open till 11 PM.
Kyoto Station is situated proper subsequent to Kyoto Tower. It has an admission-free commentary deck on the uppermost flooring and the “Sky Tunnel” from which you may have an incredible view of town at night time, too.
10. Stroll up the Lantern-Lit Pathway to Kifune Shrine
Kifune Shrine lies hidden within the very north of Kyoto and is devoted to the Japanese deity of water. Although it takes a while to entry this space, it’s positively price visiting. What attracts folks to this place isn’t solely the shrine itself, however the lantern-lit staircase main as much as it.
Generally known as a well-liked vacation spot on sizzling summer time days and ethereal autumn evenings, Kifune Shrine is without doubt one of the dreamiest locations to go to throughout Kyoto’s coldest months.
When there’s a variety of snowfall in January and February, and the pink lanterns adorning the way in which as much as the shrine are coated with white caps, the shrine holds a particular night time illumination occasion till 8 PM.
11. Have a Romantic Stroll By Arashiyama Kimono Forest
Arashiyama Kimono Forest is a everlasting illumination in Kyoto. This creative set up is situated proper subsequent to Arashiyama Station and makes for a superb picture spot, each through the day and the night time.
The “forest” is made up of over 600 pillar lanterns which might be coated with kimono material on the within. Each pole is 2 metres excessive and showcases a vibrant sample, creating the phantasm of strolling by means of a mystical grove.
12. Keep at a Conventional Ryokan
Ryokan are conventional Japanese inns that may be discovered wherever throughout the nation. These lodging are often outfitted with sizzling springs and rooms with tatami mats.
And with its many picturesque spots and historic buildings, Kyoto is a perfect vacation spot to remain at considered one of these in a single day.
You possibly can both go for a extra secluded space within the mountains surrounding Kyoto like Arashiyama or keep nearer to town centre if that’s what you’re feeling extra snug with.
In the event you familiarise your self with some fundamental guidelines earlier than your keep, reserving an evening or two in a conventional Japanese inn completely holds the potential to stage up your Kyoto expertise.
13. Expertise a Kabuki Efficiency at Minamiza Theatre
As one of many three conventional performing arts of Japan, experiencing a Kabuki efficiency in Kyoto is an effective way to dive deeper into the native tradition.
Kabuki developed through the early Edo Interval (1603–1868) when a miko (shrine maiden) named Okuni started giving performances within the dry riverbed of the Kamo River.
Girls had been ultimately banned from performing Kabuki on stage within the seventeenth century and males began enjoying each the feminine and male characters. The male actors specialising in enjoying ladies are generally known as onnagata (女形) (actually that means “feminine function”).
Although the ban was lifted centuries later, Kabuki remains to be a male-dominated performing artwork. It’s significantly characterised by the actors carrying flamboyant costumes and hanging make-up referred to as kumadori (隈取).
Minamiza Theatre in Kyoto performs reveals a number of instances per week with matinee and night performances. Ticket costs vary between 5.000 Yen and 16.000 Yen, relying on the seat class. The performs are often round 4 hours lengthy, that means that the night reveals begin within the (late) afternoon and finish someday round 8 PM.
Tickets may be booked by means of Shochiku. A number of the reveals even have English steerage obtainable.
14. Be taught About Kyoto’s Distinctive Geisha Tradition
Kyoto is known to be the center of geisha tradition in Japan. Geisha have mastered numerous Japanese arts corresponding to conventional dance, classical devices, and flower association, and are extremely expert in dialog and hospitality. Dinners with a geisha are subsequently a very expensive expertise.
Some cultural expertise suppliers provide a variety of occasions to fulfill geisha and maiko in Kyoto. This consists of the above-mentioned dinner evenings, tea ceremonies, in addition to music and dance performances in Kyoto’s theatres – all nice additions to your Kyoto itinerary.
When on the lookout for this type of expertise upon travelling to Kyoto, needless to say geisha and maiko should not the identical. A maiko is an apprentice geisha, that means she remains to be engaged on perfecting her abilities.
15. Go to Eikandō Temple in Autumn
When visiting Japan through the cherry blossom or autumn foliage season, seeing the particular illuminations is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Kyoto at night time. As for seasonal light-up occasions throughout autumn, Eikandō Temple is without doubt one of the most beautiful locations to admire Kyoto’s fiery pink leaves at night time.
The illumination of the temple backyard surrounding the Hojo Pond takes place yearly between early November and early December till 9 PM with the final admission half an hour earlier than the official closure.
16. Watch a Yosakoi Efficiency at Evening
Yosakoi is a Japanese competition dance rooted in Awa Odori. It originated in Kōchi Prefecture on Japan’s smallest most important island Shikoku within the Fifties. Ever since then, this extremely energetic and artistic dance type has slowly however steadily taken Japan by storm.
Although there are some frequent components and a algorithm, each staff has a reasonably distinctive type. A lot of them change costumes whereas dancing, some inform tales by means of their choreographies or use instruments like followers, parasols, or flags to reinforce their efficiency.
Larger festivals are sometimes splintered throughout completely different venues in the identical metropolis. And Kyoto isn’t any exception. Yosakoi festivals are greatest skilled all through the entire day, however the levels at night time include a particular ambiance.
In Kyoto, you possibly can see many gifted groups carry out through the Kyoto Sakura Yosakoi (early April) and the Ryoma Yosakoi (mid-November). Each festivals happen over a complete weekend, which quantities to 2 full days of performances.
The Kyoto Sakura Yosakoi incorporates a complete of round 100 groups. The primary stage is situated in entrance of the Heian Shrine, the place it’s also possible to watch the successful performances within the night (sure, there’s a contest included):
The Ryoma Yosakoi is centred round college groups. You possibly can see the night time performances till 8 PM on the venue proper in entrance of the primary constructing of Kyoto Station.
17. See the Daimonji Pageant
Among the many issues to do in Kyoto at night time, the Daimonji Pageant is without doubt one of the best-known seasonal occasions to expertise in summer time. It takes place every year on August sixteenth through the week of Obon (お盆), a Buddhist competition to commemorate one’s deceased ancestors.
Ranging from 8 PM, 5 enormous bonfires are being ignited one after the other within the mountains enclosing Kyoto. Probably the most well-known and first one to be lit up is the 大-shaped fireplace (a kanji character that means “giant”).
A preferred viewing spot for seeing the primary fireplace is the banks of the Kamo River round Marutamachi. Some motels within the metropolis centre of Kyoto host particular night time viewing occasions on their rooftops, from the place you possibly can see all 5 fires burning within the mountains.
Conclusion – Exploring Kyoto at Evening
As the traditional capital, Kyoto is considered one of Japan’s most atmospheric and wistfully stunning locations after sundown.
Everybody who’s on the lookout for scenic night time walks, cultural experiences or immersive illumination occasions will probably love Kyoto at night time. For people who find themselves reasonably in quest of dazzling nightlife with bars and nightclubs, Tokyo and Osaka is likely to be the higher alternative.
Whereas many locations within the metropolis are price visiting at night time all yr spherical, maintaining a tally of the seasonal occasion calendars will make it easier to make your journey to Kyoto much more memorable.
