Kyoto is a region where many historical streetscapes remain. As a city symbolizing Japanese culture, it can be said to be a popular spot that attracts tourists from all over the world. Kyoto, famous for Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) and maiko, tends to have many shrines and temples even within Japan.
Kyoto is also known as a city of fine cuisine, and it's an area where various genres of restaurants gather. There are many restaurants where you can taste Japanese cuisine using seasonal Kyoto vegetables, such as Obanzai, which has been passed down in Kyoto households.
Dining in an elegant atmosphere that can only be experienced in Kyoto is popular not only among Japanese but also among foreigners. This time, we will introduce Kyoto night tours that allow you to fully enjoy Kyoto's food and culture.
Recommended Night Walking Tours
Kyoto Gion Night Walk - Small Group Guided Tour
source：Viator
This is one of the Kyoto night tours that allows you to enjoy Gion at night. While learning about Japanese culture from a local guide, you'll stroll through traditional back streets. If you're lucky, you might see geiko (geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) walking along the streets.
Next, you'll walk along Hanamikoji Dori. This is the main street of Gion, stretching about 1km from Sanjo Dori to the front of Kenninji Temple. On both sides of the stone-paved street, there are high-class Japanese restaurants and tea houses.
At night, Japanese lanterns called chochin are lit, allowing you to enjoy a fantastical streetscape. The charm of this tour is that you can enjoy it in a friendly atmosphere as it's conducted in small groups of up to 9 people.
Note that walking on stone-paved roads may be challenging for pregnant women, travelers with back pain, or wheelchair users.
Kyoto Gion District Small Group Walking Tour
source：Viator
This is one of the Kyoto night tours where you can stroll around the Gion area with a Japanese guide born and raised in Kyoto. It's not just a tour to view the scenery; you can have the guide explain history and culture, ask questions, and enjoy conversation.
The tour starts from Minamiza and heads towards Hanamikoji Dori. You'll stop by Yasui Konpiragu, which is said to bring good luck in love. It's recommended for couples as it's said to strengthen bonds.
After passing by Ryozen Kannon and Kodaiji Temple, you'll head to Yasaka Shrine. This shrine, affectionately known as "Gion-san," is believed to bring good fortune. With the guide's photo-taking service, you can take many pictures with the beautiful Gion scenery as a backdrop.
This tour is limited to a maximum of 7 people. Note that groups cannot participate in this tour.
Kyoto Night Free Walking Tour
source：Kyoto Localized
This is a walking tour where you can experience Kyoto's culture. The biggest attraction of this tour is that you can participate for free. If you've never participated in such tours and are hesitant to book a paid tour, why not try this free tour first?
The first destination of the tour is Yasaka Shrine, where the local guide will explain the etiquette at the shrine. Next, you'll walk through the geisha district and learn about geisha culture. If you're lucky, you might encounter a geisha on the street.
You'll cross a bridge over the Kamogawa River and head to the bar district. The final destination of the tour is Shijo-Ohashi Bridge. You can enjoy the streetscape while learning about Kyoto's food culture in an area concentrated with various bars.
They'll introduce you to famous restaurants in the Shijo-Ohashi area, so it might be good to visit after the tour ends.
Tours to Meet Maiko / Geisha
Night Walking Tour of Kyoto to Meet the Geishas from Gion
source：Viator
This is one of the Kyoto night tours recommended for those interested in geisha. First, you'll visit Minamiza to learn about traditional Japanese theater. Around Tatsumi Bridge, designated by the country as an area of high cultural value, you can see traditional Japanese houses.
Next, you'll visit the Kitaza Gion Omoido Museum, which exhibits the history and culture of Gion. After viewing the statue of Izumo no Okuni, known as the founder of Kabuki, enjoy the streetscape of Hanamikoji Dori.
There are many delicious Japanese restaurants and souvenir shops, so ask the guide for recommendations and narrow down where you want to go.
The tour ends with a visit to Yasaka Shrine. An attractive point is that it's easier to book compared to other tours as up to 20 people can participate.
Meet a Geisha in Kyoto: Enjoy Exclusive Geisha Show in Gion
source：Viator
This is one of the Kyoto night tours where you visit a geisha house to meet geisha and maiko. When you arrive in Gion, a geisha will prepare and serve you matcha tea.
Next, you'll enjoy a traditional performance by maiko and geiko. Geiko, who are only found in limited hanamachi (geisha districts), are special even for Japanese people. Enjoy the elegant performance of geiko who have undergone strict training.
At the end of the tour, you can take commemorative photos with the maiko. You can also converse with the maiko during the photo session. However, note that photography and video recording are prohibited inside the venue except for the final photo session.
Also, if you participate in the tour on a rainy day, you may be refused entry if you're wet. This is to prevent damage to the tatami mats in the tea room. If your clothes or feet are wet, you need to wipe them with a towel at the entrance and change into clean socks before entering.
Tours to Enjoy Food and Drinks
Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond
source：Viator
This is one of the Kyoto night tours where you can stroll through Kyoto's streets and sample local specialties. First, you'll head to the Gion area while learning about Kyoto's nighttime entertainment, from traditional geisha to modern hostesses.
After 7 PM, you can enjoy local cuisine with beer or sake at a local restaurant. The tour fee includes two drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and dinner costs including sashimi and tempura. Note that if you order more than two drinks, you'll need to pay an additional fee.
Moving to the west side of the Kamogawa River, you'll stroll through areas such as Pontocho and Kiyamachi. The tour ends after dining at several restaurants.
Although it's a tour where you can learn about nighttime entertainment, it's designed for participants aged 13 and above. Children 13 and older can also participate, so the whole family can enjoy the tour.
Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
This is one of the Kyoto night tours where you can enjoy Kyoto's food culture at restaurants in Gion and Pontocho. You can taste authentic local Kyoto cuisine at hidden restaurants in the back alleys of Gion and Pontocho. It's possible to eat and drink with locals at restaurants that are difficult for tourists to find.
The first restaurant serves dishes with simple seasoning of Kyoto vegetables and meat. At the second place, you can drink sake or local beer, and at the last place, you can enjoy delicious desserts and coffee. When you don't know what to eat, the guide will help you order, so don't worry. It will be a valuable opportunity to hear the raw voices of local residents while sitting around the table with the guide.
Note that if you want a vegetarian course, you need to request it in advance. Be careful as you won't be able to get a vegetarian course if you inform them on the day of the tour.
Kyoto Bar Hopping Nightlife Tour in Pontocho
This is one of the Kyoto night tours where you go bar hopping in Pontocho. Together with a guide, you'll visit three local Japanese food bars and explore Kyoto's night like a local. First, stroll through Pontocho and take photos in the alleys decorated with red lanterns. I've been to Pontocho myself, and the atmospheric streetscape is definitely photogenic.
The tour visits izakayas (Japanese pubs) where locals gather. Traditional izakayas are places where you drink alcohol with small dishes, and you can also enjoy communication with the bar master and other customers. After listening to the guide's explanation of the dishes and recommended menu items, you can choose what to taste. After the tour, you can stay at the last bar and enjoy the meal.
This tour is not recommended for babies or small children. If you have small children, it's better to use an external babysitting service.
Unique Tour
Kyoto Ghost Tour - Ghosts, Mysteries & the Bamboo Forest at Night
source：Viator
If you're interested in a unique tour, why not participate in a ghost tour that explores the bamboo forest at night?
This tour departs from Saga Arashiyama Station and enters the eerie bamboo forest at night. Walk alone on the path in the bamboo forest, being careful of the female ghost said to be lurking there. After hearing Japanese scary stories, entering the bamboo forest will give you a spine-chilling thrill. The bamboo forest at night is beautiful yet terrifying, making for a ghost tour experience unlike any other.
On this tour, you'll walk alone in the dark. Therefore, it's not recommended for people who are afraid of darkness or ghosts. Also, pregnant women or those with heart conditions or other illnesses should avoid participating in this tour.
Conclusion
This time, we introduced recommended Kyoto night tours. When visiting Kyoto on a trip, many people might not know what to do at night.
If you want to fully enjoy Kyoto at night, it's recommended to participate in tours guided by locals. They'll take you to popular local izakayas that tourists can rarely find, allowing you for a valuable experience mingling with locals.
Participating in slightly different tours, such as walking through the bamboo forest at night on a ghost tour, will also make for memorable travel experiences. When visiting Kyoto, please consider participating in these night tours.