Best Places to go at night Kyoto

When you think about Kyoto, you most likely didn't think about its nightlife or which places to go at night. And it is true that many of the temples and sights close early, but there are some places and even temples that are open until very late at night, but unlike places like Tokyo and Osaka that have more of a modern kind nightlife with clubs and bars, in Kyoto, even certain areas to go to at night have a historic feel to them. These places include spots like the Fushimi Inari Shrine, the streets at Kyoto Hanatoro or the Kyoto tower.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Shrine is the headquarters of all the Inari shrines. It has served as a place of worship for the common people over 1,300 years. The tunnel consisting of 10,000 torii gates is something to see. Enjoy a stroll through the rolling land on the spacious grounds of the shrine.

Gion

Gion is very popular among tourists for its bustling downtown streets. The famous Yasaka Shrine is on the outskirts of Gion. Maiko and geisha (known locally as geiko or geigi) entertain guests with songs and traditional Japanese dances. The houses where you can enjoy the company of geisha are gathered together in this famous entertainment district.

JR Kyoto Station

Kyoto Station is the gateway to the ancient capital, boasting a thousand years of history. In the Kyoto Station Building, there are plenty of restaurants and souvenirs symbolizing Kyoto. It has many attractions other than being a station.

Ponto-cho

Ponto-cho is located in the center of Kyoto. In the teahouses that occupy the townhouses there, you can see maiko and geisha. A highlight is the Kamogawa Odori performed by the geisha twice a year in spring and autumn.

Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower is always a sight to behold in Kyoto. Its distinctive appearance is perfect for photos, but the inside of the tower is also not to be missed! It’s filled with many fun spots such as an observation lounge, a famed shopping arcade and even a public bath.

Kyoto Hanatoro

Kyoto Hanatoro features light and flowers. With softly-illuminated streets filled with shrines and temples, cultural properties and spirit, this is a special time featuring vivid examples of ikebana.

Hanami Koji Street

A street that cuts from north to south through Kyoto’s finest pleasure district of Gion. Bordered by Shijo Avenue, the northern part of the street is characterized by bars and izakayas while the southern part has ryotei restaurants and teahouses. The neighborhood is also known for its cobblestone paths and ancient lattice doors.