5 Best Kyoto Night Tours
Kyoto is beautiful during the day, and it’s a ton of fun at night! We highly recommend taking a night tour while you’re in the city, because this can be a fantastic way of discovering the city’s best food, drink, and entertainment after dark.
In fact, we tested out several night tours while we were in Kyoto, and now we’ve rounded up our top 5 picks for you! From walking tours to local bar crawls and foodie experiences, there are lots of fun experiences to choose from, and we’ve shared our honest thoughts to help you make the right decision. You can’t let a night in Kyoto go to waste, so let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE night tour was this food tour in Kyoto. We explored historic areas with our guide, tried lots of traditional foods, and even had a sake tasting! This was a great introduction to Kyoto and super fun!
Check out the 1,200+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
1. Kyoto Night Time Foodie Tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 5 or 6 pm
- Highlights: exploring two traditional Geisha districts, visiting izakaya’s, full kaiseki dinner, matcha dessert, trying sake
- Inclusions: food, 3 different types of sake, tour photos, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 1,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
There are so many reasons why this specific tour is our top choice of night tours in Kyoto! What initially drew us to it (aside from the glowing reviews) was that it explores Gion and Pontocho, two of Kyoto’s well-known geisha districts. We loved exploring all of the historic narrow streets and alleyways with a local who knew where to go.
It was so interesting learning about geisha culture from our guide, Natsu, as we explored, and we even saw some geishas walking through Gion. We also stopped off at three izakaya’s over the course of the tour, none of which we would ever have found without Natsu!
At the first spot, we enjoyed some sake and appetizers, and then at the second izakaya we got a full kaiseki dinner. This is a multi-course haute cuisine meal and enjoying at least one kaiseki dinner is a MUST while you’re in Japan! Finally, we got a yummy matcha dessert before ending the night at a standing room bar, where we decided to stay for a few more drinks with our fellow travelers.
This tour was so much fun and an amazing introduction to Kyoto and its cuisine. In fact, I would suggest booking this tour for your first evening in Kyoto, as you not only get tons of delicious food, but you also get to explore some of the city’s most iconic areas. We had the best time, and would highly recommend this tour to anyone!
Book this tour with over 1,200 5-star reviews here!
2. Small Group Night Tour of Gion with Dinner and Drinks
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 6:30 pm
- Highlights: exploring Gion, learning about geishas and modern-day hostesses, trying lots of different foods
- Inclusions: dinner, two drinks, local guide
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
We loved this evening tour of Gion, which is Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. Gion is a thriving entertainment district, so it really comes alive at night, but it’s definitely best to go with a guide who can ensure that you don’t miss any of the top spots!
Our guide, Andres, taught us so much about geisha culture and we learned a lot about modern-day Japanese hostesses, known as kyabakura. He also took us to two fantastic izakaya’s, where we got to eat so much delicious local food, including sashimi, tempura, and rice-wine infused tofu! We actually booked the upgraded version of the tour which included Kobe beef and we’re so glad that we did. It was absolutely sensational!
We also got a drink at each spot, which meant we got to try some fantastic local craft beer, although we could have opted for sake, shochu, or non-alcoholic drinks instead. Andres also took us strolling along the Kamogawa River after dark, which was pretty magical, and we also explored the famous Kawaramachi shopping street and the nearby Pontocho area.
It was so much fun soaking up the nighttime atmosphere and learning about the history of all of these places, and the time really did fly by.
We think that this small group tour is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and groups of friends. It’s the ideal way to experience Kyoto’s buzzing entertainment scene like a local, and hopefully glimpse a geisha or two along the way!
Book this tour here to get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
3. Kyoto Gion Nighttime Walking Tour
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 5 – 6 pm
- Highlights: exploring Gion’s backstreets and hidden hotspots, visiting temples and shrines, learning about geisha culture
- Inclusions: water, a snack, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
This nighttime walking tour of Gion is our top choice for families visiting Kyoto! It’s a fun walking tour that explores the historic streets of the famous Gion district. Gion is incredibly charming, with lots of wooden buildings, traditional tea houses, and tucked-away izakayas, and we loved exploring with a guide who was able to explain the history and culture to us.
We particularly enjoyed exploring Hanamikoji Street, which is super picturesque and is home to tea houses that date all the way back to the Edo period! We also got to admire the Yasaka Shrine (also known as the Gion Shrine). We loved seeing the shrine’s ornate vermillion gate, and all of the lanterns hanging from the eaves of the main hall.
Our guide, Jasmine, taught us so much about not just Gion’s geisha culture, but also the Shinto religion and Japanese Buddhism, and how the two coexist in modern-day Japan. We did manage to glimpse some geishas out and about, too, and Jasmine even took us to the Gion Starbucks. This may not sound that exciting, but this branch is actually really cool because it’s housed in a traditional Japanese wooden building with tatami seating, so it’s totally unlike any other Starbucks we’ve ever visited!
All in all, this tour was a fantastic way to get to know Gion. We opted to join the group tour, but you can actually book a private walking tour if you prefer, which we think would be ideal for families!
Book this tour with HUNDREDS of glowing reviews here, before it sells out!
4. Kyoto Local Bar Crawl in Kawaramachi Area
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 7 pm
- Highlights: exploring Kawaramachi, visiting local bars and izakaya’s, exploring Kiyamachi pedestrian street
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 150+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
- Price: Check price here!
This local bar crawl is the ultimate Kyoto night tour for anyone who wants to party! We had so much fun discovering the city’s buzzing nightlife in the Kawaramachi area, which is basically THE place to party in Kyoto.
We kicked things off with a visit to a local izakaya where our awesome guide, Kazuto, ordered some yummy bar snacks for us including fried chicken and yakitori skewers. We should add that food and drinks are on your own account on the night, but it’s so worth booking this tour to have a local guide to show you where to go and plan a fun evening!
We also visited standing room-only bars and explored Kiyamachi, a vibrant pedestrian-only street that runs parallel to the river. Here, we visited more izakaya’s where we had plenty of sake and local draft beers, before ending the night at a karaoke bar. Needless to say, that was an absolute blast.
Kazuto kept the energy high for the entire night and he even stuck around to spend time with our group for a while after the tour had officially ended. We’re honestly so glad that we did this tour because it was such a fun way to blow off some steam after a busy day of sightseeing. And hey, what better way to learn about a culture than to party like a local?
This tour is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or groups of friends looking for a fun night out in Kyoto.
Check availability and book this tour in advance here!
5. Kyoto Foodie Night Tour
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 5 pm
- Highlights: tasting a variety of foods, visiting Nishiki Market and multiple izakaya’s, walking through Pontocho mini geisha district
- Inclusions: 7-10 food tastings, at least 2 alcoholic drinks, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 175+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: no
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to explore Nishiki Market and Pontocho like a local, this is the perfect tour for you! We found this tour to be a fun way to kick off a night out in Kyoto, starting out with a sake tasting.
This tour really stands out in terms of food quality. We enjoyed fresh sashimi, miso-glazed tofu skewers, and, best of all, hoba miso, which is miso grilled on a magnolia leaf. We even got to grill it ourselves!
We started by exploring the Nishiki Market and trying lots of street food snacks, before moving onto a few different izakaya’s where we tried some different obanzai dishes. Our guide explained to us that for a dish to be obanzai, at least half of its ingredients must come from Kyoto, which we found really cool!
Then, we wrapped up the tour with a quick walk around Pontocho, the “mini geisha” district. It’s not quite as famous as Gion, but it’s still one of Kyoto’s five thriving geisha districts. We loved the atmosphere here, and there are plenty of fun izakaya’s for those looking to continue their night out!
All in all, we think that this tour is a fantastic choice for those who are short on time, because you get to experience so much in just a few hours! From exploring the market to checking out izakaya’s and exploring one of Kyoto’s coolest districts, we thought that this tour did a great job of showcasing Kyoto’s food scene and character.
Secure your spot on this tour here to access flexible payment and cancellation options!
Where to Stay in Kyoto
Looking for the perfect place to stay in Kyoto? We’ve got you covered! There are tons of great hotel options, and Kyoto is very well connected by buses and trains. So if you’re staying downtown or a little outside of the city center, you’ll still be able to get around!
Here are my top three picks:
Luxury – $$$
A trip to Kyoto isn’t complete without a traditional Japanese stay, so Kyoto Ryokan Kinoe is an excellent option! This Ryokan is set in the best area of Kyoto, within walking distance from the Gion geisha district. The rooms have that traditional charm with futon beds, fresh tea, and access to public baths and the charming stone garden.
Prices vary by season but average around $300 USD per night. Check availability and book this stay online here.
Mid-range – $$
Located in the Shimogyo district, Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi is a comfortable stay at a moderate price point. The rooms are spacious and modern, ranging from Hollywood twin to double rooms. You can enjoy the onsite restaurant or you’re a quick walk from downtown Kyoto’s top spots.
Rooms start around $120 USD and can get to $250+ USD. Check prices and book this hotel in advance.
Budget – $
Miro Kyoto Nijo Hotel is a fantastic budget option, offering simple yet clean and comfortable rooms. Situated in the Nakagyo area, this hotel is conveniently located next to the JR station and the bus station so you can easily get around Kyoto. They offer twin or double rooms, ranging from about $50 to $150 USD.
Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all of the hotels in Kyoto here!
Renting a Car in Japan
Japan’s trains are great, but if you want to explore rural areas, scenic routes, or off-the-beaten path hidden gems, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility. Driving in Japan is generally safe, with well-maintained roads and clear signage, though there are some unique rules and customs to be aware of.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare multiple provider prices, check company ratings, filter for the type of vehicle you want, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Japan
- Drive on the left: In Japan, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right, and you’ll need to adjust to roundabouts and different road layouts. Take some time to get comfortable before hitting busy roads.
- Know the local rules: You must come to a full stop at “止まれ” (stop) signs, and pedestrians always have the right of way. It’s also mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts, even in the back seat. It’s also a good idea to brush up on the Japanese road signs before you go. They are mainly symbol based, and being able to recognize them will make your journey a lot smoother!
- Insurance is essential: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance—especially in Japan, where tight city parking, narrow village streets, and even wildlife on roads (like deer in Hokkaido) can lead to unexpected dings or damage. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Roads and parking spots in Japan can be tight, especially in cities and older towns, so a small or mid-sized car is usually best. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by transmission, fuel type (like hybrid), luggage space, and more, so you can find exactly what works for your trip.
- Watch for toll roads: Japan has an extensive network of toll roads (expressways). Tolls can be paid by cash or card, but it’s worth checking if your rental car comes with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for convenience.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This is a must—it’s the only version Japan recognizes, and you’ll need to get it before arriving.
- A credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
- Most companies require you to be at least 18 years old, and some may require you to have held a license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Japan on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Kyoto truly comes alive at night and we had so much fun exploring on a night tour. There are a lot of different options to suit any type of traveler, so I know you’ll have a fantastic time no matter which tour you go with!
Make sure to check out all of our Japan blogs before you take off! We have lots of resources to share from things we wish we knew before we visited to our favorite places, and can’t miss experiences.
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