https://https://uk.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/kyoto/best-nightspots/10070000430150
Night Attractions
Top 20 Night Attractions in Kyoto [2025]
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Kiyomizu-dera Temple
4.7
/5
3342 reviews
8.0
Based on 11,799 reviews
Gion/Kiyomizu Temple | 2.4 km from downtown
Phone +81 75-551-1234
Address: 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Spring Outings
Highlights:
Unique charm under night lights
Cherry blossoms & maple leaves illuminated
Saved by 2947 users1054 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
I ran around,
It was not easy to walk to this temple.
It was very strenuous to go up the slope,
even if there were no steps.
When I arrived at the temple gate,
there were a lot of people.
They gathered in front of the temple to take pictures,
and it was not easy to wait for a group of people to take pictures.
After taking pictures, I went in to visit directly.
There was a place for divination,
and there were quite a lot of people.
The temple was looming in the mountains,
and it was said that it had a different flavor under the red maple leaves in autumn.
It was beautiful from a distance and close up,
and it was worth the trip.
Kyoto is a famous "thousand-year-old capital" in Japan. Its urban landscape is full of Tang Dynasty style and charm. Many shrines, Buddhist pavilions and other historical sites are listed as World Cultural Heritage. Kiyomizu Temple is the oldest temple in Kyoto. It is surrounded by green trees. Standing on the Kiyomizu stage and looking far into the distance, the modern outline of Kyoto Tower and the thousand-year-old temple complement each other.
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Fushimi Inari Taisha
4.7
/5
2233 reviews
7.5
Based on 25,076 reviews
5 km from downtown
Phone +81 75-641-7331
Address: 68 Fukakusa Yabunouchicho, Fushimi Ward, Kyoto, 612-0882, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.3 of Best Things to Do in Kyoto
Highlights:
Unique fox plaques & mini torii
Fox mask night blessing experience
Saved by 2829 users836 positive reviews
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I ran around and walked around.
This place climbs up the stairs,
step by step,
looking at the words on the pillars on both sides with each step,
it feels very meaningful.
The higher you go,
looking down at the dark crowds of people below,
the more you feel superior,
a feeling of looking down at all the mountains.
It is said that there are more than a thousand pillars in this place,
lined neatly on both sides,
the scenery is very good,
a very good spot for physical exercise.
To get a feeling of serenity, I suggest early mornings or late evenings. It really is beautiful and the buzzing of the cicadas in summer make it feel like you're away from the city and in nature for a while. we even saw wild boar after dark.
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Gion
4.8
/5
7792 reviews
7.4
Gion | 1.2 km from downtown
Phone +81-75-5312288
Address: Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-2 hours
Featured in 2024 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
Saved by 2533 users7234 positive reviews
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Gion: Geisha phantom and capital meat grinder, Kyoto's most dangerous Ukiyo-e Is it worth going? If you want to dissect the dark fairy tale of Japanese aesthetics, it's worth it! But under the stone slabs of each flower-viewing path are tourists' IQ taxes - this is the Disneyland of geisha culture, and you are a human ATM.
Hard-core truth: blood and gold on the shamisen strings
Chemical war on the back of the neck of the maiko: under the white powder is not the legendary "swan neck", but the scar of collodion burns - traditional geishas need to use glue to straighten the neck lines. The young girl kneels in front of the mirror at 3 a.m. and uses a bone brush knife to smooth the skin texture, just for a 0.5-second glimpse in your lens at dusk.
The indulgence system of Ichiriki Tea House: The private banquet behind the door curtain costs ￥300,000 per night, and what they drink is not wine but class sacrifice. But when you open the tatami secret compartment, the contract signed by the prostitutes in the Meiji period sleeps with this morning's credit card bill - a century of exploitation has never evolved, only the payment method has changed.
The physical scam of Yasaka Tower: Internet celebrity photographers will not say: The best camera position is on top of the power distribution box in the back alley of Tatsumi Daimyojin. What's even darker is that the tower lighting is sponsored by Sharp, and the LED color temperature is adjusted according to the new mobile phone products of the season - faith has long been adjusted by capital.
The cyber torture device of Shirakawa Tsutsumi: pressure sensors are installed on the stone steps, and hidden spray devices (officially called "moisturizing system") are triggered when the crowd is overloaded. The "poetic scene" of your kimono being wetted by water mist is actually a sewer strategy of big data to disperse the flow of people.
Anti-harvest survival guide (more important than booking Kaiseki)
Morning attack on ghost theater:
5:00 squatting at the back door of Gion Kobu dance practice hall**, watching the geisha with bruises on her eyes after removing her makeup ride a shared bicycle home
6:30 rush into the **Kenninji** abbot garden, the sand sound of monks sweeping fallen leaves is the real "Kyoto sound"
Unlocking the midnight secret path:
- 22:00 climb into the **Shimbashi Shirakawa** restricted area in the dark (Google Map 33.995°N, 135.768°E), the century-old chimney is reflected in the water like a giant harp
- Every Friday on garbage day, throw away the sake lees in the back alley of Inoue Brewery, and dig out the yeast that brewed the geisha's lip balm with bare hands
Fatal peak staggering technique:
-Standing at Yasaka Shrine with a transparent umbrella on a rainy night, watching the red lanterns turn into blood mist in the rain curtain
- On the 10th of every month, on Geisha Emblem Day, follow the kimono delivery truck to the Nishijin weaving workshop and pick up the gold thread scraps from the tailor's knife
Magical realism attack
When you scoop up matcha shaved ice in the tea house, the "geisha" outside the window suddenly takes off her wig - that's a part-time cross-dressing job for a Ukrainian student earning ￥1,500 per hour. Even more absurd is the Hanamikoji vending machine: put in ￥5,000 to get a "Geisha Breathing Air Can", scan the code to display the ingredients list
Kyoto feels that the place is not big. From Kiyomizu Temple to the three-year-old two-year-old, and then to the Huajian Road, passing by the Gion Yasaka Shrine, it is okay to stroll around. The lanterns and buildings are quite distinctive. I also photographed the door of the same seat in Conan.
No.
4
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Nijō Castle
4.7
/5
1944 reviews
7.0
From £7.05
Based on 7,153 reviews
Nijo Castle | 1.8 km from downtown
Phone +81 75-841-0096
Address: 541 Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8301, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Featured in 2025 Global 50 – Spring Outings
Highlights:
Unique nightingale floor sound experience
Night tours for cherry blossoms
Saved by 1099 users1032 positive reviews
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I rode my bicycle from Shijo Hilton and saw a rainbow. There was a delicious izakaya next to it. I drank until I was tipsy and waited for the night to arrive. I toured the castle of the Shogun at night. The feast of light and shadow was worth the price of the ticket.
Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, Japan, showcases stunning architecture and rich history. Here's a detailed description:*Architecture*1. *Main Keep (Donjon)*: Five-story, 32.9-meter-tall structure with a unique blend of Japanese and Chinese architectural styles.2. *Ninomaru Palace*: Intricately decorated with traditional Japanese art, featuring "nightingale floors" that squeak when walked upon.3. *Kuroshoin*: A beautifully designed study and reception room.4. *Seiryuen Garden*: A tranquil garden with walking paths and scenic views.5. *Togetsukyo Bridge*: A scenic bridge over the castle moat.6. *Stone walls and moats*: Well-preserved feudal-era defenses.*Gardens*1. *Karesansui Garden*: A beautiful Zen garden with raked gravel and stones.2. *Seiryuen Garden*: A tranquil garden with walking paths and scenic views.3. *Ninomaru Garden*: A traditional Japanese garden with ponds, bridges, and teahouses.*Interior*1. *Intricate woodwork*: Elaborate carvings and ornate details adorn the ceilings, walls, and floors.2. *Traditional Japanese art*: Beautiful frescoes, paintings, and decorative screens.3. *Nightengale Floors*: Squeaky flooring designed to alert guards of intruders.*Historical Significance*1. Built in 1603 for Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.2. Served as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns.3. Played a key role in Japan's Edo period (1603-1867).*Visitor Information*1. *Address*: 541 Nijojo-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto2. *Opening Hours*: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)3. *Admission*: ¥600 (adults), ¥350 (high school students), ¥200 (elementary/junior high students)4. *Access*: Kyoto Station (JR), then bus #50 or subway (Tozai Line)*Tips*1. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.2. Audio guides available in multiple languages.3. Photography allowed, but flash and tripods restricted.4. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies held periodically.
No.
5
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Kyoto Tower
4.6
/5
680 reviews
6.6
From £4.53
Based on 1,248 reviews
Kyoto City Centre | 2.8 km from downtown
Phone +81 075-3613215
Address: 721-1 Higashishiokoji-cho, Karasuma-dori Shichijo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8216 Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.12 of Best Things to Do in Kyoto
Highlights:
Sky deck views Kyoto landmarks
Night bathhouse on B3 floor
Saved by 825 users364 positive reviews
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Very good experience, worth the price. Best around or after sunset.
Kyoto Tower, you can see it as soon as you leave Kyoto Station. It is also a landmark in Kyoto. I didn't go up in a hurry. The fare is not expensive. I have time to go up and see it, but Isetan roof can also see a good view.
No.
6
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Kamo River
4.5
/5
469 reviews
6.4
Based on 786 reviews
Kyoto City Centre | 3.5 km from downtown
Address: Kyoto, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
No.14 of Best Things to Do in Kyoto
Highlights:
Dinner & lights on riverbed
Bars & restaurants line the riverbank
Saved by 761 users168 positive reviews
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Conan's camera position is Kamogawa. It is a river that runs through the center of Kyoto. It is also a representative scenic spot. The scenery is generally very beautiful when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. It is nice to take a walk beside it after a good meal.
the place is good for a walk, you can just leavr your troubles and then go for a walk along the river for some quick recharge.
No.
7
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Kifune Shrine
4.5
/5
163 reviews
6.1
Based on 724 reviews
Ohara/Kibune/Kurama | 12.3 km from downtown
Phone +81 75-741-2016
Address: 180 Kuramakibunecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1112, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
No.19 of Best Things to Do in Kyoto
Highlights:
Creekside dining & night views
Kawadoko cuisine on the river platform
Saved by 494 users42% positive reviews
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Going up the mountain along the flat road, the vermilion torii in front of you is the Kifune Shrine. There are many red lanterns on both sides of the long stairs, which is also the most photographed place in Kifune Shrine - the lantern-offering shrine. On the side of the bottom of the stairs, many photographers have already occupied favorable shooting positions, waiting for the lights to be turned on at night.
Kifune Shrine is an ancient shrine at the western foot of Kurama Mountain and the head shrine of Kifune Shrine. This is also the source of water for Kyoto. Kifune Shrine enshrines the most revered water god of Kyoto people. It has a history of more than 1,600 years, which is longer than the history of Kyoto itself.
The steps paved with bluestone slabs extend from the torii to the main shrine of the shrine. Vermilion lanterns stand on both sides of the shrine. Looking from the bottom up, they are densely packed all the way, which is very spectacular.
One of the more well-known places in Kyoto is Jishindu
Kifune Shrine is relatively far away from the center of Kyoto
You need to transfer several times and get there first.
In summer, there are more people eating on the water.
When it comes to winter, everyone will want to fall into the snow
Admire the beautiful scenery of red God Dolby surrounded by white snow
No.
8
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Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
4.6
/5
277 reviews
6.1
Based on 158 reviews
Arashiyama/Sagano/Takao | 8.8 km from downtown
Phone +81-75-3430548
Address: Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.1-0.5 hour
No.18 of Best Things to Do in Kyoto
Highlights:
Winter lights illuminate bamboo & bridge
Bamboo forest illuminated by lights
Saved by 1597 users148 positive reviews
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The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest Trail is one of the core attractions in Arashiyama, Kyoto, Japan. Its unique natural landscape and profound historical and cultural heritage attract many tourists. The towering bamboos on both sides form a natural green tunnel, exuding a fresh fragrance, presenting a fusion of nature and humanity.
loved it! although can get busy, be warned it is fine to do with a push chair but can be difficult at parts
No.
9
Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station
4.4
/5
201 reviews
5.1
Based on 16 reviews
Gion | 878m from downtown
Phone +81 75 211 1052
Address: Japan, 〒600-8001 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, 河原町西入真町52
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
Featured in Best Things to Do
Saved by 101 users29% positive reviews
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Record of the late autumn trip to Kansai in November 2019~
I chose to stay at the Celestine Hotel because it is very close to Shijo Kawasecho, the most bustling and prosperous place in Kyoto. You don't have to worry about shopping and eating every day. You can walk to Shijo Kawasecho in just ten minutes to find a place to check in.
There are major department stores here, such as Fujii Daimaru Department Store, Takashimaya, etc. There are also many brand counters with independent facades, which are really good to visit. There are naturally many choices of food, such as ramen, yakiniku, and sushi.
This is also an important transportation hub. Buses and subways to many attractions must be taken near here.
A famous shopping district in Kyoto, it has the feel of an old street, with many small shops and some medium-sized shopping spots. It has many tourists, a strong sense of local life and the streets are relatively comfortable.
No.
10
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Kitano Tenmangu Shrine
4.6
/5
250 reviews
5.0
Based on 1,069 reviews
Nijo Castle | 3.7 km from downtown
Phone +81 75-461-0005
Address: Bakurocho, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-8386, Japan
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Featured in Best Things to Do
Saved by 155 users31% positive reviews
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Now is the season for viewing plum blossoms, playing in the water in the summer, enjoying the cool air in the autumn maple leaves, and praying for the New Year, which are also full of Japanese style. As an important birthplace of Japanese Shinto culture, it is worth a visit. It is also an interesting place as a holy place for students to pray for passing the college entrance examination and entering their favorite university.
The representative of Kyoto shrines, it has beautiful scenery and various prayer activities all year round. The plum blossoms in early spring and the maple leaves in autumn are particularly beautiful. The top scholar shrine is very effective, and petting a cow can ensure safety. It is a holy place for candidates to pray for blessings. There are occasional public displays of national treasures, and you can also taste Goro cakes.
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