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Offered languages
- Japanese
- English
Unlike typical sightseeing tours that follow well-trodden paths during the day, this experience invites you to witness Kyoto at its most mysterious and breathtaking hour—after dark. As the crowds fade and lanterns glow softly in the silence, you’ll discover a side of Kyoto few travelers ever see.
Guided by a local expert who knows the hidden stories of the night, you’ll walk through the historic Gion district, stand before sacred Yasaka Shrine bathed in lantern light, and trace the ancient alleyways that whisper Kyoto’s thousand-year-old tales.
The tour culminates at Sannenzaka and the gates of Kiyomizu-dera, where the city lights below and the temple’s quiet grandeur above create a scene of unforgettable beauty. With the peaceful stillness of the night as your companion, this journey offers not just sights, but an emotional connection to the true soul of Kyoto.
If you seek more than just photos—if you seek atmosphere, mystery, and poetry—this tour was made for you.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The tour begins in front of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, the heart of Kyoto’s traditional performing arts. Your guide will be waiting for you with a yellow sign. For exact location details, please refer to the map provided.
The tour concludes near Kiyomizu-dera, where you'll find bus stops and train stations just a short walk away. From here, it’s easy to travel to other parts of Kyoto, whether you're heading back to your accommodation or off to explore more of the city.
Itinerary
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1
By day, Hanamikoji bustles with visitors. But at night, the street transforms into a quiet corridor of elegance. The warm glow of lanterns reflects off the lattice windows of preserved machiya townhouses, and the echo of your footsteps feels like a journey through time. If you're lucky, you might glimpse a maiko gracefully disappearing into a teahouse—an image of Kyoto's living tradition.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Illuminated by hundreds of lanterns, Yasaka Shrine takes on an otherworldly beauty at night. The sacred grounds, so lively during the day, fall into a hushed reverence after sunset. The soft flicker of light, the scent of wood and stone, and the silence of the shrine create a spiritual atmosphere that feels like stepping into the heart of old Japan.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
The five-storied pagoda of Hōkan-ji rises into the night sky like a silhouette from a dream. Standing quietly among the winding alleys of Higashiyama, the pagoda is gently lit, revealing its graceful lines against the backdrop of stars and rooftops. At night, it doesn’t just tower—it watches, like a guardian of centuries past.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Once lively with shops and chatter, Sannenzaka becomes a path of reflection after dark. The gently sloping stone walkway, lined with traditional buildings, is wrapped in silence. Each step feels like a poem, each shadow like a memory of Kyoto’s deep past. It’s here that the city’s timeless beauty is most quietly profound.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
The towering Niōmon Gate stands solemnly at the entrance to Kiyomizu-dera, illuminated in gentle hues that give it both grandeur and calm. Though the temple is closed, the gate alone, lit against the night sky, offers a powerful presence. It feels like a threshold—not just to a temple, but to a more spiritual Kyoto hidden beyond the dark.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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