Kyoto , Japan

Discover Kyotos Most Magical Night

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About this experience

This tour takes you through three of Kyoto’s most atmospheric spots, starting in Gion’s famous Hanamikoji Street. You’ll walk through its historic wooden townscape, experiencing the charm and elegance of one of Kyoto’s best-preserved traditional districts.

Your next stop is Kodaiji Temple, illuminated only in the autumn season. Here you can enjoy a stunning night view of glowing maple leaves, artistic light displays, and the serene bamboo path that creates a quiet, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Finally, you will visit Hōkanji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda), one of Kyoto’s oldest landmarks. While the area is crowded during the day, visiting at night lets you admire the five-story pagoda in peace. Its softly lit silhouette and calm surroundings create a mystical and tranquil experience unavailable in daylight.

Throughout the tour, your guide will also take professional photos. After the tour, you will receive the images taken with a camera—perfect for remembering your night in Kyoto.

Available options

Gion Night Lights & Temple Walk

What's included

Cultural Experience

Admission Fee

Walking tour

Guide available in English

Photo Shoot Experience

Detailed itinerary

Hanamikoji Street is one of the most famous streets in Kyoto’s Gion district. It is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, tea houses, and restaurants.
As you walk along the street, you may see maiko (apprentice geisha) going to their evening appointments. The lantern lights and narrow lanes create a beautiful, old-Kyoto atmosphere, especially at night.
Please enjoy the area respectfully, as it is an active cultural neighborhood, not just a sightseeing spot.

Stop 2

Kodaiji is a historic Zen temple in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, known for its elegant gardens, preserved buildings, and strong cultural ties to Japan’s samurai history. Founded in the early 17th century, it honors Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his wife, Nene, and features refined architecture, quiet tea houses, and a beautifully designed landscape garden.

Often called the “Bamboo Temple,” Kodaiji welcomes visitors with a long bamboo-lined approach that creates a calm, almost otherworldly mood from the moment you enter.

In autumn, the temple hosts a limited-time night illumination, one of Kyoto’s most iconic seasonal events. The grounds transform into a mysterious scene with glowing maple leaves, reflections on the pond, and artistic light displays, including modern light art and projection mapping that blend tradition with contemporary style.

Here, you can experience a special moment where Kyoto’s history, nature, and seasonal light come together in a captivating way.

Hōkanji Temple, known as the Yasaka Pagoda, is a Rinzai Zen temple with origins said to date back to Prince Shōtoku. Some traditions also link it to the Yasaka clan, who lived here before the Heian period. The five-story pagoda was rebuilt in 1440 by Ashikaga Yoshinori, and today it is the only surviving structure, with the first two floors open to visitors and the Five Wisdom Buddhas enshrined inside.

The area is very crowded during the day, making it hard to take photos or enjoy the scenery. At night, however, the streets become quiet, and the pagoda creates a serene, almost mystical atmosphere—offering a peaceful experience completely different from the daytime.

What's not included

Personal expenses

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Meeting Point Minamiza Theatre

It is very easy to find, just a 1-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station (Keihan Line), Exit 6.

Please wait in front of the main entrance facing Shijo Street.

If you have trouble finding the location, please contact us via message.

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.