Lonely Planet Experiences: Kyoto Evening Tour With A Local

Experience the best travel stories for yourself! Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this Lonely Planet Experience powered by Urban Adventures.

Kyoto's magical atmosphere twinkles to life as the sun goes down, when bright neon lights glow alongside paper lanterns. Set out with a guide to experience the city by night, scoping out age-old shrines, admiring modern art and long-standing structures, and sampling some of the city's best street food.

Meet up with your guide and set off on foot through the famous geisha district of Gion, watching for elegantly dressed and made-up geiko and meiko as you weave through the wooden streets of old quarter. Head to the Yasaka Shrine to join the crowds that flock to the brightly lit food stalls, which serve up everything from frozen bananas to grilled squid.

Pass by modern bars and clubs, and then get a great view of Kyoto's buzzing restaurant district as you cross the Kamo River into Pontocho, an area lit by traditional Japanese lanterns of all kinds of shapes and sizes. Soak up the old-world charm, and then continue on to Teramachi Street, a shopping arcade packed with stories, from brightly lit manga comic shops to boutiques peddling statues of ancient gods, high-quality sushi knives, and vintage clothes.

Pass by the Nishiki food market and arrive at a casual tachinomiya, a standing-only bar where you can have a drink alongside locals making a casual stop for a beer or sake and a small bite to eat.