After a full day of traversing through the delicate Japanese culture within the alleys, sacred sites, and calm gardens of Kyoto, a night in back at your hotel sounds wholesome. But, are you struggling to drift into a blank state against your plushing pillow as Kyoto’s dazzling neon lights invite you out of your pyjamas?
That is your sign to hit Kyoto's streets.
Kyoto has an enthralling nightlife scene. The city’s classic charm intertwines with modern spark. Be it a sophisticated bar with gushing cocktails or a fiery club filled with tons of dancing - classic charm intertwines with a modern spark. So, it’s not merely Tokyo boasting of this perfect fusion!
Three areas within Kyoto are famed for their vivacious ambience as soon as the moon awakens: Kiyamachi Street, Nakagyō Ward, and Pontocho Alley. Go on with our Japan guide, indicating Kyoto after dark - and choose your vice.
Buzzing Kiyamachi Street
Yearn for a modern nightlife experience instead? Kiyamachi Street is where the future of nightlife meets the past along the Takase River. Nighttime falls and this stretch transforms into a hub of youthful energy, offering a striking contrast to the more traditional parts of Kyoto.
Nokishita711
Cocktail lovers are urged to head down to the intimate bar, Nokishita711. This haven for those who appreciate the artistry of cocktail-making focuses on locally sourced ingredients and intricately crafted cocktails that highlight the finest Japanese spirits and botanicals. Nokishita711’s rustic atmosphere invites you to relax while savouring creative and tempting drinks that are as creative as they are delicious.
Club Metro
Dance the night away in the basement of a Kyoto landmark. Club Metro is an underground hotspot renowned for its diverse and electric music scene, normally spinning to techno, hip-hop, reggae, and more. The energy here is contagious, with local and international DJs spinning tracks that keep the dance floor alive until the early hours.
Electrifying Nakagyō Ward
Affectionately known as Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife epicentre, Nakagyō Ward features buzzing streets and a myriad of bars and clubs. Let the neon lights, music, and tantalising aromas of street food captivate you after dark.
World Kyoto
The multi-level World Kyoto is a nightclub known for its electrifying atmosphere, boasting a range of music genres for an energetic and diverse crowd. With state-of-the-art sound systems blasting international DJs and live performances, as well as jaw-dropping light shows for extra zest, World Kyoto will never let you get bored.
Enchanting Pontocho Alley
There's no better place to kick off your evening as soon as the pink glow shimmers Kyoto’s sun setting. Pontocho Alley, the magical stretch nestled alongside the Kamogawa River, where cobblestones meet the glow of lantern light, carrying the essence of Kyoto’s history seamlessly blending the old-world charm.
Kamishichiken Beer Garden
Kick off your evening in true Kyoto style, tucked within one of the city’s oldest geisha districts. This seasonal gem comes alive in the summer, offering the perfect blend of old-world elegance and refreshing craft beer. As you sip your brew, the graceful presence of geisha and maiko might just drift by.
L’Escamoteur Bar
Let your curiosity guide you to where magic is always in the air at L’Escamoteur Bar. Known for its whimsical décor and mysterious ambience, this bar offers more than just drinks – it’s an immersive experience. The bartenders, who double as talented magicians, craft each cocktail of exotic ingredients with a touch of theatrical flair, making every sip feel like a spellbinding moment.
Sake galore, Fushimi Sake District
Stepping into a world where tradition and flavour harmonise best describes Kyoto’s sake mecca, Fushimi Sake District. You’ll wander past century-old breweries, sample the finest sake, and immerse yourself in the fascinating process of sake-making, all while connecting with the rich cultural tapestry of Kyoto. Nestled in the southern part of the city, this area boasts over 30 sake breweries, each producing exquisite brews using the pure waters of Fushimi Spring.
Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
An example of sake history and craftsmanship colliding is the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum. Indeed, this is technically an honourable mention we can’t skip! Housed in a historic brewery building, the museum takes you on an immersive journey through the art of sake brewing, showcasing centuries-old techniques and tools as well as the skill that goes into each bottle. You can sip on a selection of Gekkeikan’s finest brews, each one a unique expression of flavour and craftsmanship, and take a piece of Kyoto’s sake heritage home with you.
Kiyomizu Ginjo-an
By day, Kiyomizu Ginjo-an is a tranquil tea house; by night, it comes to live into an elegant cocktail bar. This seamless transition proves Kyoto’s versatile nightlife, incorporating serene tradition with sophisticated mixology. Savour in sake-based cocktails or explore a carefully curated wine list here.