Kyoto has many tourist attractions to visit.
However, it is only a famous place that attracts many tourists from abroad.
I didn't get a chance to see the sights.
I didn't feel comfortable in the crowd.
I couldn't get a picture.
You may have had disappointments such as the following.
In such cases, "night sightseeing" is recommended, as there are fewer tourists and you can enjoy Kyoto at a leisurely pace.
Therefore, I would like to introduce some nighttime sightseeing spots in Kyoto to enjoy at night.
Table of Contents
- 1. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine
- 2. Hanamikoji St.
- 3. Kyoto Tower
- 4. Kyoto Station Building
- 5. Sannenzaka
- summary
Fushimi Inari-taisha
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, popularly known as "Inari-san," is a classic tourist attraction in Kyoto. It is the main shrine of 30,000 shrines throughout Japan and is famous for its "Senbon-torii," a series of about 1,000 torii gates located behind the main shrine building, which provide a breathtaking view of the many torii gates. Although the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is crowded with tourists during the daytime, it is open 24 hours a day, which is highly recommended for those who wish to avoid the crowds. At night, the tower gate, main shrine, and Senbon-torii gate, which are said to have been donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, are lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere that is different from that of the daytime.
Facility name: Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine
Address: 68 Yabunouchi-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: 5 min. walk from Fushimi Inari Station on Keihan Electric Railway's Keihan Main Line
HP:http://inari.jp/
2. Hanamikoji St.
Hanamikoji Dori has a completely different atmosphere during the day and at night. Hanamikoji Dori, which stretches about 1 km from Sanjo Street in the north to Kenninji Temple in the south, is lined with teahouses, izakayas, fashionable Japanese cafes, and ryotei restaurants that are typical of Kyoto's Gion district. During the day, the street is crowded with tourists, but at night it is lit up by streetlights, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
You may see maiko on their way to the tatami room, and if you want to walk around Kyoto's typical streets with cobblestone pavements and historic buildings, this is the perfect place for you. The Gion area is also recommended for those who wish to visit Kyoto's famous high-class restaurants and tea ceremony spots.
Address: Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: within walking distance from Sanjo Station or Gion-Shijo Station on Keihan Main Line
3. Kyoto Tower
The Kyoto Tower, a landmark of Kyoto, 131 meters above the ground, is the place to visit as a night sightseeing spot. Since it is near the station, there are many attractions such as souvenir shops and restaurants. And if you climb Kyoto Tower at night, you can enjoy a fantastic 360-degree view of Kyoto's nightscape from 100 meters above the ground. You can also use the proposal support plan that rents out the observation room, so please check the official website.
Facility name: Kyoto Tower
Address: 721-1 Higashioshioji-cho, Nana-Shichijo Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto
Access: Right next to JR Kyoto Sta.
HP:https://www.kyoto-tower.jp/
4. Kyoto Station Building
Although only slightly different in location from Kyoto Tower, the Kyoto Station Building is also highly recommended. The Kyoto Station Building is a large station building completed in 1994, and the most attractive feature of the station building is the grand staircase with more than 170 steps that trains arriving at JR Kyoto Station pass through.
Depending on the season, this grand staircase is illuminated with LEDs, so you can enjoy fantastic light art. The illumination of light and sound changes with each season and event, such as the Aoi Matsuri, Gion Matsuri, Halloween, and Christmas, and is a great way to end a night of sightseeing.
Facility name: Kyoto Station Building
Address: Higashishioji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: Inside JR Kyoto Station
HP:https://www.kyoto-station-building.co.jp/
5. Sannenzaka
Sannenzaka," with its retro atmosphere, is also a popular place for nighttime sightseeing. The hillside town here between Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka is also designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.
Sannenzaka is also interesting because there is a strange legend that says, "If you fall down while going up the hill on Sannenzaka, you will die within three years. (During the daytime, gourds are sold to ward off bad luck.)
Address: 2 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: 5 min. walk from Gion-Shijo Station of Keihan Railway
summary
Kyoto is a popular tourist destination, so you may have experienced that it is difficult to go around due to the crowds, or you may not be able to take good pictures.
In such cases, we recommend sightseeing at night time when the number of tourists is reduced and it is easier to visit tourist attractions. Some places are lit up and you will be able to enjoy a special Kyoto only at night. When you visit Kyoto, be sure to do some night sightseeing as well.
After a night of sightseeing, how about a footbath and karaoke at ENTERTAINMENT HUB KYOTO, which is open 24 hours a day? Please check out our Youtube video of the actual experience!
