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Morning & Night

Morning & Night

Kyoto at Off-Peak Hours

The beauty of Kyoto shines at any time of day, but seeing it glow in the gentle morning sun or be illuminated by city lights after dark is a special kind of experience. In addition to the early morning and nighttime sightseeing spots and events we recommend on this page, simply walking around when the streets are at their most serene gives you a better feel for everyday life in Kyoto.

As a general guideline, these are the times considered morning and nighttime sightseeing:

Morning sightseeing: Before 9:00 a.m.

Night sightseeing: After 6:00 p.m.

Summer: Sunrise around 5:00 a.m., sunset around 7:00 p.m.

Winter: Sunrise around 7:00 a.m., sunset around 5:00 p.m.

Nighttime in Japan

It is both safe and convenient to get around after dark, even when walking alone. In Kyoto, there is a night bus (Yoru Bus) that goes from the bustling Kawaramachi and Gion areas to Kyoto Station until 10:50 p.m., and many trains run until around midnight.

See more about Yoru Bus

Travel like a local

Kyoto is a home to over 1.4 million residents who go about their everyday life amidst visitors’ sightseeing activities. Many tourist spots and accommodations are close to residential areas, so please remember to keep your voice down and avoid making loud noises.

Responsible Travel

Discover Kyoto's Hidden Gems

Learn more about six beautiful, uncrowded areas you can discover around the outskirts of Kyoto: Fushimi, Ohara, Takao, Yamashina, Nishikyo, and Keihoku.

Filter hidden gems articles

Stay With Us Longer

Staying in Kyoto puts you at the heart of everyday life, since you can find its quaint morning streets and serene nighttime scenery at your very doorstep. Check out our suggestions for places where you can stay in harmony with the local community.

Recommended accommodations

By choosing accommodations with the Kyoto Guidelines label, you can contribute to local tourism sustainability.

See all accommodations

Onsen & sento (public baths)

In Kyoto, there are five kinds of natural hot springs, called "onsen," with different minerals and purported effects. You can enjoy them at overnight accommodation or day-use facilities. Although they are not strictly defined as mineral hot springs, there are also public baths called “sento” where you can enjoy the old-fashioned atmosphere of everyday life in Japan.

Read more

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