Welcome to Kyoto, a city steeped in rich culture, traditions and, of course, a vibrant nightlife. As the sun sets, the city unleashes its true potential, offering an array of bars, clubs, and pubs for locals and tourists alike. From sipping on sake to downing glasses of beers, Kyoto has something for everyone. And what better way to experience the city’s nightlife than by embarking on a pub crawl? In this article, we’ll explore the best pub crawls in Kyoto, each offering a unique perspective of the city’s nightlife. Whether you’re a solo traveler or with your squad, get ready to experience an unforgettable night out in Kyoto.

The 1 Best Bar Tours in Kyoto

1. Kyoto : 3-Hour Bar Hopping Tour in Pontocho Alley at Night

The 1 Best Bar Tours in Kyoto

1. Kyoto : 3-Hour Bar Hopping Tour in Pontocho Alley at Night

Discover the vibrant nightlife of Pontocho Alley with a 3-hour bar hopping tour. Meet your experienced local guide at the Izumo no Okuni statue in Gion Shijo Station to start the exciting adventure. The tour takes you through some of Kyoto’s best bars, both popular and hidden gems, where you can taste traditional drinks and dishes, as well as some more experimental offerings.

Pontocho Alley is known for its exhilarating nightlife and local bars offering specialty drinks and tasty dishes. With your knowledgeable guide, experience the night like a local and soak up the unique atmosphere. Your guide has either grown up in Kyoto or spent extensive time living here, ensuring a truly authentic experience.

The tour starts at a local tavern known as an ‘izakaya,’ then moves on to two other venues, both authentic Japanese bars. Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy good food and drinks while learning about the area and its nightlife from your guide.

Uncover the best of Kyoto’s nightlife with this 3-hour bar hopping tour in Pontocho Alley.

Frequently Asked Questions by Tourists About Kyoto

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto, you probably have a lot of questions about what to expect. This ancient city is a popular tourist destination in Japan, known for its stunning temples, beautiful gardens, and rich cultural heritage.To help you prepare for your trip, here are some of the most frequently asked questions by tourists about Kyoto:

1. What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Kyoto?

Kyoto is a city of four distinct seasons, each with its own unique charm. The most popular times of year to visit are spring (late March to early May) and autumn (late October to early December), when the weather is mild and the cherry blossoms or fall foliage are in full bloom.However, summer (June to August) can also be a great time to visit, despite the heat and humidity. There are many traditional festivals and events during this season, such as the Gion Matsuri and Gozan no Okuribi.Winter (December to February) can be chilly, but the city’s temples and shrines take on a magical quality when covered in snow.

2. What Should I Wear in Kyoto?

Kyoto is a fairly conservative city, and visitors are expected to dress modestly, especially when visiting temples and shrines. It’s best to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, and avoid wearing shorts or revealing tops.Comfortable shoes are also a must, as many of the city’s attractions require a lot of walking.

3. What Are the Must-See Sights in Kyoto?

Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, so it can be overwhelming to decide which ones to visit. However, there are a few must-see sights that should be at the top of your list:

• The Fushimi Inari Shrine
• The Kinkaku-ji Temple
• The Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• The Ginkaku-ji Temple
• The Nijo Castle

4. How Do I Get Around Kyoto?

Kyoto has an extensive public transportation network, including buses, subways, and trains. The most convenient way to get around is to purchase a Kyoto City Bus Pass, which allows unlimited rides on city buses for one day or multiple days.Taxis are also readily available, but can be expensive, especially during peak tourist season.

5. What Should I Eat in Kyoto?

Kyoto is known for its traditional cuisine, which includes dishes such as:

• Kaiseki Ryori
• Yudofu (boiled tofu)
• Kyoto-style sushi
• Matcha (green tea) sweets
• Soba noodles

Be sure to try some of these dishes while you’re in Kyoto to fully experience the city’s culinary traditions.

6. What Souvenirs Should I Buy?

Kyoto is famous for its traditional crafts, including:

• Kyoto pottery
• Kyoto textiles (such as Nishijin silk)
• Kyoto dolls
• Kyoto fans
• Kyoto lacquerware

You can find these crafts for sale in specialty shops throughout the city.

7. Is It Easy to Find English-Speaking Guides in Kyoto?

Many of Kyoto’s major attractions have English-speaking guides available for hire, but it’s best to book in advance to ensure availability. Alternatively, there are many tour companies that offer guided tours of the city in English.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Kyoto

Kyoto, the former imperial capital of Japan, is a city that is steeped in tradition and culture. As a tourist, it can be overwhelming to decide on how to spend your time in Kyoto. In this guide, we will provide you with a step-by-step plan to make the most of your trip to Kyoto.

1. Start with the Temples

You can’t go to Kyoto and not visit the temples. Kyoto is full of them, so where do you begin? We recommend starting with the most famous one, Kiyomizu-dera. This temple is UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit place in Kyoto. Don’t forget to take in the breathtaking view of the city from the temple’s balcony.Another awe-inspiring temple is the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of bright orange torii gates. We recommend going either early in the morning or late in the evening when there are fewer tourists around.

2. Explore the Traditional Neighborhoods

Kyoto is rich in Japanese culture and traditions, so take advantage of being in the city and explore the traditional neighborhoods. The famous Gion district is a must-visit for its narrow streets, beautiful traditional houses and geisha sightings. Nishiki Market is also a great place to see and taste traditional Japanese food. You will find everything from sushi to street food snacks.

3. Learn about Kyoto’s History and Culture

Kyoto is full of museums and cultural centers where you can learn about the city’s history and culture. A great place to start is the Kyoto National Museum, where you can see exhibits on Japanese arts and history. The Samurai and Ninja Museum is also a unique place where you can learn about Japan’s samurai and ninja history. You can even try on samurai armor and learn how to throw shuriken ninja stars.

4. Enjoy the Natural Beauty

Kyoto is not just about temples and museums. There are also plenty of beautiful parks and gardens to explore, especially during the cherry blossom viewing (sakura) season in spring. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is a must-visit spot that will transport you to a serene world within the hectic city. You can also visit the Philosopher’s Path, a picturesque walkway along a canal lined with cherry blossoms that dates back to the 19th century.

5. Taste the Local Cuisine

Food is an important aspect of Japanese culture, and Kyoto has its own unique dishes that you must try. The most famous Kyoto dish is kaiseki ryori, which consists of a multi-course meal with small dishes that highlight the ingredients and the season.Other must-try dishes include obanzai, a traditional Kyoto home-style cooking, and yudofu, a hot pot dish with tofu. Don’t forget to try matcha, Japanese green tea, which Kyoto is famous for.

Book Your Tour Now

Kyoto has a lot to offer for tourists, from its temples, traditional neighborhoods and cultural experiences to its natural beauty and unique cuisine. Our guide provides you with a step-by-step plan on how to spend your time in Kyoto, so you can make the most of your trip. Remember to plan your trip ahead of time, dress appropriately, and be respectful of Japanese culture and customs. Have a great trip to Kyoto!