10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Kyoto

Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine in Kyoto is a sightseeing spot famous for its thousands of torii gates collectively called Senbon Torii. As you go beyond the main shrine, gates painted in a beautiful vermilion line up and form a path. Although it’s called Senbon Torii, which means 'thousands of torii gates', there are now about 10,000 here. 

It’s wonderful to visit during the day, but Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine is exceptionally striking at night. The main gate (Romon), the main shrine (Honden), Senbon Torii, and paths to the summit are all illuminated to produce an awesome sight. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine can be visited at any hour, which is unusual for a shrine. If possible, try to visit during the Motomiyasai Festival held in July. Thousands of lanterns illuminate the main shrine and the whole area of Inari Mountain. The results are incredibly beautiful.

The Tower of Yasaka is a 5-storey pagoda that is a symbol of Kyoto. The beautiful 46-metre-high tower has been designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Property and is also called the 5-Storey Pagoda of Hokanji Temple because it’s located in the grounds of Hokanji Temple. The Tower of Yasaka, which can be seen from various streets in the town of Yasaka, is very popular for its beauty whether seen up-close or from afar. 

Another way to enjoy the Tower of Yasaka is to admire it at sunset. The silhouette of the pagoda stands out against the sunset like a painting in a scene that gives a deep impression of the beauty of Kyoto. It’s also illuminated during the peak season. Why not arrange your trip so that you can enjoy it both at sunset and with illuminations?

Hanami Koji Dori is a street that connects Sanjo Dori in the north and Kenninji Temple in the south, and it’s a very popular spot thanks to its charming townscape. This street was created in the early Meiji period to improve access, but it became the Kyoto-like street it is now after the road construction to protect the scenery of Kyoto in 2001.

Here you’ll find temples and shrines such as Kenninji Temple and its sub-temple (Tatchu Jiin), facilities where you can enjoy traditional entertainment like Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theather, and many traditional Japanese restaurants and souvenir shops on both sides of the street. It’s fun to stroll around during the daytime, but it’s even better to visit at night. As the sun sets, the streetlights and lights from shops dimly illuminate the street and the unique Kyoto atmosphere becomes enchanting.

Kyoto Illumination Synesthesia Hills is an illumination facility that uses the latest technology to realize the 'experience-based beauty of creation'. The venue, which is about 600 metres long, provides contents using illumination with the theme of 'synaesthesia' (or unusual perception of sensations). 

It’s a trippy experience, as though you’ve entered a different dimension with features like the Spiral Lights Tunnel, a vortex of light with 7 colours in fantastic space, and Crystal Lake where a shining lotus flower and light artwork are reflected on a lake’s surface. You can also enjoy the light corresponding to your physical movement at Synaesthesia Hills.

Fushimi Sake Village (Fushimi Sakagura Koji) features a Japanese sake bar that serves sake from 18 brewers in Fushimi and stalls that serve delicious food from Kyoto. There are entrances on both sides of the building, and a 77-metre-long aisle connects both entrances. Using a delivery system, any dishes including ones from other stalls on the ‘delivery menu’ will be delivered to your table no matter which stall you’re seated at. It’s pretty convenient because it means you can pay for everything together at the same stall. 

The main feature of this place is the Japanese sake bar where you can try more than 120 sake brands at a 23-metre-long bar counter. Make sure you try the ‘18 sake brewers’ tasting set’, which is made up of samples of sake brands from all 18 sake brewers. This is a great way to try the best of what each brewer has to offer.

Graphical Illumination Plus at Kyoto Station Building in JR Kyoto Station is a must if you want to enjoy Kyoto at night. Illuminations using 15,000 LED lights appear on 125 out of the 171 steps on the big staircase inside the Station Building. The show originally started to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the opening of Kyoto Station Building in 2012, but it’s been upgraded since then. 

The 20-minute show of light and sound takes seasonal themes including the 3 major festivals of Kyoto (Aoi Festival (Kamo Festival), Gion Festival and Jidai Festival) and typical events such as the Star Festival, Halloween and Christmas. This illumination show is best seen from the landing of the big staircase on the east side of the Station Building. Illumination and special performance times vary by season.

Sauna no Umeyu is one of the public baths in Kyoto that’s loved by locals and visitors. It’s open until 2am, except for Thursdays, so you can take your time and enjoy taking a bath even if you arrive late. 

Sauna no Umeyu is said to have been established in the Meiji period, and the structure of the facility has a warm and retro feel, especially the mirrored wall in the women’s bath. It’s said that there are only 2 public baths in Kyoto that have mirrored walls. This sauna is more spacious than a regular public bath. Normally, you need to pay an additional fee to use a sauna at a public bath, so it’s nice that it’s included in the entrance fee here.