Kyoto's Top 5 Night Views

What's more romantic than a night view? In Japan, cities come to life at night and are adorned with very different colors than during the day. Kyoto, admired for its historic districts and grand temples and shrines, is as beautiful by day as by night. If the skyscrapers and bright and colorful signs are far fewer than Tokyo, the city also offers magnificent night views.

Kyoto being almost surrounded by mountains, these are excellent vantage points for admiring the view at dusk - the sunsets there are often magical. The views of Kyoto are not always easy to find: to make your life easier, here are the five most beautiful sights to enjoy in the city at night!

To read: The most beautiful night views in Japan.

1. From Kyoto Tower

A great classic! Kyoto Tower, a true city emblem, has a panoramic observation floor, open until 9 p.m. For the ticket price (770 yen for adults, or 5€80), you can admire the whole city at 360°, from more than 100 meters high. Telescopes are also available free of charge if you want to see the city in detail, and touch screens indicate the location of the main tourist sites.

2. From Kyoto Station (Sky Way)

The Tower near Kyoto Tower is the train station, an architectural curiosity that is worth a visit. However, this station has a space on the 10th floor, called "Skyway," accessible free of charge, which offers a breathtaking view of the city. The place itself is original, designed as a long corridor under the spectacular glass roof of the station. The SkyWay is accessible until 10 pm by taking the escalators on the right to enter the station's main entrance. To do as soon as you arrive in Kyoto!

3. From Mount Inari

Visiting all the shrines spread over Mount Inari ( Fushimi Inari ) is a must during a visit to Kyoto. Keep climbing the steps under the famous vermilion torii if you have time. Near the summit, a point of view is offered to you at the bend of a path. The idea is beautiful day and night! As the sanctuary does not close, you can go there at any time, free of charge.

4. From Kiyomizu-Dera and Kodai-ji

The historic district of Higashiyama is arguably one of the best places in town to enjoy a view of the western mountains on the other side of Kyoto. The most famous and beautiful view is the one you can admire from the Kiyomizu-dera forecourt. Tourists are numerous to photograph the city, and the spectacle is splendid at dusk. However, since the temple closes at 6 p.m., if you want to take more panorama photos, we advise you to go not far, in front of the Kodai-ji entrance. From the car park at the entrance to the temple, you can enjoy a superb view!

To discover: The Gion and Higashiyama districts.

5. The rooftop option: view from the "In the moon" bar

This last option has a cost since it is on the rooftop of a bar. But the view is magnificent: the bar "In the moon" is indeed installed in Gion, very close to the Kamo river. At nightfall, climb to 10F, and you can then admire a splendid view of downtown Kyoto. You will see the lights and bustle of Kawaramachi Dori and the kawayuka (terraces) along the river while sipping a cocktail...

To read: The best rooftops in Tokyo