Kyoto is one of Japan’s most visited cities, and that popularity has increasingly led to overcrowding. In response, city officials have been exploring various solutions, including the recent introduction of dedicated sightseeing buses for tourists. This month, a new initiative aims to increase Kyoto’s nighttime attractions and, in turn, help redistribute tourist activity beyond the usual hotspots and daytime rush.
The inaugural Kyoto Night Market is set to take place on Sunday June 8 at the Ohigashi-san Plaza in front of Higashi Honganji. This stately Buddhist temple is one of Kyoto’s most easily accessible heritage sites, as it’s located in the city centre, less than 10 minutes’ walk from Kyoto Station.
From 3pm to 10pm, the square will be decorated with lanterns and host around 70 booths offering traditional Japanese arts and crafts, local produce, street food and craft beer. But there’s more to this event than just eating and shopping – you can easily make a night of it.
Modern-day ninjas from Shiga prefecture’s Koka Ninja Village theme park will be putting on performances, while students from Kyoto’s Doshisha University will be offering rickshaw rides. The night market will also feature classic festival booths with retro games such as goldfish scooping and yo-yo fishing, all run by elementary school kids. This effort aims to instil entrepreneurial spirit in local children through play and at the same time help develop their social skills.
Kyoto Night Market is set to become a regular monthly event, with upcoming dates on July 17 (to coincide with the Gion Festival parade), August 11 and September 12. For more information, check the event website.
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