With most temples and cultural sites closing around 5pm, there aren’t many things to do in Kyoto at night. As a result, large crowds are often seen concentrating in areas like Gion after dark.
Kyoto Night Market was launched in June last year as a new evening attraction to help spread out the crowds in the city. Since then, the market has seen its popularity grow steadily, attracting an estimated 100,000 visitors across eight monthly events in 2025.
This month, the night market returns for its ninth edition on Saturday January 24. It will again be held at Ohigashi-san Plaza in front of the majestic Higashi Honganji Temple, less than 10 minutes’ walk from Kyoto Station.
From 3pm to 10pm, the plaza will come alive with around 60 food trucks and booths. You can enjoy hearty winter warmers like steaming ramen and piping hot takoyaki, and shop for artisanal pottery, leather goods and handcrafted accessories.
Beyond food and shopping, the night market also offers live entertainment and cultural experiences. Highlights include ninja shows, live music, traditional dance and street performances. For those looking for something more hands-on, there are pottery and craft workshops as well as trial rickshaw rides to help make this event a fun night out for everyone.