When you want to stay out late in Kyoto, restaurants and bars are not the only option. Somewhere indoors where you can play a game or simply talk lets the evening run on regardless of the weather.
Choose on opening hours alone, though, and you may find the activity you wanted is unavailable, or that getting home becomes a problem. Here is how adults can pick a place and enjoy the night with confidence.
Check the latest entry, not just the closing time
Even where it says open until 5:00 am, last entry and last orders can be considerably earlier. Ask how late you can book, and allow for the time your chosen activity actually needs.
Sundays, public holidays and the new year period often run to different hours. Late-night schedules can also change on the day, so the official site or a phone call is the safe way to confirm.
What indoor venues offer adults
For quiet conversation, a bar; for singing, karaoke; to move about, darts or simulation golf. A venue with several of these in one place lets a group with different tastes each spend the time their own way.
For a long stay, whether there is somewhere to sit rather than stand all night matters. Sofas or a private room mean you can talk between turns.
Understand how the pricing works
Late-night venues price in different ways: by time, by cover charge, by head. Budget with extensions, late-night surcharges, service charge and drinks all included.
For a group, a fixed plan with free-flow drinks keeps the bill together. Alone and for a short stay, a one-drink plan or the bar counter is often the easier choice.
Settle the way home first
If you are going out after the last train, check the taxis, the walk, and the distance to where you are staying. Not everyone will be heading the same way, so agree how you will split up before you go.
If you are drinking, you cannot drive or cycle. Regardless of whether the venue has parking, plan a way home that does not involve either.
Late at night, safety matters more
With any activity that involves moving about, the important thing is not to push it after too much to drink. Check that nobody is near a swing or a throw, and follow the staff's instructions.
Keep valuables off the seats, and keep an eye on how everyone in the group is doing. On the way home, do not force a long walk alone; take a taxi if you need one.
Indoors in Gion until 5:00 am
Gion Country Club is open from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am. Simulation golf, the bar, darts and a private karaoke room are all in the same place, so an after-party can run on into the small hours however you choose.
We are three minutes' walk from Gion-Shijo Station, and we take everyone from solo guests to a private room for up to ten. We are closed on Sundays and public holidays, so please check the opening and availability for your date.
Frequently asked questions
Are there indoor venues in Kyoto open past midnight?
There are late-opening bars, karaoke rooms and games venues. Check the last entry time and the opening days from official sources.
Is there anything to watch out for late at night?
Settle your way home first, and never drive or cycle after drinking. If an activity involves moving about, watch how much you drink.
How late is Gion Country Club open?
From 7:00 pm to 5:00 am. We are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
