【Summer in Kyoto】Enjoy the Long Nights

Here are some recommended spots to fully enjoy summer in Kyoto, a place I fell in love with after visiting! ❗️

1️⃣ Nanzen-ji Temple & Suirokaku Aqueduct
Address: 606-0000 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Nanzenji Furoyamacho
Hours: Open 24 hours
Highlights:
While the temple itself is full of attractions like its gardens and folding screen paintings, the must-visit spot is the Suirokaku Aqueduct located within the grounds. You can even walk on top of the aqueduct, enjoying the lush green maple leaves and a refreshing forest bath—a unique summer experience!

2️⃣ Akagakiya
Address: 606-8385 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Magohashi-cho 9
Hours: 5:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Highlights:
A long-established izakaya so good that you almost don’t want to share it with anyone (though it’s already super famous in Kyoto, haha). The menu doesn’t list prices, and it’s cash-only, so ordering was a bit nerve-wracking, but everything we tried was incredibly delicious and surprisingly affordable. Their signature dish, duck roast, often sells out right after opening.

3️⃣ Kodaiji Temple
Address: 605-0825 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Higashiyama Ward, Kodaiji Shimokawaramachi 526
Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Highlights:
This temple is associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his wife, Nene. During the summer, it offers special nighttime hours! When I visited around 9 PM in August 2025, there was a projection mapping show themed around yokai (Japanese spirits), and I got to walk through a beautifully lit bamboo grove. It’s a cool and eerie experience perfect for a summer night.

4️⃣ Tenkaippin Main Store
Address: 606-8175 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Ichijoji Tsukidacho 94, Maison Shirakawa No. 2, 1F
Hours: 11:00 AM - 1:00 AM
Highlights:
The main store of the famous thick ramen chain Tenkaippin is located in Kyoto! I highly recommend the croquettes, which are exclusive to the main store and a favorite of SUGIZO.

5️⃣ RECORD BAR YAMADA
Address: 605-0847 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Higashiyama Ward, Gojo Street, Ohashi East Entrance, Higashihashizume-cho 20-6
Hours: 2:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Highlights:
A charming bar hidden in an alley! Everything about it is fantastic—the staff, the music selection, the drinks, and the value for money.

If you have any other recommendations, please share them! ☺️