3 reviewed party hostels · from €14.67/night · Hostelworld rated
Kyoto’s nightlife doesn’t shout: it hums. After dark, the city swaps temples for izakayas and lantern-lit alleys for late-night karaoke bars. Pontocho Alley, a narrow lane running parallel to the Kamogawa River, is where locals and travellers mix in standing bars and tiny clubs. Most hostels cluster near Kyoto Station or in the Gion district, putting you within walking distance of the action without the Tokyo price tag.
K’s House Kyoto, a five-minute walk from the station, is the go-to for backpackers. It’s got a rooftop terrace, a bar, and dorms that won’t wreck your budget. If you’re after something quieter but still social, Gojo Guest House offers a traditional ryokan-style sleep just 15 minutes from Kiyomizu-Dera Temple.
Rated by Hostelworld score · Prices per dorm bed per night
If you are looking for a modern hostel with a unique sociable concept, Millennials is perfect for you. With 20% of social areas, this hostel is highly recommended for younger travellers, students, digital nomads and groups of friends. Amazing on-site café and bar are always crowded with people. Plus, you can enjoy a beer every day in the afternoon.
The hostel features huge café and bar, perfect for meeting other backpackers. They also serve tasty food, so you don’t need to bother making your own. Great common areas with nice vibes and plenty of social activities and games. Enjoy free coffee and nice local tea any time during your stay.
Looking for a hostel in Kyoto? Check out the amazing dorms and private rooms from Piece Hostel Kyoto. You'll be well taken care of with their on-site bar, restaurant, shared kitchen, & more. Plenty of things to see in the area too; they're just two minutes from Kyoto Station and five minutes from the famous Gion District!
Organised nights out with a local guide
Run by Kyoto Free Walking Tour, this crawl visits four bars and a club in Pontocho and Gion. The first bar offers unlimited drinks for 45 minutes, and the rest include one free drink per stop. Expect a mix of standing izakayas and hidden bars. The crawl ends at a club around midnight, but you’re free to peel off whenever you like.
How Kyoto's nightlife zones break down
Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, with wooden teahouses and lantern-lit streets. By day, it’s all about temples and souvenir shops. By night, the bars and izakayas fill up, especially along Hanamikoji Street. Stay here if you want to be in the thick of the action without needing a taxi home.
The transport hub, but also home to some of the city’s best budget hostels. The nightlife here is low-key: think izakayas and karaoke bars rather than clubs. It’s a 10-minute walk to Pontocho Alley, so you’re never far from the action.
The main shopping and nightlife strip, running parallel to the Kamogawa River. Packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants, it’s where Kyoto’s students go to unwind. The further south you walk, the cheaper the drinks get. Don’t miss the covered shopping arcades: great for rainy nights.
Where the hostel pub crawls end up, and where to go on your own
A narrow lane packed with tiny bars, izakayas, and clubs. Most places seat fewer than 20 people, so it’s intimate and easy to chat with locals. Expect jazz bars, standing sushi spots, and the occasional geisha sighting. Gets busy from 8 PM, especially on weekends.
One of the few proper clubs in the city, playing techno, house, and drum & bass. The crowd is a mix of travellers and Kyoto’s expat scene. Entry is ¥1,500–¥2,000, including a drink. Doors open at 10 PM, but the dance floor doesn’t fill up until midnight.
A dimly lit basement bar with live jazz every night. No cover charge, but drinks are ¥1,000–¥1,500. The crowd is mostly locals in their 30s and 40s, so it’s a good spot to escape the backpacker bubble. Last orders at midnight.
A speakeasy-style bar hidden behind an unmarked door in Gion. The menu changes weekly, but expect creative cocktails for ¥1,200–¥1,500. Seats 12, so arrive early or be prepared to wait. Gets lively after 10 PM, especially with groups celebrating birthdays.
A rock ‘n’ roll bar with vinyl on the walls and a jukebox in the corner. Beers are ¥700, and the crowd is a mix of students and music nerds. Open until 2 AM on weekends. If you’re lucky, the owner might put on a live set: check the board by the door.
A standing izakaya with a ¥3,500 all-you-can-drink option. The food is solid: try the yakitori or the fried chicken. Gets packed by 8 PM, so arrive early or be ready to squeeze in. Popular with locals and travellers alike.
A guided crawl through Pontocho and Gion, hitting four bars and a club. Starts at 9 PM with unlimited drinks at the first stop. Tickets are ¥2,500 in advance or ¥3,000 on the door. The group meets outside Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station: look for the guide in a bright red shirt.