Kyoto in the evening

Hi guys, I will reach Kyoto on a Wednesday evening around 7.20pm and the place I will be staying at is next to Kyoto station.

Is there any night shopping area or night market where I can walk around for some shopping and nice food in Kyoto after 8pm? I'm not the kind that can stay put in the hotel. =p Many thanks for your advice.

Lots of shopping and dining can be found along Shijo-dori. While many shops seem to be closing around 8pm, some remain open. For dining I recommend the Pontocho and Gion areas.

Ahhh go up to the Christmas tree in the station and sit and hug your partner. (You'll have to hug, it's quite chilly)

Maybe pick up some noodles in that maze of the Cube.

If the night lights at Chioin and/or Kiyomizu temples are still on, go down there to check them out. Was there in the Japanese Labor Day weekend. There were heavy crowds, but hey I was a tourist and joined the thousands of other tourists to enjoy that light up.

Also, at the Kyoto Station, I tried a restaurant called Okonomiyaki at the top floor. We tried okonomiyaki and some variations. All were great. Also, in Shijo, there are some great little places to have desserts with green tea. Don't forget to try the roasted sweet chestnuts also. All on the main drag on Shijo, within a mile from the Gion. So many things to do, so little time...