{
  "id": 2821619,
  "title": "Kyoto Expands Night Tourism",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/kyoto-expands-night-tourism",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-08-23T16:06:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "News On Japan",
    "slug": "news-on-japan",
    "url": "https://newsonjapan.com/article/150482.php"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kyoto is intensifying its efforts to capitalize on Japan's burgeoning nighttime economy by extending operating hours, adding new attractions and launching nighttime tours. Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a theme park commemorating its 50th anniversary, has shifted to a 9 p.m. closing time after installing new lighting and expanding dining options. The park also introduced daily cho-han dice gambling, limited to visitors aged 18 and above. Visitors noted the evening atmosphere offers a distinct experience, particularly appealing to adults. The park observed a shift in visitor demographics, with more people in their 20s and 30s frequenting the park during evenings. Despite a slower growth in foreign visitors, the share of inbound tourists is steadily increasing. Kyoto's tourism industry is seeking to lure both domestic and overseas visitors to stay out later and explore more areas after dark. Kyoto's tourism board, collaborating with tech firms, is analyzing mobile data to understand visitor patterns. The data shows distinct trends, with Kawaramachi seeing evening crowds from daytime activities, while Kyoto Station attracts visitors later in the day. Establishing evening attractions could help disperse visitors, extending their time in the city. In Gion, a traditional district, guided night tours have become popular, educating visitors about Kyoto's culture and customs. A new dedicated theater, DRUM TAO, has attracted 10 million people and aims to provide a complete entertainment experience. Meanwhile, Kyoto Station is hosting nightly performances of DRUM TAO, complemented by a bar and outdoor seating area. The tourism industry estimates Japan's nighttime economy at approximately ¥22 trillion, with significant growth potential as businesses seek to extend tourism beyond daylight hours.",
  "summary": "Kyoto is stepping up efforts to capture Japan's growing nighttime economy, with Toei Kyoto Studio Park extending its hours to 9 p.m., a new theater drawing visitors near Kyoto Station and nighttime tours expanding in Gion as the city seeks to encourage tourists to stay out longer and explore more areas after dark. (News On Japan)",
  "key_points": [
    "Kyoto extends park hours to 9 p.m. and introduces cho-han dice gambling.",
    "Tourism board uses mobile data to analyze visitor patterns and trends.",
    "Nighttime economy in Japan estimated at ¥22 trillion with growth potential."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}