Kyoto is not the first city that comes to mind when one talks about the best nightlife destinations in the world. However, Japan's former imperial capital comes alive after dark in surprising ways. There are high-end discotheques hosting DJs currently dominating the music scene. A number of lounges are loved and frequented by the who's who of Japan. There is no dearth of classy bars whipping up the most creative cocktails you will ever lay your hands on. Then there are clubs that are friendly on the pocket and attract the younger faces of the city. Keeping in mind Kyoto's cultural leanings, there are theatre performances by geishas who are embodiments of mystique. All in all, there's everything a party animal could ever ask for.

If you are someone who does not like the idea of dancing with hundreds of people inside a cramped room or sipping on a glass of wine in a tiny bar and calling it a (night), Kyoto has an entire street called Ponto Cho dedicated to the Japanese style of nightlife. If, by contrast, you are a conventional traveller looking for a good time, here is a list of the top 10 nightspots in the city.