Gangs of Kyoto

About this board game

Gangs of Kyoto is a card game for 2–5 players that plays in about 30 minutes. Take on the role of curious cats exploring Kyoto, discovering food, friends, and special gifts as the deck unfolds.

Your goal is simple: be the first player to bank 13 bells. Every card has a numerical value from 0 to 5, and cards may represent bells, clever little powers, or nothing at all. The challenge lies in deciding how far your growing total can go before the streets become too dangerous.

On the active player’s turn, cards are dealt one at a time around the table, including to the active player. Each card adds its value to the previous card received in another round, steadily building each player’s total.

• Explore a deck filled with bells, powers, and blank possibilities.
• Add card values together across rounds.
• Reach or exceed 13 to make the round end with a jump.
• Let the other players bank all their bells cards when you jump.

When someone reaches or passes 13, that player “jumps,” ending the round. The other players can then bank their bells cards, bringing them closer to the winning total. Timing matters: push your luck too far and you may lose the chance to bank.

With quick rounds and a family-friendly twist on classic blackjack, Gangs of Kyoto combines simple rules with meaningful choices. The illustrations by Jérémie Fleury help bring the world of Kyoto No Neko to life, while the compact format makes it easy to enjoy one more game.