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Eat, Drink & Cook in Japan

Kyoto Food Tours: 9 Best Gourmet Travel Experiences

Kyoto’s rich culinary tradition dates back to the city’s one thousand years as Japan’s capital. Enjoying a food tour in Kyoto, with its unique cuisine and experiences, is a must for gourmet lovers visiting Japan.

And if you think Kyoto is only shrines and temples, think again! Ranked number two in the world for the most Michelin-star restaurants, Kyoto’s cuisine credentials speak for themselves.

I’ve hand-selected the highest-rated (4.5+ out of 5) Kyoto food and drink experiences to save you time.

Here are Kyoto’s 9 best food tours!

Best Kyoto Food Tours by Type: Quick Links

• Kyoto Night Food Tours : Restaurants, izakaya and bars in Kyoto’s geisha districts, Gion and Pontocho
• Nishiki Market Kyoto Tours : ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ market with lunch, food tasting and cooking classes
• Kyoto Day Food and Walking Tour : Combine food and sightseeing on this culinary walking tour

How about trying out some different Kyoto food and drink experiences:

• Geisha and Maiko Dinner Shows in Kyoto : Choose from private, popular and best-value experiences
• Sake Tasting and Brewery Tours : Visit Kyoto’s historic Fushimi sake district and taste the finest sake

Kyoto Night Food Tours

There’s a good chance you’ll see a geisha or an apprentice maiko as all these tours are in Kyoto’s famous geisha districts, Gion and Pontocho.

Discover Kyoto’s evening entertainment scene on tour 1 , a night food walking tour with an optional Kobe beef upgrade.

Tour 2 offers excellent value with a full dinner of food tastings and drinks in restaurants and a Japanese-style standing bar.

Or treat yourself to an exceptional dining experience on tour 3 as you enjoy Kyoto’s lavish kaiseki dinner.

Fun-seekers will love tour 4 , a bar-hopping experience around Pontocho and beyond.  ‘

Compare Kyoto night food tours: At a glance guide

To help you decide which evening food tour is best for you, I’ve created a comparison table:

Price per person based on two people attending a tour: $ = up to $99; $$ = between $100 & $129; $$$ = over $130. Some tours offer discounted rates for groups of more people.

1. All-Inclusive Food and Culture Tour in Gion, Kyoto

Food and drink, meet people and history on this fascinating tour.

• Sample a variety of delicious food at izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) and tachinomiya (standing bars)
• Be adventurous as you want with Kyoto’s local and Japanese cuisine
• Discover old Kyoto’s historic geisha districts of Gion and Pontocho
• Learn about Japan’s nightlife entertainment scene, from geisha to hostess bars
• Optional upgrade: Kobe beef
• Includes dinner (sampling various foods) and two alcoholic or soft drinks, and a cultural and walking tour
• Location: Gion, Kamogawa, Kawaramachidori, Kiyamachi and Pontocho
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 6.30 pm

Book Gion Kyoto Food Tour >>

2. Kyoto Night Foodie Tour

Enjoy a perfect night of food and drink in Kyoto’s geisha district.

• Experience authentic Kyoto food and learn about the city’s food culture
• Try local and seasonal seafood, beef and vegetable dishes
• Visit an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) and a tachinomiya (standing bar)
• Stroll through Gion (you may see a geisha or maiko!) and feel the magic of Kyoto at night
• Family-friendly tour
• Includes 4-5 food tastings (full dinner), 3 alcoholic or soft drinks (including Kyoto sake), photos and a walking tour
• Location: Gion
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 6 pm

Book Kyoto Night Foodie Tour >>

3. Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour

Walk through Gion – Kyoto’s famous geisha district – along with its narrow alleyways and maze of teahouses and wooden buildings.

Followed by the most delicious kaiseki (traditional multi-course dinner) with the freshest local and seasonal dishes.

• Guided walking tour through Kyoto’s charming geisha areas, Pontocho and Gion
• Learn about the life and work of geisha and maiko
• Savour 10 courses of Kyoto’s finest kaiseki ryori
• Taste the freshest sashimi you’ve ever experienced
• Discover kaiseki’s delicate and harmonious flavours
• Includes: Kaiseki 10-course dinner, one drink and green tea, and a walking tour
• Location: Kamogawa, Pontocho and Gion
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 5.00 pm

Book Gion Night Food Tour >>

4. Kyoto Bar Hopping Tour

Enjoy Kyoto’s food and drink culture at night with the help of a local guide.

• Drink with locals and travellers and meet new friends
• Walk through Pontocho; if you’re lucky, you may spot a geisha or maiko!
• Try at least three izakayas and bars
• Relax and enjoy yourself while your guide orders for you
• Additional food and drinks pay on the night
• Includes 2 food dishes and 3 drinks, and a walking tour
• Location: Kiyimachi and Pontocho
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 7 pm

Book Kyoto Bar Hopping Tour >>

Nishiki Market Kyoto Tours

‘ Kyoto’s 400-year-old Nishiki Market is a must-visit for food lovers. Known as ‘Kyoto’s kitchen’, it’s a pleasant and lively market where you’ll find all food-related things.

With over 100 shops and restaurants, you’ll find fresh seafood, local and seasonal Kyoto speciality foods, and high-quality Japanese cooking knives and utensils.

Tantalise your taste buds on tour 5 with a full gourmet experience of Nishiki Market food tastings, followed by a 7-course lunch.

Tour 6 combines culture and cuisine and is an excellent choice to savour Nishiki Market’s tasty food and learn about Kyoto’s geishas.

Avoid the crowds and start your day with a Nishiki Market tour with brunch on budget-friendly tour 7 .

For a more hands-on and complete Kyoto culinary experience, tour 8 combines Nishiki Market with a cooking class and optional sake tasting. ‘

To help you decide which Nishiki Market tour is best for you, I’ve created a comparison table:

5. Kyoto Nishiki Market Tour with 7-Course Lunch

Enjoy a deep-dive food walking tour of Nishiki Market, followed by a traditional Kyoto-style 7-course lunch . Sample tasty local and seasonal treats as you visit family-owned shops and food stalls.

Discover Kyoto’s gourmet culture on this food connoisseur’s tour of Nishiki Market.

• Try local specialities like yuba (tofu), tsukemono (pickled vegetables) and matcha warabi mochi (jelly-like confectionary)
• Enjoy a 7-course lunch featuring beautifully prepared local dishes
• Learn about Kyoto’s cuisine and the history of the market
• Discover the food’s journey from harvest to market
• Explore family-owned shops and food stalls and listen to their owner’s stories
• Includes 7-course lunch, 10-12 market food tastings, Japanese tea and walking tour
• Location: Nishiki Market
• Duration: 3 hours, 10 am

Book Nishiki Market Tour & Lunch >>

6. Nishiki Market and Gion Cultural Food and Drinks Tour

Combine food and drink with culture on this walking tour of Nishiki Market and Kyoto’s geisha districts . Sample tasty Kyoto and local cuisine as you stroll through the market’s endless array of food stalls.

Visit some of Kyoto’s popular districts on this food walking tour.

• Savour classic Kyoto cuisines, like hamo (pike conger eel), tsukemono (pickled vegetables), fried fish cakes and mochi (rice cakes)
• Wander through the historical Nishiki Market and learn about food in the city
• Taste sake and a fresh honey drink
• Visit a shrine and find your fortune
• Discover Kyoto’s geisha and maiko culture as you walk around Gion and Pontocho
• Includes at least 6 dishes (including dessert), sake tasting and a walking tour
• Location: Gion, Kamogawa, Nishiki Market and Pontocho
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 11 am

Book Nishiki Market Cultural Food Tour >>

7. Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour

Get your day off to the best start by combining brunch with a food tour in Kyoto.

• Beat the crowds and enjoy Nishiki Market at a quiet time
• Savour Japanese and local Kyoto cuisine for a one-of-a-kind brunch
• Learn about Nishiki Market’s food, culture and history from a local
• Wander around the market and the hidden backstreets around
• Includes four to five food samples (a full brunch), photos and a walking tour
• Duration and start time: 2.5 hours, 9.30 am

Nishiki Market Breakfast Tour >>

8. Nishiki Market Food Tour with Cooking Class and Sake Tasting

Enjoy three food and drink experiences in one on this Nishiki Market tour, cooking class and sake tasting tour . Get hands-on as you choose your ingredients before making your dishes.

A perfect food-lovers excursion in Kyoto.

• Visit Nishiki Market and learn about its local and Japanese cuisine
• Take some backstreets to visit shops and admire the local architecture
• Make donburi (Japanese rice bowl dish) with food sourced from the market
• Savour the tasty meal you’ve prepared
• Optional try 3 different sake
• Includes Nishiki Market, sake tasting, walking tour, cooking class and dinner
• Duration and start time: 2.5 hours, 11.15am

Book Kyoto Market & Cooking Class Tour >>

Kyoto Day Food and Walking Tour

This tour visits one of my favourite places in Kyoto, the beautiful and less-visited Okochi Sanso Villa. With stunning views across the city, a wonderful Japanese garden and a traditional tea house, it’s a hidden gem.

Eat your way through the day with delicious local and Japanese cuisine, including Kyoto’s traditional matcha tea and sweets. ‘

Price per person based on two people attending a tour: $ = up to $75; $$ = between $76 & $124; $$$ = over $125. Some tours offer discounted rates for groups of more people.

9. Kyoto Food and Drink Tour in Arashiyama and Sagano

A highly-acclaimed tour which combines food and sightseeing.

• Try Kyoto and Japanese cuisine, like korokke (Japanese-style croquette), yuba (tofu), negiyaki (leek pancake) and more
• Cross Togetsukyo bridge and see Arashiyama’s famous bamboo grove
• Visit Tenryu-ji temple with its beautiful landscaped zen garden
• Walk around Okochi Sanso Villa, with its magnificent views of the area
• Enjoy matcha tea and wagashi (sweets)
• Includes at least five food tastings, matcha tea, bottled water, and a sightseeing walking tour
• Location: Arashiyama and Sagano
• Duration and start time: 3.5 hours, 11 am

Book Arashiyama Food & Drink Tour >>

Why not try more gourmet travel adventures that you’ll only find in Kyoto.

Geisha and Maiko Dinner Shows in Kyoto

Make a night of it and savour multi-course kaiseki – Kyoto-style haute cuisine.

• Enjoy a geisha (known as geiko in Kyoto) and maiko dance performance
• Experiences to suit all budgets: Best value to premium
• Traditional Kyoto food: Dinner and lunch, tea ceremony and unlimited drinks
• Exclusive tea houses, restaurants or theatre shows
• Photo opportunities with Kyoto’s geiko and maiko

Check out the best hand-picked geisha and maiko dinner shows in Kyoto .

A Kyoto food tour is the best way for travellers to discover the city’s unique culinary culture. And with its rich and distinguished history, it makes the perfect place to learn about Japanese cuisine.

• geiko and maiko by David Offf , used under CC BY 2.0 DEED / Edited from original
• Suivre les lumières… Nightlife in Pontocho, Kyoto by L’Ubuesque Boîte à Savon , used under CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED / Edited from original
• Nishiki Market by Aussie Assault , used under CC BY 2.0 DEED / Edited from original
• Soft Cream by jpellgen (@1179_jp) , used under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
• Maiko_20170521_22_2 by 舞妓さん 撮影会 , used under CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED / Edited from original

Hungry for local & authentic Japanese food?

Walk with us through Kyoto’s historic backstreets and become a local in just a few hours!

Our booking system currently shows limited availability due to COVID restrictions. If you have any tour/class in your mind, please contact us .

Walking food tours in Kyoto

On our food tours, you will discover the best of Kyoto’s hidden gems and try traditional Japanese food that you may have never seen before.

Our tour price includes a full meal’s worth of food samplings and the guide fee. The night tours also come with three glasses of alcoholic beverages of your choice.

Because of the limited number of quality guides in Kyoto, we release tour slots for the next month between the 20th and 24th of the current month.

Kyoto Food Night

Feel and taste what Japan’s old capital has to offer. Enjoy traditional and local Kyoto dishes like a local.

5pm | 3.5 hours  | 13,000 JPY (+ tax)

Arashiyama Bamboo Walk

Experience both the touristy and local sides of Arashiyama, a historical vacation destination for the Japanese aristocracy, through walks & food.

10am | 2.5 hours  | 9,800 JPY (+ tax)

Nishiki Food Market

Explore “Kyoto’s kitchen,” where even local restaurant chefs come and buy ingredients. Eat your way & learn Kyoto’s unique food culture.

11am | 2 hours  | 8,200 JPY (+ tax)

About our restaurant partners

We spend a lot of time exploring Kyoto to evaluate restaurants and bars in the city. We only take you to the restaurants and bars that have passed our criteria, including food quality and atmosphere, during our food tour. We will help you become a Japanese food ninja in just a few hours!

We proudly deliver our signature food tours in Kyoto. If none of our regular tours sounds appealing, we can arrange a private tour for a more personalized foodie experience, making your stay in Kyoto more special and unique. Let us know in advance. 

7 Best Kyoto Food Tours

Japan’s ancient capital is one of the world’s premier gastronomic destinations. With both Michelin-starred restaurants and hidden gems to discover, it’s no wonder why it has such strong foodie credentials. By joining one of the 7 best Kyoto food tours, you’ll be enabled to find off-the-beaten-path eateries while learning about the food culture.

Kyoto’s cuisine is known for its elegance, from multi-course kaiseki meals to innovative tofu dishes like yuba (beancurd skin). Go on a culinary adventure with a local guide to discover the simple yet sophisticated cuisine!

Can’t-Miss Kyoto Food Tours

Here are seven of the best food tours in Kyoto for guided experiences around Kyoto city and prefecture:

• Kyoto Food Tour of Nishiki Market, Gion, and Fushimi Inari
• Sake Brewery Tour in Fushimi Sake District
• Evening in Pontocho Food Tour
• Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Sweets Experience
• Arashiyama Food Tour in Kyoto
• Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour in Uji with Lunch
• Kyoto Nishiki Market Tour with 7 Course Lunch

1. Kyoto Food Tour of Nishiki Market, Gion, and Fushimi Inari

This epic Kyoto food tour will take you around some of the city’s top foodie locations. You begin in the famous Nishiki Market , a bustling street packed with around 130 shops. This is followed by a stroll along Kamogawa River to the historic Gion geisha district. Then, you’ll visit the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates. 

Make sure you come hungry because over the course of the tour you’ll indulge in seven different local Kyoto foods, from crisp rice crackers to intricately-decorated wagashi sweets.

Book the Kyoto Food Tour of Nishiki Market, Gion, and Fushimi Inari >>

2. Sake Brewery Tour in Fushimi Sake District

Kyoto’s Fushimi district with its nearly 40 breweries is renowned for its sake thanks to its soft and pure water.

Your expert guide will show you around the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, where you’ll learn all about the history of sake and its production. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to try several different varieties and discover which styles you like best! The tour also includes lunch at a local restaurant and time to explore the area.

Book the Sake Brewery Tour >>

3. Evening in Pontocho Food Tour

In Pontocho, you can wander down narrow alleyways lined with glowing lanterns. With cobbled streets and not a car in sight, a nighttime stroll here feels like stepping back in time to ancient Japan! 

This peaceful area is also packed with dining options, and tour guide will take you to four of the very best. Sample sizzling yakitori skewers, sake, and noodles from a shop that has been serving lovingly handmade noodles for decades.

Book the Evening in Pontocho Food Tour >>

4. Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Sweets Experience

The tea ceremony is an important part of Japanese culture. Experiencing one is a must-do activity. During this tour, you’ll learn how to make rich and frothy matcha green tea from a licensed tea ceremony instructor.

Dressed in gorgeous kimono, you’ll also enjoy sweets from Shikoku. These are made with melt-in-the-mouth wasanbon sugar. Both vegan and gluten-free, this immersive experience is suitable for just about everyone!

Book the Kyoto Tea Ceremony and Sweets Experience >>

5. Arashiyama Food Tour in Kyoto

Kyoto’s scenic Arashiyama district is most famous for its bamboo grove. In addition to stunning natural scenery, Arashiyama boasts mouthwatering dishes including deep-fried fish cakes with yuba , negiyaki (savory pancakes with green onions), and soy milk donuts. 

On this Kyoto food tour, you’ll not only get to sample these specialties, but you’ll also learn about the history of the region and its cuisine from your guide. In between food stops, you’ll visit temples and monuments – plus get the perfect selfie in the bamboo forest!

Book the Arashiyama Food Tour in Kyoto >>

6. Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour in Uji with Lunch

Uji city, just south of Kyoto, is world-renowned for producing some of the best matcha green tea in the world. On this tour, you’ll get to taste not only matcha but also a variety of different green teas from Uji and learn about how they’re produced and prepared. 

For lunch, you’ll have a delicious set meal, wagashi sweets, and even creamy matcha ice cream! Afterward, you have the opportunity to explore Uji’s charming streets and the grounds of the Byodoin Temple, which features on Japan’s 10 yen coin.

Book the Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour in Uji with Lunch >>

7. Kyoto Nishiki Market Tour with 7 Course Lunch

Nishiki Market – also known as Kyoto’s Kitchen – dates back over 400 years and is the beating heart of the city’s food scene. It’s home to a huge variety of family-run stalls selling all the ingredients you need to make Japanese food.

From local specialties like silky blocks of tofu and zingy tsukemono pickles, your senses will be overwhelmed by what’s offered as your guide shows you around! As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also get to enjoy a 7-course lunch at a local restaurant, making this Kyoto food tour an unforgettable experience!

Book Kyoto Nishiki Market Tour with 7 Course Lunch >>

Whether you want to enjoy the bustle of Nishiki Market, experience a Japanese tea ceremony, or immerse yourself in old Kyoto, these culinary tours are a fantastic way to do it. Book one of the best Kyoto food tours today and get ready to indulge in the very best of Japan’s culinary scenes! 

Want to find out more about what Kyoto has to offer? Check out the Kyoto guide for the newest trends in the area, popular attractions, and more!

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The 10 Best Food Tours in Kyoto You Need To Try In 2023

Kyoto is a delicate, intricate city that’s the perfect epitome of traditional culture mixed with contemporary influences. Whilst authentic traditional Japanese cuisine is still evident in neighborhoods and villages across the country, there would be none more classic than from restaurants sitting in the oldest municipality of Japan.

Exploring the vast food scene of Kyoto is an adventure in itself, and to truly get the most out of your experience, we recommend booking a food tour with a local guide who will offer you a more rounded, thoughtful, informative, and overall pleasant experience.

We’ve listed below the 10 best food tours in Kyoto for you to choose from. Let’s have a look!

1. All-Inclusive Kyoto Night Food and Culture Tour

Spent a day out visiting temples, taking photos at scenic spots, and shopping the streets of the city before heading to this all-inclusive night tour of Kyoto.

The experience will take you to the alleys of Gion, where you’ll be introduced to a variety of traditional Kyoto cuisine at a local eatery. Your guide will regale you with tales and information about the world of Geisha entertainment along the way, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to witness a traditionally dressed Geisha on the way to their appointment.

You will also get to experience the streets of Pontocho, Kiyamachi, and Kawaramachi often referred to as the youthful downtown area of Kyoto. Bring your camera, because the photo opportunities here are endless. Preserved traditional wooden homes sit alongside new bars and restaurants, creating an imagery that’s quintessentially Japanese.

Highlights :

• Explore the nostalgic area of Gion and the wooden buildings of Pontocho
• Visiting local standing bars and enjoy a tasty dinner of traditional Kyoto cuisine
• Experience downtown Kyoto

2. Private Tea Ceremony by the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Witnessing an authentic Japanese tea ceremony is somewhat of a privilege, and being able to experience it in the city of Kyoto is top-tier.

Kyoto is known for its Zen atmosphere. From rock gardens to temples, there are many places to visit in Kyoto where you can truly experience the traditional part of Japanese culture.

This traditional tea ceremony will introduce you to an age-old custom in Japan, within the temple of Ryoan-ji. Ryoan-ji is home to a tea house that was built more than a century ago. It features a stunning Japanese Zen Garden that you can look out to whilst the ceremony is taking place.

The delicate view and peaceful, beautiful ceremony will take you back to a time of nostalgic Japan.

You will learn about the culture and history of the Japanese tea ceremony, and even be able to make your own bowl of matcha green tea.

• Witness a Japanese tea ceremony within a stunning tea house
• Beautiful views of a Japanese garden
• Learn about the history and culture of the Japanese tea ceremony

3. Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour in Fushimi Sake District

Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage that has been around for many centuries. It is a versatile drink that can be drunk both hot and cold and is a quintessential part of the food and drink culture of Japan.

The Fushimi Sake District is famous for producing high-quality sake and it is here where you will be guided around various breweries to learn about the interesting production process.

There are over 40 different sake breweries here, and through this tour, you will get to visit a handful of larger ones as well as niche ones. You will learn about the different flavor profiles of sake and also get to leisurely stroll around the district, take photos with the stunning Japanese buildings and have lunch at a local eatery.

Of course, you will be able to do some sake tasting as well!

Regardless of whether you’re an alcohol enthusiast or not, this enlightening tour is entertaining for everyone.

• Check out the famous and popular Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum
• Visit several small and larger breweries
• Enjoy sake tasting
• Have a delicious lunch at a local restaurant

4. Arashiyama Food Tour in Kyoto

This is definitely one of the best food tours in Kyoto!

Arashiyama is home to one of the world’s most stunning bamboo groves, but did you know that it’s a food heaven as well?

This popular food tour in Arashiyama will take you around the beautiful area of Sagano, where you will be able to enjoy some sightseeing as well as be introduced to various types of local unique Japanese food.

There are several stunning sites to visit during this tour, including various significant temples and the Arashiyama bamboo forest. In between, you’ll get to try some delicious regional foods including Japanese fish cakes and negiyaki.

• Try various delicious regional Japanese foods
• Visit several temples and monuments
• Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

5. Kyoto Tea Farm Tour, Tasting, and Lunch in Scenic Wazuka

For those who have never seen images of a tea farm before: imagine vast fields of perfectly harvested plants, which go on for miles into the horizon, offering the most picture-perfect opportunity for you to capture a selfie.

The tea fields of Wazuka are somewhat legendary in Japan. Wakuza-cho itself is a small tea town with a population of around 3,900 people. Within this small town, nearly half of the tea produced in Kyoto is made here!

In this tea farm tour, you will learn about tea’s entire production process. From the growing conditions to the leaf-drying process; you’ll become a tea connoisseur after this!

For lunch, you will get to dine on delicious buckwheat soba noodles that are made with tea; thus, they’re called “cha soba”. You will also get to try 9 different types of locally grown teas as well.

• Experience the beautiful tea fields of Wazuka
• Visit the factory and learn the production process directly from the source
• Taste 9 different types of tea
• Dine on delicious buckwheat soba noodles for lunch

6. Authentic Kyoto Tea Ceremony near Kiyomuzi-dera Temple

If you’re planning to visit the popular Kiyomizu-Dera Temple during your Kyoto visit, why not include a stunning Kyoto tea ceremony experience there as well?

The Japanese tea ceremony is a beautiful traditional ceremony that has existed for many centuries. It is not your typical type of tea ceremony, and learning about the intricacies and witnessing it firsthand makes for a memorable experience.

This tea ceremony is located near the popular Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, which makes it the perfect add-on to a wonderful day trip.

The host will provide in-depth knowledge of the history and culture of the tea ceremony before getting into the different steps of the ceremony. You will even be able to prepare your own bowl of matcha!

• Learn about the history and culture of the Japanese tea ceremony from a knowledgeable host
• Prepare your bowl of matcha

7. Evening in Kyoto Pontocho Food Tour

The atmospheric alleys of Pontocho are a wonderful way to truly experience the traditional side of Kyoto, and this evening tour is the perfect way to explore it.

Pontocho is stunning at any hour of the day, but at night, with the warm lights washing over you as you slowly move from alley to alley, taking in the unique Japanese architecture and admiring the cobblestone streets – it is when Pontocho truly becomes a thing of beauty.

In this food tour, you will be transported back in time as you stroll the streets with a local guide. They will give you interesting insights into the local cuisine whilst taking you to some of the best local eateries on offer.

You will be shown around off-the-beaten-path areas and mingle with locals to truly make the most of your experience.

• Try authentic Kyoto cuisine and seasonable dishes
• Stop at 4 different food and drinks shops
• Enjoy sake at a local standing bar

8. Nishiki Market and Gion Tour in Kyoto

Nishiki market is a fun and vibrant seafood market in the middle of Kyoto, offering delicious fresh produce and food. It is a small and narrow market where you will rub shoulders with locals as you peruse the hundreds of stalls selling everything from chirashi bowls to high-quality sake.

The famous Gion district is one of Kyoto’s most famous attractions. It’s characterized by traditional Japanese buildings and cobblestone streets, effortlessly transporting you back to the Edo period as you leisurely walk the streets.

This guide will have you ticking off two essential Kyoto sites whilst filling up your tummy with delicious Japanese food and your Instagram with beautiful images of Kyoto.

• Discover the best of what Nishiki Seafood Market has to offer
• Learn about the local regional dishes
• Take photos of the stunning Gion Geisha district
• Discover Gion’s rich history

If you want to visit similar places in Kyoto, make sure you read our list of the 6  best street food spots in Kyoto .

9. Kyoto Whiskey and Sake Tasting Tour

Did you know that there is a “Flower Town” in Kyoto?

This “Flower Town” is made up of five popular districts in Kyoto, including Gion and Pontocho. Within “Flower Town”, elite and upper-class patrons will enjoy Geisha entertainment within Ocha-ya, traditional Japanese tea houses.

Whilst this is somewhere fairly hidden from the public eye, in this whiskey and sake tour, you will get to visit one such hidden place. If you’re lucky, you might even come across a Geisha or Maiko heading to their next destination!

After exploring the area, you will enjoy some of Kyoto’s best sake and get some local insights into Japanese wine. Enjoy some delicious Kyoto regional dishes before heading off to Pontocho to try a variety of whiskies.

• Visit an award-winning hidden gem bar
• Stroll around the ancient capital with a knowledgeable local guide – fingers crossed you get to witness a Geisha!
• Enjoy traditional seasonable Kyoto cuisine
• Taste some delicious Kyoto sake and whiskey

10. Downtown Kyoto Local Food Tour

The likes of downtown Kyoto rarely gets as much coverage from traveller’s. You may think that it’s because it doesn’t have much to offer, but we beg to differ.

Downtown Kyoto is full of life, culture, history, and of course, amazing local cuisine.

This local food tour of downtown Kyoto will have you taken all around the area, sampling some delicious food whilst visiting some local favorite shops along the way.

This is the perfect tour for those looking to learn more about Kyoto’s in-depth food culture, be taken to some hidden gem artisanal stores for some shopping, and discover things they may not even know existed, such as the unique underground food halls in department stalls!

Explore downtown Kyoto through its food stalls, generational shop owners, snack samples, and much more on this tour.

• Learn about the history and culture of Kyoto through a knowledgeable local guide
• Discover some hidden restaurants and food shops
• Try some quintessential Japanese dishes, such as takoyaki, taiyaki, omelet, and more!

We hope you enjoyed our list of the 10 best food tours in Kyoto!

There is no better way to get to know about a culture than through its food, and through these 10 various food tours, you will come back more knowledgeable and appreciative of the Japanese culture than ever before.

For more food experiences in Kyoto, you can also read our list of the 7  best cooking classes in Kyoto .

Visiting Tokyo and Osaka too? Check out our selection of the best food tours in Tokyo  and the top food tours in Osaka !

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Explore > Interests > Food and drink > Kyoto Food Tours

Kyoto Food Tours

From the exciting street food options in Nishiki Market (grilled eel, anyone?) to the relaxing ritual of a Japanese tea ceremony, there is no better way to explore Kyoto than through its food. A historic epicenter of Japan, Kyoto thrives by blending the modern with the traditional in both architecture and taste. With the expertise of a local guide, gain deeper insight into Japanese cuisine and culture with a variety of Kyoto food tours.

Nishiki Market

Kyoto’s kitchen for more than 400 years, Nishiki Market spans 5 blocks and consists of vendors selling Japanese street food with lots of samples to try. Although it’s one of the top tourist things to do in Kyoto, Nishiki Market remains authentic, and most of the signs are all in Japanese. Going with a guide can unlock a deeper experience of Nishiki Market as you learn about the interesting variety of foods and their cultural significance. Whether you’re adventurous enough to try a tiny octopus on a stick ( tako tamago ) or just want to look at the vast variety of local delicacies, visiting Nishiki Market is a must when in Kyoto.

Japanese Tea Ceremony and Matcha Green Tea

One of the best places in Japan to experience a traditional Japanese tea ceremony is Kyoto. While sitting on tatami mats in the machiya (wooden teahouse), learn about this time-honored artform by participating in the Zen ritual of preparing and drinking green tea. If you love matcha, then head to the town of Uji —famous for crafting the highest quality green tea in Japan since the 1100s. Enjoy various green tea-flavored snacks like matcha ice cream, explore the beautiful Byodoin Temple, and buy matcha souvenirs.

Organic and Farm-to-Table Kyoto Food Tours

Escape the city for terraced rice paddies and green hills of tea fields in Japan’s scenic countryside just outside Kyoto. Work up an appetite pounding mochi rice cakes or biking along the shores of Lake Biwa before being welcomed into the home of a local family and their organic farm . A home-cooked meal made with fresh vegetables and rice harvested on this family farm may just be one the best things you eat during your stay in Kyoto. For more rural bliss, visit the farming town of Wazuka. After an informative trek through tea fields , sample some ocha (tea), and munch on an onigiri rice ball while overlooking the landscape.

Drink Sake in Kyoto

Imbibe in Kyoto’s 400-year-old sake brewing history by savoring some delicious rice wine and touring the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum . Admire artifacts from Edo period sake production and see the fermentation process in action while visiting sake breweries in Kyoto. Thanks to the natural spring water of the area, the sake brewed in the Fushimi district ranks as some of the finest in the world. Drink several types of sake, served hot or cold with flavors ranging from dry to fruity to sweet. If you’re short on time, combine your visit to the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine with some sake samples .

Learn to Cook Ramen from Scratch

One of the surest ways to immerse yourself in Japanese food culture is with a hands-on cooking class. At the Ramen Factory, you can make your own bowl of ramen —one of Japan’s most popular dishes. From kneading the noodle dough to garnishing with green onions, the whole family can enjoy this experience. Vegans and vegetarians rejoice because you too can make a veggie-friendly bowl of this delicious soup from scratch. Once your ramen is cooked, slurp away! Don’t worry, slurping noodles in Japan is not rude, but considered evidence that you are enjoying the meal.

Izakaya Bar Hopping and Nightlife in Kyoto’s Gion District

Spend your evening in Kyoto like a local on an izakaya bar hopping tour . As you eat and drink your way through regional specialties like kobe beef, learn about Japanese food and culture from your expert guide. When moving between different standing bars, feel transported back to old Kyoto while walking through the red lantern-lit streets of Gion. You may even see a geisha, locally called geiko . At the end of your night out in Kyoto, raise your glass and toast your small group with a rowdy kanpai !

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Kyoto Foodie Night Tour

• 10+ Kyoto style course meal
• Sake, beer, whiskey, and soft drinks of your choice
• PLAZA - Kyoto Shijo, Japan, 600-8004 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Naramonochō, ３６３ 1F Meet the guide in front of Kyoto Plaza Shijo on the main street. The tour starts at 5pm on the dot. If you miss the 5pm meet-up, please join the group at the first sit-down restaurant which we send you about a week before the tour date.
• 三条大橋旧石柱, Japan, 604-8004 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakajimachō, １１３ 三条大橋近江屋
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Infants must sit on laps
• Infant seats available
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Pontocho District

Similar experiences

• You'll start at PLAZA - Kyoto Shijo Japan, 600-8004 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Naramonochō, ３６３ 1F Meet the guide in front of Kyoto Plaza Shijo on the main street. The tour starts at 5pm on the dot. If you miss the 5pm meet-up, please join the group at the first sit-down restaurant which we send you about a week before the tour date. See address & details
• 1 Nishiki Market Shopping District Stop: 25 minutes See details
• 2 Kyoto Stop: 2 hours See details
• 3 Pontocho District Stop: 15 minutes See details
• You'll end at 三条大橋旧石柱 Japan, 604-8004 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Nakajimachō, １１３ 三条大橋近江屋 See address & details

More to explore in Kyoto

Kyoto Foodie Night Tour provided by Ninja Food Tours

Product overview: kyoto foodie night tour.

Kyoto Night Foodie Tour

• Food & Drink , Food Tours , Kyoto , Tour Reviews , Viator

The Kyoto Night Foodie Tour is a must-try experience for those craving a culinary adventure in Kyoto, Japan. This popular tour takes participants on a vibrant and flavorful journey through the city’s food scene.

With knowledgeable and friendly guides, participants get to try unique and delicious local cuisine while seeing the city’s nightlife.

Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply looking to explore Kyoto’s culinary delights, this tour promises to be a delightful and immersive experience.

Great News! You can reserve your spot for free with Viator. You can easliy cancel any time up to 1 day before without paying anything.

Quick Takeaways

• Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows for a full refund, but no refund will be provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time.
• Changes made less than 24 hours before the start time will not be accepted.
• The tour has received a rating of 5.0 based on 510 reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor, with positive reviews highlighting the excellent tour guides, delicious food, and highly recommended experience.
• There are a few negative reviews mentioning guides lacking expertise and not providing in-depth knowledge about local cuisine and culture, but the host has responded to these reviews, expressing disappointment and apologizing for not meeting expectations.

Not for you? Here's a few more great tours and experiences nearby.

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Exploring Kyoto’s Night Food Scene

The Kyoto night foodie tour offers a chance to explore the vibrant and delicious food scene of the city. Kyoto’s vibrant food culture is a reflection of its rich history and diverse culinary traditions.

On this tour, participants have the opportunity to indulge in the flavors of local street food, seeing the bustling atmosphere of nighttime food markets and stalls. From savory takoyaki to crispy tempura, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

The tour guides share their knowledge of the city’s culinary heritage, providing insights into the ingredients and techniques used in each dish. Whether it’s sampling traditional Kyoto cuisine or trying innovative fusion dishes, this tour allows visitors to experience the freedom of exploring Kyoto’s vibrant food culture after dark.

A Taste of Kyoto’s Culinary Delights

Visitors to Kyoto can savor the diverse and delectable dishes that showcase the city’s culinary heritage. Kyoto’s gastronomic delights are a reflection of the city’s rich history and cultural traditions. From traditional kaiseki meals to street food stalls, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

One highly recommended way to experience Kyoto’s culinary scene is through a culinary tour. These tours offer a curated selection of local eateries and culinary experiences, allowing visitors to sample a wide variety of dishes and learn about the city’s food culture.

Some popular culinary tour recommendations include exploring the Nishiki Market, known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen,’ where visitors can try fresh seafood, local produce, and traditional snacks. Another must-visit is Pontocho Alley, a narrow street lined with restaurants and bars, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a chance to indulge in Kyoto’s renowned kaiseki cuisine.

Whatever your taste preferences, a culinary tour in Kyoto is sure to be a memorable and delicious experience.

Hidden Gems: Kyoto’s Best-Kept Food Secrets

Tucked away in the alleyways of Kyoto are hidden gems of the culinary world, waiting to be discovered by those with a discerning palate.

Kyoto, known for its rich history and traditional culture, is also a haven for foodies seeking unique and authentic flavors. From cozy izakayas serving up traditional dishes to street food vendors offering tantalizing snacks, the city is brimming with local delicacies that will satisfy any food lover’s cravings.

These hidden gems, often tucked away in nondescript buildings or narrow alleyways, offer a glimpse into the true essence of Kyoto’s culinary scene. Whether it’s savoring a bowl of steaming ramen, indulging in melt-in-your-mouth sushi, or trying a plate of crispy tempura, these local delicacies are a delicious testament to Kyoto’s gastronomic heritage.

Savoring the Flavors of Kyoto After Dark

With the sun setting over the city, the alleys of Kyoto come alive with the vibrant and enticing flavors of its nighttime culinary scene. Kyoto’s nighttime culinary journey offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s local delicacies at night.

As the city’s streets become adorned with colorful lanterns, food stalls and restaurants open their doors, inviting visitors to embark on a gastronomic adventure. From sizzling yakitori skewers to steaming bowls of ramen, Kyoto’s nighttime culinary scene offers a wide array of options to satisfy any palate.

Whether it’s exploring the bustling Nishiki Market or dining at a traditional izakaya, visitors can indulge in the rich flavors and aromas that define Kyoto’s cuisine. Each dish tells a story, reflecting the region’s history and cultural heritage.

Unforgettable Food Experiences in Kyoto

One can’t help but be captivated by the unforgettable food experiences that await in the heart of Kyoto. Here are some food tour recommendations for those looking to explore the local cuisine in this vibrant city:

• Sample traditional Kyoto dishes: Indulge in the flavors of Kyoto’s rich culinary heritage by trying dishes like kaiseki (multi-course meal), yudofu (tofu hot pot), and matcha (green tea) sweets. These dishes showcase the delicate balance of flavors and the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
• Explore the bustling Nishiki Market: Take a stroll through the narrow alleys of Nishiki Market, known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen,’ and learn about the sights, sounds, and aromas of local street food. Try regional delicacies like takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled skewers), and fresh sushi.
• Visit hidden izakayas: Kyoto is home to numerous hidden izakayas, traditional Japanese pubs, where you can enjoy a variety of small plates paired with local sake or craft beer. These cozy establishments offer a chance to mingle with locals and savor unique flavors.
• Take a tea ceremony: Kyoto is famous for its tea culture, and participating in a traditional tea ceremony is a must-do experience. Learn about the art of tea preparation, enjoy a cup of matcha, and appreciate the serene ambiance of a Japanese tea house.

Set out on a food tour in Kyoto to discover the diverse and delectable flavors that this city has to offer. From traditional dishes to hidden gems, there’s something for every food lover to enjoy. So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure in the heart of Kyoto.

Indulge in Kyoto’s Nighttime Food Adventure

Enjoy the vibrant flavors and bustling atmosphere of Kyoto’s nighttime culinary scene. Kyoto’s vibrant food culture comes alive after the sun sets, offering a stack of options for foodies to explore. One way to fully experience this gastronomic adventure is through nighttime food tours in Kyoto. These tours take you on a journey through the city’s lively streets, where you can indulge in a variety of delicious dishes and local specialties. From traditional izakayas serving mouthwatering yakitori to lively food markets offering street food delicacies, there is something to satisfy every palate. As you navigate through the maze of narrow alleyways, the tantalizing aromas and colorful displays of food will evoke a sense of excitement and freedom. Set out on a nighttime food tour in Kyoto and discover the hidden gems of the city’s culinary world.

Discovering Kyoto’s Night Foodie Hotspots

As foodies explore Kyoto’s vibrant culinary scene after dark, they can uncover a variety of hotspots that will delight their taste buds. Here are four reasons why the Kyoto Night Foodie Tour is a must for anyone looking to uncover culinary treasures:

• Local Expertise: The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who are passionate about sharing their love for Kyoto’s food culture. They provide insider tips and recommendations, ensuring that participants get an authentic and immersive experience.
• Diverse Flavors: From traditional izakayas to modern fusion restaurants, the tour takes participants on a gastronomic journey through Kyoto’s diverse food scene. They can savor delicacies like sushi, ramen, kaiseki, and more.
• Hidden Gems: The tour uncovers hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path establishments that may be missed by travelers. Participants have the opportunity to discover local favorites and lesser-known culinary treasures.
• Cultural Insight: Along with enjoying delicious food, participants learn about the history, traditions, and cultural significance behind Kyoto’s cuisine. They gain a deeper understanding of the city’s culinary heritage and its influence on Japanese gastronomy.

Embark on the Kyoto Night Foodie Tour and embark on a culinary adventure that will satisfy your taste buds and ignite your sense of exploration. Uncover the hidden culinary treasures of Kyoto and indulge in a truly unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Kyoto Night Foodie Tour?

The cancellation policy for the tour allows for a full refund if cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. No refund is provided for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time. Tour changes are not accepted within 24 hours of the start time.

Can Changes Be Made to the Tour Less Than 24 Hours Before the Start Time?

Yes, changes can be made to the tour less than 24 hours before the start time. The tour offers flexibility and allows for last minute modifications to accommodate the needs of the participants.

Are There Any Traveler Photos of the Tour Available?

Yes, there are traveler photos of the tour available. These photos showcase the various experiences of the travelers and highlight the popular dishes that are enjoyed during the Kyoto Night Foodie Tour.

What Is the Overall Rating of the Tour Based on Reviews From Viator and Tripadvisor?

The overall rating of the tour, based on reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor, is 5.0 out of 5.0. Travelers have praised the tour guide, delicious food, and highly recommend the experience. Vegetarian options are available.

How Many Reviews Have Been Received for the Kyoto Night Foodie Tour?

There have been 510 reviews received for the Kyoto Night Foodie Tour. These reviews range from 1 star to 5 stars and are provided by Viator travelers.

To sum it up, the Kyoto Night Foodie Tour offers an immersive and flavorful experience for foodies looking to explore Kyoto’s vibrant culinary scene. With knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to try unique and delicious local cuisine, participants can indulge in the best-kept food secrets of Kyoto.

While there have been some concerns raised about the guides’ expertise, overall, the tour has received exceptional reviews and ratings, showcasing its quality and customer satisfaction.

Don’t miss the chance to savor the flavors of Kyoto after dark on this unforgettable food adventure.

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Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links and I may get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you.

Looking for the best Kyoto food tours to join for an unforgettable culinary experience?

You are on the right site!

🏆Don’t have time to read the whole article? For the best Kyoto food tour, book this Kyoto Night Foodie Tour — a 3-hour food tour visiting some of the best restaurants in Kyoto with complimentary photos!

With its long history and unique cuisine, it is no wonder that Kyoto has become one of the most popular destinations for food lovers around the world.

From exquisite kaiseki dishes to comforting Japanese street food snacks , there are so many delicious options to explore in this amazing city for all traveller types.

And what better way to experience all these flavours than by joining a guided food tour in Kyoto?

So if you are ready for a gastronomic adventure in Kyoto, here are 15 delicious tours that will have your taste buds bursting with joy!

Best Food Tours in Kyoto: Top 15 Options

Kyoto night foodie tour, kyoto arashiyama & sagano walking food tour, kyoto bar hopping night tour.

• Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
• Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour
• Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour
• Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond
• Kyoto: Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour
• Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour
• 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
• 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
• Advanced Sake Tasting Experience
• Nishiki Market Food Tour in Kyoto
• Taste of Nishiki Market Private Food Tour
• The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals: Private Street Food Tour
• Kyoto: Izakaya Food Tour with Local Guide

Quick Guide: Kyoto Food Tours

#1 TOP PICK

✔️ Experienced local guide ✔️Complimentary tour photos

✔️ Friendly guide ✔️Traditional snack pit stops

✔️ Professional guide ✔️Best bars in Kyoto

Food Tours Kyoto

1. kyoto night foodie tour.

🌟 Ratings: 5/5 ( 318 Reviews ) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

One of the highly-rated Kyoto Food Tours that you can sign up for is Kyoto Night Foodie Tour.

A gastronomic adventure that will give you a taste of the local culture and history, this 3-hour food tour takes guests through some of the best restaurants and eateries in the Pontocho and Gion districts.

We had a great tour with Nobu as our guide. After 2 weeks in Japan, we were still taken to try food and drinks that we had not yet seen anywhere else. The locations were great, and the variety of options allowed everyone to match their preferences. Would absolutely recommend it to anyone in Kyoto looking for guidance and a good evening with others. – Jay ( See more reviews )

You will get to enjoy 4 to 5 delicious food tastings including the native Kyoto dish, Obanzai, and sake tasting at a Japanese standing bar.

Since Kyoto Night Foodie Tour is a guided tour, you will also get the first-hand experience of learning and listening to interesting stories about local culture from your friendly guide!

Plus, with a small group size of a maximum of 7 people, this food tour in Kyoto is sure to provide an intimate experience for travellers looking to socialise with other participants.

To top it all, Kyoto Night Foodie Tour also provides photos of the food tour to the participants so you can easily reminisce all those captured precious good times and travel memories in this beautiful Japanese city.

Pro-tip: Want to have more pretty photos of you exploring Kyoto? Then sign yourself up for one of the top Kyoto photography tours listed in this comprehensive article!

• Available Slots: 6 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 7

What Is Included Kyoto Night Foodie Tour

🍜 Full dinner course with dessert (vegetarian menu is available)

🍜3 drinks (alcohol or non-alcoholic drinks)

🍜Tour photos

🍜English-speaking local guide

BOOK Kyoto Night Foodie Tour ➡️

2. Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour

🌟 Ratings: 5/5 ( 95 Reviews ) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

Prefer to combine sightseeing and food hunting around the stunning Arashiyama area in Kyoto in one go?

Well, this Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour is definitely for you.

With a duration of 3 hours, you will get to enjoy the best of both worlds at a relaxing pace under the guidance of the friendly local guide.

Yasuna was a fantastic tour guide. We took multiple tours in Japan and she was the best! She was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. She explained everywhere we went in detail which made it a fun memorable experience. We didn’t feel rushed and had plenty of time to take photos and purchase items along the way. Yasuna also went above and beyond to help us plan what to do after the tour. – Thomas (See more reviews )

This small-group tour takes visitors through some of the most iconic sights and Instagrammable places in Kyoto , including Okochi Sanso Garden, Arashiyama Forest, UNESCO site Tenryuji Temple, Kimono Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge.

As you take in these stunning views, your professional local guide will provide fascinating information about the history of each spot for a more immersive travel experience.

There will be several traditional snack pit stops such as fish cakes and sweets throughout this walking food tour in Kyoto, so you get to indulge in the local food scene as you walk from one place to another.

Pro-tip : Entrance fees to Tenryu-ji Temple & Okochi-Sanso Garden are included in this amazing food tour so you do not need to worry about bursting your travel budget!

Since there is plenty of walking required for this walking food tour, it is generally recommended for physically-able fit people who love to walk and mingle with other like-minded travellers.

Note: A moderate amount of walking is needed to complete this tour (around 4km) so make sure to wear a good pair of comfortable walking shoes . 

• Available Slots: 9.30 am
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 8

What Is Included In Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour

🍜 Friendly local guide

🍜 Negiyaki savory pancake, fried fish cake, Japanese sweets (lunch)

🍜 Tenryu-ji Temple & Okochi-Sanso Garden entrance fee

BOOK Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour ➡️

3. Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour

🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (149 Reviews) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

With a full rating of 5 stars from more than 140 reviews, you can never go wrong with the Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour !

This 3-hour food tour takes you through some of the city’s best bars in Pontocho, offering an authentic nightlife experience.

You can wind down with this leisure activity after spending the earlier part of the day exploring the city with the best bike tour in Kyoto .

From trying out delicious yakitori to sipping on sake at a standing bar, this is sure to be a fascinating adventure that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

Mimi was an excellent guide and we really enjoyed learning about Japanese culture. The bars and food were excellent, along with the vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The sake was top notch as was the sour cocktail. A 10/10 experience we would highly recommend! -A Satisfied Participant ( See more reviews )

Once you have met with the assigned guide, you will be heading over to the first local izakaya bar for some food and drinks before continuing to the other two bars.

With an expert guide on hand to share local knowledge and customs, you will get acquainted with the local residents and the vibrant atmosphere in no time.

Don’t worry if you are a vegetarian; vegetarian food options are available too in this amazing food tour!

• Available Slots: 6.30 pm
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 6

What Is Included In Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour

🍜 English-speaking local guide

🍜 Visit to 3 local izakaya and bars

🍜 3 food and 2 drinks (vegan menu is available)

🍜 Tour photos

BOOK Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour ➡️

4. Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour

🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (94 Reviews) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

Another popular Kyoto food tour that you can consider is the Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour.

With a maximum participant number of 6, this exciting 2.5-hour tour offers a chance for travellers to mingle with others and have a slightly more personalised experience without feeling overwhelmed.

It was a great experience. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and funny. Food was great! Highly recommended! – Sunethra ( See more reviews )

This amazing food tour starts off by exploring Gion and admiring the lovely wooden tea houses’ sights before heading to Nishiki Market.

Once you reach Nishiki Market, a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of mouthwatering local snacks sold by the local vendors will be waiting for you there!

And here is the exciting part especially for foodie travellers; you can savour 4 to 5 delicious food samples from the stalls while exploring this 300-year-old market.

From traditional Japanese dishes like an eel to sushi, there is something for everyone.

The friendly tour guide will share the history and the food culture of Kyoto throughout the food tour, so you can learn more about Japan through the lens of a local.

And it does not just stop there.

This Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour ends with a hearty brunch at a restaurant so you are literally eating your way across Kyoto!

• Duration: 2.5 hours 

What Is Included In Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour

🍜 Brunch at a restaurant

🍜 Minimum 1 street food and plenty of free and various of samplings from the market vendors

BOOK Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour ➡️

5. Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour

🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (116 Reviews) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

Are you looking for a unique way to experience the culture and cuisine of Kyoto with other foodies like yourself?

Then look no further than the Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour!

This small-group guided tour will take you through some of the most famous sights in Kyoto while introducing you to traditional Japanese local dishes.

We loved our tour. Naomi was our tour guide and she shared some information about her history with Kyoto and the history of the market, temple, and area. She told us where to keep a lookout for Maiko and Geishas and what other shops and things she likes doing in the area that was not part of the tour. Overall she was friendly, kind and knowledgeable. My partner and I agreed the walking allowed us to see and observe more, and even after our tour was done we were both sad to no longer have Naomi as our guide. Thank you, Naomi! – Francis ( See more reviews )

During the tour, you will get to explore the bustling Nishiki Market, home to 130 different food stalls.

Here you can try out local favourites like tofu skin, Japanese omelette, pickled vegetables and fried fish cake, and more.

Pro-tip: You can also get your souvenir hauls for loved ones back home at Nishiki market!

After filling up your tummy with delicious food, you will then explore the famous landmarks of Kyoto guided by an experienced guide.

The guide will provide insights into the history of the city as you walk from one landmark to another, giving you a better understanding of life in Kyoto.

Some of the places included in this food walking tour are Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine and Kiyamachi Street in Pontocho.

There is also a traditional Kyoto sweets pit-stop included in the food tour so you can sample a variety of sweet treats!

This cultural walking food tour will end at Gion where you get to admire the beautifully preserved townhouses (machiya).

You will also get to visit Tatsumi Shrine too, which appeared in the movie “Memoirs of Geisha” for a little history lesson about Maiko’s culture.

• Available Slots: 10.45 am

What Is Included In Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour

🍜 Professional English-speaking guide

🍜 Explore Nishiki Market and Gion

🍜 Try multiple Japanese side dishes and sweets at Nishiki Market

BOOK Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour ➡️

6. Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour

🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (13 Reviews) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

Are you dreaming of a romantic evening with your significant other in the traditional alleys of Kyoto?

Then look no further than the Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour !

This 3-hour tour is perfect for couples who prefer to experience the local food scene at night, as it will take you to one of Japan’s most famous geisha districts for sightseeing while enjoying the mouth-watering local cuisine.

Thomas was awesome!!! Great tour of Gion and dining experience with lots of great tips shared about how best to enjoy Kyoto! -Get Your Guide Traveler (See more reviews )

This Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour begins at Kamowaga.

Over here you get to try some delicious seasonal snack food from the stalls along the scenic Kamowaga River.

Since this spot is also the local’s favourite hangout place with their friends or family members after work, you can also take this chance to mingle with them and learn a thing or two about the local culture.

Once you are done snacking, the food tour continues to Gion, the most popular geisha district in Kyoto.

Lined with beautiful wooden teahouses, you get to admire the traditional architecture and immerse in the retro vibes.

You will also learn about the history and current practices of the Maiko and Geiko cultures of this city from the English-speaking local guide for a deeper understanding of this unique culture.

The multi-course kaiseki course meal included in this food tour is probably the highlight of the night.

Featuring the renowned regional and seasonal specialities of Kyoto, the kaiseki course is sure to tantalise your taste buds with its combination of tasty flavours and textures leaving a great impression of the historic food culture of Kyoto!

Pro-tip: You can share your allergy and dietary requirements when booking the food tour so extra planning can be done when it comes to preparing your meal.

Note: Bring along a copy of your passport before the tour starts.

• Available Slots: 5 pm
• Suitable for: Couples & families or groups of 8

What Is Included In Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour

🍜 Sightseeing at Gion

🍜 10-course kaiseki dinner

🍜 1 drink and dessert

BOOK Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour ➡️

7. Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond

🌟 Ratings: 4.5/5 (113 Reviews) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

If checking out the vibrant nightlife of every city you visit is your kind of to-do travel bucket list, then this Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion & Beyond is for you!

Aside from indulging in regional specialities at the bars and restaurants, this 3-hour guided tour takes you on an adventure through some of the gorgeous landmarks of Kyoto.

These places include Yasaka Shrine, Gion, and Pontocho.

This was a fabulous tour of Kyoto’s Gion district. We walked through one of the Shrine areas and Ferdinanz, our guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly. He took us to a fun hipster “standing bar” where we had a drink and some delicious-tasting plates. We walked a bit more and went to a traditional restaurant with delicious share plates. Would highly recommend this tour. – Kelly (See more reviews )

The knowledgeable guide will give you a deeper insight into the city’s history and culture throughout the tour, making it a fascinating travel experience to have.

There will be 2 food stops in this lovely tour, where you get to enjoy great food and two drinks of your choice while immersing in Kyoto’s nightlife and lively ambience.

You will also make a pit stop at Pontocho for some photo-taking sessions. This rather retro spot brings you back to the time instantly, thanks to the narrow lanes and paper lanterns creating an old-school vibe.

To make this food tour in Kyoto more inclusive, the tour operator offers vegetarian meals and non-alcoholic drink options so that everyone can enjoy the experience to their fullest without feeling left out!

Note: The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old. 

What Is Included In Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion & Beyond

🍜 Friendly English-speaking local guide

🍜 Food tasting at a restaurant and bar (vegan menu available)

🍜 Two drinks (alcholic or non-alcoholic drinks)

BOOK Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion & Beyond ➡️

8. Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour

🌟 Ratings: 4.6/5 (5 Reviews) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

Looking for a food tour in Kyoto that is kids-friendly?

The Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour is your best bet.

This guided tour is perfect for young families and those who would love to mix learning about local food culture with sightseeing.

You will get to visit five different eateries, each offering classic and seasonal dishes of this amazing city.

Worth every penny! We did the Kyoto: Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour and our guide Yoshie was the best part. She was an instant friend taking us on a tour of her city. The out-of-the-way places, the amazing food, and the wonderful ppl made for one of the best evenings of our trip! -Get Your Guide Traveler (See more reviews )

From retro restaurants serving regional specialities, to old-school yakitori shops, sake-tasting bars and century-old soba restaurant s – you are sure to have an unforgettable travel experience with your kids!

The tour begins with a walking tour of the famous Pontocho and Gion Shirakawa districts, known for their beautiful sights and laid-back ambience.

Since Pontocho is popular for yakitori, the tour participants are served several scrumptious varieties of skewered meat and seafood at an old-school restaurant.

Then the participants will be brought over to a nearby standing sake-tasting shop for nihonshu (rice wine) tasting to cleanse the palate.

And if you are bringing kids along, the children will be given a refreshing plum soda drink instead!

Kyoto travel is not complete without soba and this Kyoto food tour includes a pit stop at a century-old soba restaurant for some tasty handmade noodle meals.

End the night with a bang with something that both adults and kids love and bond over – a traditional-modern fusion green tea dessert at a trendy neighbourhood!

Note: A minor must be accompanied by an adult on this tour. 

• Available Slots: 4.30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours 
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 10

What Is Included In Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour

🍜Local English-speaking guide

🍜 Historical area sightseeing

🍜 5 food stops

BOOK Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour ➡️

9. Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour

🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (3 Reviews) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

If you are a big fan of everything green tea, then you shouldn’t miss this Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour.

This unique food tour takes you to Uji , a tranquil area known for its delicious and high-quality green teas 40-minute drive away from the ancient city.

You will get to stroll through lovely streets, visit local tea shops , and explore the historic Byodoin Temple – all while learning about Japanese culture from an experienced guide and enjoying some of the best matcha in the country.

Beautiful and informative tour in the beautiful town of Uji with great and knowledgeable tour guides. We visited a shrine and temple, learned the history and significance of the landmarks, ground tea leaves to make matcha and made our own. We ate tasty matcha soba noodles and delicious matcha ice cream. Highly recommended tour. – Suzi (See more reviews )

A dazzling World Heritage Site, Byodoin Temple is popular for its magnificent architecture and zen ambience.

After taking in the sights of this incredible place, you will visit some local shops to sample a variety of green tea-based products such as traditional sweets (wagashi), matcha ice cream, soba noodles, and tea drinking.

You will also get to see how green tea is prepared here and get a sense of what goes into one of the main tea production in the world in this food tour!

If you want to sip on some Japanese tea while overlooking the beautiful view from your Kyoto ryokan with private onsen , you can buy some tea souvenirs from the shops too.

And that is not all; the tour is inclusive of a delicious lunch too so you won’t be leaving Uji in a hungry state.

Note: This green tea tour requires a minimum of 2 participants per booking so make sure to bring along a friend or partner to join you for an amazing cultural experience!

Extra note: Uji is about a 40-minute ride away from Kyoto central so make sure to plan accordingly and be there on time. 

• Available Slots: 11 am
• Suitable for: Couples &families or groups of 8

What Is Included In Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour

🍜 English-speaking guide

🍜 Sightseeing around Uji’s popular landmarks

🍜 Matcha making & tasting (wagashi, soba, ice cream)

🍜 Lunch In restaurant

BOOK Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour ➡️

10. 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience

🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (65 Reviews) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

Another interesting food tour in Kyoto that you can join is the 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience.

Home to 30 sake breweries, this sake-tasting tour is conducted by a local, English-speaking sake expert in the quaint district of Kyoto, Fushimi.

You will have the chance to sample seven different varieties of sake accompanied by tasty food snacks known as otsumami within 1.5 hours.

Very informative. I actually took notes and used them to pick out my next sake. Perfect amount of time where I didn’t lose attention, but still learned and drank enough to feel I got a good grasp of the sake culture. The area around where we met was great to explore afterwards as well. -Mike (See more reviews )

Throughout the tour, you will learn some basic knowledge about Japanese sake and its types.

Each participant will be given a cheat sheet too to help them figure out their preferred type of sake as they have a taste of each sake sample.

Fun fact: Do you know there are many types of sake; sweet and dry sake, freshly squeezed sake and cloudy sake? Interesting!

And if you are a vegetarian, you would be glad to know that you can opt for vegetarian snack options when booking the tour online.

To make sure everyone is having a great time on this sake-tasting tour, the tour is limited to 12 participants at a time so equal attention can be provided to everyone for a more exclusive experience!

Note: It is recommended to have your lunch before joining the tour. 

Registered participants younger than 20 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks. 

• Available Slots: 1 pm
• Duration: 1.5 hours

What Is Included In 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience

🍜 Experienced English-speaking guide

🍜 7 sake drinks

🍜 Snacks (otsumami)

🍜 Cheat sheet & tasting notes

BOOK 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience ➡️

11. 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience

🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (252 Reviews) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

If you are interested to experience exclusive sake tasting that is both child and vegetarian-friendly, then consider signing up for this 3 hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience. 

This 3-hour sake-tasting food tour will be conducted at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, the largest sake brewery in the Fushimi district.

Depending on your preference and overall itinerary, you can join either its morning or afternoon session.

The sake tasting led by Kotaro-san began at the sake museum. We then tasted 10 different types of sake based on the profiles we learned about and were able to identify which ones we preferred on their own and with food. Just like wine pairing, sake has subtleties on what each type goes well with. Kotaro-san’s love for sake made and ability to share it with us made this tasting experience lots of fun and we all left existing to try more sake during the rest of our travels based on the information shared. -Anisha (See more reviews )

You can also bring your kids along as you dive into the interesting world of Japanese sake as the tour venue is stroller-friendly.

Note: Kids under age 20 are not allowed to drink alcoholic drinks in Japan. 

On this tour, you will be able to sample up to 10 different sake drinks, as well as snacks (otsumami) that have been specially chosen to pair with certain sakes.

Aside from getting in-depth background on the sake brewing history and process, you will also learn about the differences between dry, sweet, and fruity sakes from the sake expert.

To top it all off, your guide will introduce you to a unique sake that can only be found in Japan!

A cheat sheet and tasting notes are provided for you too, so you can take notes and figure out your preferred sake type at the end of the food tour.

Don’t let your vegetarian dietary preference deter you from joining this awesome sake tour – you can opt for vegetarian-friendly snacks when booking the tour so you can thoroughly enjoy the sake-snack pairing without any restriction.

Pro-tip: It is recommended to bring along a bottle of water and have your lunch before joining this Kyoto sake-tasting food tour. 

• Available Slots: 10 am or 3 pm
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 12

BOOK 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience ➡️

12. Advanced Sake Tasting Experience

🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (1 Review) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

If the world of sake intrigues you and would love to learn more about sake tasting from a highly knowledgeable sake expert, you would never go wrong with the Advanced Sake Tasting Experience tour .

This 1.5-hour long tour dives deep into sake making using ancient sake brewing methods that are way different from the modern ones.

Hidden gem. Was one of the highlights of our 14-day trip to Japan. This is a fantastic experience for anyone that not only wants to try some unique sake but also learns a lot about the process of how it’s made and what to look for in a bottle. Really want to emphasise here that this is an experience that’s well worth the money. -A Satisfied Participant (See more reviews )

From utilising the unique characteristics of microorganisms or wood type used in sake brewing and maturing process in creating different sake flavours, you are bound to have an exciting, mind-blowing time over here.

Throughout the tour, you will have a chance to taste 8 types of exceptional sake brewed using these ancient methods where each gives out its unique flavours.

Since no snacks will be given on this sake-tasting tour, be sure to have your lunch before heading over to the venue.

A truly unique Kyoto food tour, this Advanced Sake Tasting Experience is perfect for sake aficionados and alike who want to learn more about this ancient art of brewing! 

Note: The Advanced Sake Tasting Experience Kyoto tour is not recommended for pregnant women.

• Available Slots: 1 pm or 6.30 pm

BOOK Advanced Sake Tasting Experience ➡️

Check out my detailed article on the best Kyoto Sake Tours if you are into this iconic Japanese rice wine drink!

Private Kyoto Food Tours

13. nishiki market food tour in kyoto.

🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (8 Reviews) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

If exploring the Nishiki Market while learning which main ingredients to buy to make your own Japanese speciality dishes with a knowledgeable guide sounds good to you, then make sure to sign up for the Nishiki Market Food Tour in Kyoto.

You will first meet your guide at the entrance of the Nishiki Market, before venturing inside to explore the market and its various shops and stalls for an hour.

The tour of the Nishiki market provided a nice opportunity to learn more about local foods and the history of the market. The cooking class was a great experience. Recipes were easy to follow and all the staff made this a great experience! They did a great job helping our child assist with the prep/cooking and made everything very fun for her. Highly recommend booking this tour in Kyoto! -Traveller (See more reviews )

Along the way, you can try out the food samples offered by the stalls for free, such as fresh sashimi, savoury snacks, yuzu honey, desserts, and more.

While you are there, the guide will also be sharing the history and food culture of Kyoto, as well as the ingredients to prepare your chosen rice bowl dish.

You can choose to make either oyakodon (egg and chicken), tendon (fried tempura) or kaisedon (raw seafood) in the studio.

Once grocery shopping is done, the guide will lead you to the cooking studio and share the cooking steps and tricks in making the Japanese dish the authentic way.

And at the end of the food-cooking tour, you can enjoy the Japanese rice bowl as your lunch with pride and a sense of accomplishment!

Note: Children can join this food tour in Kyoto, making it a kid-friendly activity to do when travelling with family members.

• Available Slots: 11.15 am
• Duration: 2.75 hours

BOOK Nishiki Market Food Tour in Kyoto ➡️

14. Taste of Nishiki Market Private Food Tour

🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (4 Reviews) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

Another top private food tour in Kyoto that is specially dedicated to all the need-privacy foodies out there can join is the Taste of Nishiki Market Private Food Tour. 

We love food and were excited to have an opportunity to have a local take us around and point out some hidden gems. The tour exceeded our expectations and is something we will be talking about for years to come. Not only were we able to sample many things along the way but we picked up numerous items to take home that we otherwise would not have known about. If you are in Kyoto and love food this is an experience you will not want to miss.- Kohli (See more reviews )

This 3-hour guided tour takes you through some of Downtown Kyoto’s most popular spots for a great local culinary experience, including Yaoichi Honkan, Teramachi-dori Street and Nishiki Market.

Throughout the tour, you will sample an array of delicious local food and traditional Japanese cuisine and not forget sake tasting as well.

Since it is a private food tour, you will get to have a more personalised engagement with the knowledgeable guide, providing interesting background information and giving you a tip or two about the hidden gems in the area!

• Available Slots: 10 am to 1 pm

BOOK Taste of Nishiki Market Private Food Tour ➡️

15. The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals: Private Street Food Tour

🌟 Ratings: 4.5/5 (9 Reviews) | 🥮 Check Rates & Availability

Another highly-rated private food tour in Kyoto that you can sign up for is The 10 Tastings of Kyoto with Locals .

A private culinary tour is perfect for foodies who want to discover the best street food in the city while learning more about its history and culture with personalised attention from the experienced guide.

Thank you to Ted for guiding us through the market. We ate many delicious foods that I would have never imagined I would like. -Patricia (See more reviews )

You will be guided to some of the not-to-miss local eateries, giving you a chance to sample some delicious dishes that are unique to this part of Japan.

From savoury snacks like gyoza and takoyaki to sweet treats like pepper ice cream, there is something here for everyone – all served up with a side helping of local knowledge!

Throughout the tour, you will be able to explore some of the city’s famous landmarks too, including Hanamikoji Street and Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine.

This private Kyoto street food tour lasts for three hours and is available from 10 am to 3:30 pm, with several slots available throughout the day.

So if you are a late riser, you can book for the afternoon slot and sleep through the morning and feel more rested for the tour. 

• Available Slots: 10 am to 3.30 pm

BOOK The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals ➡️

16. Kyoto: Izakaya Food Tour with Local Guide

Would you like to have a more in-depth and personalised culinary experience in Kyoto by exploring the city on foot and indulging in local cuisine the local way with a local guide?

Then you are going to love this Kyoto: Izakaya Food Tour with a Local Guide tour!

Since this is a private food tour, you will have the flexibility to choose your ideal places to go to check out the nightlife and the typical life of the residents in Kyoto.

Very friendly, and very accommodating. Had a great time and would do it again in a heartbeat! -Derek (See more reviews )

The friendly English-speaking guide will create an itinerary to suit your preference so you get to enjoy the tour and night to the fullest!

From giving tips on local customs and etiquette to sharing the best izakaya spot that locals love to visit, you will be sure to learn something new throughout this exciting food tour.

Here are some ideas you could opt for this private food tour in Kyoto:

Bar hopping around the bustling Gion district while wandering along the quaint alleyways

Spend the night at the traditional izakaya and wind down with the small dishes and drinks

Hang out at the iconic bars near to train station and mingle with the locals

Drink at tachinomiya (also known as standing bars) located on the street side

You can either order 1 drink and 2 dishes or 2 drinks and 1 dish for every bar that you will be visiting in this 3-hour long food tour. The seating charges of the bars are included in the tour too so you do not need to fork out extra money.

• Available Slots: 9 am to 5.30 pm

BOOK Kyoto: Izakaya Food Tour with Local Guide ➡️

FAQs: Kyoto Food Tour

What are some of the things to do in tokyo here are some of the popular things to do in kyoto: -cycling around kyoto visiting the main attractions -explore around gion at night -explore arashiyama -attend ramen cooking class -attend traditional tea ceremony in kimono.

Alternatively, check out my detailed articles on Kyoto 2-Day Itinerary and Things to do in Kyoto at Night for more ideas!

What things to bring when joining a Kyoto Food Tour?

Here are some of the things to bring before heading over to any of the food tours in Kyoto: -Wet tissue -Collapsible water bottle – Medicine -Good walking shoes -Travel wallet

Gion Food Tour: Roundup

– Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour – Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour – Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour – Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond – Kyoto: Izakaya Food Tour with Local Guide

Best Food Tours in Kyoto At Night: Roundup

– Kyoto Night Foodie Tour – Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour – Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond – Kyoto: Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour – Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour – Kyoto: Izakaya Food Tour with Local Guide

Best Food Tours in Kyoto During The Day: Roundup

– Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour – Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour – Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour – Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour – 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience – 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience – Advanced Sake Tasting Experience – Nishiki Market Food Tour in Kyoto – Taste of Nishiki Market Private Food Tour – The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals: Private Street Food Tour

Best Kyoto Food Tours for Couples: Roundup

– Kyoto Night Foodie Tour – Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour – Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour – Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour – Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour – Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond – Kyoto: Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour – Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour – Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour – 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience – 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience – Advanced Sake Tasting Experience – Nishiki Market Food Tour in Kyoto -Taste of Nishiki Market Private Food Tour -The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals: Private Street Food Tour – Kyoto: Izakaya Food Tour with Local Guide

Best Kyoto Food Tours for Groups: Roundup

– Kyoto Night Foodie Tour – Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour – Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour – Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour – Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour – Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond – Kyoto: Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour – Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour – Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour – 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience – 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience – Advanced Sake Tasting Experience – Nishiki Market Food Tour in Kyoto – Taste of Nishiki Market Private Food Tour – The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals: Private Street Food Tour – Kyoto: Izakaya Food Tour with Local Guide

Conclusion: Best Kyoto Food Tours

Kyoto is a city full of amazing culinary experiences waiting to be explored.

From traditional izakaya bars and tachinomiya standing bars to the bustling Gion district and Nishiki market food tours, there are a variety of food tours available for all the foodie travellers out there exploring the local cuisine with the friendly English-speaking guide.

And if you want to cut to the chase and book the best Kyoto food tour of all, Kyoto Night Foodie Tour is the one for you!

Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring various Asian countries. Having lived in Singapore for almost a decade, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.

With a passion for outdoor travel adventures and water sports, Sam has helped over 25K readers per month plan their trips around Asia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, offering helpful travel tips and unfiltered personal travel experience.

15 Best Kyoto Food Tours and Foodie Experiences!

There is no shortage of things to see and do in Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan, but finding experiences that you will get the most out of take a little research and some bravery on your part to try something new!

From a guided tour of the bustling Nishiki food market to walking food tours, sake-tasting tours, cooking classes, and private tours, read on to discover the 15 best Kyoto food tours and foodie experiences!

If you’re heading to Kyoto and are looking for somewhere to stay, make sure you take a look at my 20 Best Kyoto Ryokan with Private Onsen (in 2023) , and my 3-day Kyoto itinerary for more planning ideas.

• Night tours

Historic Tours

Hands-on experiences, drinks tours, top 3 picks: best kyoto food tours & foodie experiences.

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kyoto Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour ✔️ Includes popular dining streets Pontocho and Gion Shirakawa ✔️ Learn about the local history ✔️ Enjoy handmade local food

Tea Ceremony ✔️ Discover Kyoto’s unique connection to the tea ceremony ✔️ Guided by a Kyoto Tea Master ✔️ Includes kimono rental

Private Street Food Tour ✔️ Includes 10 unique Japanese dishes ✔️ Visit a Japanese Tea House ✔️ English-speaking guide

15 Best Kyoto Food Tours and Experiences for 2023

This page contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you .

1. Nishiki Market Tour (Daytime)

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Downtown Kyoto | View on Arigato Japan

Nishiki Market often seems like Kyoto’s kitchen. This 400-meter-long indoor shopping arcade stretches from Takakura Street to Teramachi street. It is made up of more than 100 food stalls offering fish, fruit, vegetables, meat, and much more. It has been known as the place to go for a taste of Kyoto for more than 400 years.

The three-hour tour will give you flashes of Kyoto’s rich history through its food, stopping at family-owned food stalls along the way. You will have a great opportunity to try many regional and local dishes such as Yuba (tofu skin), as well as lunch at a traditional restaurant afterward.

“ This tour is a must, you will learn so much in 3 hours and sample a lot of stuff. The lunch was very delicious, what a great way to spend our first day in Kyoto! I can do this tour over and over again, amazing! ”

– JANE TILLY

Check prices and availability for the Nishiki Market Tour

2. Taste of Kyoto Walking Food Tour

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Karasuma Oike Station | View on Klook

This fun and entertaining street food tour offers much of the flavors, colors, and Japanese food culture that Kyoto has to offer.

Visit a small family-run chocolate shop where presentation is everything and discover what makes their chocolate so unique. Try traditionally handmade soba noodles, served hot or cold, and sample tsukemono, Japan’s version of Kimchi.

As you browse the food stalls of Nishiki Market and Daimaru, savor the sights and flavors of this rich and celebrated Japanese cuisine: sukiyaki (grilled meat and vegetables), tempura (deep fried fish or meat), Takoyaki (fried octopus balls), and taiyaki (sweet filled cakes usually shaped like a fish.

“The local cuisine recommended by the tour guide is great, but if there is more local little story history or better introductions.”

– CHENYIN (READ MORE REVIEWS )

Check prices and availability for the Taste of Kyoto Walking Food Tour

3. Private Street Food Tour

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Karasuma Station | View on Viator

Try one of the private tours of Kyoto for another unique and enjoyable experience. This tour offers tastings of 10 delicious Japanese dishes including gyoza, takoyaki, sashimi, and unique flavors of ice cream you must try.

Throughout your culinary tour, you will also encounter some of Kyoto’s most recognized cultural sites such as the Kennin-ji Zen Buddist temple, Myogonin temple, and Nishiki-Tenmangu shrine, known for its lanterns and spring water. Close off your tour with some tea in a traditional Japanese tea house and a surprise sweet tasting, and then take a final short stroll through the historic Hanamikoji street filled with kimono shops, local restaurants, and geisha.

“Wonderful! We enjoyed it very much! Ted was very considerate, and we felt in good hands. We tried a lot of tasty things we didn’t know so far. Thank you!”

– LATICA (READ MORE REVIEWS )

Check prices and availability for the Private Street Food Tour

Night Tours

4. kyoto bar hopping night tour.

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Pontocho Street | View on Viator

Enjoy the city’s nightlife like a local with drinks and food galore in this walking bar-hopping night tour through Kyoto’s atmospheric and bustling Pontocho street.

Meet your host at Gion Shijo Station and follow them through the bars and izakaya only the locals know about in one of Kyoto’s best-known night spots.

The drinking culture in Japan is much like anywhere else but a cold beer or warm sake followed by some yakitori or sashimi in a typical Japanese izakaya is not to be missed.

Finally, complete your night of Japanese bar-hopping with a tasty cocktail or fruity chuhai.

“It was a fun night out with a good selection of food and drinks. Keita was very helpful, explained historical bits of Kyoto as well as gave suggestions for further activities in the following days in Kyoto. Thanks.”

– READ MORE REVIEWS

Check prices and availability for the Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour

5. Kyoto Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Gion Shijo Dori | View on Arigato Japan

One of the more popular Kyoto night food tours, this is more low-key. This casual walking food tour will take you through two of Kyoto’s most charming and inviting areas, Pontocho street and Gion Shirakawa.

With the help of a local guide, explore tea houses, small local restaurants, and other sites as you learn about the history of the area through its food and drink.

Enjoy yakitori in a small traditional restaurant, handmade noodles in an old noodle house, and several drinks stops, absorbing Japanese food culture and history along the way.

This relaxing evening tour will help you narrow down your choice from the hundreds of bustling and touristy local restaurants on offer and allow you to enjoy a carefree evening.

“ Our whole family enjoyed this tour. The sake stop was great even for the kids, and we had so much food. This tour was great value for the price. ”

– ANNE (READ MORE REVIEWS )

Check prices and availability for the Kyoto Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour

6. Cherry Blossom Evening Hanami Tour

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Demachiyanagi Station | View on Arigato Japan

Available only in March & April, make the most of Japan’s fleeting but special cherry blossom season in true local fashion with a hanami.

This walking tour of the Demachiyanagi area in Kyoto offers breathtaking views of cherry blossoms along the Kamo river away from the usual crowded tourist spots. This scenic part of the city is the perfect place to drop a picnic blanket and enjoy a drink and something to eat with some good company under the famous pink trees.

Finish your tour with dinner and sake in a traditional restaurant that offers handmade soba and udon noodles, and a locally famous dessert.

“We had a wonderful evening out with our guide, Lauren. A fantastic way to spend a couple of hours in beautiful Kyoto with great company too! It will be hard to say goodbye to Kyoto.”

– LAIF (READ MORE REVIEWS )

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7. Gion & Kaiseki Kyoto Tour

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Gion District, Higashiyama Ward | View on Arigato Japan

Gion district is perhaps best known as being home to Kyoto’s geisha. You will certainly feel like you have stepped back in time when you wander through its famous ancient streets.

Starting in front of the Kanji Museum, the first part of this three-hour tour will take you through the streets of historic wooden buildings, tea houses, and traditional local restaurants.

When the walking part of the tour is complete, you will get to sit down for some traditional Japanese food, a 10-course kaiseki meal. In Japan, kaiseki is a multi-course meal that incorporates local cuisine and uses various skills and techniques used in food preparation. No trip to Kyoto is complete without a kaiseki meal.

“The food tour done by Arigato Japan in Kyoto was amazing for many reasons; the introduction to a wide range of Japanese, the informative and enjoyable discussions that I had with the tour guide, the picture-taking opportunities, walking the streets in the evening searching for elusive geishas.”

– J AUDUBON

Check prices and availability for the Gion & Kaiseki Kyoto Tour

8. Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Saga-Arashiyama Station | View on Viator

You cannot visit Kyoto without making time for a short stroll through the iconic bamboo forest of Arashiyama.

Get to know Kyoto while you sample local cuisine such as negiyaki (savory pancakes), fried fish cakes, and a range of Japanese sweets.

Your English-speaking guide will teach you about your surroundings and answer your questions as you visit the garden of Okoji Sanso Villa, and the World Heritage site, 14 th -century Tenryu-ji Buddhist temple. Don’t miss out on walking through its zen garden.

Cap off your tour by crossing the 9 th -century Togetsu-kyo wooden bridge and enjoy the beautiful scenery while you enjoy some locally made sweets.

“Excellent walking tour around the Saga-Arashiyama area. Lots of nature and great food. The guide was very kind and knowledgeable, he even gave us tips on what to do in Kyoto after the tour. Definitely recommend it!”

– JOSE (READ MORE REVIEWS )

Check prices and availability for the Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour

9. Donburi Cooking Course

Duration: 2hrs 30mins | Location: Nishiki Market | View on Klook

Take something home from your trip that you will keep forever and learn how to prepare the traditional, popular, and cheap Japanese dish, donburi.

This cooked rice meal is served with either meat, fish, or vegetables and is the best way for many Japanese people to use leftovers.

Follow in the footsteps of Japanese chefs, and your host as you navigate the food stalls of Nishiki market to sample and collect your ingredients while learning about the food you are about to prepare.

Afterward, your host will guide you through the process of preparing the well-known rice bowl dish made up of meat, fish, and/or vegetables.

“The experience was very nice. It opened my family’s eyes to Japanese cuisine and cooking. The market was very interesting. I would not have known what we were looking at if not for our very nice guide.”

– J JEFFERSON

Check prices and availability for the Donburi Cooking Course

10. Japanese Sweets Making Class

Duration: 1hr 10min | Location: Higashiyama Ward | View on Klook

Browse the food stalls of any market or supermarket in Japan and you’ll start to believe there are as many different types of Japanese sweets as there are stars in the sky.

Tame some time to learn the long history and important role that Japanese sweets have played through the country’s past and then how to make wagashi yourself.

A traditional Japanese candy often made with mochi or red bean paste, wagashi is commonly served and eaten alongside green tea. The class will teach you the importance of seasonal ingredients, rich flavors, and artistic designs. When you’re done tuck in and enjoy one of the sweeter Japanese food experiences!

Check prices and availability for the Japanese Sweets Making Class

11. Ramen Cooking Class

Duration: 1hr 30mins | Location: Kamigyo Ward | View on Viator

You haven’t tasted ramen until you’ve tried it in Japan. It is one of Japan’s most popular and traditional dishes and can be used with infinite combinations to create something delicious and satisfying.

On this tour, learn how to make your own at the Ramen Factory in Kyoto, from making and preparing the noodles and toppings by hand to mixing your broth.

After your guide has walked you through the process, reward your taste buds with your very own personalized bowl of Japanese ramen. When your cooking class is finished choose the omiyage (souvenir) you would like to take home between a t-shirt, ramen bowl, or cooking apron.

“Absolutely amazing and fun experience! My friend and I signed up for this last minute, the day of, and it ended up being just us two in the 6 PM class. We made the ramen from scratch (noodles and broth) and the instructor, Nori, was so sweet and helpful.”

– ASHLEY (READ MORE REVIEWS )

Check prices and availability for the Ramen Cooking Class

12. Bento Box Cooking Class

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Shimogyo Ward | View on Viator

The bento is enjoyed by millions across Japan and Asia every day. This versatile food preparation style can include anything from salad, shredded pickled vegetables, rice, breaded chicken, and much more.

In this bento box cooking class, learn about the origins and history of this famous single-portion style and the various cooking methods behind the food preparation.

Follow the master chef as they guide you through the techniques and then try your hand at creating some bento box stables such as miso soup, tempura, and egg rolls. When you are finished, enjoy the colors and flavors of your hard work and take home the recipes you have learned.

“Excellent cooking class; we learned a little about cooking Japanese cuisine. We enjoyed how kind and insightful our cooking instructors were. They even provided us with a recipe copy to take back home.”

– CARLOS (READ MORE REVIEWS )

Check prices and availability for the Bento Box Cooking Class

13. Sake Tasting Tour

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Fushimi-Momoyama Station | View on Arigato Japan

Did you know that sake is one of the oldest known spirits in the world? It was created in China 7,000 years ago before it became an inseparable part of Japanese food culture.

Now after thousands of years of refinement, you can learn about and enjoy this unique spirit in this sake-tasting tour. Explore modern and traditional sake breweries in Kyoto’s Fushimi district, known for producing some of the best sake in the world partly due to its access to natural spring water.

When you find a type you like, why not pick up a bottle to take home?

“I very much enjoyed visiting this 400-year-old historical sake brewery and learning about the hidden gems of the area from Toshi! He was an amazing guide and made my experience one to remember forever.”

– TERRI (READ MORE REVIEWS )

Check prices and availability for the Sake Tasting Tour

14. Tea Ceremony

Duration: 1hr 30mins | Location: Nakagyo Ward | View on Viator

The preparation and presentation of tea in Japan has been around for more than a thousand years. Whether it is your first trip to Japan, or you have visited before, you cannot leave before taking part in one of Japan’s best-known cultural experiences, a traditional tea ceremony.

Don your kimono and join your host and tea master as you experience a Japanese tea ceremony whilst learning about the tools used, its etiquette and history, and Kyoto’s unique place in it.

Prepare and sample your matcha green tea as the tea master guides you through the process.

Don’t forget to snap a photograph of yourself in your kimono before you go!

“Fantastic traditional experience, kimonos made it extra special. The Tea Master had a good sense of humor. A must-do in Kyoto!”

– TOM (READ MORE REVIEWS )

Check prices and availability for the Tea Ceremony

15. Green Tea Tour

Duration: 3hrs | Location: Keihan Uji Station | View on Arigato Japan

Matcha has been enjoyed in various forms in China for more than a thousand years. It was introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks in the twelfth century.

In addition to the famous Japanese tea ceremony, today matcha is used in a variety of ways to color and flavor foods.

This three-hour tour of Uji in Kyoto includes a lunch set in a local traditional restaurant where you’ll taste matcha in a range of different foods and drinks. Afterward, try your hand at making wagashi (sweets) or matcha ice cream. Experience the unique tea culture of Uji with this memorable green tea tour.

“More than expected, Thomas was a great, interesting and informative guide that included the context of matcha with a number of different types of matcha and food. The highlight was the matcha tea house, meeting and making matcha with the famous matcha tea maker.”

– EMMA (READ MORE REVIEWS )

Check prices and availability for the Green Tea Tour

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Kyoto Food and Culture Tour

Small group kyoto food and culture dive.

Dive deeper into Kyoto culture and cuisine on this night walking tour guided by a bi-lingual, truly English-fluent local.

Pinpoint Traveler’s Kyoto Night Food Tour

The fascinating city of Kyoto requires no introduction, but what do you know about the city’s food scene? On our Kyoto night food tour, we share a wealth of insights into the culinary past and present in Kyoto, while also enjoying a stroll around the popular Gion neighborhood and beyond. 

With Pinpoint Traveler, you get a foodie tour with a difference. Our tours are all-inclusive, with no last-minute add-on surprises. We also focus on the wider culture beyond the plate in front of you — we think you can better understand a place if you learn about how and why the locals eat as they do.

Ready to dive deep into the Kyoto foodie scene? Then come join us! We only take small group tours (maximum 6 guests) so we can walk the streets of the spectacle that is the Gion, sharing interesting stories and insights along the way. We also enjoy two restaurant stops where you can try around ten different dishes, so you’ll surely finish the tour with a full belly and a much greater appreciation of this city and its unique culture.

If you’re spending a few days in the city, check out our other Kyoto tours and we definitely recommend an Osaka tour from Kyoto as well. The cities are so close to each other yet incredibly different. Come see for yourself!

Check out our night tour with Shizuka Anderson!

Why choose this kyoto night tour.

We get it: There are tons of walking tours in Kyoto that you can choose to join. Our small-group tours are geared toward the culturally-curious travelers…those who want to learn about history and culture while also feeling like a local wherever they go. We want you to truly experience Kyoto, with its rich history and its rich culinary scene. 

We also promise your guide will be fluent in English and in Japanese, and will be able to share interesting insights as a local. From the history of Shintoism to the evolution of the neighborhood streets where we walk, we love to share it all with those who are interested in diving deeper into Kyoto culture and history.

As for the food, we focus on regional specialties during our Kyoto food tour. We do not serve “challenge foods” for the thrill of it (though please feel free to try raw chicken on your own time). We also never serve endangered species. We are happy to cater to dietary restrictions if you just let us know in advance. That includes vegetarians and vegans.

Come join us for three hours of well-paced eating and strolling on our Kyoto night foodie tour. It’s sure to be an evening you won’t forget!

If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact us . We’re always happy to help!

Pinpoint Traveler  has an average score of  4.7⭐ across over  500  reviews on  multiple review sites . Below is a sampling of some of our most recent reviews for the Kyoto Night Tour

Historic Landmarks

There are few places in Japan that can rival the richness of history in Kyoto. Spending a night in the most famous restaurant and entertainment district in the city is every foodie’s idea of a fun adventure.

Professional Guide

Real English, real skills, and great personalities. Our guides have the expertise to provide you with an interesting, fun, and memorable tour. Professional, yes, but also like a night out with a knowledgeable friend.

Fully-Narrated Tour

Our tours never leave you to wander about on your own. And with a maximum of six guests per group, plan on enjoying a Kyoto food tour with true, personalized attention. Don't waste your precious time on a Kyoto night tour with hordes of strangers!

Easy Access

This tour starts just outside a famous Kabuki theater (Minamiza), making meeting up an anxiety-free experience. Detailed meeting spot information provided after booking.

Kyoto Night Food Tour

Take a peek at the experience that awaits you.

Our Kyoto Food Tour Overview

There is so much to see and do in Kyoto, but you cannot leave the city without truly experiencing the Gion district. We meet at Gion Shijo Station at 6:30pm and start our Kyoto night tour with an “edutaining” walk through the justifiably famous Gion district, located on the east side of the Kamogawa River. 

Learn about the geiko (and why we don’t call them “geisha” in Kyoto), as well as the places that make this district so special. You’ll also be regaled with insight and information about how the art of evening entertainment has evolved into the hostess clubs of today. (Rest assured this tour is suitable for teenagers and higher.)

Putting the “Food” in the Kyoto Foodie Tour

After about an hour or so of anthropological adventure, you’ll be ready for some food and drink! And we know just the places. You’ll get to try a few different regionally-representative dishes and a beer — or perhaps you’d like a whiskey soda “hi-ball”, shochu, or some sake (Japanese rice wine) instead? 

For the vittles, the selection varies by season but, between this stop and our second restaurant, there will be at least ten varieties, so you’re sure to find things that suit your taste. Being a Kyoto food tour, we’re also sure to include regional specialties. We let the other guys trot out the generic dishes.

The restaurants we go to are known as “ tachinomi ”, which can be loosely translated as “standing bar” in English. These are not, however, bars in just the drinking alcohol sense. While they do serve alcohol, it’s really more about the food, with full kitchens preparing made-to-order dishes. 

Less so than the format, what tachinomi are about is small plates (think: tapas) and a convivial, Happy Hour-type atmosphere. You’ll notice some customers coming as co-workers, others with friends, and some just stopping by alone, which is quite comfortable due to the inherently social vibe. 

Incidentally, the restaurants we frequent often have tables to sit at, but sometimes we stand, just like the locals. Also, just like the locals, we generally only spend around half an hour or so at a given restaurant. Time will fly during this truly local experience.

Continuing on our Kyoto Night Walking Tour

Between restaurant visits, we take a short stroll through what are both youthful and classic restaurant and entertainment districts on the west side of the Kamogawa River, including Ponto-cho, Kiyamachi, and the Kawaramachi area. The old narrow streets along Ponto-cho embrace the traditional Kyoto style, while the younger areas just a street or two away show you how eager Kyoto people are to also firmly live in the present. 

Learn More About Kyoto Food History

For those looking to delve even deeper into Kyoto’s foodie background, we offer an optional 1.5-hour pre-tour deep dive into the markets of Kyoto. We’ll walk you through a local supermarket and explain the basics of a Japanese home kitchen and, in turn, the basics of Japanese food. Then, we do a detailed dissection across an abundance of Japanese delicacies as we stroll down the famous Nishiki Market’s main promenade.

If you want to join us for this, just let us know after you book your Kyoto food tour. The extension is priced at 4,000 yen/person with a minimum of two persons. Note that we welcome solo travelers on the main tour.

Itinerary for Our Kyoto Food Tours

A short walk down Shijo-dori (loosely translated to “4th Avenue”) brings us to Yasaka Jinja, a grand beacon up a gentle slope at the top of the street. It can only be fortuitous to begin an evening with a brief stop by a shrine. Enjoy a breezy but interesting review of Shintoism in Japan – it’s all the better under the stars, with dramatic lighting and far fewer people. We’ll spend around 15 minutes here.

Almost directly across the street from Yasaka Jinja, the Gion starts. Our meandering and storytelling will take about 45 minutes.

With our initial cultural endeavors behind us, it’s time for a drink and some food. Depending on the night, the restaurants we go to vary, but you can be sure there will be a variety of small plates to choose from. We’ll also explain the sights and sounds of the typical “ tachinomi ”, or standing bar-restaurant. We spend 30-45 minutes here at this first restaurant (closer to 45 if we sit down, which we almost always do).

The old, riverside district of Ponto-cho (street) gives us a great opportunity to discuss Kyoto food away from the Gion nightlife scene. Most restaurants specialize in a certain type of Japanese cuisine, and we just love explaining them to our guests! We’ll also swing through the Kiyamachi and Kawaramachi areas before heading to our next restaurant. This walk will take around 30 minutes.

No Kyoto foodie night tour would be complete with just one restaurant stop, so we’ll visit yet another of our favorite Kyoto restaurants. There will be more tasty dishes for your culinary consideration and, of course, another (included) drink in accompaniment. Plan for about 30 minutes here.

By the end of our time together, it is our sincere hope that you will have learned a bit about the past, felt like a local, and had a fantastic night of it all.

Quick Tips for Our Kyoto Food Tour

There are a few things we’d like you to take note of before joining us.

• The legal drinking age in Japan is 20
• All participants must be 13+ to participate in this experience
• Please come wearing comfortable shoes, and dress for some time both indoors and outdoors
• Unfortunately, we cannot wait for late-comers, so do plan on arriving a bit early

Inclusions:

• A dinner’s worth of food across two different restaurants
• Up to two alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks (one at each stop)

Exclusions:

• Drinks beyond those provided (you can purchase more directly from the restaurant if you wish)
• Although the tour provides plenty of food to make a full meal of, for those wishing to dabble in some Kobe (or nearby sourced) “Wagyu” Beef, we offer a 100g add-on option at checkout. It’s pretty divine.
• Pre-tour, as described above at the bottom of the “Tour Overview” section. For those looking for the penultimate Kyoto night foodie tour, nothing beats learning about markets and cooking before heading out.

Our tour starts at Exit 5 street level of Gion Shijo Station, at the base of a geisha (or is it a geiko?) statue just next to the river. The tour ends just on the other side of the river, at the foot of Ponto-cho.

Our Tour Guides

We've got around a dozen guides at your service. Here we showcase a few of our most active ones.

Not profiled here are guides who speak Spanish (Kyoto, in addition to Dan in Osaka), French (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo), and German (Kyoto and Tokyo).

Pickup Point

We'll start the tour alongside the river, conveniently located on the cusp of the Gion.

10 Best Things To Do in Kyoto at Night - Pinpoint Traveler

December 10, 2020

[…] while sampling some locally-made whiskey, sake, and the local snacks on offer! We rock this area on our Kyoto night tour, which also includes visits to the Gion and Yasaka […]

Is Wagyu beef worth the high cost? - Pinpoint Traveler

June 15, 2021

[…] here at Pinpoint Traveler just love showing people the best of Japan. Our Kyoto night tour and Osaka night tour have a particularly appetizing option, pictured above. If you’re not […]

Kyoto Foodie Night Tour

The Kyoto Foodie Night Tour is a must-try culinary adventure that immerses travelers in the vibrant food scene of Kyoto. Led by knowledgeable guides, guests will explore popular spots like Nishiki Market and discover hidden gems for unique food tastings.

With at least seven types of Kyoto-style cuisine and two drinks included, taste buds will be tantalized. Traveler feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the tour’s relationships with local restaurants and chefs.

Priced from $105.64, this tour offers an unforgettable experience of Kyoto’s rich food culture.

Not for you? Here's some more food tours and experiences bookable nearby

• Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
• Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
• Kyoto Nishiki Market Food & Cultural Walking Tour
• Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour
• Kyoto Private Food Tours With a Local Foodie: 100% Personalized

Good To Know

• Explore popular spots like Nishiki Market
• Sample at least seven types of Kyoto-style cuisine
• Enjoy two drinks such as beer or sake
• Authentic and unforgettable experience provided by Viator

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

• Private Full-Day Tour With Expert Guide: Highlights of Kyoto
• Kyoto: Zen Garden, Zen Mind (Private)
• Kyoto Half-Day Private Tour With Government-Licensed Guide
• Kyoto Private Custom Walking & Sightseeing Tour

Tour Details

The Kyoto Foodie Night Tour offers a small-group experience, allowing participants to explore popular spots like Nishiki Market and discover hidden gems for food tastings. The itinerary of the tour includes sampling at least seven types of Kyoto-style cuisine, giving participants a chance to indulge in the authentic flavors of the region.

From traditional dishes like sushi and tempura to local delicacies like yudofu and matcha sweets, the tour offers a wide variety of food tastings that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Kyoto. Along With the food, participants also get to enjoy two drinks, such as beer or sake, adding to the overall experience.

With an overall rating of 5.0 based on 126 reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor, this tour is highly recommended for those looking to enjoy the vibrant food culture of Kyoto.

Traveler Feedback

According to satisfied travelers, the Kyoto Foodie Night Tour receives glowing reviews for its immersive culinary experience and knowledgeable guides. Travelers have praised the tour for its exceptional food, diverse range of dishes, and the insights provided by the guides into Japanese customs.

The positive comments highlight the expertise of the tour guides and their ability to create a memorable experience for participants. The excellent relationships that the tour has with restaurants and chefs in Kyoto are also mentioned, adding to the overall positive impression of the tour.

Many travelers recommend taking this tour while visiting Kyoto, emphasizing the value and enjoyment that it offers. With an overall rating of 5.0 based on 126 reviews from Viator and Tripadvisor, it’s clear that the Kyoto Foodie Night Tour is highly regarded by those who’ve experienced it.

Questions and Support

Continuing the discussion on traveler feedback, participants of the Kyoto Foodie Night Tour can find assistance and answers to their inquiries through the Viator Help Center. Whether they’ve questions about the tour itinerary, dietary restrictions, or any other concerns, the Viator Help Center is readily available to provide support. This ensures that travelers have a smooth and enjoyable experience throughout their foodie adventure in Kyoto.

Plus, the tour guides of the Kyoto Foodie Night Tour are known for their availability and helpfulness. They’re always ready to assist participants with any questions or requests they may have during the tour. With their expert knowledge and friendly demeanor, the tour guides contribute to the overall exceptional experience of the tour.

Pricing and Terms

Participants of the Kyoto Foodie Night Tour can find information about pricing and terms on the Viator website. Here are some key details that may interest potential participants:

• Tour price starts from $105.64, making it an affordable option for foodies.
• Viator offers a cancellation policy, providing flexibility for those who may need to change their plans.
• Group discounts may be available for larger parties, making it a great option for friends or families traveling together.
• Terms and conditions apply, so it’s important to review the details before booking.
• Viator, a reputable provider of tours and activities, ensures a high-quality experience for participants.

With its affordable price, flexible cancellation policy, potential group discounts, and Viator’s reputation, the Kyoto Foodie Night Tour offers a great opportunity to explore the culinary delights of Kyoto in an enjoyable and convenient way.

Additional Information

Viator provides essential details about the Kyoto Foodie Night Tour on their website. This small-group foodie tour takes you on a culinary adventure through the vibrant Kyoto culinary scene. The tour highlights popular spots like Nishiki Market, where you can explore and sample at least seven types of Kyoto-style cuisine.

From savory dishes to delectable sweets, you’ll get to taste the best of what Kyoto has to offer. As you indulge in the flavors, you’ll also enjoy two drinks such as beer or sake to complement your meal.

With Viator as the provider of the tour, you can trust that they’ve excellent relationships with restaurants and chefs in Kyoto, ensuring you get an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Don’t miss out on this tour that offers a delightful blend of food, culture, and exploration.

Moving from the previous subtopic, travelers can easily find their way to the Kyoto Foodie Night Tour. Here are some useful directions and information to help you navigate your way to this exciting culinary adventure:

Take advantage of the convenient local transportation options available in Kyoto to reach the meeting point for the tour.

The tour duration is approximately 3 hours, ensuring that you have plenty of time to savor the delicious Kyoto-style cuisine and explore the city’s vibrant food scene.

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of Nishiki Market, one of the popular spots included in the tour itinerary.

Discover hidden gems and lesser-known establishments where you can indulge in mouthwatering food tastings.

Sample at least seven types of Kyoto-style cuisine, allowing you to experience the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the city.

With these directions and details, you’ll be ready to embark on a memorable foodie journey through Kyoto’s culinary delights.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• 10 Must-See Spots in Kyoto One Day Private Tour (Up to 7 People)
• Hidden Kyoto E-Biking Tour
• PERFECT KYOTO 1Day Bus Tour
• Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour
• Ramen Cooking Class at Ramen Factory in Kyoto
• Traditional Tea Ceremony Wearing a Kimono in Kyoto MAIKOYA

Frequently Asked Questions

Are vegetarian or vegan options available on the kyoto foodie night tour.

Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options available on the Kyoto Foodie Night Tour. The tour explores top stops for vegetarians and vegans, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the delicious Kyoto-style cuisine.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for the tour is not explicitly mentioned in the given information. However, the tour’s popularity and the fact that it is likely to sell out indicate high demand and limited availability.

Is Transportation Provided During the Tour?

Transportation logistics during the tour include provided transportation between foodie spots. The tour itinerary focuses on exploring popular spots and hidden gems for food tastings, with at least seven types of Kyoto-style cuisine sampled.

Can Children Participate in the Tour?

Yes, children can participate in the tour. Safety concerns are addressed to ensure a family-friendly experience. The tour offers a unique opportunity for children to explore Kyoto’s culinary scene and try different types of cuisine.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

Age restrictions for the tour may vary depending on the provider. It’s best to check with the tour operator or consult the tour’s website for specific information. As for dietary restrictions, accommodations can often be made upon request.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Creepy Kyoto Group Tour With Ghost Stories
• Private Early Bird Tour of Kyoto!
• Kyoto Private 6 Hour Tour: English Speaking Driver Only, No Guide
• Private Kyoto Custom One Day Tour by Chartered Vehicle
• Japanese Calligraphy Class in the Center of Kyoto
• The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals: Private Street Food Tour
• Arashiyama Walking Tour – Bamboo Forest, Monkey Park & Secrets
• Kyoto Early Riser Golden One-Day Tour
• The Most Unique Shrines/Temples of Osaka & Kyoto by Private Car
• KYOTO Custom Tour With Private Car and Driver (Max 9 Pax)
• Kyoto Sagano Insider: Rickshaw and Walking Tour
• Sekka Shibori Scarf Class
• Nara Afternoon Tour – Todaiji Temple and Deer Park From Kyoto
• 京都で書道や自分で漢字のTシャツを作る
• Miniature Food Making Class

To sum it up, the Kyoto Foodie Night Tour offers a delectable and immersive culinary experience in the vibrant city of Kyoto. With rave reviews from satisfied travelers, this tour is a must-do for foodies looking to explore the local food scene and indulge in Kyoto-style cuisine.

Led by knowledgeable guides, participants can expect a variety of dishes, excellent relationships with local restaurants, and insights into Japanese customs.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable food adventure!

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Kyoto Food Tour ( 28 )

Kyoto Street Food

In a city with so many bites to offer, where to start? Some of the best food in the city can be found after dark with a Kyoto night food tour to sample some street food–one of the highlights of Kyoto's food scene. As you explore the city, you'll encounter lively food stalls and markets, offering a wonderland of flavors and aromas that will have you salivating. From savoring piping hot takoyaki (doughy octopus balls), to biting into a crispy yuba (tofu skin) tempura, Kyoto's street food is a feast for all your senses. And on a food tour, you'll have the opportunity to navigate this culinary wonderland with a provincial guide who knows all the hidden gems and best-kept secrets of the street food scene.

Kaiseki in Kyoto

If we’re talking Kyoto-famous food, we have to start with the refined elegance of kaiseki–the pinnacle of Kyoto dining experiences. Kaiseki is a multi-course meal that takes you on a gastronomic journey, presenting a carefully curated selection of seasonal ingredients and flavors. Each dish is a work of art, meticulously crafted to please both the eye and the palate. During a Kyoto food tour, you might have the chance to experience kaiseki at a traditional ryokan or a modern restaurant, where you'll witness the masterful skills of the chefs and the exquisite beauty of the dishes. It's a culinary experience that will transport you to a world of refinement and perfection.

Nishiki Market

Kyoto's food tours also provide an excellent opportunity to explore the city's vibrant markets and discover local ingredients. The Nishiki Market, also known as "Kyoto's Kitchen," is a bustling hub of activity where you can wander through narrow aisles filled with fresh produce, regional specialties, and unique ingredients. Your guide will introduce you to the local vendors, share stories about the ingredients, and even teach you how to select the best ingredients for your culinary creations. It's a food lover's paradise and a chance to dive deep into the heart of Kyoto's culinary culture.

When choosing a Kyoto food tour, you're spoiled for choice. A variety of tour operators cater to different tastes and preferences. Some tours focus on specific neighborhoods or food themes, while others offer a broader exploration of Kyoto's culinary delights. So whether you're a street food enthusiast, a history buff, or a curious epicurean, there's a food tour in Kyoto that will cater to your every craving.

If you’re looking for the best food tour in Kyoto, look no further. Kyoto is a city that will capture your heart through its history, beauty, and its incredible food. A food tour in Kyoto is not just a chance to indulge in mouthwatering dishes, but also an opportunity to delve into the city's captivating past and immerse yourself in its cultural tapestry. So pack your appetite, bring your sense of adventure, and let one of our Kyoto food tours take you on the journey of a lifetime. Itadakimasu!

Meeting Point

• FAQ & Policy

Kyoto Night Foodie Tour

Kyoto night foodie tour dive into the kyoto's food culture at hidden restaurants in gion & pontocho.

• 3 hour tour
• Small group tour
• English speaking guide

What makes this tour unique

• Experience Kyoto's authentic local foods in the backstreets of Gion and ponto-cho and learn about the food culture of Kyoto
• Stroll through beautiful Gion area at night
• Share a table with a local guide and listen to real, local voices
• A family-friendly experience for travelers interesting in Kyoto's local foods

What's included

Check out YouTuber ONLY in JAPAN experiencing our tour

Tips and recommendations by our official guides

Kyoto is a very special place in Japan where you can really feel the authenticity and tradition of Japan. 
This is because Kyoto used to be the capital of Japan for a thousand years, and a lot of Japanese culture started here. 

Just by walking around the streets, you can still feel the remnants of ancient Japan. 
This feeling turns magical at night, when the warm lights of the restaurants and bars turn on, and the locals go out to enjoy some drinks and good food. Kyoto's restaurants and bars look very different from those in other areas of Japan. It's often a challenge for even the locals to gain entry to them, as they are often elegant and crowded. 

In this Kyoto night food tour, our friendly local guide will take you to 3 different authentic places that are normally hard to find for tourists. There, we can eat and drink together like the locals do. Each of these restaurants has a strong concept and atmosphere. To start, we'll walk around the Gion area and head to the first restaurant. On the streets, we'll see many old Kyoto-style buildings with machiya architecture, as well as tea houses. At the first location, we'll enjoy Kyoto vegetables or meats with simple seasoning in order to taste the ingredient's pure flavors. You can enjoy Japanese sake made in Kyoto, too! At the second restaurant, we'll enjoy mouth-watering tempura skewers or fish paired with Japanese sake or local beer, basking in the retro (Showa-era) atmosphere. At the last stop, we'll enjoy dessert & coffee!(You can order food and alcohol drink instead of the dessert, too.) Any type of traveler can enjoy this food tour, whether you're traveling with family, friends, or you're a solo traveler. Don't worry if you don't know what to eat or drink. Our guide will help you order and will explain everything! 
 Let's try local food that you can only find in Kyoto, and explore the backstreets of this beautiful city with our local guide!

Official guide

Try Kyoto's traditional, seasoned dishes at a hidden restaurant in Gion

The tour's meeting spot is in front of the Izumo no Okuni statue at Gion Shijo station. After meeting up, we'll walk around the Gion area where many old Kyoto-style buildings can be seen. Our local guide will provide insight into how locals enjoy their nights. If you are lucky, a geisha may pass you by! While strolling through the streets of Gion, you'll come across the first place we'll stop by a Japanese traditional restaurant. It's host to a restaurant that, unless you knew about it, you would never find. We will enjoy simple, seasoned Kyoto appetizers like obanzai (cuisine native to Kyoto), oden (Japanese stew), or yuba (tofu skin) in a traditional atmosphere with Japanese sake!

Enjoy many kinds of Kyoto sake with guide's explanation.

In this course meal, we offer Kiki sake, which provides 3 different kinds of Sake produced in Kyoto. Therefore, you can enjoy Japanese sake while having authentic Kyoto dishes! After tasting Kyoto traditional foods at the first location, we'll walk to the second cafe by walking through the Ponto-cho area!

Finish the tour with Kyoto's local dessert or even more foods!

After trying many traditional dishes, we'll round things up with the tour to the Kyoto's cafe around Pontocho, where you can taste Kyoto's local dessert in traditional building!

Gion Shijo Station, right outside of Exit 5, in front of Izumo no Okuni Statue

• Your guide will be holding a board saying "Magical Trip"
• The restaurant industry faces difficulty of hiring restaurant staff and training them because many restaurant staff had to quit or got laid off during the times of the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, food and drinks at some restaurants possibly comes served late and the tour might be longer than originally scheduled. We kindly ask for your understanding
• Because most Japanese restaurants are not fully ready for providing vegetarian menus, choices of vegetarian foods in our tour is available but limited.
• If you would like a vegetarian course, please request in advance (by the day before). We are unable to provide a vegetarian course upon request on the day of the tour.
• All ages can join this tour
• Please note that there may be other participants
• You do not need to pay for the guide's food and drinks
• Please inform us ahead if you need a vegetarian course meal (Vegan and Gluten-free course meal is not available.)
• Please bring some cash for extra drinks and food you may want to order, as some restaurants don't accept credit cards
• Only person over 20 years of age can drink alcohol because of law in Japan
• This tour could possibly visit the place where smoking is not prohibited. please note that we may not be able to change the tour venues in this case.
• Out of respect for our other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time.
• You will not be able to join the tour, get refund or rescheduled if you are late for the tour and missed the group.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the tour starting time.
• Free date/time change up to 24 hours till the tour starting time.
• Cancellation after the starting time or no show, we offer no refund or date/time change.
• We will start the tour on time. Being late for more than 5 minutes without contacting us will be regarded as a cancellation without any refund.

Yes, vegetarian course is available. Please select the vegetarian menu on the checkout page. Please note that we have only two types of menu:

• No Preferance Course (serving meat, seafood, vegetable)
• Vegetarian Course (serving only vegetable)

We do not have any other courses than above.

If you don't drink alcohol, we also offer soft drinks that you can choose from our menu.

Yes, y ou are welcome to bring your young children and baby on this tour. children age 4 -15 can get the full dinner option.

Not dress code for food tours. Wear comfortable shoes.

Please visit Help Center for general inquiries.

Tours in Kyoto

MagicalTrip's Fushimi Inari Hidden Hiking Tour has been awarded the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best , its highest honor!

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TICKET PRICES STARTING FROM

Taxes and fees will be calculated at checkout

◼︎Try Kyoto's traditional, seasoned dishes at a hidden restaurant in Gion & Pontocho◼︎ We'll walk around the Gion where many old Kyoto-style buildings can be seen. Our local guide will provide insight into how locals enjoy their nights. We will enjoy simple, seasoned Kyoto appetizers in a traditional atmosphere! Moreover, you can try 3 different kinds of Sake produced in Kyoto, so you can enjoy authentic Kyoto sake with Kyoto foods! Vegetalian course is available. You can also book both courses at a time. ◼︎Enjoy more Kyoto food◼︎ We'll walk to the cafe where you can enjoy Japanese local dessert with coffee or alcohol drink! Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews! ※Please inform us when booking if you need vegetarian course meal because we need to arrange it with the restaurant.

Ticket Options

2 Options Available

No Food Preference: $13300

Vegetarian course: $13300.

Vegetarian Menu: For those who prefer vegetarian food menu

Gion Shirakawa

1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Pontocho District

Kawaramachidori.

Kamogawa River

See around Gion Shirakawa area

We will stop by a traditional restaurant that serves Kyoto local foods such as Obanzai (Kyoto vegetable plates).

We will try another Kyoto local cuisine at the second stop.

At the final stop, we'll taste Japanese sake at the standing bar. Also soft drinks are available.

Meeting Point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Ticket Information

• Mobile or paper ticket accepted
• One per booking

What's Included

• Tour photos
• 3 drinks (Alcohol and Non-alcohol available)
• Full dinner course with a dessert (Vegetarian menu available / vegan & gluten-free are unavailable)
• 3 hours with a local guide

What's not Included

• Additional drinks and food fee (available for purchase)

Cancellation Policy

• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Additional Info

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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A Cook’s Tour of the Tokyo Food Scene

Taking a cooking class in the Japanese capital adds layers to an exploration of the city’s abundant supply of restaurants, from a pricey kaiseki spot to a chain noodle joint.

Good, inexpensive yakitori can be had at Yakitori Yoneda, just south of Nishi-Ogikubo Station in Tokyo. Credit... Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Supported by

By Timothy Taylor

• Published Nov. 8, 2023 Updated Nov. 9, 2023

It’s a Monday afternoon in the Tsukiji branch of the Tokyo Sushi Academy and we’re about to be put to the test. Or I am anyway. Most of the other students enrolled in the Japanese Culinary Intensive course are professionals. They are local or from abroad, just brushing up on skills or adding to their repertoire. My bench mate works charter yachts out of Australia. Our sensei, the chef Hiro Tsumoto, noticed a tattoo on his forearm with Japanese characters and called out: “Hey, that’s my aunt’s name!”

I’m among the civilians whom the academy also welcomes into the course. I’m here for the challenge, certainly. But in this moment, I’m feeling distinctly in over my head.

Mr. Hiro, who is also one of the academy’s founders, has been walking us through the basics of kaiseki, a word used for both the traditional multicourse Japanese meal as well as the skills and techniques required to make it . This involves talking about a bewildering range of things, including knife cuts for notching the top of a shiitake mushroom, how to knot a sprig of the herb mitsuba for garnish, as well as the precise temperature to best extract flavor for dashi broth made from kombu seaweed and katsuobushi, or dried bonito fish shavings. On the topic of kaiseki Mr. Hiro grows briefly philosophical, noting that it’s a lifetime practice and thus approaching the ineffable.

“Like the kappa. What actually is the kappa?” he says, by way of a winking explanation. “OK, let’s cook!”

I’ll only learn later that the kappa is a mythic reptilian creature fond of cucumbers and sumo. At the moment, I have to dive into the fray of all these pros grabbing pots and grills and assembling ingredients for the fish stew we’re preparing.

My first order has arrived at the imaginary pass: an individual kaiseki serving of clear fish soup, osumashi, for one. My heart is racing. My hands are trembling. This has to be the most pressure I’ve ever experienced on what is supposed to be a holiday. But I am loving it.

A new respect for tempura and other classics

There are more obvious ways to explore Tokyo’s food scene. Following the Michelin stars makes a certain amount of sense given that the Michelin Guide lists 198 restaurants with 261 total stars this year, more than any other city on earth. But you could also arrive here without any food plan at all.

Tokyo may seem initially chaotic to visitors, but discovery and luck are key parts of the city’s charms. If you find yourself trying to find a peaceful corner — as you likely will on occasion — you might come across a jewel. For instance, wandering away from the crowds at Tsukiji Outer Market, you might stumble down some worn linoleum stairs off Namiyoke-dori and find yourself in the Tohto Grill . It’s a diner. No Michelin star at the moment or likely. But there are truck drivers eating plates of fried horse mackerel and stewed beef tendon here. There’s a jukebox and a cigarette machine and the tuna sashimi breakfast set with pickled cabbage and whitebait is unpretentiously perfect.

Cooking school, I’ve found, adds a layer to one’s explorations. And you don’t need a week at the Tokyo Sushi Academy either. I’ve done a three-hour soba intensive with Tokyo Cook and a one-hour fruit-cutting lesson at the Takano Fruit Parlor.

At the most obvious, things you have taken for granted will inspire new respect. Or at least, if you are me, you’ll rethink your longstanding indifference to tempura. It’s just too hard to make to be indifferent about. Before cooking school, I’d never thought about the perfect temperature gap between the battered item and the oil in which it’s cooked, for example, which is 295 degrees.

Neither had I considered that if you were skilled enough, you could cook tempura largely by ear. At Tempura Kondo , where the two Michelin stars induce a reverential silence among diners (good for listening), you can watch this all play out like a floor show for insiders. Tempura masters are busier than sushi chefs, Mr. Hiro said, and they never talk to the customers. Why? Well, because they’re standing over the oil with their ear cocked to hear the “pulse” of sound, which surges and recedes as the bubbles grow smaller and the dish nears completion.

And that was only the beginning of the drama. Without sweating a couple of hours over my prep at the academy, would I have noticed the knife cuts that fanned out my miniature eggplant, or how the paper was folded kimono-style on my plate, or that the daikon ginger garnish was scooped into a bowl to look like a bozu temple master’s bald head?

You’ll find this same technical fixation behind most Japanese culinary preparations. You might hear the word datsusara when you talk to food people here. I heard it first from the ramen expert Brian MacDuckston , with whom I ate at Yakitori Yamamoto near Mitaka Station. The word datsusara captures the idea of escaping the rat race and is associated with chefs who come from the corporate world and turn their fastidious devotions to food instead. But it speaks to a detail-oriented drive for food perfection more generally.

Yakitori restaurants are mesmerizing places to observe the phenomenon. The chef is often right in front of you, leaned in over the clay box grill filled with binchotan charcoal, minutely inspecting the skewers, pinching them to test doneness, dunking them in tare sauce at precisely the 80 percent mark. After trying your hand at this, you’ll know also that when the grill guy throws one of those skewers away, it was because the prep guy didn’t balance it correctly to prevent it from rolling in place.

“That’s why you’re on skewer prep for three years before touching the grill,” Mr. Hiro said.

At Yakitori Yoneda , just south of Nishi-Ogikubo Station, I found myself noticing how the tsukune, or chicken meatballs, arrives perfectly charred, a tiny bit sweet, with a perfect spring to the bite from that potato starch added to the mixture the night before grilling. I tuck in under the red awning away from the rain with a skewer of medium-cooked chicken livers, another of crispy chicken skin. The tsukune here is plump, the size of a small zucchini. And when it arrives with its diced onion and jammy soft fried egg, I enjoy it even more for recognizing the perfect execution. It’s still one of the best plates I’ve had in Tokyo over many visits.

Yoneda also illustrates another point: You don’t have to spend a ton of dough to have these “best bite” moments. Good, inexpensive yakitori in Tokyo is going to run you around 400 yen, or about $2.65, for a couple of skewers. I think cooking classes actually lower the price of pleasure by allowing you to see how great the technique can be in many everyday Tokyo restaurants.

The Michelin-starred Kondo restaurant has brilliant tempura, no question. But so, too, does Ginza Hageten , just down the road and at a fraction of the price. Here, the lunch crowds stream through, jazz burbles in the background, and your vegetable tempura, rice and bowl of noodles all comes together.

I had the same experience exploring tonkatsu, that ubiquitous panko-fried pork loin that often comes alongside a pile of shaved cabbage. It’s ethereally good at Butagumi , where, amid woody elegance, you can choose from dozens of pork varieties and where nobody in the dining room is allowed to wear perfume. But it’s also pretty great at Danki Tonkatsu , around the corner from the Demboin shrine in Asakusa. When I ate there with Yukari Sakamoto , the author of the guide “Food Sake Tokyo,” we sat shoulder to shoulder with whoever else just happened to be hungry and walking by.

A slurpable bowl of heaven

In the Tokyo Cook kitchen at Sougo in Roppongi, I spent an afternoon learning soba with the chef Shinichi Yoshida, a natty gent who wears a shirt and tie under his apron. Mr. Yoshida walked me through the history of buckwheat in Japan. He explained dashi down to the glutamine content of various kinds of kombu seaweed, a key ingredient. He shaved off katsuobushi for the dashi from his own block of bonito, dry-aged five years, the cut surface darkly translucent like a black gemstone. We made the noodles by hand, rolling out the tricky, low-gluten dough with a long dowel, then cutting it into 1/16th inch ribbons with an enormous menkiri knife, the handle wrapped in shark skin.

I only ate a couple of bowls of noodles in Tokyo that came close to the brilliant dish that Mr. Yoshida showed me that day, with its perfectly balanced dipping sauce of five parts dashi to one part kaeshi, a slow simmered marriage of soy, sugar and dark mirin. The first of these was at Teuchi Soba Fujiya in Shinjuku, recommended by Mr. Hiro from the Tokyo Sushi Academy, where a lineup of people form 30 minutes before they open and your meal comes with a tiny jug of the soba cooking liquid to drink after your meal to help digestion.

I found the second perfect bowl at a chain called Tokyo Abura Soba with 60 Japanese locations, where you order from a vending machine and get your bowl of noodles with chashu pork in about three minutes. Abura soba isn’t really soba at all. It’s a broth-less bowl of ramen noodles napped in a sauce made with soy, bouillon powder, sugar, vinegar and white miso or Chinese doubanjiang. It’s stupidly delicious. It’s also addictive. But I wouldn’t have known what string of rules had to be broken en route to this slurpable bowl of heaven if Mr. Yoshida hadn’t shown me the fastidious perfection of “proper” soba in the first place.

How the pros do it

My osumashi clear fish soup doesn’t turn out badly in the end. My salmon slices are a bit uneven. And my mitsuba garnish is tied into a granny instead of a reef knot. Still, after the adrenaline rush and the frantic placing of each ingredient in exactly the right spot in the bowl, I get the dish up front on time.

Mr. Hiro nods, amused at my efforts. And back at my bench I catch a glance from my yacht cook colleague who gives me a nod of restrained approval. “You’re fast,” he allows.

Then I head off to Nakajima for kaiseki to see how the real pros do it. Eleven brilliant dishes. Or maybe 12. I lost count. I linger over one dish longer than the others, the dashi so clear in the black lacquered wooden owan bowl that I almost can’t see it. But I can smell the kombu, the katsuobushi. I can see the fish and the vegetables all perfectly placed. And when I take a bite of the delicate fish and a sip of that smoky broth, I have a sliver of a glimpse of the years that it must have taken to get that good at something at once so simple and so difficult.

The soup is beyond delicious. I drain the bowl.

At Tohto Grill , simple meals cost from 950 to 1,500 yen, or about $6.50 to $10.

Lunch at Tempura Kondo runs from 8,800 to 12,100 yen. Dinner ranges from 14,300 to 23,100 yen.

At Yakitori Yamamoto , plates are from 210 to 980 yen. At Yakitori Yoneda , they range from 185 to 320 yen.

At Butagumi , pork loin and filet cutlet meals cost from 2,000 to 4,200 yen.

At Danki Tonkotsu , a meal runs around 2,100 yen.

Lunch at Teuchi Soba Fujiya ranges from 1,200 to 2,000 yen.

Noodle bowls start at 880 yen at Tokyo Abura Soba .

At Nakajima , dinner is 15,730 yen per guest.

Timothy Taylor’s next novel, “The Rise and Fall of Magic Wolf,” chronicles the fortunes and failures of a chef and restaurateur who tries to open a Japanese restaurant in Vancouver, British Columbia. It comes out in September 2024.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

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