• Nishiki Market Shopping District - Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a narrow, five-block-long shopping street featuring over one hundred shops and restaurants. Dubbed “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this vibrant market is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware. It’s an ideal spot to discover seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.

Nishiki Market boasts a lively yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for those eager to explore Kyoto’s renowned culinary offerings. The market’s shops vary in size, from small stalls to larger two-story establishments, each specializing in a specific type of food. Nearly all products are locally sourced and produced.

• Gion - Navigating the narrow alleyways of Kyoto’s Geisha District—Gion can be challenging for newcomers. A guided tour can ease these concerns, offering a fantastic opportunity to uncover hidden gems cherished by locals and learn about Kyoto’s rich history. Highlights include insights into Geisha culture and rituals, and visits to Gion, Pontocho, and Miyagawacho.
• The Site of Kitaza - Enjoy original Kyoto sweets in a beautifully renovated building that was once a Kabuki Theater. These traditional sweets are presented in a unique way, available exclusively here!
• Pontocho - Pontocho (先斗町, Pontochō) is one of Kyoto’s most charming dining areas. This narrow alley stretches from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, just a block west of the Kamogawa River. It is lined with restaurants on both sides, offering a diverse range of dining options from affordable yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, international dishes, and exclusive venues that require connections and a generous budget.

The business hours and closing days of Pontocho’s restaurants, bars, and shops vary, but most are open from around 17:00 to 23:00, with some also serving lunch. An increasing number of places provide English menus.

• Kennin-ji Temple - Located near the bustling Hanamikoji and Shijo streets, Kenninji Temple (建仁寺) offers expansive grounds and two karesansui (dry landscape gardens) that provide a peaceful retreat. It is considered the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.
• Byodoin Temple - Byodoin Temple is renowned for its Phoenix Hall, a National Treasure of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additional travel time is necessary as it is situated in Uji city within Kyoto prefecture.

• Licensed Local Guide
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Other personal expenses
• Lunch - Lunch (for yourself and your guide)
• Entrance fee (for yourself)
• Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide)

THE tour for a local’s experience of Kyoto’s best food! Our nationally-licensed and experienced English-speaking guides will help you find the best eats while learning about Kyoto.
Kyoto’s dishes have little flashes of flavor that will surprise you from Tofu skin hot pots to eel rice bowls, and buckwheat noodles with a huge fish.
Street food fans must visit Nishiki Market. This 400 year old market is rich in history and food. See some too-cute-to-eat Japanese ‘wagashi’ sweets or the eccentric tako-tamago, a skewered octopus stuffed with a quail egg. Or you can enjoy looking at the pickled foods that locals love! If you are a tea fan, have some rich and warm green tea (matcha), or a green tea parfait to cool down.
Once your reservation is made, please chose 3-4 spots from the tour details and let your guide know your food interests when planning. We hope to guide you soon!

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