Enjoy a walking tour of Pontocho and Gion Shirakawa, 2 of Kyoto’s most charming and historical areas. Travel back in time to enjoy the sights, sounds, and tastes in the rustic neighborhood. Discover tea houses, restaurants, and charming sights.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- Covid-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 3 hours
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
- Wheelchair accessible
- Small group
- Limited to 10 participants
Experience
Highlights
- Spend a relaxed evening of food tasting with a local guide, meticulously planned to maximize your short time in this amazing place
- Enjoy a walking tour of the famous Pontocho and Gion Shirakawa districts
- Enjoy 5 food and drink stops featuring classic and seasonal dishes of Kyoto
- Try sumi grilled meat and seafood skewers
- Visit a 100-year-old soba noodle spot and taste local sake (rice wine) at a charming standing bar
Full description
This casual evening tour is perfect for families and those wanting to explore these historical and delicious neighborhoods. Experience 5 food and drink stops with something for everyone. Start off in a retro Showa-era (post-war Japan) restaurant to try seasonal and regional, tasty dishes. Next, try several types of yakitori (charcoal grilled skewers) in a classic Pontocho eatery. Then, head over to a privately owned sake tasting shop to try local nihonshu (rice wine). Bring the kids, because there is even a local plum soda for a kid-friendly tasting at this quaint backstreet spot run by a passionate entrepreneur who celebrates Kyoto sake culture. Head onto a 100-year-old soba restaurant for handmade noodle dishes. You are sure to feel pretty full by this point but don’t forget to save a little room for a tasty green tea dessert at a trendy new neighboorhood spot that blends tradition with modern innovation.
Have fun beyond the temples and Kyoto tourist experiences and ask your guide about the history and culture surrounding the food of Kyoto. This fun and friendly tour is the perfect way to spend your evening. There are too many great restaurant choices, and a few that are certainly too touristy, so let the tour help you make the best choices. Create delicious memories with on this unique tour.
Includes
- 5 food stops
- 2 drinks
- Traditional desserts and snacks
- Local English-speaking guide
- Hotel pickup
- Gratuity
- Transportation costs
- Additional drinks or food
Covid-19 precautions
You must book this activity online because the ticket office is closed
Safety measures in place
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- You must keep social distance while in vehicles
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Traveler requirements
- You are required to bring and wear a mask
- You will receive a mandatory temperature check
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
The details below may change if you update your current selection:
Meeting point
In front of Pocchiri, a charming souvenir shop on Gion Shijo Dori. Staff will be there holding an "Arigato Japan" sign.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Passport
- Comfortable shoes
Know before you go
- The tour starts promptly at 4:30 PM and ends at 7:30 PM
- At least 2 people are required for the activity to take place. There will be a maximum of 10 participants on the tour
- The tour is vegetarian-friendly and is unfortunately not advisable for those following a vegan and/or gluten-free diet
- The operator and its guides reserve the right to refuse or withdraw guests that are unfit to take the tour for any reason or act in a dangerous manner. A guest's participation in any service will be terminated if the guest breaks any local laws or regulations put in place by Japanese authorities
- You must be 21 years of age and present a valid photo ID in order to consume alcohol
- Children must be accompanied by an adult. A passport copy is required for children aged 10 and older.
