Kyoto Private Food Tours with a Local Foodie: 100% Personalized

Kyoto , Japan

Kyoto Private Food Tours with a Local Foodie: 100% Personalized

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(19 reviews)

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

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About this experience

You’ll join one of our Kyoto hosts to taste the city’s most delicious meals and street food. Kyoto is a city rich in cultural heritage, and this has directly influenced its culinary tradition.

Keep things moving with a quick trip to a 100-yen sushi bar and have a draft beer in an intimate izakaya. At this small local bar, you’ll share small plates of local specialties your local Host will be happy to introduce you to.
And for a uniquely Kyoto experience shared with your local insider, enjoy a steaming bowl of Nishin-soba and a cold drink as the sun sets over the Kamo River.

Within 24 hours after booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a local host who will get in touch with the best food recommendations to create a bespoke itinerary to your taste and requests.

Available options

EatLikeaLocal-Kyoto-3HRS

What's included

Private and personalized experience

Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)

6-8 tastings of various local food specialties, glass of sake, wine, beer or soft drink

Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

3 hours with a Host

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1 Pass by

Visit centuries-old Nishiki Market for the Kyoto's best street food.

IMPORTANT: Nishiki market is open from 9am to 4pm.
As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

Pass by Shijo Dori

Stop 3 Pass by

Explore the city’s nearby geisha district, Gion, where you’ll find lantern-lit izakaya and street entertainment. As the sun sets, wind down with your host over Kyoto local specialties, or draft beer in an intimate izakaya.

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

From Kyoto ramen to Gyoza, mouth watering yakiniku (grilled beef) or fancy izakayas.. you can find any kind of local delicacies around the shops lined up in this local-loved area.

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed, and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences.

Stop 5 Pass by

Follow your local Host's suggestions and try some traditional food such as Obanzai (Kyoto vegetable plates).

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed, and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences.

With your host, experience Kyoto’s popular pastime – watching the sunset Kamo River while sipping on an ice-cold beer.

IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences

What's not included

Additional food and drinks in addition to those included in the experience

Tickets to any attractions

Transportation costs

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.8

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.5

6 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

(The host will be waiting in front of the shop, under the roof covered area)
After booking, you can adjust the meeting point to fit your preferences with the help of our Experience Planners.

Important notes

We’ll be in touch within 24 hours after booking to find out more about your personality and interests so we can assign a like-minded local who will create a bespoke experience for you.

About Kyoto

Kyoto, once the imperial capital of Japan, is a city rich in history, culture, and tradition. Known for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses, Kyoto offers a unique blend of ancient and modern Japan. The city is a must-visit for travelers seeking to experience the heart of Japanese heritage.

Top Attractions

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)

A Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji is one of Kyoto's most iconic landmarks. The temple's top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on the surrounding pond.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Fushimi Inari Taisha is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. The trails leading up the mountain offer stunning views of Kyoto.

Religious 2-4 hours (depending on how far you hike) Free

Kiyomizu-dera

A historic wooden temple with a large veranda supported by massive wooden pillars, Kiyomizu-dera offers panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is particularly famous for its spring and autumn foliage.

Religious 1-2 hours ¥400

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A stunning grove of bamboo, Arashiyama is one of Kyoto's most famous natural attractions. The towering bamboo stalks create a surreal and peaceful atmosphere.

Nature 1-2 hours Free (Tenryu-ji Temple costs ¥500)

Gion

Kyoto's most famous geisha district, Gion is known for its traditional wooden machiya houses, teahouses, and the chance to spot geishas and maikos (apprentice geishas).

Cultural 1-2 hours (longer if dining or attending a cultural event) Free to explore (dining and cultural events can be expensive)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kaiseki Ryori

A traditional multi-course Japanese meal that emphasizes seasonality and presentation. Each dish is carefully prepared and artfully presented.

Dinner Often includes fish, meat, and vegetables, but vegetarian options are available.

Yudofu (Tofu Hot Pot)

A Kyoto specialty featuring tofu simmered in a light kombu (kelp) broth, often served with vegetables and condiments.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian-friendly, can be made vegan if broth is vegetable-based.

Matcha Desserts

Kyoto is famous for its high-quality matcha (green tea) powder, used in various desserts like ice cream, parfaits, and wagashi (traditional sweets).

Dessert Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Obanzai

Home-style Kyoto dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, often featuring vegetables, fish, and tofu.

Lunch/Dinner Can be adapted to various dietary preferences.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the mountains Cycling through the countryside Rafting on the Hozu River Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Scenic walks in gardens and parks Temple and shrine visits Traditional tea ceremonies

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring), October to November (Autumn)

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather and are the best times to visit for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. These seasons also see the highest tourist volumes.

15°C to 25°C (Spring), 10°C to 20°C (Autumn) 59°F to 77°F (Spring), 50°F to 68°F (Autumn)

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited/Rare

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

JST (UTC+9)

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Kyoto is a very safe city with a low crime rate. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take basic precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour operators and taxis

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 115 km from Kyoto
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 40 km from Kyoto

By train

Kyoto Station

By bus

Kyoto Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most extensive and affordable way to get around Kyoto. They cover most areas of the city and are especially useful for reaching temples and shrines.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, INDRIVER

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gion Higashiyama Arashiyama Downtown Kyoto (Shijo-Kawaramachi)

Day trips

Nara

40 km from Kyoto • Half day to full day

Nara is a historic city known for its ancient temples, shrines, and the famous Nara Park, home to hundreds of free-roaming deer.

Uji

20 km from Kyoto • Half day

Uji is a small city known for its historic temples, beautiful riverside scenery, and high-quality matcha (green tea).

Kurama and Kibune

25 km from Kyoto • Full day

Kurama and Kibune are two neighboring villages in the mountains north of Kyoto, known for their hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic beauty.

Festivals

Gion Matsuri • July (main events on July 17th and 24th) Jidai Matsuri • October 22nd Aoi Matsuri • May 15th

Pro tips

Visit popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider purchasing a Kyoto City Bus Pass or other transportation passes to save money on getting around the city.
Try local specialties like yudofu (tofu hot pot), matcha desserts, and obanzai (home-style Kyoto dishes).
Explore the city's many temples and shrines, but don't forget to take time to enjoy the natural beauty of Kyoto's gardens and parks.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for local customs and traditions.