Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings)

Kyoto , Japan

Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings)

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(1733 reviews)

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

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About this experience

Join a tour by MagicalTrip, proud winner of the Tripadvisor Best of the Best Award. Each experience is led by a MagicalTrip certified guide, professionally trained and carefully selected to ensure quality and authenticity!

◼︎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!

※Please inform us when booking if you need vegetarian course meal because we need to arrange it with the restaurant.

Available options

Standard Menu (No Restriction)

Vegetarian Course

Vegetarian Menu : ※Fish broth is still used. Not suitable for vegans or gluten-free diet.

What's included

2 drinks (Alcohol and Non-alcohol available)

6+ kinds of Sake tastings

3 hours with a certificated local guide by MagicalTrip

Vegetarian menu only available for advanced request / Vegan & gluten-free unavailable)

Full dinner course with a dessert

Detailed itinerary

See around Gion Shirakawa area

Stop 2

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

Stop 3

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

Pontocho is located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, and is a red-light district and entertainment district between the Kamo River and Kiyamachi Street. There are many restaurants and souvenir shops.

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

Stop 5 Pass by

Kamogawa River

The Kamo River is a river that runs from north to south through Kyoto City, stretching for about 27km, originating near Mount Sajikigatake and flowing to the confluence with the Katsura River. It is a river that has nurtured the capital and Kyoto culture for a thousand years throughout its long history, and even today, in the midst of a large city, it maintains its clarity and is loved by many as a place of relaxation.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.6

136 reviews

5★

113

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

1,597 reviews

5★

1487

4★

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1★

Important information

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

The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.

For any dietary request, please request in advance (by the day before). We are unable to accept any request on the day of the tour.

Summer in Japan is very hot and humid, so we recommend that you bring water and wear a hat to prevent heat stroke.

Not recommended for people with mobility issues

Meeting point

Gion Shijo Station, right outside of Exit 5, in front of Izumo no Okuni Statue.
Your guide will be holding an orange board saying "Magical Trip".

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.