Kyoto Food Tour of 10 Tastings with Wagyu, Mochi & More Surprises

Kyoto , Japan

Kyoto Food Tour of 10 Tastings with Wagyu, Mochi & More Surprises

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(80 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Kyoto is known to have about 2000 temples and shrines but did you know that Kyoto has about 12000 restaurants among which 110 are Michelin Stars. In Kyoto there is a time to pray and then there is a time to eat. With Secret Food Tours and your host,we will focus on the second part.
Our local guides will teach you the traditions and social functions of Japanese food and how it is important to the Japanese. They will share with you their knowledge about the local food with some unique flavours and textures. Eating in Kyoto is more than providing substance for the body, it also includes an appreciation for custom and tradition for how the food is sourced, prepared, and enjoyed by the local Japanese people.
By booking our Kyoto Karasuma to Gion Food Tour, our food experts will take you on a journey with delicious and mouth-watering local delicacies. As with all our tours, there is a secret dish, which you will only find out about on the day of the tour.

Available options

Private Kyoto Food Tour

Private Tour Upgrade: Choose this option to upgrade to a private food tour of Kyoto “Karasuma to Gion” for only you and your group

Kyoto Small Group Food Tour

Small Group Food Tour: Choose this option to join our Secret Food Tour Kyoto in a group of 12 people or less!

What's included

A glass of draft beer | A tasting of a various Sakes from Kyoto

Yuba Tofu — Kyoto’s most renowned preparation | Katsudon — with a sweet local twist

Japanese Tea Tasting (hot or cold)

Fresh Fishcakes — handmade and flavorful | Daifuku Mochi — with a seasonal fruit filling

Our Delicious Secret Dish!

Okonomiyaki — traditional Kyoto-style savory pancake | Wagyu Sushi — seared to perfection

Detailed itinerary

We'll meet in front of the Starbucks across the street from exit 5 of the Subway Karasuma Oike Station. Our guide will be wearing an orange umbrella will introduce himself and give an intro about the whole Tour.

We will enjoy our first bites with a traditional japanese dish and it's regional flavouring twist.

Along the 400m of the market street we will teach you about the local artisans and their trades, tasting Kyoto's unique YubaTofu, enjoying some local sake, discovering freshly made fish cakes with different flavour selection, enjoying a wagyu sushi, picking our dessert for later on and of course our secret dish.
We'll stroll around teaching you how to avoid the tourist traps and will end the Nishiki visit by a brief stop at the Tenmagu Shrine

Stop 4

Walking through the streets and enjoying the view of Pontocho and the Kamo river before reaching the Gion area

Stop 5

A well deserved rest and hearty and tasty okonomiyaki prepared the Kyoto way in a very quaint restaurant

The Japanese Capital of tea ceremony, we could not not stop by one of the most renowned matcha venue of Japan there upon the season you will enjoy a hot or cold tea within a selection. The tour finish after the tea tasting a few steps away from the entrance of the Southern Gion District and 5 minutes away from the Sayaka Temple!

What's not included

Hotel Pick up and Drop Off

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.6

5 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

75 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

*Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations’ availability, weather, and other circumstances.

*Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.

*This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Meeting point

We'll meet in front of the Starbucks across the street from exit 5 of the Subway Karasuma Oike Station. Our guide will be standing to greet you with our orange umbrella, so we're easy to spot! If you have any questions.

Important notes

• We kindly ask our guests to be at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the departure time to check-in with their guide.
• Our Secret Food Tours Guide will have an orange umbrella at the meeting point for easy recognition.

• Please ensure to contact us in advance of the tour for any dietary requirement, to ensure we can cater for them the best we can.
• This tour involves a fair amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance.
• Gratuities to guides providing excellent service are appreciated.

• The legal minimum age for drinking alcohol is 18 years old.
• Please note: the itinerary and menu is subject to change, based on the locations' availability, weather, and other circumstances.

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.