Get an insiders' eye perspective on Kyoto on this walking tour that combines a food tour with anthropological insight. Wander through the city's streets and understand the nighttime entertainment scene, from geiko (geisha) to hostesses. Afterward, sample regional specialties accompanied by included drinks at standing bars/restaurants.

Get insight into the nighttime economies of Kyoto, from traditional geisha to modern-day hostesses
Sample regional specialties at locals' bars/restaurants
Get an even deeper insight into the city's culture from your guide
Includes two alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages

Sample Menu

Starter

Tempura

Starter

Sashimi

Starter

Kyoto style tofu

Starter

Japanese rice wine infused tofu pockets

Starter

Japanese-Mediterranean fusion salad

Starter

Steamed chicken breast with crispy, mild chili topping

Starter

Marinated fresh fish with Kyoto green onions

Starter

"Obanzai" variety tastes

Local prepared greens, Japanese omelet, simmered root vegetables, etc.

Starter

Japanese chicken or seasonal rice

Main

Optional: Wagyu

100g (about 3.5 oz.) of super tender, delicious wagyu (Japanese beef) sourced from Kobe or the nearby Omi area.

What's Included

Dinner
Two Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic Beverages (one in each restaurant)
Alcoholic Beverages

Drinks beyond the two included. Additional drinks can be purchased directly from the restaurants if you wish.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Minamiza Theater
Japan, 605-0075 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 四条大橋東詰中之町198
We will meet in front of Minamiza Theatre, which is right at street level of Gion Shijo Station exit 6

Start time

06:30 PM

End point

Kyoto-Kawaramachi Station
Japan, 600-8001 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Otabichō, 河原町西入真町52

What To Expect

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
The minimum drinking age in Japan is 20 years old.
All participants must be 13+ to participate in this experience
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps

Most travelers can participate
Vegetarians happily accommodated.
Gratuities are uncommon in Japan, however if you really enjoyed your time and want to show your guide how much you appreciate them, they’ll be extremely happy!
Tours limited to 6, but groups up to 8 are welcome in cases where the entire group is the same reservation.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.5

318 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 318 reviews

Food and history tour

David_B, Apr 2024

Our guide, Kevin was very friendly and provided interesting information on the history of Kyoto. We enjoyed the tiny restaurants as they were places we never would have found on our own. A very worthwhile adventure.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

It sounds like you had a fantastic experience with Kevin! Exploring hidden gems and learning about Kyoto's history adds such depth to a trip. We're thrilled you found it worthwhile!

Fun night

GVLhome1, Apr 2024

Kevin is a very knowledgeable person and kept the entire group engaged. We have walked a number of "hidden" spots and eat in small local restaurants. It was a fun night. Thank you Kevin!😊

Response from Host, Apr 2024

It's great to hear that Kevin made the tour engaging and enjoyable for everyone. Sounds like a memorable night exploring hidden gems and trying local cuisine!

Wonderful walking/food tour

Jamie_C, Apr 2024

We loved learning more about the Gion district in Kyoto before we went to our first restaurant. We loved the food at the first restaurant. We felt like one of the locals.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed exploring the Gion district and that the food at the first restaurant was to your liking! Thank you for choosing our tour to experience Kyoto's local charm.

I had great time. Our...

Cong_X, Apr 2024

I had great time. Our guide, Maya, was warm, attentive and professional during the tour. I recommend the tour.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad to hear that you had a great time with Maya as your guide. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to welcoming you back for more memorable tours in the future!

Great tour!

Keisha_A, Apr 2024

The tour is as written - there was a period of walking and exploring Bryan, who shared lots of great cultural details about the city, followed by food tasting. I enjoyed my time, especially when he gave us time to take photos of the beautiful cherry blossoms!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for sharing your experience! Bryan is indeed fantastic at blending cultural insights with food exploration. We're delighted you enjoyed the tour and got to capture the beauty of cherry blossoms. Looking forward to more adventures with you!

Pleasant eating experience

ceciliastenkula, Apr 2024

Very pleasant evening with Lito as guide. We visited 2 small eating/drinking places where we were served very tasty local food. Lito was very engaged and positive . Recommended

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for choosing Pinpoint Traveler and sharing your experience with Lito as your guide. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the evening and the tasty local food. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again in the future!

Kyoto by night

Michael_B, Mar 2024

Damian, our guide, was very good and would go with him again. The tour through the areas prior to the first restaurant stop was informative, the food and drinks in the first restaurant excellent, but the second stop was awful.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for sharing your experience with Damian on our tour. We're glad to hear that you found the tour informative and enjoyed the food and drinks at the first restaurant. We apologize that the second stop did not meet your expectations and appreciate your feedback. We'll take this into account for future improvements.

Night walk with Lito

Alvin_B, Mar 2024

Great night walk and eating with Lito, had a great time and seen so wonderful sights, this really shows Kyoto at its best. well worth it and loads of food

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for choosing Pinpoint Traveler and sharing your experience with Lito! We're delighted to hear that you had a great time exploring Kyoto at night and enjoyed the wonderful sights and delicious food. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and we hope to see you again on another adventure soon!

Amazing tour with Bryan!!

Jessica_Q, Mar 2024

Bryan was an exceptional tour guide. He was extremely informative and provided us with knowledge of Kyoto that we may not have gotten elsewhere. He also provided us with a one of a kind experience at each one of the restaurants allowing us to get a taste of the real kyoto. I would 100% recommend the tour and especially Bryan! If you are able to request him do it. You won’t be disappointed.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for choosing Pinpoint Traveler and sharing your feedback about Bryan! We're thrilled to hear that he provided you with an exceptional tour experience and unique insights into Kyoto. Your recommendation of both the tour and Bryan is greatly appreciated. We look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure soon!

Great Food and Culture Tour!

Kelsey_H, Mar 2024

This was a great tour and our tour guide, Maya, was amazing! So much good food and also we learned a lot of interesting Kyoto culture and history.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for choosing Pinpoint Traveler! We're happy to hear that you had a great tour with Maya and enjoyed the delicious food while learning about Kyoto's culture and history. Your feedback is much appreciated, and we hope to see you again soon for more memorable experiences!

Gion, geishas, and gastronomy

Heidi_R, Mar 2024

Andre treated us to a lovely walking adventure through the Gion district where we learned about the history of the area, geishas, tea houses, and historical buildings and shrines. He also knew local establishments to treat us to a variety of foods to try with drinks too! Please come hungry, thirsty, and open to explore. We also traveled with a 10yo and he was very accommodating!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for choosing Pinpoint Traveler! We're delighted to hear that Andre provided you with a wonderful walking adventure in the Gion district. It's great that you learned about the area's history and enjoyed trying a variety of foods and drinks. We appreciate your feedback and are glad to know that Andre was accommodating, even for your 10-year-old. We look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future!

Would highly recommend

Alan_R, Mar 2024

Maya was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. She showed us places we would never have found on our own. We tasted good food and drink and really enjoyed ourselves

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for choosing Pinpoint Traveler! We're glad you had a great time with Maya. She's indeed enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and we're glad she could show you some hidden gems. Looking forward to welcoming you on another adventure soon!

Nighttime Stroll

Kelvin_C, Mar 2024

Was a nice nighttime walk through Gion and some of the narrow alleyways that only locals would know how to navigate. The two places we went to for food were amazing. Diogo was a great guide with good recommendations.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for your feedback! It sounds like you had a wonderful time exploring Gion and trying out some delicious food with Diogo. We're delighted you enjoyed the tour and appreciate you choosing Pinpoint Traveler for your experience!

Fun informative good food and drinks

Carmilla_K, Mar 2024

Our tour guide Diogo was amazing. He had so much knowledge about Gion and the history. Highly recommend this tour! In addition he really got our group interacting with each other. It made everything much more enjoyable! The food was really good and by the end I couldn’t eat anymore haha

Response from Host, Apr 2024

It sounds like you had an incredible time with Diogo on the tour! His knowledge about Gion and its history must have added so much depth to the experience. It's great to hear that he encouraged group interaction, making the tour even more enjoyable. And of course, delicious food is always a highlight, even if it leaves you feeling full by the end! Thanks for sharing your fantastic experience, and we're glad you highly recommend the tour!

Gion

Rob_S, Mar 2024

Bryan was extremely knowledgeable about the area, particularly about Shintoism and Bhuddism. He was also hilarious. This was a really fun and interesting tour. I learned a lot.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

It sounds like you had a blast with Bryan! His expertise in Shintoism and Buddhism must have added a fascinating layer to the tour, and it's great to hear that his sense of humor made the experience even more enjoyable. Learning about the area while having fun sounds like the perfect combination for a memorable tour. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Great fun, great energy

Sheila_D, Mar 2024

Great fun! Lito made sure everyone was included and had fun. Loved seeing the temples and shrines lit up at night. Food at our place was amazing. The second place wasn’t my favorite, but that’s just personal taste. Lito is a great positive energy!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

It's wonderful to hear that you had a great time with Lito! His inclusive and fun-loving approach surely enhanced the experience. The illuminated temples and shrines must have been a magical sight. While personal tastes can vary, it's clear that Lito's positive energy made the tour enjoyable overall. Thanks for sharing your experience with Pinpoint Traveler!

Not worth the price or time

cmermuys, Mar 2024

Unfortunately in my 10 days in Japan this was the worst tour I took. It started out with people being late and the guide waiting 20 minutes for the them to show up while we stood outside in the freezing cold. When the tour finally started, instead of getting anything to eat, we walked in the freezing weather for an hour. We didn’t end up getting any food until about 7:50. The first place our guide took us was a dive bar off the beaten track and not what I expected for the price paid. The food was small and subpar. We only were given one small sake pour. It was more of a hole in the wall unimpressive place for a quick drink than a place to eat. We were all stuffed into a small corner to eat and have our one drink. The next place we went was again, off the beaten path and while a little better, nothing to write home about. The food was meh and we ate standing up. We only got one drink at this place as well and a few small bites. That was the end of the tour. There are FAR better tour companies offering fun, good food and 4 drinks for same price or cheaper. I would avoid this tour company.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

While much of this review is clearly a matter of opinion, it is an opinion not shared by the vast majority of our guests. We do not go to "hole in the wall" places. These are intimate venues with a studied casual vibe, and at the specific one you mention, a full five plates of food came out, all with varied, Kyoto flavors. And yes, you did stand at one location, but the possibility of this is clearly stated in the tour description. It's not a sign that a place is cheap or arbitrarily chosen by a company you would suggest avoiding, but rather a restaurant format in Japan that boasts conviviality and variety. As for "only [getting] one drink," well that also is clearly stated in the tour description: one drink at each stop, but you are welcome to buy additional ones directly from the restaurant. We stand by the food we provide as being far from "meh," and the vast majority of our reviews attest to this. We also keep expertly guided groups to six guests or less, allowing for a level of attentiveness not seen in other tours at this price point.

Kyoto nighttime experience

Lisa_P, Mar 2024

Maya is a great guide. She has lots of good knowledge and was helpful in answering any questions. It was a pleasant group with good food and fun!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for your review! I'm glad Maya was able to provide a great night and was able to answer your questions! Great to hear you had fun and thank you for choosing Pinpoint Traveler!

Learned a lot!

Caitlin_L, Mar 2024

We had a great time with Maya! We had done a similar tour when in Tokyo that was mainly focused on the eating and drinking, but for this tour we did some walking around and got a fair amount of history about Kyoto which was a pleasant surprise. Our group was also only 6 people which made it easier to not get lost in the shuffle. We learned a lot and had some great local food and drinks - would definitely recommend!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Your experience with Maya sounds absolutely delightful! It's fantastic that you got to explore both the historical and culinary aspects of Kyoto, especially with the smaller group size making it more intimate and easier to engage with. Learning about the city's history while indulging in local food and drinks must have been a wonderful way to experience Kyoto. Thanks for sharing your recommendation and choosing Pinpoint Traveler!

Delicious foods in Kyoto

Pia_B, Mar 2024

Our foodie tour guide was Damian. He was great showing us around the night life in Kyoto. He has a lot of knowledge about the food and culture in Kyoto and Japan. My husband and I had a great experience. We enjoyed the tour and our group. It was fun meeting new people and talking with them.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

It's wonderful to hear that you both had such a great time with Damian on the foodie tour! His knowledge and insights into Kyoto's food and culture must have made the experience even more enjoyable. It sounds like you had a fantastic evening exploring the nightlife and connecting with new people. Thank you for sharing your experience!

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