10 Best Food Tours of Kyoto

Kyoto has a particular cuisine that you should explore during your visit. From the best cooking classes, to excursions and guided tours. Each experience has its charm and is the best way to get closer to the Japanese culture, as well as to taste the typical dishes of the country.

For this type of tours I recommend you to respect the traditions of Japan and not to depreciate the dishes offered by the locals, as it is considered an act of bad manners. Additionally, in some places you must take off your shoes. Keep in mind that although there are a variety of tours in English, it is preferable to learn basic words in Japanese in order to communicate better.

The tea ceremony is a cultural ritual that consists of the preparation of Japanese tea, following the principles of hospitality of the Buddhist monks. Years ago it was a tradition practiced in China, but over time it disappeared and was adopted by the Japanese culture. This activity is ideal if you have little time, for example if you plan to visit Kyoto in two days.

To enter the enclosure you must take off your shoes and sit on the floor to share this Japanese snack. Exceptions are made for those who have mobility problems and feel uncomfortable on the floor. Here you can taste Japanese sweets, vegan sweets and matcha tea.

You are allowed to take pictures, but without flash. If you want a more enjoyable experience, kimonos are available for rent at an additional cost.

The activity takes place on Masuyachō Street, where the tea house is located. In addition, during the ceremony you will learn about:

• The history of matcha and its importance in Japanese culture.
• The steps of the tea ceremony.
• The layout of the table and the room.
• How to prepare matcha tea and what are the seasonal flavors.

Details of interest

• Price: from 27 €.
• Duration: about 45 minutes.
• Means of transportation: it does not include the round trip transfer, but it is a short tour suitable for people of different ages, including children and seniors.
• Advantages of this option: includes a professional English-speaking guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: not recommended during the rainy season.

Kyoto's nightlife is interesting and fun, and allows you to experience the local cuisine in a completely different atmosphere. During the night its streets are transformed giving way to shows in restaurants, for example in the Gion area you can coincide with geisha shows.

Please note that in Kyoto you must be over twenty years old to consume alcohol. This tour is an experience intended for a maximum of six people, so it is quite private and ideal if you are traveling with friends, or looking to meet people from other cultures. Tips are not included, but in Japan they are not necessary, as they are considered an offense.

Upon arrival at the two selected restaurants you will enjoy a surprise dinner, with a variety of Japanese dishes that enhance the culture of the country, offering explosive flavors. The price includes dinner, two drinks of your choice and entrance to Kawaramachidori and Kiyamachi.

The advantage of this tour is that there are subway stations in the vicinity, which facilitate transportation. This tour is considered one of the best things to do in Kyoto, so you can't miss it. During the tour you will be able to visit:

• Kamo River: located between the Pontocho and Gion districts, it is an excellent option to visit during the summer, as the nights are warm and you can walk along the shore without getting cold. In the surroundings there are many restaurants with terraces that offer unparalleled views.
• Kiyamachi Street: in this emblematic historical area you will find restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious dinner. It is ideal to go with a guide, as some restaurants only speak Japanese. Also, be prepared because you will have free time to stroll through its alleys.
• Pontocho District: it is one of the most important gastronomic areas locally. If you still want to continue tasting, I recommend you to visit the typical candy stalls. You should take advantage of the nightlife, as well as the variety of surprise activities in the surrounding area.
• Kawaramachidori: it is a very fun and lively shopping street, where you will find arcades and souvenir stores. At this point the tour almost ends, so I recommend you not to go far from the group to avoid getting lost.

Details of interest

• Price: from 105 €.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Means of transport: it is a completely walking tour that does not include transportation. For the return transfer you can locate the nearest Kyoto-Kawaramachi train station.
• Advantages of this option: it is available in English, with a professional guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not wheelchair accessible and it is not recommended for children, as it is a night experience.

Traveller Tip

Throughout Kyoto you will find a variety of temples and shrines, the difference is that Buddhist temples worship Buddha and have a sanmon gate at the entrance. Whereas, Shinto temples worship the Kami, better known as the gods of the Japanese indigenous religion, and have a torii gate at the entrance.

If you're not convinced by the night and day tours, don't worry! You can take advantage of the best of each schedule by signing up for a food tour in the evening. This experience offers a tasting that celebrates Japanese culture. It is one of the best things to do in Kyoto if you want to get up close and personal with its flavorful offerings.

Before arriving at the restaurant, you can stroll around and soak up the activities on offer including local entertainment, geisha shows, art exhibitions and more. Take advantage of the December activities in Kyoto, during this month there are few tourists and events to celebrate Christmas.

During the evening be prepared to watch the sunset, which is usually more beautiful during the summer and spring. On the other hand, as you go along, the guide will make stops to explore the local history.

The first gastronomic stop is in the Shirakawa neighborhood, where you will enjoy Kaiseki dinner, known to be a traditional meal. It is prepared with seasonal ingredients and includes 10 savory dishes, dessert, a drink and green tea. The order of each dish is designed to create a pleasant explosion in your palate, and the presentation of the dishes is unparalleled.

There are a variety of Kyoto tours that include adventures and unique experiences. Some also offer stops at food stalls or gastronomic experiences. During the tour you can visit:

• Gion: you probably already noticed that it is one of the most popular and fun areas. Tourist crowds are high, but during the tour you will have the opportunity to get close to its main attractions, as well as explore little-visited corners.
• Shirakawa Neighborhood: an area along Kyoto's canals that offers spaces full of natural beauty all year round. You can take advantage of the things to do in Kyoto in winter, which are a lot of fun, especially when unexpected snowfalls occur and paint the wooden houses white.
• Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine: divides the two roads of Gion and is characterized as one of the quietest spaces in the area.
• Hōkanji Temple: where the Yasaka pagoda is sheltered, a classic building in Asian countries.

Details of interest

• Price: from 210 €.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Means of transportation: it does not include the transfer to and from the hotel, it is an extensive tour on foot. I recommend you to prepare suitable shoes and clothes according to the season.
• Advantages of this option: this tour includes a traditional Kaiseki dinner, ideal to introduce you to Japanese food. It is a suitable experience for vegetarians, pescatarians and gluten intolerant people.
• Disadvantages of this option: to take the tour there must be a minimum number of people signed up.

If you want to try 7 typical Japanese dishes, I suggest you sign up for the gastronomic tour of the Nishiki market in Kyoto, where all the ingredients and snacks are seasonal.

While you taste the dishes, the guide will explain the elaboration process. From the time the food is harvested in the Japanese fields, until it is transformed into culinary offerings. The tour also includes a tour of the history of the market, which is more than 400 years old.

It is an ideal family plan for activities with children. Please note that children over 10 years old must be accompanied by a legal guardian and carry their passport. During the tour you can visit:

• Naramonochō Street: where you must be on time to start the tour, as the Japanese detest unpunctuality.
• Nishiki Market: the main site of this tour, where you will find a variety of Japanese dishes.
• Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine: it is located in the center of Kyoto and offers a lively atmosphere, since it is located in a shopping street.
• Rokkakudo Temple or Chōhō-ji: it is one of the largest temples in Kyoto, note that the entrance fee is not included in the tour and it is an optional visit that you can do on your own.

Details of interest

• Price: from 108 €.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Means of transport: does not include the transfer to and from the hotel, as it is a walking tour.
• Advantages of this option: includes a full tasting, as well as extra time for shopping at your leisure.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is only available in English and it is a long tour, so it is not compatible with a short one-day itinerary.

Some of Kyoto's best temples are located between Arashiyama and Sagano, and there are a variety of dining options and gastronomic experiences. This route is ideal for autumn activities in the city, so you can take advantage of the brown coloration of the trees and festivals.

In the area you will find villas hundreds of years old, as well as traditional gardens, temples, sanctuaries, green areas and corners with little tourist traffic. At each stop the guide will tell you historical details and give you suggestions of Japanese food. During this tour you will be able to visit:

• Arashiyama: if you want to walk on the outskirts of the city, this area at the foot of the mountain is the best option. I recommend you to visit it during April, as it is the best time to visit Kyoto, due to the cherry blossom. Another option is to take advantage of the things to do in Kyoto in November, such as autumn festivals and outdoor events.
• Okochi Garden: it is an old villa open to the public, in the surroundings there are several Michelin star restaurants. The tour includes entrance to its facilities.
• Bamboo Forest: it is a busy and very charming place that offers a sensory experience. To enhance the experience, the guide will tell you the history of this enclosure and you will have some time to take pictures.
• Tenryu-ji Temple: it is an ideal place to visit during spring, as it offers seasonal flowers. It stands out for its peaceful atmosphere and from the pond you will be able to appreciate the mountain.
• Kimono Forest: if you like animals, here you can feed and take care of Japanese macaques.
• Sagano: it is a tourist district that offers natural and sacred spaces. If you want to know the area in depth, I recommend you to board a tourist train.
• Togetsukyo Bridge: in this area you will stop for fast food and Japanese snacks, such as fish cake. Then you can finish the visit, enjoying the view from the top of the bridge.

Details of interest

• Price: from 105 €.
• Duration: about three hours.
• Means of transport: does not include the transfer to and from the hotel, and the tour is done on foot.
• Advantages of this option: includes a professional guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is a walk of more than 3 km, not suitable for people with health problems.

• Set aside at least 3 days to visit Kyoto, this way you will be able to walk around the city and take city tours without rushing.
• I do not recommend scheduling tours during rainy months, such as July, September and October, as they may be rescheduled and affect your itinerary.
• Tasting tours offer a variety of dishes, so I recommend you go with a taste for variety. Save space between meals, i.e. avoid over eating during the first stop.
• Keep in mind that in Japan it is rude to eat standing up or to ask to change ingredients on your plate. In some places it is important to take off your shoes to eat, and sticking your chopsticks in your food is considered a bad omen.

Learn some Japanese

Additionally, some food tours include guides in English or Spanish, but it is important that you can communicate and use basic Japanese words. Here is a list of the most used words in the region with their respective pronunciation:

• Hello: Konnichiwa.
• Goodbye: Sayonara.
• Thank you: Arigato gozaimasu.
• Good morning: Ohayou gozaimasu.
• Please: Onegai shimasu.
• Waiter: U~eitā.
• It's very tasty: Totemo oishii desu.
• I'm a vegetarian: Beyitarian desu.
• Is it spicy? Karai desu ka?
• How much does it cost? Ikura desu ka?
• Breakfast: Chō shoku.
• Lunch: Hirugohan.
• Dinner: Bangohan.
• Beer: Biiru.
• Wine: Wain.