Bar and Izakaya Nighttime Foodie Tour in Kyoto

Discover Kyoto’s nightlife on a guided tour of bars and izakayas. Savor traditional foods, drinks, and local culture in Kiyamachi and Pontocho.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kiyamachi Street - Kiyamachi Street is a popular dining and drinking district in Kyoto, known for its charming and atmospheric izakayas (Japanese-style pubs). These cozy establishments offer a wide range of delicious Japanese cuisine, including favorites like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and a selection of premium sake.

During our tour, we’ll visit one or two izakayas in Kiyamachi that best suit your preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a lively and energetic atmosphere or a more intimate and relaxed setting, our knowledgeable guide will choose the perfect spots for you.

You’ll have the opportunity to spend about an hour at each izakaya, savoring a variety of tasty dishes and drinks. Immerse yourself in the local flavors and enjoy the warm hospitality of the friendly staff. This is a fantastic chance to experience an authentic slice of Kyoto’s vibrant food and drink culture in one of the city’s most beloved nightlife districts.

  • Pontocho - Pontocho is a narrow, atmospheric alley running parallel to the Kamo River, famous for its concentration of traditional Japanese restaurants. This charming area is the perfect place to experience some of Japan’s most iconic dishes, such as sushi and sukiyaki (a hot pot dish with thinly sliced beef, vegetables, and tofu).

Our guide will carefully select restaurants in Pontocho based on your preferences, ensuring that you enjoy a dining experience tailored to your tastes. Whether you’re a fan of fresh, delicate sushi or the rich, savory flavors of sukiyaki, you’ll find the perfect meal in this picturesque alley.

Together with the izakayas visited in Kiyamachi, we’ll explore a total of three establishments during the tour. To conclude this memorable evening, we’ll visit a restaurant renowned for its delectable desserts, providing a sweet finish to your culinary adventure through Kyoto’s most enchanting dining districts.

What's Included
  • List of bar and izakaya recommended by a local with 10+ years in Kyoto
  • Visits to approximately three izakayas or bars
  • 3-hour tour with a local guide
What's Not Included
  • Food expenses (approximately 5,000 yen per person for a total of three places.)
  • Beverage expenses (approximately 3,000 yen per person for a total of three places.)
  • Participants are responsible for the guide’s drink charge (one drink per venue).
Additional Information

• This is a walking tour visiting local izakayas and bars in Kyoto.

• You can easily enjoy a variety of delicious traditional Japanese foods.

• We will visit about three establishments, spending around 60 minutes at each, enjoying their signature foods and drinks.

• We choose local establishments that are accessible because of the small group size.

• We’re offering special discounts to gather valuable reviews from customers like you.

Join us on a fun tour of the best bars and izakayas in Kiyamachi and Pontocho. Visit three unique spots, each with its own special atmosphere, and enjoy a variety of delicious Japanese drinks and food in one night.

Spend about an hour at each place, trying local favorites. Our friendly guide will help you choose the best items on the menu based on what you like.

This tour shows you the real Kyoto nightlife, from lively bars to cozy izakayas. Drink great sake, eat tasty snacks, and have fun with other travelers and locals.

  • Alcohol will not be served to participants under 20
  • Inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance
Location
600-8011
Please look for a guide holding an Otatrip board next to the McDonald's near the small river (Takase River). Details about the guide will be sent to you via message after your reservation is confirmed. If you do not arrive by 18:00 without contacting us, your reservation will be canceled.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(6 Ratings)
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Cody_m
Jul 4, 2024
A Fantastic Introduction to the Kyoto Food Scene - Shumpei was knowledgeable, friendly, and enthusiastic about Kyoto's food scene. I strongly recommend one of his tours to help familiarize yourself with what Kyoto has to offer!
Review provided by Viator
Adriana_b
Jun 26, 2024
amazing!!!!! - so far this expirience has been the highlight of our trip to japan. the guide took us to a number of bars and restaurants which were all impeccable and not too pricey at all! we had some of the best drinks we’ve had in japan! our guide made great conversation in fact we couldn’t stop talking til 30 minutes past the tour end time! i would recommend this to any couple or group of friends just looking to have a fun time in kyoto!
Review provided by Viator
Trek26222656267
May 30, 2024
It was a special night in Kyoto! - It was a wonderful time! The guide told us about a hidden restaurant that I would never have found on my own, where we enjoyed many different types of sake and delicious Japanese food. It was my first time booking a guided tour, so it was a new experience for me, but thanks to our guide who knows Kyoto so well, I was able to spend a fulfilling evening. If you want to have a special stay in Kyoto that goes beyond just the tourist spots and famous shops, I highly recommend booking this guided tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susann_h
May 28, 2024
I had a great time. We... - I had a great time. We visited 3 different places and all of them had its own charme :) thanks for the night!
Review provided by Viator
Suis2024
May 20, 2024
A great time with Shumpei and friends - We had a wonderful time on the bar hopping tour with Shumpei. He was a fantastic host. If you ever come to Kyoto, please consider booking with him; he is friendly and lively. We visited three different bars, and it was interesting trying new foods and drinking sake. Highly recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Indi_c
May 18, 2024
Great nightlife tour - There are not many bar tours at all in Kyoto who take tourists around town to explore the nightlife. As a solo traveler specially I highly recommend booking this tour. Shumpei was a great guide and he is a local. The restaurants had great food and drinks.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 6 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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