• Nishiki Market Shopping District - Nishiki Market (錦市場, Nishiki Ichiba) is a vibrant, five-block-long shopping street featuring over a hundred shops and restaurants. Dubbed “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” this bustling market is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering fresh seafood, produce, knives, and cookware. It’s an ideal spot to discover seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood, and sushi.

Nishiki Market exudes a lively yet welcoming atmosphere, perfect for those eager to explore Kyoto’s renowned culinary offerings. The market’s shops vary from small, narrow stalls to larger, two-story establishments, each specializing in a specific type of food. Nearly all products sold here are locally sourced and produced.

• Gion - Navigating the narrow alleyways of Kyoto’s Geisha District—Gion can be overwhelming for newcomers. A guided tour can ease the worry of getting lost, offering a wonderful opportunity to uncover hidden gems cherished by locals and learn about Kyoto’s rich history. Highlights include insights into Geisha culture and rituals, and visits to Gion, Pontocho, and Miyagawacho.
• The Site of Kitaza - Enjoy original Kyoto sweets in a beautifully renovated building that was once a Kabuki Theater. These traditional sweets are presented in a unique way, available exclusively here!
• Pontocho - Pontocho (先斗町, Pontochō) is one of Kyoto’s most charming dining areas. This narrow alley stretches from Shijo-dori to Sanjo-dori, just a block west of the Kamogawa River. Lined with restaurants on both sides, it offers a diverse range of dining options, from affordable yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, international dishes, and exclusive venues requiring connections and a generous budget.

The business hours and closing days of Pontocho’s restaurants, bars, and shops vary, but most are open from around 17:00 to 23:00, with some also serving lunch. Increasingly, establishments provide English menus.

• Kennin-ji Temple - Located near the lively Hanamikoji and Shijo streets, Kenninji Temple (建仁寺) offers expansive grounds and two karesansui (dry landscape gardens) that provide a peaceful retreat. It is considered the oldest Zen temple in Kyoto.

• Byodoin Temple - Byodoin Temple is renowned for its Phoenix Hall, a National Treasure of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is situated in Uji city, Kyoto prefecture, requiring additional travel time.

• Kyoto Imperial Palace - The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) was the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It is located within the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park (京都御苑, Kyōto Gyoen), a beautiful park in the city center that also includes the Sento Imperial Palace and other attractions.

• Nijo Castle - Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was constructed in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period (1603-1867).

• Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine - Experience a unique perspective of Japan’s heritage, typically inaccessible to regular tourists, on this short yet enriching tour of Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. This journey offers incredible value, revealing that the shrine is much more than its iconic vermillion-red torii gates. The shrine has a rich history and cultural significance, which your guide will explore in depth. Discover the fascinating origins of the shrine dedicated to the god of grains, “Inari,” and learn about the fox statues, or “Kitsune,” which serve as Inari’s messengers. These clever creatures are seen as guides in the business world, and you might find yourself wanting them on your side after the tour.

• Licensed Local Guide
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Other personal expenses
• Lunch - Lunch (for yourself and your guide)
• Entrance fee (for yourself)
• Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide)
• The cost of food and drinks

Join the tour for an authentic local experience of Kyoto’s finest cuisine! Our nationally-licensed and experienced English-speaking guides will assist you in discovering the best culinary delights while exploring Kyoto.
Kyoto’s dishes offer delightful bursts of flavor that will surprise you, from tofu skin hot pots to eel rice bowls, and buckwheat noodles topped with a large fish.
Street food enthusiasts should not miss Nishiki Market. This 400-year-old market is steeped in history and culinary treasures. Discover adorable Japanese ‘wagashi’ sweets or the quirky tako-tamago, a skewered octopus filled with a quail egg. You can also enjoy viewing the pickled foods cherished by locals! If you’re a tea enthusiast, savor some rich and warm green tea (matcha), or cool down with a green tea parfait.
Once your reservation is confirmed, please select 3-4 spots from the tour details and inform your guide of your food preferences during planning. We look forward to guiding you soon!

*Please note that the cost of food and drinks is not included in the tour price. The tour fee covers guide services only.

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