Kyoto Nightlife: Gion and Pontocho Tour

Discover Kyoto’s Gion district by night with local experts. Immerse in history, ask questions, and get top restaurant tips for a memorable evening.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights

Yasaka Shrine - Yasaka Shrine, located in Kyoto’s Gion district, is one of the city’s most famous Shinto shrines. Established over 1,350 years ago, it is known for its vibrant red main gate and beautiful lantern-lit pathways. The shrine hosts the annual Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s most famous festivals, attracting visitors worldwide. Yasaka Shrine…

What's Included
  • Walking tour with local guide
  • Food at 1 restaurant and 1 izakaya (up to 13 dishes)
  • Two drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
What's Not Included
  • Extra drinks (for big drinkers)
Additional Information

Experience the enchantment of Kyoto’s nightlife on a small-group tour through Gion and Pontocho, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Discover the rich geisha culture of Kyoto while uncovering hidden treasures and enjoying traditional cuisine.
Begin at Yasaka Shrine, which is stunningly lit at night, as the guide shares intriguing tales about its history…

Location
FamilyMart; Kyoto Gion
We are meeting in front of the main entrance of FamilyMart Gion facing the main street.
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.8
(25 Ratings)
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Coenraad
Aug 10, 2025
It was an excellent evening to never forget - The walk was great and we visited two restaurants. We tried really local food and the guide was a great companion. He took also Some great photo's
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Davidpz9270at
Aug 5, 2025
top - Absolutely amazing experience! The Gion & Pontocho Food Tour was one of the highlights of our trip to Kyoto. Every dish (all 13 of them!) was delicious, unique, and beautifully presented. Walking through the charming streets of Gion and Pontocho at night felt magical — like stepping into another world. Our guide was super knowledgeable, friendly, and made the evening fun and unforgettable. If you’re into great food, local culture, and cool vibes — this is a must-do. Highly recommended 🔥🔥
Review provided by Tripadvisor
1yanae
Aug 4, 2025
Unforgettable and really nice food - At first, we didnt expect a lot, however when we met our tour guide Kaoruko, we immediately kbew, that this evening was going to be amazing! In the first few Minutes, she became a friend and we talked a lot, she recommend us a lot of beautiful places and taught us about japan and the culture. The food was amazing and a good start for this adventure in Japan! Would recommend :)
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Liane
Jul 28, 2025
Great evening and great food - Great evening! Our guide Hakuma was very, very friendly and accommodating and responded to the individual circumstances (festival in the temple and on the streets around it). Told a lot about Japan, traditions and Japanese food and was interested in the cultures of other countries. The food was excellent. We had a wonderful time!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kate
Jun 19, 2025
Excellent tour - Our guide was fantastic and we had an excellent time visiting Yasaka shrine before heading to a tiny traditional restaurant for appetizers, then through Gion to a second restaurant for more food and sake (the sake was delicious, and the food too). This was our one tour in a 2 week holiday in Japan, and I’m glad we picked this one as it felt like making a local friend and getting insight and advice into lots of Japanese culture as well as Kyoto food.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Devon_r
May 23, 2025
Such an incredible... - Such an incredible experience! Moto was so knowledgeable and fun! He took us through gion to and tried food i wouldve never thought to try! Highly recommwnd
Review provided by Viator
Adam_g
May 20, 2025
Nice choice of traditional foods. - You meet withbyour guide, walk to a temple and then to 2 rrstaurants. When you eatba set menu of about 13 traditional japanese dishes. The guide was very knwledgeable and apoke excellent english. Highly reccomended!
Review provided by Viator
Oskab2024
Apr 11, 2025
Food tour Kyoto - Had an amazing time. Our guide was so knowledgeable and taught us so much about the area along the way. The food was amazing
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Prathyushak2018
Jul 22, 2025
- Ruko is fun to be around and made us eat some interesting and unique food specific to Kyoto which was really appreciated. Walked around Gion and got to spend some lovely time outdoors in the evening and night which was much more welcome than exploring in the sweltering heat during the day. If you're open to trying new food, other than the mainstream popular hits, this is a good idea.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michelle_c
Jul 4, 2025
Friendly tour - The Kyoto: Gion & Pontocho Food Tour was a fantastic way to explore the city’s culinary scene. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable, sharing cultural insights as we strolled through the charming streets of Gion and Pontocho.
Review provided by Viator
From $108
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).