The Kyoto food diaries: eat like a local
The Kyoto food diaries: eat like a local
The Kyoto food diaries: eat like a local
The Kyoto food diaries: eat like a local
The Kyoto food diaries: eat like a local
The Kyoto food diaries: eat like a local
The Kyoto food diaries: eat like a local
The Kyoto food diaries: eat like a local

What you'll do

In Kyoto, the number of foods you’ll try is only restricted by the size of your appetite, so come hungry! Jostle your way through the 400-year-old Nishiki Market in downtown Nakagyo - a large, central district -  where you’ll find all of Kyoto’s popular street foods in one mouth-watering place. Keep things moving with a quick trip to a 100-yen sushi bar and have a draft beer in an intimate izakaya, a small local bar where you’ll share small plates of crispy kushikatsu, or take your time at a traditional kaiseki (a traditional, multi-course meal) restaurant in Gion, Kyoto’s central geisha district. For a uniquely Kyoto experience shared with your local insider, enjoy steaming gyoza dumplings and a cold drink as the sun sets over Kamo River. 

 

Where you’ll go

Kyoto has retained its 1000-year status as a culinary capital in Japan. With your host playing the dual role of ingredient explainer and menu decipherer, let the smells of street food guide you down a five-block marketplace filled with spectacular snacks – from seafood-stuffed dough balls under a blanket of unfurling bonito flakes, karikari takoyaki, to fresh beef sushi (yes, beef!) The epitome of Japanese haute cuisine, kaiseki, is a must-try for any foodie. And if you’re feeling adventurous? Try tako tamago, a quail egg-stuffed octopus, or slurp up fragrant green tea noodles in a city known for its uji matcha. Veggie-lovers can dig into ultra-umami Issenyoushoku.

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 4 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking Tour

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, French, German, Greek, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • Eat your way through an especially food-obsessed area of Kyoto with a local host who’ll suggest dishes according to your taste
  • Have a formal sit-down dinner, or simply snack on a variety of street foods
  • Learn about the history of Kyoto through food – from centuries-old Nishiki Market to traditional kaiseki dining
  • Have your helpful host on hand to translate, order, explain and recommend any dish

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 4 hours with a Host
  • 6-8 tastings of various local food specialties
  • A glass of sake, wine, beer or soft drink
  • Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks (other than the ones included in the experience)
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    Justin was such a fun tour guide. My partner is a bit shy but he pulled him right out of that and had him drinking and doing activities that were specifically tailored to his interests in no time. The food was amazing. It introduced me to melonpan, which is officially my favourite food ever. We were left so full and happy. The most perfect introduction to Kyoto. Justin also gave us tips for where we could eat when we stopped back in. I would recommend this experience (and Justin) to everyone!

    January 2020

    Caryl D

    I originally had this tour planned for Tokyo, but I'm so happy I ended up doing it in Kyoto. The food was absolutely delicious. Honestly best food I had in all 3 cities I visited in Japan. Eko is an awesome guide. Very helpful, good taste in food and just fun to talk to. If you love food like I do, definitely go for it.

    October 2019

    A. S

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Kyoto. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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