Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge
Big Ben to Tower Bridge

What you'll do

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 Senmaizuke, a delicious, traditional Kyoto pickle made from Shogoin turnips, or slurp up fragrant green tea noodles in a city known for its uji matcha. Veggie lovers can dig into ultra-umami Issenyoushoku!

Where you’ll go

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 famous 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. At this small local bar, you’ll share small plates of Hamo (Conger eel) 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 a steaming bowl of Nishin-soba and a cold drink as the sun sets over the Kamo River. 

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 3 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, Bulgarian, Cantonese, Catalan, French, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish)

  • Your hotel/apartment or any other 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
  • 3 hours with a host
  • 1 drink & 2 dishes or 2 drinks & 1 dish at each bar
  • Seating charges (table charge fees)
  • 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 list above
  • Drinks that cost more than 1000 yen each
  • 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

    So much fun! Michael was an incredible host and made us feel so welcome. He picked great restaurants and customized the trip to fit everyone's taste. I traveled with my two teenagers and we all agree that this was the best part of our trip.

    August 2023

    Maria A

    Great experience! Mi was super helpful and we had some amazing food. She even surprised us with a mini birthday cake!

    August 2023

    Kaycee H

    Our Guide, Taibi met us for an evening tour of several of Kyoto's local night spots that working locals enjoy at the end of their days including Captain 1 Kyoto and a stand up "happy hour" spot where young locals and the owners were so gracious to teach us new drinks and treats. Taibi also started our night with a view of the spectacular light show on the staircase at Kyoto station. We had walked through the station many times but didn't look up notice this amazing display. Thank you Taibi for your love of Kyoto and your kindness to us.

    July 2023

    Peggy T

    She picked places with lots of options for foods and even arranged to have a birthday surprise for us at our last place! She also went above and beyond with helping us get a taxi back to our hotel (it was a little confusing because it’s a small hotel and our last taxi driver had taken us to the wrong spot).

    July 2023

    Kaycee H

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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make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

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