}
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, Catalan, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, 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
  • 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

    Tes is a very friendly guide and even though we booked her waay too late she managed to find some interesting food spots for us. She's also a great conversationist for tourists visiting Japan to ask questions about local customs and culture!

    January 2023

    Sofie D

    Saki was an excellent guide! The food places we visited were fabulous and I never would have spotted them on my own. She also helped me with my Japanese and gave me insights about the culture and customs. With what I learned from Saki I kept myself happily fed for the remainder of my stay in Kyoto.

    October 2019

    Brian S

    I'm very pleased that I had Akane as my host in Izakaya Experience. She is a very lovely lady and nice to talk with. Se went to two very local izakayas and one extremly nice cafe. She also showed me some nice shops and gave some useful advice. Thank you Akane, I really enjoyed myself. Riitta

    September 2019

    Riitta K

    Nazuki picked us up in the hotel and we started a wonderful day in Kyoto. She was well prepared, showed us nice places and was not shy to tell us many stories about the life in her hometown Kyoto. She took care about all our needs and always had a good idea what we could do next. Throughout the day Nazuki gave us good suggestions for our whole stay in Kyōto and the temples we visited were nice, quiet and not crowded at all. At lunchtime we ate at an authentic Japanese place and in the evening Nazuki brought us to another special place to eat Okonomiyaki. Thank you so much.

    October 2017

    Christa 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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