10 Best Food Tours of Kyoto

Kyoto has a particular cuisine that you should explore during your visit. From the best cooking classes to guided tours and excursions, each experience has its own charm and is the best way to get closer to Japanese culture. Each experience has its own charm and is the best way to get closer to Japanese culture, as well as to taste the country's typical dishes.

For this kind of tours I recommend you to respect Japanese traditions and not to depreciate the dishes offered by the locals, as it is considered an act of bad manners. Additionally, in some places you must remove your shoes. Please note that although there are a variety of tours in English, it is preferable to learn basic Japanese words in order to communicate better.

The tea ceremony is a cultural ritual that involves the preparation of Japanese tea, following the principles of hospitality of Buddhist monks. Years ago it was a tradition practised in China, but over time it disappeared and was adopted by the Japanese culture. This activity is ideal if you are short on time, for example if you plan to visit Kyoto in two days.

To enter the venue you must take off your shoes and sit on the floor to share this Japanese snack. Exceptions are made for those who have mobility problems and feel uncomfortable on the floor. Here you can enjoy Japanese sweets, vegan sweets and matcha tea.

Photography is allowed, but no flash. Kimonos are available for hire at an additional cost for a more enjoyable experience.

The activity takes place on Masuyachō Street, where the teahouse is located. In addition, during the tea ceremony you can learn about:

• The history of matcha and its importance in Japanese culture.
• The steps of the tea ceremony.
• The layout of the table and the room.
• How to prepare matcha tea and which flavours are in season.

Interesting details

• Price: from 27 €.
• Duration: about 45 minutes.
• Means of transport: does not include a return transfer, but is a short tour suitable for people of all ages, including children and seniors.
• Advantages of this option: includes a professional English-speaking guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: Not recommended during the rainy season.

Kyoto's nightlife is interesting and fun, and allows you to experience the local cuisine in a completely different atmosphere. During the night, the streets of Kyoto are transformed to give way to shows in the restaurants, for example in the Gion area you may see geisha shows.

Please note that in Kyoto you must be over 20 years of age to consume alcohol. This tour is an experience intended for a maximum of six people, so it is quite private and ideal if you are travelling with friends, or looking to meet people from other cultures. Tipping is not included, but is not necessary in Japan, as it is considered an offence.

Upon arrival at the two selected restaurants you will enjoy a surprise dinner, with a variety of Japanese dishes that enhance the culture of the country, offering explosive flavours. The price includes dinner, two drinks of your choice and entrance to Kawaramachidori and Kiyamachi.

The advantage of this tour is that there are underground stations in the vicinity, making it easy to get around. This tour is considered one of the best things to do in Kyoto, so you can't miss it. During the tour you will be able to visit:

• Kamo River: located between the Pontocho and Gion districts, it is an excellent option to visit during the summer, as the nights are warm and you can walk along the shore without getting cold. In the surrounding area there are many restaurants with terraces offering unbeatable views.
• Kiyamachi Street: this emblematic historical area is home to restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious dinner. It is ideal to go with a guide, as some restaurants only speak Japanese. Also, be prepared because you will have free time to stroll around its alleys.
• Pontocho district: it is one of the most important gastronomic areas locally. If you still want to keep tasting, I recommend you to visit the typical sweets stalls. You should take advantage of the nightlife, as well as the variety of surprising activities in the surrounding area.
• Kawaramachidori: this is a fun and lively shopping street, where you will find arcades and souvenir shops. This is almost the end of the tour, so I recommend you to stay close to the group in order not to get lost.

Details of interest

• Price: from 105 €.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Means of transport: This is an entirely walking tour that does not include transport. For the return transfer you can locate the nearest Kyoto-Kawaramachi train station.
• Advantages of this option: it is available in English, with a professional guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for children as it is a night-time experience.

Traveller Tip

Throughout Kyoto you will find a variety of temples and shrines, the difference being that Buddhist temples worship Buddha and have a sanmon gate at the entrance. Whereas, Shinto temples worship the Kami, better known as the gods of the Japanese indigenous religion, and have a torii gate at the entrance.

If the day and night tours don't suit you, don't worry! You can make the most of each time slot by signing up for a food tour in the evening. This experience offers a tasting that celebrates Japanese culture. It's one of the best things to do in Kyoto if you want to get up close and personal with its flavourful offerings.

Before arriving at the restaurant, you can wander around and soak up the activities on offer including local entertainment, geisha shows, art exhibitions and more. Take advantage of the December activities in Kyoto, during this month there are few tourists and events to celebrate Christmas.

During the evening be prepared to watch the sunset, which tends to be more beautiful during the summer and spring. On the other hand, as you go along, your guide will make stops to explore the local history.

The first food stop is in the Shirakawa neighbourhood, where you will enjoy Kaiseki dinner, known as a traditional meal. It is prepared with seasonal ingredients and includes 10 savoury dishes, dessert, a drink and green tea. The order of each dish is designed to create a pleasing explosion on your palate, and the presentation of the dishes is second to none.

There are a variety of tours of Kyoto that include adventures and unique experiences. Some also offer stops at food stalls or gastronomic experiences. During the tour you can visit:

• Gion: you probably already noticed that it is one of the most popular and fun areas. Tourist crowds are high, but during the tour you will have the opportunity to get up close to its main attractions, as well as explore lesser-visited corners.
• Shirakawa neighbourhood: this is an area along Kyoto's canals, which offers areas full of natural beauty all year round. You can take advantage of the things to do in Kyoto in winter, which are a lot of fun, especially when unexpected snowfalls occur and paint the wooden houses white.
• Tatsumi Daimyojin Shrine: it divides the two roads of Gion and is characterised by being one of the quietest places in the area.
• Hōkanji Temple: where the Yasaka pagoda, a classic building in Asian countries, is kept.

Details of interest

• Price: from 210 €.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Means of transport: does not include the transfer to and from the site; it is a long walk. I recommend that you prepare suitable shoes and clothing according to the season.
• Advantages of this option: this tour includes a traditional Kaiseki dinner, ideal to introduce you to Japanese food. It is a suitable experience for vegetarians, pescatarians and gluten intolerant people.
• Disadvantages of this option: There must be a minimum number of people signed up for the tour.

If you want to try 7 typical Japanese dishes, I suggest you sign up for a food tour of Kyoto's Nishiki Market, where all the ingredients and snacks are seasonal.

While you taste the dishes, the guide will explain the process of preparation. From the time the food is harvested in the Japanese fields, until it is transformed into culinary offerings. The tour also includes a look at the history of the market, which is more than 400 years old.

This is an ideal family plan for activities with children. Please note that children over the age of 10 must be accompanied by a legal guardian and carry their passport. During the tour you can visit:

• Naramonochō Street: where you must be on time to start the tour, as the Japanese hate lateness.
• Nishiki Market: the main attraction of this tour, where you will find a variety of Japanese dishes.
• Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine: located in the centre of Kyoto, it offers a lively atmosphere, as it is on a shopping street.
• Rokkakudo Temple or Chōhō-ji: one of the largest temples in Kyoto, note that entrance is not included in the tour and is an optional visit that you can do on your own.

Details of interest

• Price: from 108 €.
• Duration: approximately three hours.
• Means of transport: does not include the transfer to and from the tour, as it is a walking tour.
• Advantages of this option: includes a full tasting, as well as extra time to shop to your heart's content.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is only available in English and it is a long tour, so it is not compatible with a short one-day itinerary.

Some of Kyoto's best temples are located between Arashiyama and Sagano, and there are a variety of options for dining and food experiences. This route is ideal for autumn activities in the city, so you can take advantage of the browning of the trees and festivals.

In the area you will find villas hundreds of years old, as well as traditional gardens, temples, shrines, green areas and corners with little tourist traffic. At each stop the guide will tell you historical details and offer suggestions for Japanese food. During this tour you will be able to visit

• Arashiyama: if you want to walk around the outskirts of the city, this area at the foot of the mountain is the best option. I recommend you to visit it during April, as it is the best time to visit Kyoto, due to the cherry blossom. Another option is to take advantage of things to do in Kyoto in November, such as autumn festivals and outdoor events.
• Okochi Garden: an ancient villa open to the public, the surrounding area is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants. The tour includes entrance to the facilities.
• Bamboo Forest: a busy and very charming place that offers a sensory experience. To enhance the experience, the guide will tell you the history of this site and you will have some time to take pictures.
• Tenryu-ji Temple: this is an ideal place to visit during the spring, as it offers seasonal flowers. It has a peaceful atmosphere and from the pond you will be able to appreciate the mountain.
• Kimono Forest: if you like animals, here you can feed and take care of Japanese macaques.
• Sagano: it is a tourist district that offers natural and sacred spaces. If you want to get to know the area in depth, I recommend you to take a tourist train.
• Togetsukyo Bridge: in this area you will stop for fast food and Japanese snacks, such as fish cake. Afterwards, you can finish your visit by enjoying the view from the top of the bridge.

Details of interest

• Price: from €105.
• Duration: around three hours.
• Means of transport: does not include the transfer to and from the hotel, and the tour is on foot.
• Advantages of this option: includes a professional guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is a walk of more than 3 km, not suitable for people with health problems.

• Allow at least 3 days to visit Kyoto, so that you can explore the city and sign up for unhurried tours.
• I don't recommend scheduling tours during rainy months, such as July, September and October, as they may be rescheduled and affect your itinerary.
• Tasting tours offer a variety of dishes, so I recommend you go with an appetite for variety. Keep space between meals, i.e. avoid overeating during the first stop.
• Be aware that in Japan it is impolite to eat standing up or to ask for a change of ingredients on your plate. In some places it's important to take off your shoes to eat, and sticking your chopsticks in your food is considered a bad omen.

Learn some Japanese

Additionally, some food tours include guides in English or Spanish, but it is important that you can communicate and use basic Japanese words. Here is a list of the most commonly used words in the region with their pronunciation:

• Hello: Konnichiwa.
• Goodbye: Sayonara.
• Thank you: Arigato gozaimasu.
• Good morning: Ohayou gozaimasu.
• Please: Onegai shimasu.
• Waiter: U~eitā.
• It's very tasty: Totemo oishii desu.
• I am vegetarian: Beyitarian desu.
• Is it spicy? Karai desu ka?
• How much does it cost? Ikura desu ka?
• Breakfast: Chō shoku.
• Lunch: Hirugohan.
• Dinner: Bangohan.
• Beer: Biiru.
• Wine: Wain.