Kyoto: 3-Hour Guided Food Tour in Gion at Night – Everything You Need to Know

Do you want to try a unique and out of the ordinary experience in Kyoto? A 3-hour guided food tour in Gion at night offers visitors a fantastic opportunity to experience one of the city’s most famous geisha districts, during the most magical moments of the evening.

The promise of a scrumptious culinary journey of Gion district’s most mouth-watering dishes while visiting the neighborhood’s centuries-old teahouses and restaurants is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

What is Gion district?

Gion district is located in Kyoto’s famous Higashiyama ward. With its traditional Japanese architecture and cobblestone streets, the area is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Japan.

The traditional Toyokuni Shrine and Yasaka Shrine are located here, as well as plenty of other small, traditional shops, local businesses, and well preserved traditional guesthouses (ryokan) dating back to the Edo period. Geishas and maikos, Kyoto’s famous courtesans and entertainers, roam the streets during the evening hours, offering visitors stunningly beautiful walks.

3-hour Guided Food Tour in Gion at Night

The food tour starts at 17:30 at the Shinmonzaka bus stop. The Shinmonzaka area is home to some of the oldest buildings and tea houses in Gion district, so it makes for a perfect starting point for a memorable experience like this.

From Shinmonzaka you will take a stroll through the streets of Gion, visiting several amazing spots:

• A hundred-year-old teahouse
• A local yakitori restaurant
• An elegant sushi restaurant
• A traditional kaiseki restaurant
• A sake brewery

Your Japanese expert tour guide will show you how to order and how to eat your food like a real Japanese local, while at the same time they will provide you with stories, anecdotes, and explanations about your experience. During all this, you will be treated to ten delicious dishes that showcase Gion district’s unique culinary heritage.

At the end of your trip you will be transferred back to the starting point by taxi.

What should I expect?

On this food tour you should expect to have an intimate experience of Gion’s culinary gems, try some of the best dishes served in the area and get insights about life in Japan from a local perspective. Since all of these places are locally owned, very few foreigners are seen here so it’s an opportunity to blend in and connect with the culture.

You don’t need to worry about anything while you are here: all taxes, fees and meals are included in the price and your tour guide will always assist you with anything you need. Also all tastings will come with the perfect beverage pairings so you can enjoy your meal even more!

More than just a food tour

Surely this experience has everything to offer in terms of delicious food and drinks, but there’s much more to it: your tour guide will strive to make sure that you come out of this adventure with a complete appreciation of Gion’s uniqueness and culture.

At certain points during the tour, your guide will delve deep into what makes this district unique, from a cultural perspective. Tales from the Edo era, stories about the vibrant night life, anecdotes about the area’s distinct geisha culture, brief interviews with locals and merchants in Gion: it is all part of this unforgettable 3-hour food tour.

Why should I go for this tour?

If you wish to experience Kyoto beyond the usual tourist destinations, then this 3-hour food tour in Gion at night is definitely something to consider. It is a fantastic opportunity to experience local life while delighting your palate with amazing traditional dishes.

This is also a very intimate experience, since all the places visited are locally owned and very few foreigners are seen here during evenings. So it easily blends into Japan’s cultural fabric and makes it truly one-of-a-kind food experience.

If you are looking for a memorable experience while visiting Kyoto then this 3-hour guided food tour in Gion at night is something that you should definitely try! To book your experience and find out more information visit Get Your Guide.

An Insider’s Guide to Kyoto

Kyoto is a city steeped in culture, with hidden treasures, mouth-watering food, and deep-rooted traditions. There is a lot more to Kyoto than the popular tourist spots that are widely known. This insider’s guide will take you beyond the conventional and help you discover the essence of Kyoto in an unforgettable way.

Local Attractions: Discover Hidden Gems

Kyoto has a plethora of well-known temples and shrines that you cannot miss, but there are a few hidden gems worth exploring. Head to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove situated on the outskirts of Kyoto. Here, you’ll encounter towering bamboo shoots standing in perfect symmetry. Another hidden treasure is the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, which is covered in thousands of vibrant orange gates, each one leading to a unique experience.

Dining Spots: Discover the Best Local Cuisine

Kyoto is renowned for its traditional cuisine, especially its multi-course Kaiseki dining experience. If you’re a food lover, you cannot leave Kyoto without trying out Okonomiyaki, a Japanese savory pancake, at Fugetsu. Afterward, head to Gion Tsujiri, a teahouse specializing in Kyoto’s green tea flavors, and indulge in their matcha parfaits, one of the best desserts in the city.

Cultural Experiences: Immerse Yourself in Kyoto’s Traditions and Customs

Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan, owing to its 1,000 years of history. Take a walk around the city’s Gion district, and you’ll come across maikos (apprentice geishas) and geishas in their exquisite kimonos. Learn the art of tea-making at a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, or delve into Japanese calligraphy (shodo), a traditional art form used for writing Japanese characters.

Local History: Fascinating Stories and Legends from Kyoto’s Past

Kyoto has a rich history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185). The city has many stories, myths, and legends hidden in plain sight. The story behind the Kyoto Imperial Palace gardens will transport you to a time when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Similarly, the beautiful Heian Shrine, which symbolizes everlasting peace, has an inspiring story behind it.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unique and Unforgettable Experiences

Kyoto has plenty of Instagram-worthy spots that go beyond the conventional. Experience a unique night out in Kiyamachi and Ponto-cho, where neon lights illuminate the traditional wooden houses. Then take to the water at night with a Tokyo River Cruise, a unique experience where the city is transformed by an array of illuminations.

In conclusion, Kyoto has much to offer than the most popular landmarks, and this insider’s guide reveals its hidden gems, fascinating stories, and unique experiences that make it such a special destination. Now it’s time to plan your trip and create your unforgettable adventure in Kyoto!