Kyoto Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour

Step into the enchanting world of Kyoto on this walking tour through Pontocho and Gion Shirakawa, two of the city’s most picturesque and historic districts. Perfect for all ages, this casual evening tour immerses you in Kyoto’s rich culture and culinary traditions.

Feel the charm of cobblestone streets underfoot as you wander past traditional wooden tea houses and lantern-lit alleys, where the whispers of Kyoto’s geisha culture come alive. Hear the soft rustle of river breezes and the hum of lively local eateries as you explore these atmospheric neighborhoods.

Savor the flavors of Kyoto with tastings at beloved local spots, from delicate seasonal dishes to street food classics that have stood the test of time. Let the aroma of freshly grilled specialties and handmade sweets entice you as your expert guide shares fascinating stories of Kyoto’s history and traditions.

This tour is not just about sightseeing; it’s a journey into the heart of Kyoto’s timeless beauty, culture, and cuisine. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on your own, you’ll discover hidden gems and make unforgettable memories in one of Japan’s most magical cities.

Tour Highlights:

• Spend a relaxed evening of food tasting with a local guide, meticulously planned to maximize your short time in this amazing place.
• Walking Tour of the famous Pontocho and Gion Shirakawa districts
• Enjoy 4 food and drink stops featuring classic, and seasonal dishes of Kyoto
• Try sumi (charcoal) grilled meat and seafood skewers
• Visit a traditional noodle spot and taste local sake (rice wine) along the way.

Family-friendly pricing: If you are traveling with children and need a price adjustment- please email our team at Bookings@ArigatoJapan.co.jp.

Single travelers: please email us directly and let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Private Tours: For a more customized experience, make your tour private for an additional ¥19,500. (min. 2 people). Please click the add-on button on your cart when you check out.

Strict start time policy:  We are sorry to say that if you are not able to arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, we will need to start the tour regardless and no refund can be provided. We are also unable to accommodate meeting up at any of the food stops. This is to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests and also to respect our relationships with restaurants.

5-minute grace period: We can only wait an additional five minutes after the starting time and then the tour will depart. In addition, please note that we cannot give directions or contact the guides on the phone once the tour begins.

Tour Schedule:

 

Every day (Mon-Sun)
Meeting Time Frame	4:15 – 4:30 pm
Start Time	4:30 pm
End Time	7:30 pm

 

This is a very family-friendly, casual food tour in Kyoto that everyone can enjoy!
Changes on tours: Applicable substitutions may be made due to public holidays, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.

For Vegetarians: 

Some food that we serve may have dashi, a soup stock made from kelp (seaweed) and bonito (skipjack tuna) as well as other ingredients. Dashi is the cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and is used in many/most Japanese dishes. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your dietary needs if you cannot consume dashi. Additionally, please inform us if you can eat eggs and dairy products.

If you cannot consume Dashi, we recommend booking a private tour with us and we can offer some alternatives. Again, be aware, it will still be a challenge to 100% avoid fish stock.

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For this tour, it is possible (with advanced notice at the time of booking) to make adjustments to support the following dietary restrictions:

Please keep in mind, however, that we cannot make an allergy-free or dietary restriction food guarantee since food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to Arigato Travel. Also, some stops may not have a viable substitution but we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.

TRAVEL BLOGGER Tested and Approved!

Sharon of the National Post made our Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour part of her trip to Japan and love every moment of it. Read here for her thoughts and impressions.

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The meeting point is in front of the Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, a short walk from Gion Shijo Station Exit 5.

Kawabatacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0076

〒605-0076 京都市東山区川端町

Your guide will be holding an Arigato Travel Sign, there is some walking on the tour so please wear comfortable shoes.

WEATHER REMINDER: 
On rainy days, we recommend bringing an umbrella. They can be easily purchased at any convenience store.