Kyoto Premium Night Foodie Tour: Gion, Pontocho, Hidden Eats & Sake
- Kyoto, Japan
- 3.5 hour tour
- Small group tour
- English speaking guide
- Instant Confirmation
What makes this tour unique
- Explore authentic hidden restaurants in Gion and Pontocho with a local guide in one night.
- Savor seasonal Kyoto cuisine in a historic townhouse and learn about Dashi.
- Enjoy premium local sake tastings perfectly paired with authentic Kyoto food.
- Finish your evening with traditional matcha and sweets at a secret night cafe.
Tips and recommendations by our official guides
Welcome to Kyoto! The historical streets of Gion and Pontocho are truly magical at night, illuminated by glowing paper lanterns. However, finding authentic, welcoming restaurants here can be challenging for visitors. That is why I created this tour! I want to take you safely through the labyrinth of backstreets to my favorite hidden gems.
We will start in a beautiful, historic Machiya (traditional townhouse) to savor seasonal Kyoto cuisine. I will explain the deep culture behind "Dashi" (broth) and "Obanzai" (traditional side dishes). Next, we will dive into the lively Pontocho alley, stopping at a cozy Izakaya to taste premium local sake made from Kyoto's famous soft water.
Finally, we will end our 3.5-hour gastronomic adventure at a hidden night cafe with traditional matcha and sweets. Bring your appetite and curiosity! Let's share great food and deep conversations about Japanese culture!
Official guide
What's included
Savor Seasonal Kyoto Cuisine at a Hidden Machiya in Gion
Your culinary adventure begins at Gion Shijo Station. As we stroll through the lantern-lit, historic streets of Gion, your guide will lead you away from the tourist crowds and into a secret world. We will enter a hidden traditional restaurant housed in a classic Machiya (townhouse)—a place you would never find on your own. Here, you will savor authentic, seasonal Kyoto appetizers like Obanzai, learning about the deep cultural philosophy of Dashi (broth) in a beautifully traditional atmosphere.
Explore Pontocho Alley & Enjoy Premium Local Sake Tastings
Next, we navigate the narrow, atmospheric alleys of Pontocho, diving into a lively, authentic Izakaya. Kyoto is world-renowned for its incredibly smooth sake, brewed using the region's famous soft water. Your expert guide will curate a premium sake tasting experience, perfectly pairing different types of local sake with delicious, authentic Japanese dishes. Share deep conversations and discover how locals truly enjoy their nightlife!
A Sweet Finale: Traditional Matcha & Dessert at a Secret Cafe
Great gastronomic journey is complete without dessert! After satisfying your appetite with savory dishes and premium sake, we will round off the evening at a hidden night cafe near Pontocho. Relax in a traditional setting and indulge in authentic Japanese matcha and local Kyoto sweets. It is the perfect, sweet finale to a safe, delicious, and unforgettable 3.5-hour evening in Kyoto!
Photos from the Recent Tours
Meeting Point
In front of Izumo no Okuni Statue. right out side of Exit 5 of Gion Shijo Station (Keihan Line)
- Your guide will be holding a board saying "Magical Trip"
Itinerary
- Meeting Place
- Restaurants/Izakaya in Gion or Pontocho
- Bar / Izakaya around Pontocho
- A sake bar or matcha dessert bar around Gion or Pontocho
- Return to Gion Shijo Station
- (You can stay at the last place if you like)
- Because most Japanese restaurants are not fully ready for providing vegetarian menus, limited choices of vegetarian foods in our tour is available.
- For any dietary request, please request in advance (by the day before). We are unable to accept any request on the day of the tour.
- All ages can join this tour
- Please note that there may be other participants
- You do not need to pay for the guide's food and drinks
- Please inform us ahead if you need a vegetarian course meal (Vegan and Gluten-free course meal is not available.)
- Please bring some cash for extra drinks and food you may want to order, as some restaurants don't accept credit cards
- Only persons over 20 years of age can drink alcohol by Japanese law
- This tour could possibly visit places where smoking is not prohibited. Please note that we may not be able to change the tour venues in this case.
- The itinerary for this tour includes some locations that are not accessible by a wheelchair or stroller.
- This tour is not recommended for people with mobility issues, if you have walking problems we recommend booking a private tour.
- Please inform us at least one day before the tour if you have any dietary requests or allergies to mention.
- Note: Requests made on the day of the tour cannot be accommodated.
- Please note that we are unable to guarantee allergy-free or cater to dietary restrictions as the food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to MagicalTrip. Additionally, there may be instances where substitutions are not possible at certain stops; however, we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.
- Japan's climate has become more extreme, with summer highs of 40°C (110°F) and winter lows of -5°C (20°F). Please prepare accordingly for the tour.
- Out of respect for our other guests and to ensure the best tour for everyone, we must start the tour on time.
- You will not be able to join the tour, get a refund or reschedule if you are late for the tour and miss the group.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the tour starting time.
- Free date/time change up to 24 hours till the tour starting time.
- Cancellation after the starting time or no show, we offer no refund or date/time change.
- We will start the tour on time. Being late for more than 5 minutes without contacting us will be regarded as a cancellation without any refund.
Inform us about any dietary preferences or restrictions in advance.
| Dietary request | Availability |
|---|---|
dairy-free | ✕ unavailable |
gluten-free | ✕ unavailable |
vegan | ✕ unavailable |
vegetarian | ✕ unavailable |
We cannot be held responsible for any food allergens present at street food stalls during the tour.
- dairy
- eggs
- gluten
- nuts
- shellfish
Check out YouTuber ONLY in JAPAN experiencing our tour
