A Taste of Gion Food Tour

Meet the guide at 17:00 in front of Minami-za, the historic kabuki theatre along the bank of the Kamo River in Shijo.

The first stop is a small restaurant in the northern end of Gion, where guests will encounter a sophisticated yet homely atmosphere. Enjoy several Kyoto-style dishes like egg omelette and simmered vegetables that highlight the seasonal nature of Japanese cooking. Chat with the staff as food is prepared, and learn why a meal in Kyoto is just as much about conversation as it is about the cuisine.

After this, take a leisurely stroll to the next location, past the illuminated Shirokawa River and the charming Tatsumibashi Bridge. Most geisha start to entertain at 18:00, so the chance of seeing one of these finely attired ladies darting along the winding streets to their engagements is quite high. 

The second stop is another cozy Gion restaurant. This is where the locals come to unwind later in the evening, but tonight’s dinner begins before the place gets too busy, allowing for a more relaxed atmosphere. This is a kappo-style eatery, where guests order small dishes alacarte instead of as part of a set course menu. The menu here is seasonal, but includes grilled and fried food served in photogenic Kyoto style. Dive deeper into Kyoto cuisine, discovering the fresh vegetables, rich tofu, and smooth dashi fish broth that Kyoto is known for.

After two delicious meals, part ways with the guide and continue exploring the city’s nightlife independently. 

Notes:

- This tour is private only with a maximum of 4 participants.
- This tour is unavailable on Sundays and Public Holiday.
- The tour is not recommended to operate on Wednesday due to less shop opened.
- Participants of this tour must be at least 18 years of age.
- In Japan, it is still allowed to smoke in some small restaurants and bars and many traditional izakayas do not have properly separated non-smoking rooms.
- Sightings of geisha are not guaranteed. 
- Please understand that the menu of the tour is fixed and that traditional izakaya do not cater for food allergies or special dietary requirements. Our guide will try to adapt the menu as much as possible and find substitutions in the event of food allergies, but in some cases no alternative can be guaranteed.
- In the case of a serious or severe allergy, participants will not be able to take this tour. For moderate or mild allergies, the restaurants will be informed in advance but there could still be a potential risk of cross contamination, and participants will need to sign a waiver form before the day of the tour.
- The tour may be cancelled in case of extreme weather.
- Please contact your Travel Consultant for availability. Please note that all of the services and tours have yet to be booked and that they are proposed for your reference only. We will start making reservations after we receive your confirmation.
- Please inform your Travel Consultant of any special dietary requirements and physical conditions that you may have. We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance that also covers emergency medical evacuation.