Kyoto Homestyle Culinary Walk

Meet the guide at 18:30 in front of the famed Minamiza Kabuki Theatre and head out into the night for stops at up to three restaurants that all include food and drinks.

Begin with a walk through Gion, the historic geisha district. When evening falls, the streets are lit by lanterns and the traditional wooden building take on a charming glow. There is always the chance to spot a few geisha as they dart through the alleys on their way to meet clients. 

Arrive at the first restaurant, a quiet members-only homestyle-cooking establishment run solo by a delightful woman with a passion for good food. This is the kind of place that is normally closed to walk-in and tourists, but the guide will have a reservation prepared. The menu here is mainly obanzai cuisine, an ever-changing assortment of small dishes focusing on daily market-fresh fresh vegetables. Look forward to cooked-to-order delicacies like simmered fish, stewed vegetables with chicken, slow-cooked miso beef, and the owner’s signature dish of lightly fried dumplings inside a slice of eggplant instead of dough. 

Next, walk over the Kamogawa River to the Pontocho District, another geisha neighbourhood. Things are a bit livelier here, and a stop at a Kyoto-style izakaya (Japanese gastropub) awaits. A young couple operates this restaurant, greeting customers while keeping busy in the open kitchen preparing their original recipes. The specialty here is duck, long considered a classic Kyoto dish, and the menu has plenty of other options as well focused on vegetable and meat dishes cooked with rich dashi fish broth. 

All restaurants include options for both alcoholic non-alcoholic drinks.

For guests who are still hungry after the two delicious restaurants, a final stop for a shime can be arranged. Shime (pronounced “she-may”) refers to a carb-heavy final dish to top off a night of eating, so that the space in your stomach can be saved for the good stuff first. Tonight’s Kyoto-style shime is classic bowl of soba buckwheat noodles. A final short walk through the district is an option for guests who are full, perhaps with a stop for a casual dessert of traditional Kyoto sweets.

After eating your way through two Kyoto districts, part ways with the guide and continue exploring the city’s nightlife independently. (D)

Note: This tour follows a curated itinerary of predetermined restaurants; however, venues and menu items are subject to change due to closures, seasonal availability, dietary accommodations, or other unforeseen circumstances. The guide will strive to ensure the total number of dining venues remains consistent.

Notes:

- The private tour can be arranged with a maximum of 8 participants.
- Participants must be at least 13 years of age.
- Restaurant selection may vary based on availability, but the number of venues will remain the same.
- The food and locations outlined in the tour text may be changed due to seasonal menus, restaurant closures, and general availability.
- 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.
- Please inform your Travel Consultant of any special dietary requirements you may have at the time of booking the tour. Many traditional izakaya do not cater for food allergies or special dietary requirements but the menu can be adapted if we have the information ahead of time.
- In the case of a serious or severe allergy, participants may 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.
- 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 physical conditions that you may have. We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance that also covers emergency medical evacuation.