16 Best Kyoto Food Tours in 2024 (Eat Like a Local)

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Looking for the best Kyoto food tours to join for an unforgettable culinary experience?

You are on the right site!

With its long history and unique cuisine, it is no wonder that Kyoto has become one of the most popular destinations for food lovers around the world.

From exquisite kaiseki dishes to comforting Japanese street food snacks, there are so many delicious options to explore in this amazing city for all traveller types.

And what better way to experience all these flavours than by joining a guided food tour in Kyoto?

So if you are ready for a gastronomic adventure in Kyoto, here are 15 delicious tours that will have your taste buds bursting with joy!

Best Food Tours in Kyoto: Top 15 Options

1. Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
2. Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour
3. Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour
4. Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour
5. Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour
6. Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour
7. Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond
8. Kyoto: Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour
9. Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour
10. 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
11. 3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience
12. Advanced Sake Tasting Experience
13. Nishiki Market Food Tour in Kyoto
14. Taste of Nishiki Market Private Food Tour
15. The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals: Private Street Food Tour
16. Kyoto: Izakaya Food Tour with Local Guide

Quick Guide: Kyoto Food Tours

Food Tours Kyoto

1. Kyoto Night Foodie Tour

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (318 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

One of the highly-rated Kyoto Food Tours that you can sign up for is Kyoto Night Foodie Tour.

A gastronomic adventure that will give you a taste of the local culture and history, this 3-hour food tour takes guests through some of the best restaurants and eateries in the Pontocho and Gion districts.

We had a great tour with Nobu as our guide. After 2 weeks in Japan, we were still taken to try food and drinks that we had not yet seen anywhere else. The locations were great, and the variety of options allowed everyone to match their preferences. Would absolutely recommend it to anyone in Kyoto looking for guidance and a good evening with others. – Jay (See more reviews)

You will get to enjoy 4 to 5 delicious food tastings including the native Kyoto dish, Obanzai, and sake tasting at a Japanese standing bar.

Since Kyoto Night Foodie Tour is a guided tour, you will also get the first-hand experience of learning and listening to interesting stories about local culture from your friendly guide!

Plus, with a small group size of a maximum of 7 people, this food tour in Kyoto is sure to provide an intimate experience for travellers looking to socialise with other participants.

To top it all, Kyoto Night Foodie Tour also provides photos of the food tour to the participants so you can easily reminisce all those captured precious good times and travel memories in this beautiful Japanese city.

Pro-tip: Want to have more pretty photos of you exploring Kyoto? Then sign yourself up for one of the top Kyoto photography tours listed in this comprehensive article!

• Available Slots: 6 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 7

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2. Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (95 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

Prefer to combine sightseeing and food hunting around the stunning Arashiyama area in Kyoto in one go?

Well, this Kyoto Arashiyama & Sagano Walking Food Tour is definitely for you.

With a duration of 3 hours, you will get to enjoy the best of both worlds at a relaxing pace under the guidance of the friendly local guide.

Yasuna was a fantastic tour guide. We took multiple tours in Japan and she was the best! She was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. She explained everywhere we went in detail which made it a fun memorable experience. We didn’t feel rushed and had plenty of time to take photos and purchase items along the way. Yasuna also went above and beyond to help us plan what to do after the tour. –Thomas (See more reviews)

This small-group tour takes visitors through some of the most iconic sights and Instagrammable places in Kyoto, including Okochi Sanso Garden, Arashiyama Forest, UNESCO site Tenryuji Temple, Kimono Forest and Togetsukyo Bridge.

As you take in these stunning views, your professional local guide will provide fascinating information about the history of each spot for a more immersive travel experience.

There will be several traditional snack pit stops such as fish cakes and sweets throughout this walking food tour in Kyoto, so you get to indulge in the local food scene as you walk from one place to another.

Pro-tip: Entrance fees to Tenryu-ji Temple & Okochi-Sanso Garden are included in this amazing food tour so you do not need to worry about bursting your travel budget!

Since there is plenty of walking required for this walking food tour, it is generally recommended for physically-able fit people who love to walk and mingle with other like-minded travellers.

Note: A moderate amount of walking is needed to complete this tour (around 4km) so make sure to wear a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. 

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• Available Slots: 9.30 am
• Duration: 3 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 8

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3. Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (149 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

With a full rating of 5 stars from more than 140 reviews, you can never go wrong with the Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour!

This 3-hour food tour takes you through some of the city’s best bars in Pontocho, offering an authentic nightlife experience.

You can wind down with this leisure activity after spending the earlier part of the day exploring the city with the best bike tour in Kyoto.

From trying out delicious yakitori to sipping on sake at a standing bar, this is sure to be a fascinating adventure that will stay with you long after your trip ends.

Mimi was an excellent guide and we really enjoyed learning about Japanese culture. The bars and food were excellent, along with the vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The sake was top notch as was the sour cocktail. A 10/10 experience we would highly recommend! -A Satisfied Participant (See more reviews)

Once you have met with the assigned guide, you will be heading over to the first local izakaya bar for some food and drinks before continuing to the other two bars.

With an expert guide on hand to share local knowledge and customs, you will get acquainted with the local residents and the vibrant atmosphere in no time.

Don’t worry if you are a vegetarian; vegetarian food options are available too in this amazing food tour!

• Available Slots: 6.30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 6

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4. Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (94 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

Another popular Kyoto food tour that you can consider is the Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour.

With a maximum participant number of 6, this exciting 2.5-hour tour offers a chance for travellers to mingle with others and have a slightly more personalised experience without feeling overwhelmed.

It was a great experience. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, friendly and funny. Food was great! Highly recommended! –Sunethra (See more reviews)

This amazing food tour starts off by exploring Gion and admiring the lovely wooden tea houses’ sights before heading to Nishiki Market.

Once you reach Nishiki Market, a vibrant atmosphere with plenty of mouthwatering local snacks sold by the local vendors will be waiting for you there!

And here is the exciting part especially for foodie travellers; you can savour 4 to 5 delicious food samples from the stalls while exploring this 300-year-old market.

From traditional Japanese dishes like an eel to sushi, there is something for everyone.

The friendly tour guide will share the history and the food culture of Kyoto throughout the food tour, so you can learn more about Japan through the lens of a local.

And it does not just stop there.

This Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour ends with a hearty brunch at a restaurant so you are literally eating your way across Kyoto!

• Available Slots: 9.30 am
• Duration: 2.5 hours 
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 6

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5. Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (116 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

Are you looking for a unique way to experience the culture and cuisine of Kyoto with other foodies like yourself?

Then look no further than the Nishiki Market and Gion District Cultural Walking Food Tour!

This small-group guided tour will take you through some of the most famous sights in Kyoto while introducing you to traditional Japanese local dishes.

We loved our tour. Naomi was our tour guide and she shared some information about her history with Kyoto and the history of the market, temple, and area. She told us where to keep a lookout for Maiko and Geishas and what other shops and things she likes doing in the area that was not part of the tour. Overall she was friendly, kind and knowledgeable. My partner and I agreed the walking allowed us to see and observe more, and even after our tour was done we were both sad to no longer have Naomi as our guide. Thank you, Naomi! –Francis (See more reviews)

During the tour, you will get to explore the bustling Nishiki Market, home to 130 different food stalls.

Here you can try out local favourites like tofu skin, Japanese omelette, pickled vegetables and fried fish cake, and more.

Pro-tip: You can also get your souvenir hauls for loved ones back home at Nishiki market!

After filling up your tummy with delicious food, you will then explore the famous landmarks of Kyoto guided by an experienced guide.

The guide will provide insights into the history of the city as you walk from one landmark to another, giving you a better understanding of life in Kyoto.

Some of the places included in this food walking tour are Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine and Kiyamachi Street in Pontocho.

There is also a traditional Kyoto sweets pit-stop included in the food tour so you can sample a variety of sweet treats!

This cultural walking food tour will end at Gion where you get to admire the beautifully preserved townhouses (machiya).

You will also get to visit Tatsumi Shrine too, which appeared in the movie “Memoirs of Geisha” for a little history lesson about Maiko’s culture.

• Available Slots: 10.45 am
• Duration: 3 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 6

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6.Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (13 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

Are you dreaming of a romantic evening with your significant other in the traditional alleys of Kyoto?

Then look no further than the Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour!

This 3-hour tour is perfect for couples who prefer to experience the local food scene at night, as it will take you to one of Japan’s most famous geisha districts for sightseeing while enjoying the mouth-watering local cuisine.

Thomas was awesome!!! Great tour of Gion and dining experience with lots of great tips shared about how best to enjoy Kyoto! -Get Your Guide Traveler (See more reviews)

This Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour begins at Kamowaga.

Over here you get to try some delicious seasonal snack food from the stalls along the scenic Kamowaga River.

Since this spot is also the local’s favourite hangout place with their friends or family members after work, you can also take this chance to mingle with them and learn a thing or two about the local culture.

Once you are done snacking, the food tour continues to Gion, the most popular geisha district in Kyoto.

Lined with beautiful wooden teahouses, you get to admire the traditional architecture and immerse in the retro vibes.

You will also learn about the history and current practices of the Maiko and Geiko cultures of this city from the English-speaking local guide for a deeper understanding of this unique culture.

The multi-course kaiseki course meal included in this food tour is probably the highlight of the night.

Featuring the renowned regional and seasonal specialities of Kyoto, the kaiseki course is sure to tantalise your taste buds with its combination of tasty flavours and textures leaving a great impression of the historic food culture of Kyoto!

Pro-tip: You can share your allergy and dietary requirements when booking the food tour so extra planning can be done when it comes to preparing your meal.

Note: Bring along a copy of your passport before the tour starts.

• Available Slots: 5 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Suitable for: Couples & families or groups of 8

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7. Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond

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🌟 Ratings: 4.5/5 (113 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

If checking out the vibrant nightlife of every city you visit is your kind of to-do travel bucket list, then this Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion & Beyond is for you!

Aside from indulging in regional specialities at the bars and restaurants, this 3-hour guided tour takes you on an adventure through some of the gorgeous landmarks of Kyoto.

These places include Yasaka Shrine, Gion, and Pontocho.

This was a fabulous tour of Kyoto’s Gion district. We walked through one of the Shrine areas and Ferdinanz, our guide, was very knowledgeable and friendly. He took us to a fun hipster “standing bar” where we had a drink and some delicious-tasting plates. We walked a bit more and went to a traditional restaurant with delicious share plates. Would highly recommend this tour. –Kelly (See more reviews)

The knowledgeable guide will give you a deeper insight into the city’s history and culture throughout the tour, making it a fascinating travel experience to have.

There will be 2 food stops in this lovely tour, where you get to enjoy great food and two drinks of your choice while immersing in Kyoto’s nightlife and lively ambience.

You will also make a pit stop at Pontocho for some photo-taking sessions. This rather retro spot brings you back to the time instantly, thanks to the narrow lanes and paper lanterns creating an old-school vibe.

To make this food tour in Kyoto more inclusive, the tour operator offers vegetarian meals and non-alcoholic drink options so that everyone can enjoy the experience to their fullest without feeling left out!

Note: The legal drinking age in Japan is 20 years old. 

• Available Slots: 6.30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 6

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8. Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour

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🌟 Ratings: 4.6/5 (5 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

Looking for a food tour in Kyoto that is kids-friendly?

The Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour is your best bet.

This guided tour is perfect for young families and those who would love to mix learning about local food culture with sightseeing.

You will get to visit five different eateries, each offering classic and seasonal dishes of this amazing city.

Worth every penny! We did the Kyoto: Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour and our guide Yoshie was the best part. She was an instant friend taking us on a tour of her city. The out-of-the-way places, the amazing food, and the wonderful ppl made for one of the best evenings of our trip! -Get Your Guide Traveler (See more reviews)

From retro restaurants serving regional specialities, to old-school yakitori shops, sake-tasting bars and century-old soba restaurants – you are sure to have an unforgettable travel experience with your kids!

The tour begins with a walking tour of the famous Pontocho and Gion Shirakawa districts, known for their beautiful sights and laid-back ambience.

Since Pontocho is popular for yakitori, the tour participants are served several scrumptious varieties of skewered meat and seafood at an old-school restaurant.

Then the participants will be brought over to a nearby standing sake-tasting shop for nihonshu (rice wine) tasting to cleanse the palate.

And if you are bringing kids along, the children will be given a refreshing plum soda drink instead!

Kyoto travel is not complete without soba and this Kyoto food tour includes a pit stop at a century-old soba restaurant for some tasty handmade noodle meals.

End the night with a bang with something that both adults and kids love and bond over – a traditional-modern fusion green tea dessert at a trendy neighbourhood!

Note: A minor must be accompanied by an adult on this tour. 

• Available Slots: 4.30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours 
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 10

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9.Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (3 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

If you are a big fan of everything green tea, then you shouldn’t miss this Kyoto Matcha Green Tea Tour.

This unique food tour takes you to Uji, a tranquil area known for its delicious and high-quality green teas 40-minute drive away from the ancient city.

You will get to stroll through lovely streets, visit local tea shops, and explore the historic Byodoin Temple – all while learning about Japanese culture from an experienced guide and enjoying some of the best matcha in the country.

Beautiful and informative tour in the beautiful town of Uji with great and knowledgeable tour guides. We visited a shrine and temple, learned the history and significance of the landmarks, ground tea leaves to make matcha and made our own. We ate tasty matcha soba noodles and delicious matcha ice cream. Highly recommended tour. – Suzi (See more reviews)

A dazzling World Heritage Site, Byodoin Temple is popular for its magnificent architecture and zen ambience.

After taking in the sights of this incredible place, you will visit some local shops to sample a variety of green tea-based products such as traditional sweets (wagashi), matcha ice cream, soba noodles, and tea drinking.

You will also get to see how green tea is prepared here and get a sense of what goes into one of the main tea production in the world in this food tour!

If you want to sip on some Japanese tea while overlooking the beautiful view from your Kyoto ryokan with private onsen, you can buy some tea souvenirs from the shops too.

And that is not all; the tour is inclusive of a delicious lunch too so you won’t be leaving Uji in a hungry state.

Note: This green tea tour requires a minimum of 2 participants per booking so make sure to bring along a friend or partner to join you for an amazing cultural experience!

Extra note: Uji is about a 40-minute ride away from Kyoto central so make sure to plan accordingly and be there on time. 

• Available Slots: 11 am
• Duration: 3 hours
• Suitable for: Couples &families or groups of 8

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10. 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (65 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

Another interesting food tour in Kyoto that you can join is the 1.5 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience.

Home to 30 sake breweries, this sake-tasting tour is conducted by a local, English-speaking sake expert in the quaint district of Kyoto, Fushimi.

You will have the chance to sample seven different varieties of sake accompanied by tasty food snacks known as otsumami within 1.5 hours.

Very informative. I actually took notes and used them to pick out my next sake. Perfect amount of time where I didn’t lose attention, but still learned and drank enough to feel I got a good grasp of the sake culture. The area around where we met was great to explore afterwards as well. -Mike (See more reviews)

Throughout the tour, you will learn some basic knowledge about Japanese sake and its types.

Each participant will be given a cheat sheet too to help them figure out their preferred type of sake as they have a taste of each sake sample.

Fun fact: Do you know there are many types of sake; sweet and dry sake, freshly squeezed sake and cloudy sake? Interesting!

And if you are a vegetarian, you would be glad to know that you can opt for vegetarian snack options when booking the tour online.

To make sure everyone is having a great time on this sake-tasting tour, the tour is limited to 12 participants at a time so equal attention can be provided to everyone for a more exclusive experience!

Note: It is recommended to have your lunch before joining the tour. 

Registered participants younger than 20 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks. 

• Available Slots: 1 pm
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 8

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11.3 Hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (252 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

If you are interested to experience exclusive sake tasting that is both child and vegetarian-friendly, then consider signing up for this 3 hours Kyoto Insider Sake Experience. 

This 3-hour sake-tasting food tour will be conducted at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, the largest sake brewery in the Fushimi district.

Depending on your preference and overall itinerary, you can join either its morning or afternoon session.

The sake tasting led by Kotaro-san began at the sake museum. We then tasted 10 different types of sake based on the profiles we learned about and were able to identify which ones we preferred on their own and with food. Just like wine pairing, sake has subtleties on what each type goes well with. Kotaro-san’s love for sake made and ability to share it with us made this tasting experience lots of fun and we all left existing to try more sake during the rest of our travels based on the information shared. -Anisha (See more reviews)

You can also bring your kids along as you dive into the interesting world of Japanese sake as the tour venue is stroller-friendly.

Note: Kids under age 20 are not allowed to drink alcoholic drinks in Japan. 

On this tour, you will be able to sample up to 10 different sake drinks, as well as snacks (otsumami) that have been specially chosen to pair with certain sakes.

Aside from getting in-depth background on the sake brewing history and process, you will also learn about the differences between dry, sweet, and fruity sakes from the sake expert.

To top it all off, your guide will introduce you to a unique sake that can only be found in Japan!

A cheat sheet and tasting notes are provided for you too, so you can take notes and figure out your preferred sake type at the end of the food tour.

Don’t let your vegetarian dietary preference deter you from joining this awesome sake tour – you can opt for vegetarian-friendly snacks when booking the tour so you can thoroughly enjoy the sake-snack pairing without any restriction.

Pro-tip: It is recommended to bring along a bottle of water and have your lunch before joining this Kyoto sake-tasting food tour. 

• Available Slots: 10 am or 3 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 12

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12. Advanced Sake Tasting Experience

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (1 Review) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

If the world of sake intrigues you and would love to learn more about sake tasting from a highly knowledgeable sake expert, you would never go wrong with the Advanced Sake Tasting Experience tour.

This 1.5-hour long tour dives deep into sake making using ancient sake brewing methods that are way different from the modern ones.

Hidden gem. Was one of the highlights of our 14-day trip to Japan. This is a fantastic experience for anyone that not only wants to try some unique sake but also learns a lot about the process of how it’s made and what to look for in a bottle. Really want to emphasise here that this is an experience that’s well worth the money. -A Satisfied Participant (See more reviews)

From utilising the unique characteristics of microorganisms or wood type used in sake brewing and maturing process in creating different sake flavours, you are bound to have an exciting, mind-blowing time over here.

Throughout the tour, you will have a chance to taste 8 types of exceptional sake brewed using these ancient methods where each gives out its unique flavours.

Since no snacks will be given on this sake-tasting tour, be sure to have your lunch before heading over to the venue.

A truly unique Kyoto food tour, this Advanced Sake Tasting Experience is perfect for sake aficionados and alike who want to learn more about this ancient art of brewing! 

Note: The Advanced Sake Tasting Experience Kyoto tour is not recommended for pregnant women.

• Available Slots: 1 pm or 6.30 pm
• Duration: 1.5 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 10

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Check out my detailed article on the best Kyoto Sake Tours if you are into this iconic Japanese rice wine drink!

Private Kyoto Food Tours

13. Nishiki Market Food Tour in Kyoto

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (8 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

If exploring the Nishiki Market while learning which main ingredients to buy to make your own Japanese speciality dishes with a knowledgeable guide sounds good to you, then make sure to sign up for the Nishiki Market Food Tour in Kyoto.

You will first meet your guide at the entrance of the Nishiki Market, before venturing inside to explore the market and its various shops and stalls for an hour.

The tour of the Nishiki market provided a nice opportunity to learn more about local foods and the history of the market. The cooking class was a great experience. Recipes were easy to follow and all the staff made this a great experience! They did a great job helping our child assist with the prep/cooking and made everything very fun for her. Highly recommend booking this tour in Kyoto! -Traveller (See more reviews)

Along the way, you can try out the food samples offered by the stalls for free, such as fresh sashimi, savoury snacks, yuzu honey, desserts, and more.

While you are there, the guide will also be sharing the history and food culture of Kyoto, as well as the ingredients to prepare your chosen rice bowl dish.

You can choose to make either oyakodon (egg and chicken), tendon (fried tempura) or kaisedon (raw seafood) in the studio.

Once grocery shopping is done, the guide will lead you to the cooking studio and share the cooking steps and tricks in making the Japanese dish the authentic way.

And at the end of the food-cooking tour, you can enjoy the Japanese rice bowl as your lunch with pride and a sense of accomplishment!

Note: Children can join this food tour in Kyoto, making it a kid-friendly activity to do when travelling with family members.

• Available Slots: 11.15 am
• Duration: 2.75 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 6

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14. Taste of Nishiki Market Private Food Tour

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (4 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

Another top private food tour in Kyoto that is specially dedicated to all the need-privacy foodies out there can join is the Taste of Nishiki Market Private Food Tour. 

We love food and were excited to have an opportunity to have a local take us around and point out some hidden gems. The tour exceeded our expectations and is something we will be talking about for years to come. Not only were we able to sample many things along the way but we picked up numerous items to take home that we otherwise would not have known about. If you are in Kyoto and love food this is an experience you will not want to miss.- Kohli (See more reviews)

This 3-hour guided tour takes you through some of Downtown Kyoto’s most popular spots for a great local culinary experience, including Yaoichi Honkan, Teramachi-dori Street and Nishiki Market.

Throughout the tour, you will sample an array of delicious local food and traditional Japanese cuisine and not forget sake tasting as well.

Since it is a private food tour, you will get to have a more personalised engagement with the knowledgeable guide, providing interesting background information and giving you a tip or two about the hidden gems in the area!

• Available Slots: 10 am to 1 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 6

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15. The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals: Private Street Food Tour

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🌟 Ratings: 4.5/5 (9 Reviews) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

Another highly-rated private food tour in Kyoto that you can sign up for is The 10 Tastings of Kyoto with Locals.

A private culinary tour is perfect for foodies who want to discover the best street food in the city while learning more about its history and culture with personalised attention from the experienced guide.

Thank you to Ted for guiding us through the market. We ate many delicious foods that I would have never imagined I would like. -Patricia (See more reviews)

You will be guided to some of the not-to-miss local eateries, giving you a chance to sample some delicious dishes that are unique to this part of Japan.

From savoury snacks like gyoza and takoyaki to sweet treats like pepper ice cream, there is something here for everyone – all served up with a side helping of local knowledge!

Throughout the tour, you will be able to explore some of the city’s famous landmarks too, including Hanamikoji Street and Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine.

This private Kyoto street food tour lasts for three hours and is available from 10 am to 3:30 pm, with several slots available throughout the day.

So if you are a late riser, you can book for the afternoon slot and sleep through the morning and feel more rested for the tour. 

• Available Slots: 10 am to 3.30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 8

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16.Kyoto: Izakaya Food Tour with Local Guide

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🌟 Ratings: 5/5 (1 Review) | 🥮Check Rates & Availability

Would you like to have a more in-depth and personalised culinary experience in Kyoto by exploring the city on foot and indulging in local cuisine the local way with a local guide?

Then you are going to love this Kyoto: Izakaya Food Tour with a Local Guide tour!

Since this is a private food tour, you will have the flexibility to choose your ideal places to go to check out the nightlife and the typical life of the residents in Kyoto.

Very friendly, and very accommodating. Had a great time and would do it again in a heartbeat! -Derek (See more reviews)

The friendly English-speaking guide will create an itinerary to suit your preference so you get to enjoy the tour and night to the fullest!

From giving tips on local customs and etiquette to sharing the best izakaya spot that locals love to visit, you will be sure to learn something new throughout this exciting food tour.

Here are some ideas you could opt for this private food tour in Kyoto:

Bar hopping around the bustling Gion district while wandering along the quaint alleyways

Spend the night at the traditional izakaya and wind down with the small dishes and drinks

Hang out at the iconic bars near to train station and mingle with the locals

Drink at tachinomiya (also known as standing bars) located on the street side

You can either order 1 drink and 2 dishes or 2 drinks and 1 dish for every bar that you will be visiting in this 3-hour long food tour. The seating charges of the bars are included in the tour too so you do not need to fork out extra money.

• Available Slots: 9 am to 5.30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Suitable for: Solo travellers, couples, families or groups of 8

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FAQs: Kyoto Food Tour

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Conclusion: Best Kyoto Food Tours

Kyoto is a city full of amazing culinary experiences waiting to be explored.

From traditional izakaya bars and tachinomiya standing bars to the bustling Gion district and Nishiki market food tours, there are a variety of food tours available for all the foodie travellers out there exploring the local cuisine with the friendly English-speaking guide.

And if you want to cut to the chase and book the best Kyoto food tour of all, Kyoto Night Foodie Tour is the one for you!