Kyoto in 1 Day for Couples - 7+ Kyoto-style tastings served at locally owned restaurants (course-style, menu varies with market produce)
In Collaboration with Ninja Food Tours Kyoto. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Evening guided tasting walk through Kyoto’s atmospheric Pontocho alley. Includes 7+ Kyoto-style food tastings (enough for a full dinner) served at locally owned restaurants, and 3 drinks of your choice (beer, sake, whiskey, or soft drinks). Meeting point: Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Nishikikoji. Please inform us of any food restrictions at least one week before the tour date; vegetarian, vegan and some
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Ninja Food Tours Kyoto, inspired by the tour Kyoto Foodie Night Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- 7+ Kyoto-style tastings served at locally owned restaurants (course-style, menu varies with market produce)
- Three drinks included (beer, sake, whiskey or soft drinks available)
- Evening stroll through atmospheric Pontocho alley — intimate, traditional dining district
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening meeting, short walk to Pontocho, and guided food tastings through Pontocho alley.
Meet at Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Nishikikoji
Meet your guide outside Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Nishikikoji to check in and receive a brief orientation. Tour starts promptly at the scheduled time.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 5–10 minutes early to allow time to find the group at the café entrance on Nishikikoji-dori.
- Bring a light jacket in autumn evenings; it can be cooler by the riverside and in narrow alleys.
- If you need to notify the guide about food restrictions, mention it again at meeting so they can confirm arrangements.
Short walk to Pontocho Alley (guided)
A short guided walk from the meeting point through the local streets toward Pontocho, where the tastings take place. This walk helps orient guests to the area and its evening atmosphere.
Tips from local experts:
- The walk is along narrow streets — keep luggage or large bags on you as there are no storage facilities on the route.
- Wear comfortable shoes; some pavements are uneven and the alley is narrow with steps in places.
- Keep an eye on traffic near the Kamogawa river crossings; follow your guide and cross at designated crossings.
Pontocho alley food tastings — 7+ Kyoto-style dishes and 3 drinks
Guided tasting experience along Pontocho alley at multiple locally owned establishments. Expect 7+ small-course tastings (enough for a full dinner) and three drinks of your choice. Menu may vary by market availability; vegetarian and vegan options are limited and require advance notice.
Tips from local experts:
- Menus change frequently with market produce; if you have allergies or strict dietary needs, confirm them with your guide at meeting and at each stop.
- Pontocho indoor seating can be compact; keep personal items minimal and follow the guide when being seated.
- If you prefer non-alcoholic drinks, request them at the first stop so the guide can manage the included drink allotment.
Wrap-up and tour end in Pontocho
Tour concludes with final notes from the guide and directions for onward plans. Guests are free to continue exploring independently after the tour ends.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to continue in Pontocho or Kiyamachi after the tour, ask the guide for quiet-bars or scenic riverside spots suited for couples.
- Taxis are readily available nearby after 20:30; if you need assistance hailing one, ask the guide before the group disperses.
- Keep any leftovers compact; respectful disposal is expected in Kyoto’s neighborhoods—use provided bins or take waste with you.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 3 |
| Total Places | 4 |
| Activities Types | Restaurant, Transfer, Meal, Neighborhood |
