Top Experiences in Pontocho Alley

You and no more than five others will explore the local foods and entertainment districts of Kyoto on a not-so-standard, all-inclusive walking and eating nighttime tour! You'll mingle with locals, eat regional specialties at two different standing bar restaurants (though we often sit down at one or both), and be given a visual feast of a primer on the various nightlife scenes in Kyoto, from geiko (a.k.a. "geisha") on down. With a native or equivalent English speaking guide at your side, you'll get a clear understanding of what the area is all about. And with some great food and a couple of (included) drinks in you, the merriment will be all the more!

Our tours are very small group (6 or less), which means much more attention and quality for you. Local insight, great food, and good times await.

For those interested in trying some Kobe beef, be sure to choose the option which includes 100g (about 3.5 oz.) of prime Kobe area beef. It's reasonably priced, too!

It's the peak of cherry blossom season now! Let's have a guide take you to beautiful cherry blossom spots for a memorable journey.

Take control of your sightseeing itinerary by booking this customised tour. Whether its a minimum of two hours or a full day trip consisting of seven hours, visit all the sights you wish with a professional guide. Choose from an enormous range of cultural and historical landmarks and tick off your desired attractions all in one day! Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavillion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu temple and Gion district are just a pocketful of destinations out of countless others. Wherever you request, we will do our best to accommodate you as well as possible.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included to ensure you receive a totally stress- free experience.

Embark on a mouth-watering journey through Kyoto's gastronomic heart. In the iconic streets of Gion, taste dishes crafted from age-old recipes, each bite telling a story of tradition and innovation. Venture into Pontocho District, where alleyways echo with laughter, chatter, and the sizzle of local delights. In Kawaramachidori, stand shoulder to shoulder with locals, raising a glass of Japan's finest sake or a fizzy soft drink. This isn't merely a food tour—it's your personal epic of flavors, aromas, and experiences. As the hero of this tale, you don't just taste Kyoto—you become part of its culinary narrative. So, ready your taste buds and let's write your delicious chapter in Kyoto's culinary tale.

Unlock the Magic of Kyoto with Our Unforgettable Tours: Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty and cultural wonders of Kyoto by booking our expertly crafted tours. With our knowledgeable local guides, you'll gain insider access to hidden gems, iconic landmarks, and authentic experiences that truly showcase the essence of this enchanting city.

From strolling through historic districts like Gion and Pontocho, where geisha culture thrives, to exploring majestic temples like Kiyomizu-dera and serene shrines like Fushimi Inari Taisha, every step will be filled with awe-inspiring moments.

Indulge in Kyoto's exquisite cuisine at bustling markets or traditional restaurants, participate in traditional tea ceremonies, and witness the changing seasons transform the landscape with cherry blossoms or vibrant autumn foliage.
Minimum attendance 6 people

No more selfies or pestering strangers for photos of yourself and loved ones, enjoy the services of a professional vacation photographer in Kyoto to capture your travels in a contemporary and candid style.

Specialising in delivering quality photography with photographers all over the world, we guarantee you amazing photos to remember your travels. All images shown were taken by our photographers.

This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover Kyoto's highlights efficiently in a private vehicle accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide!

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Discovering around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our private car tour with Government Licensed Guide. Meet your guide at your hotel in Osaka, then head to Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

The life of a geisha is shrouded in secrecy, but you’ll be offered a rare glimpse into this ‘Floating World’ as you explore Gion with one of our hosts. Visit the famous Pontocho alley; a narrow passageway lined with bars, restaurants, and traditional geisha tea houses. You’ll also explore the scenic street of Shimbashi. Enjoy this ethereal evening with your host, as you travel back in time together (figuratively, of course).

After booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host who will personalize the itinerary to your requests and interests.

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

If you want to find ENGLISH-UNFRIENDLY restaurants, we have the best tour for you!! This is a highlight tour in downtown, finishing within 3 hours with FOOD experience. Try some local delicacy.

In the city center of Kyoto, Gion, we will enjoy night walk around Yasaka shrine, nice traditional districts, Hanami Kohji. Learning some histories and culture on your way.

Then we will swiftly moving to the restaurant since we are hungry :)

Restaurant will serve you delicious local cusine and sake. Talk to our guides.

food & city walking combined
Avoid wasting time to check highlights and access to a nice restaurant

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 4 to 5 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

This is the ideal tour for travelers wanting to discover Kyoto's highlights efficiently in a private vehicle accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide!

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Discovering around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book this tour!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

Note: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 2 to 3 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

Spend the day with one of our hosts as you unleash your inner explorer in Kyoto! You’re in the ‘City of Temples’ and you’ll be able to visit iconic and sacred sites like Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Maybe explore the culturally rich entertainment district of Gion? Alternatively, you could get off the beaten tourist track and explore some hidden gems in the city that only a local would know about.

Within 24 hours after booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Spend time with one of our hosts exploring Kyoto. Half a day is not nearly enough time to see the whole city, but with a host by your side you will get a feel for its energy. Explore one of Kyoto's traditional neighborhoods, and see Kyoto as you would if you were coming to visit a friend who lived here.

Within 24 hours after booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Learn about the history of the country and the daily life of the Japanese people.

Walking tour of the ancient pilgrimage routes leading to the Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple, in the area developed since the 8th century. until today, streets lined with countless souvenir and sweet shops and bars etc. to provide entertainment and enjoyment to visitors of all ages, from all over Japan and the world.

The native guide from Kyoto, the thousand-year-old capital of Japan, illustrates the historical, cultural and religious details, secret but unmissable along the way, and answers all your questions in Italian.

Any assistance necessary for participants during the tour.

Flexible itineraries and times on request as far as possible.

Join one of our hosts to explore Kyoto after dark. Amble through the wooden alleyways of historic Gion and see the picturesque streets of old Pontocho. Discover sacred shrines hidden in cosmopolitan shopping areas and share small dishes and beers with your host in a traditional izakaya or tachinomiya (standing bar). Kyoto after dark is more a feeling than a place, and with your host by your side, you’ll tap right into that.

Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Experience the enchanting Gion nightlife on a concise guided walking tour of Kyoto, unfolding its beauty in just three hours. Witness the mesmerizing scene as the sun sets, illuminating the streets with lanterns. Explore traditional backstreets, elegant restaurants, and historic teahouses. Delve into offbeat temples and shrines, with a chance to glimpse geiko or maiko. Traverse Hanamikoji Street and visit Yasaka Shrine with a knowledgeable guide, absorbing captivating narratives about the area's rich history and culture. This curated experience blends exploration, cultural insights, and the allure of Gion's nocturnal charm.

◼︎Drink like a local! Bar hopping in the backstreets of Pontocho◼︎

To start this All-in-one bar hopping walking tour that Drinks & Foods are all included, our local guide will take you to an izakaya bar (a local tavern) on Pontocho street, one of the most well known night streets, full of local izakayas. We will be taking you to places only the locals know and recommend, making for a one and only experience!

◼︎Various drink and izakaya food tastings◼︎
We'll continue bar hopping walking around in the backstreets of Kyoto. You can try some authentic izakayas that serve yakitori or sashimi with crisp, cold draft beer. If you're a sake-lover, we will help you navigate through a sake standing bar that serves Kyoto-made sake. You can enjoy the night like a local!

Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

- 7+ mouth-watering Kyoto-style Japanese food tastings, enough for a full dinner meal, served from locally-owned restaurants (Menu may vary every time based on the fresh ingredients at the market).

- 3 drinks as we taste local style dinner. You may also choose your drinks (Beer, sake & other drinks). Non-alcoholic beverages are also available.

- Explore Kyoto, visiting popular spots as well as hidden gems. Enjoy the unique scenes of Nishiki Market, Pontocho, and Kiyamachi.

*please let us know if there is any food restrictions about a week before the tour date. Vegetarian & vegan options are limited for this tour.

Ready for a bike ride like no other? Hop in; you are about to discover Kyoto on a bike tour with a local guide.

On this Kyoto bike tour, cycle through picturesque streets and scenic roads as you check out the main spots around town. Pass by the Philosopher's path, and Gion Area, and make stops along the way to hear fascinating stories about Kyoto.

Your local guide is a bike pro and will make this private tour an easy-going ride for you. So, if you are looking for a fun, healthy, and sustainable way to move around Kyoto, this bike tour ticks all the boxes!

Withlocals City Bike Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local products and preventing over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Discover Kyoto's essence with our unique Kawaramachi group tour. Explore the culinary wonders of Nishiki Market, delve into history at Teramachi, and experience the traditional charm of Pontocho. Immerse yourself in Gion's geisha culture, ending with the tranquil Yasaka Shrine. Our tour blends Kyoto's rich heritage with exclusive insights, offering an unforgettable journey through its most enchanting neighborhoods, guided by a passionate guide.

This tour involves a lot of walking, please wear comfortable shoes.

Explore the sights and the sounds of modern day Kyoto with a local.
Admire the beauty of the local community.
Experience the sights and sounds of the local area and explore the local community and see how the local traditional people. still live.

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 3 to 4 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

Arriving or staying in Osaka but want to visit Kyoto? This driving tour from Osaka to Kyoto is for you!

Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Discovering around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. Kiyomizu Temple towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book this tour!

Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

・Note: This tour is for independent travelers that need private transportation only. This tour does not come with a guide and you will not be able to ask for recommendations from your driver or Japan Guide Agency.

In this tour, we start early to beat the crowds. Temples, shrines, and tea ceremonies. The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in the old capitol, Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries. There is much history in this city that you don’t want to miss so book our Government Licensed and Experienced English-speaking guides for a walking tour of Kyoto!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 2 to 3 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests. Whether you are a history buff, love the beauty of old Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

This half-day tour covers 5 of the most visited venues in Kyoto: Kiyomizu Temple, Ninenzaka Sannenzaka, Yasaka Shrine, Gion and Nishiki Market.

The guests will find many unique shops and cafes which they might just walk pass by if they are not with guides. Hear many interesting stories of each place and useful travel tips from knowledgeable guide as they walk past the central area of Kyoto.

Ready for a night to remember? Step into the shoes of a Kyoto local as you venture into the city's vibrant nightlife with our "Kyoto Night Owls" tour. You'll start at the buzzing Shijo Kawaramachi, where urban energy and an array of bars await. Traverse Kiyamachi Street, a treasure trove of hidden sake bars and enticing yakitori stands, before winding your way through the timeless alleys of Pontocho, a geisha district steeped in tradition. Each stop is an opportunity to clink glasses with locals and fellow travelers, tasting Kyoto's spirit in every sip. Ready for the night of your life? The stage is set.

THE tour for a local's experience of Kyoto’s best food! Our nationally-licensed and experienced English-speaking guides will help you find the best eats while learning about Kyoto.
Kyoto’s dishes have little flashes of flavor that will surprise you from Tofu skin hot pots to eel rice bowls, and buckwheat noodles with a huge fish.
Street food fans must visit Nishiki Market. This 400 year old market is rich in history and food. See some too-cute-to-eat Japanese ‘wagashi’ sweets or the eccentric tako-tamago, a skewered octopus stuffed with a quail egg. Or you can enjoy looking at the pickled foods that locals love! If you are a tea fan, have some rich and warm green tea (matcha), or a green tea parfait to cool down.
Once your reservation is made, please chose 3-4 spots from the tour details and let your guide know your food interests when planning. We hope to guide you soon!

◼︎Try Kyoto's traditional, seasoned dishes at a hidden restaurant in Gion & Pontocho◼︎
We'll walk around the Gion where many old Kyoto-style buildings can be seen. Our local guide will provide insight into how locals enjoy their nights. We will enjoy simple, seasoned Kyoto appetizers in a traditional atmosphere!
Moreover, you can try 3 different kinds of Sake produced in Kyoto, so you can enjoy authentic Kyoto sake with Kyoto foods!

Vegetalian course is available. You can also book both courses at a time.

◼︎Enjoy more Kyoto food◼︎
We'll walk to the cafe where you can enjoy Japanese local dessert with coffee or alcohol drink!

Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

※Please inform us when booking if you need vegetarian course meal because we need to arrange it with the restaurant.

This is the best way to enjoy Kyoto's hi-light with a bike view, avoiding the crowd.
We are a team of local Japanese guides based in Kyoto who have a deep love for this city and take great delight in showcasing its stunning views and attractions to foreign guests.

We ride a bike on every single street in Kyoto Since we have been living or commuting in Kyoto for years. Bike touring is our lifework.
20 Mar - 10 Apr: the BEST for Sakura.
Apr-Jun is a nice season with the weather and fresh green.

Kyoto is a very flat city and not big.
We'll take you to many beautiful spots, temples, shrines, riverside roads, universities, hidden local gems, etc in Kyoto's northeast cultural area through an uncrowded scenic route.
The bike is very well-maintained and comfortable.
After the bike, you can enjoy a night walk in Gion's scenic cultural area too.

Kimono is the beautiful traditional dress of Japan. This 6 hour Kyoto walking tour includes wearing a Kimono experience! You will be dressed by a professional and have your hair done in a simple hairstyle.

It will take about one hour to change for one group (including a simple hair set for women). Afterward, you can walk around the old capitol, Kyoto.

The traditions of ancient Japan are still alive and well in Kyoto. Walking around this beautiful city waring a Kimono can feel like you are in a time machine as its architecture has been preserved for centuries.

Once your reservation is made, a guide will be in touch to plan your personalized tour. Choose 2 to 3 spots that you wish to visit and your guide will plan a personalized itinerary. If you do not know where to visit, ask the guide to send you their recommended itinerary based on your interests.

Go off the beaten track in Kyoto and explore the ancient Gion District on a walking tour with a local guide. Discover hidden treasures and learn about the history of Kyoto's iconic geisha district.

Starting off in the bustling Sanjo area of Kyoto, you will meander through the ancient, narrow, cobbled streets of Gion, Kyoto's centuries-old entertainment area. See the area come alive in the ambient atmosphere of the evening.

Learn about Gion's past and present, and get the chance to spot geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) as they move between different engagements in the heart of Kyoto's geisha district.

Along the way, pass through several historic ancient temples and shrines, including some designated national treasures, and get plenty of photo opportunities.

As you come to the end of the walk, you'll have gained a more detailed understanding of the history, architecture, customs, and traditions of Kyoto, the Geisha, the Gion District, and Japan.

Explore Kyoto's hidden alleys and delicacies with a local guide. Many people assumes that Japan is famous for dishes such as Tempura, Teppanyaki and Sushi. However in Kyoto you will discover dishes that only the local's enjoy. These areas are very difficult to find at first-sight, but with the help of your local guide you too can become one of the locals. You will be able to spend time with the locals and taste the typical Kyoto delicacy at carefully chosen bistro and local bars.

You’ll join one of our Kyoto hosts to taste the city’s most delicious meals and street food. Kyoto is a city rich in cultural heritage, and this has directly influenced its culinary tradition.

Keep things moving with a quick trip to a 100-yen sushi bar and have a draft beer in an intimate izakaya. At this small local bar, you’ll share small plates of local specialties your local Host will be happy to introduce you to.
And for a uniquely Kyoto experience shared with your local insider, enjoy a steaming bowl of Nishin-soba and a cold drink as the sun sets over the Kamo River.

Within 24 hours after booking, you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a local host who will get in touch with the best food recommendations to create a bespoke itinerary to your taste and requests.

Kyoto keeps traditional arts and beauty alive, but the busses and subways can be confusing and provide challenges for those with walking limitations. At Japan Guide Agency, we want everyone to experience Kyoto so we are happy to provide this customizable, private guided tour with a vehicle!

Join us on a tour of Kyoto to see Kiyomizu Temple as it towers over the historical Gion district, famous for its rich history of geisha. The bamboo forest of Sagano and the gardens, shrines and temples in Kyoto will provide you with a window into old Japan. There is much in this city that you don’t want to miss!

Once your reservation is made, a guide will contact you to plan your personalized tour. Choose 4 to 5 spots from ‘Tour Details’ to visit. Don't know where to go? Ask the guide to send you their recommendations. Whether you are a history buff, love Japanese architecture, or just want to enjoy a green tea parfait, Kyoto has something for you!

Maximum 7 participants per tour.

-Stroll around Kyoto's classic district, Gion, before enjoying food samplings.
Start out the tour by enjoying morning air while walking through Gion. A local tour guide will take you around the serene and quaint morning town of Kyoto.

-Experience Kyoto's "one-of-a-kind" brunch at Nishiki Market known as the "Kitchen of Kyoto."
Nishiki market has over 400 years worth of history which has been loved and recognized by locals as the "Kitchen of Kyoto" for a long time. According to the name, "Kitchen of Kyoto," it implies that Nishiki Market is rich with famous gourmet cuisine of Kyoto.

-A passionate guide will teach you fun facts about Kyoto
A local and knowledgeable guide will provide you with valuable information that you cannot gain from an ordinary sightseeing tour.

Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!