Kyoto Kaiseki: A Culinary Journey Through Seasons and Tradition
Joined 2025
Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese haute cuisine characterized by its meticulous preparation and artistic presentation. The tour will guide you through the intricate world of Kaiseki, where every ingredient is carefully selected to reflect the season's bounty.
Having experienced over 20 kaiseki restaurants, I've developed a deep appreciation for the art of tableware and seasonal decor. Let me create a truly special Kyoto evening for you.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel, or your choice in Kyoto city.
[About Restaurant]
We can tailor a variety of plans to suit your preferences.
Please contact me as soon as possible, as reservations are required for kaiseki restaurants. Feel free to tell me about:
your budget / preferred ingredients / location / or anything else you have in mind.
[Notification]
The course order and specific dishes can vary depending on the restaurant and the season.
Kaiseki cuisine emphasizes the natural flavors of the ingredients, resulting in delicate and refined dishes.
The presentation of each dish is an art form, showcasing the chef's skill and aesthetic sense.
Because Kaiseki cuisine has its origin from tea ceremonies, it is important to observe the manners that are based on the spirit of the tea ceremony.
1 Sakizuke
・This is the appetizer, served with a pre-dinner drink.
・It's usually a small, elegant dish featuring seasonal ingredients.
2 Shirumono
A warm soup, such as clear broth (suimono) is served.
3 Mukozuke or Sashimi
If it is based on forms of the "ichiju sansai" (one soup, three dishes), the foundation of kaiseki, you will have Mukozuke(one dish).
Or, sashimi assortment.
4 Nimono-wan
A simmered dish served in a covered bowl, featuring seasonal vegetables and seafood.
5 Yakimono
A grilled dish, such as grilled fish or meat, is served. Often, it's grilled over charcoal, giving it a smoky aroma.
6 Azukebachi (Hashiyasume)
A side dish, such as a simmered or vinegared dish, served as a palate cleanser. This course may not always be served.
7 Shiizakana or Hassun
A hearty dish, such as a fried or vinegared dish, served as a sake accompaniment. It may also be "Hassun" which is a tray of various delicacies from the sea and the land.
8 Gohanmono
This is the rice dish. Served with Pickles(Kou-no-mono) and a miso soup(Tome-wan). This is the meal's conclusion.
9 Mizugashi
A dessert, such as seasonal fruit, is served.
Ending Point
At your hotel or the place of your convenience
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee, Reservation fee, Hotel meet-up, Send-off in Kyoto city
Food and drink (you and guide)
Transportation fee (you) *from starting point to ending point
Tour Important Information
Attire:
・You may be asked to remove your shoes, so please wear clean socks.
・Please dress neatly and avoid casual wear such as jeans, T-shirts, and sandals.
・Please refrain from wearing strong perfumes or hair products that could interfere with the aroma of the dishes.
Table Manners: Kaiseki cuisine has specific etiquette.
・I will explain the basic manners, such as how to use chopsticks, handle dishes, and pace your meal, so please follow them.
・Please ask for permission before taking photos.
Regarding Time and Budget:
・Kaiseki dishes are served one by one, so the meal takes a long time (2 to 3.5 hours). Please allow plenty of time.
・Kaiseki cuisine is relatively expensive. Drinks are not included in the course menu, so please let me know your overall budget.
Many restaurants are closed on Sundays or Wednesdays but I try to find you where you can experience kaiseki. It is better that you contact me earlier if the tour date falls on Sunday or Wednesday.
Important message from the supplier
It's depends. Please feel free to ask me!
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Ayana K.
* As I have a mild sun allergy, I primarily offer tours in the late afternoon and evening during the summer.
Hi, don't you interested in hidden gems in Kyoto?
I will unveil the true essence of Kyoto exclusively for you.
I'll take you to spots that locals love, away from the crowds, so you can experience the authentic Kyoto.
If you seek hands-on experiences or desire a tranquil journey to appreciate the beauty of Japan, please join me.
I studied in Switzerland from 2021 to 2022, during which time I visited many European art museums, so I understand what people look for in sightseeing.
About me:
I practice Chado (Tea Ceremony), Kodo (Incense Appreciation), and Ikebana (Flower Arrangement), .
I possess a sake sommelier certification.
I hold a wine certification.
Just one favor: please don't post about our adventures on social media.
Many of the places I take you to are not equipped to accommodate foreign visitors due to language barriers.
We want to keep these special places peaceful, so your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Reviews
Bernard K.
“A fantastic and relaxed day”
Ayana was the perfect host and guide. She took us of the beaten track to less touristy places. She introduced us to delicious local dishes at a small restaurant. We saw a side of Kyoto that we may have missed by sightseeing on our own. Ayana’s English is very good and she has a wealth of knowledge about the area and its history. We had a fantastic and relaxing time with her. We really enjoyed her company. We cannot recommend her highly enough. We will miss her. Thank you so much for sharing this day with us.
Myint S.
“April 19, Day trip to Kyoto”
5/5 – An Unforgettable Kyoto Experience with Ayana We had a truly amazing day in Kyoto, and we owe much of it to Ayana. She is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and professional. Throughout the tour, she shared fascinating insights into Japanese culture, history, and daily life, making every stop so much more meaningful. Ayana went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable — especially when my daughter had a sore foot and was struggling to walk. Ayana quickly helped her get a proper pair of socks during the tour, which made all the difference. That level of care and attentiveness was truly appreciated. From start to finish, the experience was seamless, relaxed, and deeply enriching. We highly recommend Ayana to anyone looking for a guided tour that is personal, well-organized, and filled with heart. Thank you again for such a special day!
Ayana K.
Thank you for spending your precious time in Japan with me. You're making me blush with all those compliments (I'm Japanese). I was also so happy to see your daughter enjoying herself so much. And the kimonos looked absolutely lovely on everyone! Please remember Japan(Kyoto) someday. There are many areas related to samurai that you prefer, too! Thank you again for your kindness!
Lilly M.
“A Perfect Day in Kyoto Thanks to Ayana!”
Ayana was an absolute delight and one of the best guides we’ve ever had! She thoughtfully curated our Kyoto day with a perfect blend of iconic sites, hidden gems, and seasonal beauty—always mindful of our pace and interests. Her kindness, deep knowledge, and gentle spirit made the experience truly unforgettable. We felt like we were exploring Kyoto with a dear friend. Highly recommended!
Ayana K.
I didn't realize I could reply to reviews! I'm so sorry for the late thank you! Thank you for spending your precious time in Japan with me. It was such a pleasure to feel like I was included with your close family and dear friends. The cherry blossoms at Heian Jingu Shrine were truly in full bloom, weren't they? Even for us Japanese, it's often difficult to see the cherry blossoms at their absolute peak, so I'm glad you got to experience that. I heard it had been 38 years since your last visit to Japan. I sincerely hope that our paths will cross again someday! Thank you again for your kindness!
$141/ per group
Other Popular Food & Drink Tours in Kyoto
Kyoto Fushimi Sake & Food Tasting Experience
After visiting the renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine, we will explore some of the sake breweries in the Fushimi area, known for its long history of sake brewing in Kyoto. You’ll enjoy exploring the local neighborhood while tasting sake and sampling delicious food.
Let's enjoy "yuba" cuisine and Toji Temple!
Do you know "yuba"? It is very healthy Japanese food. Yuba is soy milk skin and you can taste "yuba kaiseki" at an old yuba restaurant. After enjoying the healthy cuisine, you can also enjoy watching the yuba factory!! Near the restaurant, there is an old temple, Toji and its branch temple, Kanchiin Temple. I'm sure you will have a wonderful and rare experience in Kyoto!!
Japanese foods introduction tour
I can show you Japanese traditional food and local food at Nishiki market and downtown after hearing your preference. Let's explore Kyoto foods together!!
KYOTO - A Tailor-Made dining experience for you
Japan has a very unique cooking style and set of table manners. Learn about the food culture and culinary history of Japan and visit local restaurants in Kyoto which offers a rich and diverse culinary tradition.
