Nishiki Market Food Tour and Gion Stroll
Discover the perfect mix of flavor, tradition, and Kyoto charm!
Stroll through the 400-year-old Nishiki Market, “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” and taste 7 authentic Japanese dishes—from takoyaki and Wagyu gyoza to matcha mochi and sake (vegetarian option available).
Then explore the scenic streets of Gion and Hanami Koji, Kyoto’s iconic geisha districts, where you might spot a geisha or maiko near the wooden teahouses.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Apple Kyoto
- Apple Store Kyoto 〒600-8006 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Tachiuri Nakanocho, 83-1 〒600-8006 京都府京都市下京区四条通高倉東入立売中之町83-1
Nishiki Market
Kyoto’s historic food market with over 400 years of history, enjoy souvenir shopping and trying 7 types of local Japanese food.
Tenmangu Shrine
Dedicated to the god of learning and business, it’s known for its unique atmosphere, flowing sacred spring water, and bright lantern-lined entrance.
Kamo Gawa
A peaceful riverside perfect for a scenic walk and glimpses of local life.
Shirakawa Canal
One of Kyoto’s most beautiful streets, lined with willow trees and traditional houses.
Hanami Koji
The heart of the Gion geisha district, known for its wooden teahouses and the chance to spot a geisha or maiko.
Yasaka Shrine
A vibrant, 1000-year-old shrine that plays a central role in Kyoto’s festivals and traditions.
Ending Point
End in Yasaka Shrine
Want to personalize this tour?
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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
• Nishiki Market Food Tasting with vegetarian option available (wagyu beef gyozas, fluffy Japanese omelette, shrimp tempura, freshly made takoyaki, soy milk donuts, matcha mochi, japanese sake)
• Hotel Pick Up
Tour Important Information
Geisha/Maiko Sightings:
• Sightings are not guaranteed as they are working professionals with set schedules.
• No direct interaction is allowed out of respect for their privacy.
• Photos are only permitted from a distance—please be discreet and respectful.
Nishiki Market Food Tasting:
• Includes 7 types of Japanese food.
• Vegetarian-friendly options are available upon request.
• Items can be swapped for allergies or dietary restrictions—please inform in advance.
Tour Info:
• Approximate duration: 3 hours
• Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather
• Bring water and cash if you’d like to shop along the way
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
About Tour Guide Jasmine L.
Hi, I’m Jasmine! I am a friendly, multilingual guide based in Kyoto.
My tours are perfect for families with children and easy-paced for elderly guests. I offer warm, personal experiences filled with fun stories, local delights, and hidden gems you won’t find in guidebooks. Let’s explore Kyoto together!
Reviews
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Alexander N.
“️️️️️ An Exceptional Kyoto Tour with Jasmine — Highly Recommended!”
My family (including our daughters, 10 and 16) spent a full day touring Kyoto with Jasmine on December 1, 2025, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. She asked about our interests—historic shrines, temples, and the Gion area—and created a custom route that covered everything we wanted to see. Before the tour, she even advised us on where to stay, what to wear, and what to bring, which was incredibly helpful. Jasmine met us at an easy-to-find spot and immediately made us feel welcome. Her English was excellent, and she was patient, friendly, and very knowledgeable. She adjusted the walking pace to suit our family and filled the day with interesting stories about each site. She also shared insights into local traditions, daily life, and school customs, answering all our kids’ questions as we saw many local students touring the same areas. Her cultural explanations and tips were things you would never find in a standard guidebook. My wife has a heart condition, and some uphill paths were difficult for her. Jasmine quickly adapted the route on the spot, reducing stairs and steep climbs while still ensuring we visited the key sights. Her flexibility made a big difference. Near the end of the tour, my wife suddenly felt very unwell, and we had to cut the day short to reach the ER (thankfully she later recovered). Jasmine was incredibly supportive—she helped us catch a taxi, directed us to a major hospital with English-speaking staff, and checked in with us afterward for several days to see how my wife was doing. Her kindness and genuine care went far beyond what we expected. Overall, Jasmine greatly enhanced our time in Kyoto. Her planning, knowledge, and warm personality made the experience wonderful from start to finish. We highly recommend booking her as your local guide—you will not be disappointed.
Verona H.
“Great time in Kyoto!”
My family had a great time with Jasmine in Kyoto, she’s knowledgeable and went at a comfortable pace to cover everything we wanted to see. It was also helpful that she’s multilingual and fluent in English and Mandarin which suited us perfectly. I would definitely visit Kyoto with Jasmine again and spend a few days next time.
Bart B.
“Kyoto Family Fun Day”
We really enjoyed hanging out with Jasmine in Kyoto and our 4 and 6 yo did too. Would highly recommend this for anyone looking to hit the ground running in this city or if you just want to do a fun day on autopilot. She’s thoughtful when it comes to kids and both of ours asked if they could hang out with her again.
$206/ per group
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A Full Day In Kyoto: Food, Geishas, Temples
A perfect blend of taste and tradition—start with a delicious food tour at Nishiki Market, featuring 7 types of Japanese food (included in the price). Then stroll through the historic Gion district and visit iconic landmarks like the Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and Kodaiji Temple. Ideal for first-time visitors who want to experience Kyoto’s culture, scenery, and flavors in one memorable day!
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Step into the magic world of old Kyoto! This 4-hour tour takes you through the heart of the city’s most traditional neighborhoods—perfect for first-time visitors. Stroll the charming streets of Gion, lined with beautiful wooden teahouses and learn about the geisha culture. We’ll visit the famous Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Zen Kodaiji Temple, and the 1000 year old Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, enjoy scenic views, traditional architecture, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.
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One day tour From Gion to the Nishiki Market
Kyoto is an ancient city, which used to like be the capital of Japan for 1000 years. There are about 1600 temples and 400 shrines and beautiful gardens. It also has a lot of traditional crafts,such as kimono, fans, Japanese artistic sweets. There are a lot of things to do and experience. First of all I will take you to Gion area.I will take you to Yasaka Shrine and Kenninji Temple. Then let's move to the Nishiki market. and have sushi lunch in the market. Gion is the area of entertainment, where there are many bars and taverns. Some important business and political talks have been conducted. You may run across Maiko and Geiko, Japanese entertainers in kimono. If you want to wear Japanese costume in Gion, I can arrange with extra charge. NIshiki market is the kitchen of the Kyoro, where local people buy their everyday food. Fish stores, vegetable stores, pickles stores and so on. A friend of mine owns a Yuba shop in the market. Yuba is vegan, dairy-free ,gluten free,preserve-free, additive-free and protein rich. You can see the yuba making process.
One day tour From Gion to the Nishiki Market
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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!!
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