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?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75164/f0232b2d-487f-437c-82d2-7a2f7a2eb1fe.png)
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
Daria V.
“Great guide!”
Jasmine was a really great guide, very kind sweet and smart. She was there on time and her knowledge of the city of Kyoto is immensely big she knows all about the culture and answered all the questions very confidently. She had a great recommendations for restaurants and shopping spots as well as she knew how to move around the temples and the shrines, giving you the best perspective of Kyoto and it’s all within walking distance. She was very attentive and well spoken and her English is really good. We are more than satisfied with her job and we would recommend this tour for anyone who is coming to Kyoto because it will amplify and make your experience so much better and you will learn a lot of things with her. she was a great photographer since she offered to take pictures and even gave us a little parting gift before the tour 0 The best guide in Kyoto! I
Maile B.
“A lovely day filled with history and flexibility!”
Jasmine did a great job of communicating ahead of time all the logistics and answered all my questions. During the tour she was very knowledgeable and super friendly. We have younger children who aren’t from a walking city so Jasmine altered the day to fit the needs of our family. It was a wonderful tour and we highly recommend Jasmine!
Michael C.
“Jasmine is incredible!”
There are so many things to say about our tour, but let's start with what a wonderful person and guide Jasmine is. She is very personable and conscientious of your needs throughout the day, which is a long one and requires a lot of walking/stairs. It's impossible to see Kyoto in full in a single day, but the places you visit with her are perfect. The market is vibrant and full of food/ware vendors, and without her we'd have been lost or sucked into a tourist trap or ten. She cruises through it expertly and gets you to THE spots, some of which are quite unique. The information she provided about Gion and geisha history was just enough without the endless droning of a history professor that some guides pretend to be. The temple visits are great, but there are hidden gems she takes you to that make the tour that much better with fewer crowds. At the end of the day, she even bought us a gift and gave us dining recommendations! It was such a great tour; we highly recommend it, and I'd give Jasmine 10 stars if I could.
$201/ per group
More tours by Jasmine L.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19122/802109b1-9bcd-4dd6-8524-e3f9878a3b45.jpeg)
A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places
The Ultimate Kyoto Tour: Explore Kyoto’s top sights in just a few hours! We’ll visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, walk through the bamboo grove at Kodaiji, see a 1,000-year-old shrine, learn about Japanese geishas in Gion, and even have time for beautiful photos and shopping along the way. It’s a family-friendly tour for all ages, with a relaxing pace and scenic walk.
A Family Day in Kyoto: All The Best Places
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19195/2c5eebbe-3d96-48eb-95ec-b35563333399.jpeg)
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!
A Full Day In Kyoto: Food, Geishas, Temples
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19077/b5bd75aa-f2d5-4976-862d-cafe45c18955.jpeg)
Discover Old Kyoto: Gion Geisha Stroll
Discover the Secret Side of Gion Take a peaceful walk through Gion and explore quiet streets full of beauty and history. Learn all about geisha culture and the traditions of Kyoto in a fun and easy way. You might even see a real geisha! With lots of pretty spots for photos and an easy route for kids and older guests, this tour is a relaxing way to enjoy the magic of Kyoto.
Discover Old Kyoto: Gion Geisha Stroll
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19294/a7848872-4976-4f7c-812d-911c9da32c87.jpeg)
Arashiyama Tour with Scenic Boat Ride
Escape the city and step into nature on this unforgettable Arashiyama adventure. Wander through Kyoto’s famous Bamboo Forest, explore the peaceful Tenryu-ji Temple, shop for local treats, cross the scenic Togetsukyo Bridge, and enjoy a scenic boat ride with seasonal views. A perfect mix of culture, nature, and fun—all in one trip!
Arashiyama Tour with Scenic Boat Ride
Other Popular Food & Drink Tours in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22938/923c6c35-edd0-44c4-a878-805f9cac50eb.jpeg)
Welcome to Kyoto- lunch and gardens together
This will be a short and easy tour, starting with lunch together at a nice restaurant in Kyoto station. From there we will take the subway to the Kyoto Botanical Garden and enjoy the spring blossoms.
Welcome to Kyoto- lunch and gardens together
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/97021/1b806865-2986-4214-9ab5-e989075f9c55.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16702/dee326d8-cb0f-4032-a6c6-8f07ecabc8cd.jpg)
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.
Kyoto Fushimi Sake & Food Tasting Experience
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46547/13e78146-dabf-401d-9a02-2237166e2b97.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22474/87d3680b-9d52-49a3-be4d-9f2cf7a170a1.jpg)
Culinary Journey Through Nishiki-Market and the Surrounding Area (German / English)
The costs for Food and Drinks are not included. Taxi costs are not included. My special service is that I will pick you up from your Accommodation to ensure you can start the day relaxed. This special Food-Tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Culinary Journey Through Nishiki-Market and the Surrounding Area (German / English)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/94498/6e08cc77-b1d9-4455-b4b8-c5068072d0fd.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/145/3646.jpg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/200/3111.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/93692c1a-9ed2-44e4-b880-d988555b31a9.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/1742b0b3-734b-4b9b-8ff8-172263536629.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/121a7ff8-f795-4d05-a125-85dcb2a9e203.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/d8c4337b-4e80-4038-b21d-2d509ad293b1.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/83949f0f-5af5-4bf3-9e6a-ac21f8bdd0fa.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/e60c4ddc-4abf-4254-8819-41c55aa5e5d4.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/12822642-a0d6-471b-b2af-9410ab2d30a6.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/ae37ac36-0365-41a9-87c8-c698456c5fa4.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/b0db52c1-7c12-4c80-8d6b-eb1f2a7babec.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/3511acbc-bbf3-418e-b528-00152448e5fd.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/70f82e34-5430-472b-8e77-540bb1b96fb0.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/dcf91844-94a2-4270-bd66-85b06db0b05f.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/cf79f06c-8d68-4390-a0a7-83dd17d4c50b.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19192/5c9f11a7-72c4-4cd5-9e17-932adade8ab1.jpeg)