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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Tom P.
“Jasmine is awesome!!”
Jasmine was an amazing tour guide, super knowledgeable about all of the culture, traditions and history of life in Kyoto, very grateful to spend time with her, all her insights made exploring Kyoto a much richer experience! She is also extremely friendly, personable and speaks great English! Highly recommend her to anyone looking to explore Kyoto!
Robyn T.
“A Phenomenal Gion Night Tour with Jasmine”
 Jasmine was phenomenal. She is so kind and clearly passionate about her work. At every stop she gave us such a rich history of the spot — she explained the differences between a Shinto shrine and a Buddhist temple, and between a geiko and a maiko, in a way that made Gion come alive for us. She was incredibly accommodating with my mom, who is older and cannot walk fast or very far because she needs hip replacement surgery. Jasmine adjusted to her slower pace without ever making us feel rushed, kept us on time, and adapted whenever we needed — and we still saw everything we wanted to see. Even when it started to drizzle, she happily took me to the last spots I wanted, Yasaka Shrine and the Yasaka Pagoda, and even brought me into a sweet shop to show me the things that are specific to Kyoto and make wonderful omiyage. What made the tour truly special was how she connected with all three of us. She took the time to get to know us, shared plenty of great recommendations along the way, and even offered to make dinner reservations on our behalf. She took so many photos — and kept reminding us to stop for them, which I was so grateful for. At the end of the night, she even hailed our cab. We had such a wonderful time. I truly hope to see her in Hawaii someday, and when we come back to Kyoto — hopefully next year or the year after — we plan to book her again. Thank you so much, Jasmine. If I could give you 10 stars, I would! Mahalo nui loa — thank you very much. And aloha ʻoe — until we meet again.
Jonas H.
“Wonderful evening in old Kyoto.”
Thank you Jasmine. We had such great time with Jasmine, she the beautiful old traditional Kyoto, and told us so much about Kyoto, Geishas and other interesting things. Jasmine is so nice, easy going and caretaking. Could not have asked for a better guide to give us a good start on our visit to Kyoto. Finally she showed us to a restaurant that is one of the best experiences so far on this trip. The kind of restarant that is hard to find on your own.
$202/ per group
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