Local Food & Drink Tastings

5 (71)

Kyoto’s Izakaya Experience: A Taste of Japanese Social Dining

3 hours English

5 (71) 100% Personalized

Discover Kyoto’s izakaya culture, where locals gather over shared plates, drinks, and conversation, with a tailored experience crafted to your tastes.

Pam

Jasmine

Match with one of our local hosts

Be matched with a host based on your interests and preferences, to tailor your perfect day.

100% Flexible: Adapt in real time

Your host will fine-tune the experience in real time to match your mood.

Experience Overview

Time:

3 hours

What to expect:

Fully tailored to your preferences

Language:

Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)

Meeting point:

Demachiyanagi Station, 32-1 Tanaka Kamiyanagichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8205, Japan

Cancellation:

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring:

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

What’s Included:

Private and personalized experience

3 hours with a Host

1 drink & 2 dishes or 2 drinks & 1 dish at each bar

Seating charges (table charge fees)

Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)

Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s Excluded:

Food and drinks other than the ones included in the list above

Drinks that cost more than 1000 yen each

Tickets to any attractions

Transportation costs

Gratuities (optional)

What makes it special

Experience Kyoto’s social dining scene with an evening tailored to your palate. Your host will guide you to 3 authentic izakayas, each offering a unique perspective on Kyoto’s rich food culture.

Key Highlights:

Each izakaya is chosen based on your tastes and interests, ensuring a personalized experience
Savor 6–8 dishes paired with local drinks like sake, shochu, or Kyoto craft beer.
Learn how these casual gastropubs are central to Japanese social life.
Enjoy a mix of intimate, relaxed settings and lively, vibrant energy.
Your host will share dining tips, recommend pairings, and introduce local customs.

What travelers think of our Kyoto experiences

Carrie 1 October 2025

One of the best tours we have had.

Martha 1 May 2025

Toga was a fantastic guide. We wanted to experience food in Kyoto we might not find ourselves and he delivered. We had a fantastic evening of food and drink along with great conversation. Our best evening on this trip thus far.

Barry 1 April 2025

An Unforgettable, Personalized Experience of Kyoto Masaya was an outstanding guide from start to finish. His communication before the tour was prompt, clear, and detailed, which made planning effortless. He took the time to understand our interests and crafted a customized itinerary that gave us a truly local and authentic glimpse into Kyoto—well beyond the usual tourist spots. Thanks to his insight and thoughtful planning, we experienced parts of the city we never would have found on our own. If you’re looking to explore Kyoto through the eyes of someone who knows and loves the city deeply, we can’t recommend Masaya highly enough.

Sarah 1 March 2025

We enjoyed everything. - the best Food tour we ever had. And we had many of them around the world

Andreas 1 November 2024

It was a food tour and we get a super overview

Monti 1 October 2024

Mia was a fantastic guide! She was very attentive to my wishes and open to ideas for the evening. It was well balanced between sightseeing and food tasting. Just as I had hoped for! Thank you!

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Demachiyanagi Station, 32-1 Tanaka Kamiyanagichō, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8205, Japan

Start with Kyoto-Style Classics

Begin with comforting dishes that reflect Kyoto’s refined culinary heritage.

Kyoto’s Izakaya Experience: A Taste of Japanese Social Dining

Your evening begins at a traditional izakaya where you’ll savor Kyoto classics like yudofu (hot tofu simmered in delicate broth) or dashimaki tamago (rolled omelet made with dashi). Pair these dishes with a crisp sake or a refreshing shochu highball as your host explains the traditions and tastes.

Discover Seasonal Obanzai and Local Specialties

Explore seasonal flavors crafted with Kyoto’s freshest local ingredients.

Your second stop offers an array of obanzai, Kyoto’s seasonal small plates. Depending on the season, you might enjoy dishes like simmered vegetables, grilled fish, or a rich hot pot. Your host will guide you through the options, helping you pair the flavors with a craft beer or a specialty drink.

End with Vibrant Yakitori and House-Brewed Sake

Conclude the evening with expertly grilled skewers and a lively izakaya vibe

Finish at an izakaya known for its yakitori (grilled skewers), where you’ll sample items like tsukune (chicken meatball), negima (chicken with scallion), and kawa (crispy skin). For an adventurous touch, try unique dishes like toriwasa (lightly grilled chicken). A memorable end to your evening.

Real Stories, Real Connections

A Kyoto Breakfast That’s Almost Too Beautiful to Eat!

Crispy, Golden, and Delicious!

A Dining Experience to Remember!

A Food Feast in the Heart of Kyoto!

Strolling Through Lantern-Lit History!

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

What makes City Unscripted different?

We don’t do generic tours. Every experience is crafted around you, ensuring a unique, personal, and authentic way to explore the city. You won’t just see the sights—you’ll connect with the people and stories that bring the city to life.

Are food and drinks included, or do I need to pay separately?

Unless stated otherwise, food and drinks are not included. Your host will take you to great spots where you can order what you like and pay as you go.

Do I need to pay for the host's food or drinks?

No, if you and your host decide to stop for food or drinks during your experience, you don’t need to cover your host’s expenses—your host will take care of their own.

Can my experience accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes! You'll receive a questionnaire right after booking where you can note any dietary requirements, and your host will tailor the experience accordingly.

Do you have deals with restaurants or set food stops?

No, unlike traditional food tours, our hosts are free to take you to their personal favorite spots rather than fixed locations. This means your food experience will always be unique, with authentic and unbiased recommendations from someone who knows the local food scene best.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Can I adjust the plan on the day?

Absolutely. Your host can adjust the itinerary on the day based on your pace, energy, or any new ideas you have. It’s a flexible experience from start to finish.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Your experience will still go ahead, and your host will adapt the day to suit the conditions. One of the great things about City Unscripted is that no two experiences are the same, and your host knows the city well enough to find great “rainy day” alternatives.

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06:00 pm
06:30 pm
07:00 pm
07:30 pm
08:00 pm
08:30 pm
09:00 pm

$178.23 Per person incl.
taxes & fees

$178.23

per person
including taxes & fees

Select a date and time

This experience will be tailored just for you

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Start Booking with us

★★★★★

Katie

Dec 2025

Elettra was delightful, personable and very knowledgeable. She customized our tour on the fly, accommodating our interests as we walked and interacted.

Ivan

Marcello made the whole experience very relaxed and we shared a lot of common topics, such as art, wine&food and history of Chile. He is a very knowledgeable and person into arts and culture and made the whole experience very enjoyable, not touristy.

Nina

Esper was very pleasant, knowledgeable, and took us to places we would never have discovered on our own. The 300 steps up the tower were challenging, but we were rewarded with spectacular views at the top. Highly recommend this tour.