Food tours in Kyoto
A food tour is the quickest way to eat your way around Kyoto. The most comfortable months are April and November, with highs around 66°F (19°C) and about 9 rainy days a month.
Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Top food tours in Kyoto
Kyoto Premium Night Foodie Tour in Gion(9+dishes + Sake tastings)From $159View 
Kyoto: Gion Food Tour 13 Dishes at 4 EateriesFrom $84View 
Kyoto: Nishiki Market Food Tour-7 TastingsFrom $52View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
What to eat and drink in Kyoto
Expect to taste the local staples. Ones to look for:
- Kaiseki
- A formal multi-course Japanese meal built around the season, served as a sequence of small dishes.
- Tofu
- Kyoto is known for delicate fresh tofu, made with the city's soft water.
- Matcha
- Powdered green tea whisked into a frothy drink; also used in sweets.
- Yudofu
- Tofu simmered gently in a kombu broth, a speciality around Kyoto's Zen temples.
- Sushi
- Vinegared rice with raw fish or other toppings; counter seats let you watch the chef.
- Ramen
- Wheat noodles in a rich broth (pork, soy, miso or salt) with toppings such as pork and egg.
- Obanzai
- Kyoto home-style side dishes of seasonal vegetables, tofu and fish.
How to pick a good food tour
- Skip a big meal beforehand: most tours serve the equivalent of lunch or dinner across six to ten stops.
- Small groups of 12 or fewer get served faster and fit into tiny counters and bars.
- Check what's included. Some tours count drinks as stops, others charge for them on the day.
- Ask about dietary swaps before you book. Many tours can replace meat or gluten dishes if they know ahead.
Kyoto month by month
Averages for Kyoto.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 48 (9) | 50 (10) | 57 (14) | 68 (20) | 77 (25) | 83 (28) | 90 (32) | 93 (34) | 85 (29) | 74 (23) | 63 (17) | 53 (12) |
| Low °F (°C) | 35 (2) | 35 (2) | 40 (4) | 49 (9) | 58 (15) | 67 (19) | 74 (24) | 76 (25) | 69 (21) | 58 (14) | 47 (8) | 38 (4) |
| Rainy days | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 8 |
| Sunset (15th) | 5:08 pm | 5:39 pm | 6:04 pm | 6:29 pm | 6:53 pm | 7:12 pm | 7:12 pm | 6:46 pm | 6:05 pm | 5:23 pm | 4:52 pm | 4:46 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for food tours in Kyoto?
April and November. Expect highs around 66°F (19°C) and about 9 rainy days a month. The least comfortable months are August and January.
What food is Kyoto known for?
Kaiseki: a formal multi-course Japanese meal built around the season, served as a sequence of small dishes. Tofu: kyoto is known for delicate fresh tofu, made with the city's soft water. Matcha: powdered green tea whisked into a frothy drink; also used in sweets.
Where can I book food tours in Kyoto?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
