Kyoto: Nishiki Market Food Tour

Kyoto, Japan

About this activity

Explore the beautiful flavors of Kyoto on this tour of the 400-year-old Nishiki Market. Get an excellent introduction to the cuisine of Kyoto as you enjoy tastings of different local.

Highlights

3-hour walking food tour in the world-famous Nishiki Market.
Visit family-owned shops and stalls to sample local and seasonal food.
Enjoy fresh seafood, local snacks, and specialty items with insights from your guide
Discover what makes Japanese cuisine unique and its UNESCO World Heritage Status

Full description

Nishiki Food Market is known to locals as the "Kitchen of Kyoto.” Visit and prepare for a feast for all five senses. As you wander through its lively, centuries-old corridors, the aroma of sizzling skewers and freshly grilled seafood wafts through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of pickled vegetables and hand-roasted tea. Your eyes will dance over vibrant displays of seasonal produce, and delicately crafted sweets, each telling a story of Kyoto’s culinary heritage. Feel the market's energy as vendors greet you with warm smiles and the lively chatter of generations past and present fills the air. Stop at family-owned stalls where you’ll taste a variety of local snacks and dishes, each bite bursting with freshness and authenticity. This immersive experience highlights Japan’s deep connection to the seasons, as every flavor and ingredient is presented at its peak. Let Nishiki Market awaken your senses, and discover the rich culinary traditions that make Kyoto’s food culture unforgettable. Discover fascinating insights about Japanese culture on this small-group guided tour of the city's best food spots.

Included / Excluded

• Seasonal and regional lunch and food tastings at the market included
• Visit around 10 market vendors and taste the flavors of Kyoto
• Japanese tea included
• Shopping time

• Hotel pick-up not included (can be arranged for an additional charge)
• Gratuity
• Transportation costs
• Additional drinks or food (not included but possible to purchase at guest expense)

Important information

Know before you book

• Please wear comfortable shoes for walking
• Please inform of any food allergies or dietary requirements
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
• A copy of your passport information is required for all participants aged 10 and over

Know before you go

Tours will start on time. If guests fail to arrive to the meeting point after 10 minutes from the starting time of the tour, the tour will leave without them.
A copy of your passport information is required for all participants aged 10 and over.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Reviews

4.6(178 reviews)

Ross

Jul 2026

5.0

o this was a fun, informative, interesting and tasty tour! we loved our time with our engaging guide Yoshiko. The small tour was great. the food venues interesting and the company great. we did this as a private tour and I think we got more from.t that experience. Happy to recommend.

Bryan

Jun 2026

4.0

Great Food, Mixed Experience The food on this tour was exceptional — outstanding quantity, quality, and variety. We enjoyed generous portions of delicious local specialties. However, finding the meeting spot was very difficult. The instructions pointed to a mural that had been taken down with no clear alternative. Our guide Mae was friendly and knowledgeable, but she seemed awkward and not very engaging. She didn’t encourage group introductions, so we felt disconnected and noticed other guides were much more lively. She’s nice and knows her material, but may be better suited to a different role. Hoping the company can provide support without this affecting her job. The food made it worthwhile, but better logistics and energy would improve it.

GetYourGuide traveler

Apr 2026

1.0

Very disappointing, far from town and no real food tasting.