Private tour in Kyoto Tess L

Kyoto Night Food tour - Gion to Pontocho Districts

5.0

(78) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Tess L.

5.0

Guide rating

215

Reviews

Tours delivered

21 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello and welcome to Kyoto! My name is Tess and I am an experienced tour guide with 6 years of experience showing visitors around Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I am always on the lookout for the most delicious street food and the coziest Izakaya in town. I have extensive knowledge of Japanese wine, and I can point you in the direction of the best restaurants and special cuisine that are sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you are a connoisseur or simply enjoy trying new things, I can guarantee you an unforgettable culinary experience. In addition to my love for food, I also have a strong passion for Japanese history and culture. Having worked at the Samurai and Ninja museum, as well as a kimono and teahouse for three years, I have gained a wealth of knowledge about the customs and traditions of Japan. Whether you're interested in learning about the history of the samurai or the art of the tea ceremony, I can offer you an insightful and engaging tour. As your tour guide, I am committed to making your visit to Kyoto as enjoyable and memorable as possible. With my enthusiasm, positive attitude, and insider knowledge, I can help you discover the best that this city has to offer. So why not let me show you around and introduce you to the wonders of Kyoto? I'm looking forward to meeting you! 3 years - Samurai and Ninja museum tour guide 1 year - Maikoya tea house Kimono and hairdresser. I do not have any restrictions in regard to my guiding, I can offer a full range of experiences.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Tess L.

Overview of your Kyoto tour

Explore Gion and Pontocho's after-dark atmosphere: Take a walk through the narrow alleys and brick-covered streets of Gion and Pontocho, surrounded by old wooden tea houses with traditional Japanese paper lanterns illuminating the way. • Stroll through the beautiful Gion district at night • A family-friendly experience • The tour is personalized based on your food preferences • Private tour exclusively for your party • Eat and Drink like a local • May have chance meet Geisha girls on the street!! *** If you need Day trip, please check my tour "8 hours Family trip in Kyoto".

Recent Reviews

Joe S.United States
2 weeks ago

Tess was so much fun, and such a knowledgeable, patient, and overall amazing guide for our food tour. Even though we weren't that hungry, Tess adjusted and escorted us to the most beautiful parts of Kyoto. It felt like she was showing us secret spots that most tourists may overlook. Her vast knowledge of the area and culture of Japan, along with her willingness to pass this on in a fun and entertaining way to us, made this tour a wonderful value and such a fun night out that felt almost like we were just hanging out with a friend. Tess's work and care for making our night special left us with memories we will treasure always. Do not hesitate to book a tour with Tess!

Chris H.United States
June 2026

Tess was a blast. It was like walking around Kyoto with a comic. She had all of the spots and tailored the night to exactly the food we liked. The food was as good as the high end places without the sticker shock. It was raining and it didn’t stop us. We saw some shrines with all most no one there. She followed up recommended restaurants for the rest of our trip. Book early as She is in high demand and it is obvious why.

Tim C.United States
May 2026

Tess is as advertised in other reviews, full of cheerful energy and enthusiasm. How she does this with a full schedule of day + night tours, is a testament to her energy and love of the city. She was super flexible on what I wanted to do and not do. The night tour of the Gion area was an eye-opener. Having done the usual shrines, temples and plenty of shopping, this tour was a completely different experience and that's what I wanted. Gion at night opens up, and as a life-long resident of Los Angeles who has never been to Japan, it was a cultural shock. I say this in the best way because my #1 goal in travelling (apart from the food ofc!) is seeing new things, which I surely did. Best wishes to you Tess, from Tim and Norma.

Carolyn O.United States
May 2026

We enjoyed touring Kyoto with Tess ! She was very flexible with our plans & she was motivated to make our experience special & interesting. She has a great sense of humor & I would highly recommend Tess for seeing Japan like a Local !

Andrew K.United Kingdom
April 2026

Tess was exceptional. Even though it rained the whole evening it didn't dampen the tour at all. She was fun and energetic to be with and we had a great time. The food we ate was diverse and very good value. Would happily have other tours with her.

Neal F.United States
April 2026

We had such fun with Tess on our night food tour in Kyoto. She is very funny and sweet and easy to understand. She was very accommodating to what foods we would and wouldn’t eat and picked some great places. We recommend this night food tour as you get a different view of the city at night and Tess takes you to local spots and not the touristy places, which we really enjoyed. Highly recommend her and this tour.

Your Kyoto tour itinerary

Kyoto's most famous Geisha district - Gion. • Hanami-koji street • Yasaka Shrine • Tatsumi-bashi Bridge • Shimbashi-dori • Yasuikonpira-ku. - Dinner - Choice 1-2 types of restaurants and bars. Conveyor Sushi / Okonomiyaki (Japan-style pizza) / Yakitori (BBQ skewer chicken) / Wagyu Yakiniku (BBQ beef) / Izakaya (Local style restaurant) / Obanzai (Kyoto-style cuisine) / Sukiyaki (Japanese style hot pot) / Shabu-shabu Sake tasting / Japanese whiskey / Cocktail bars. . . Etc. ) (Alcohol and no alcohol are all available. ) (Please let me know if you have food restrictions or allergies beforehand. ) The itinerary is flexible. tess.in.kyoto

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Public transportation and walking

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Food Drinks Snacks
Public Transportation
Meeting location

Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0075, Japan

Minamiza Theater (南座) Address: 605-0075 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, Nakanocho, 198 京都府東山区中之町198 四条大橋東詰 (Keihan Gion-Shijo station, exit.6)

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Night
Food And Drink
Art And Culture
Family
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1074056
Languages
English
Mandarin
Japanese
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Kyoto best suited for?

This private tour in Kyoto is perfect for those who want to explore the city's famous Geisha districts, Gion and Pontocho, at night. It's a family-friendly experience that allows you to eat and drink like a local while possibly encountering Geisha girls on the street. The tour is personalized based on your food preferences, making it ideal for food enthusiasts and those looking to connect with a local guide for deeper insights.

Can this private tour in Kyoto be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-5 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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