Kyoto: Izakaya Bars Guided Walking Tour

Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife scene is a well-kept secret, hidden behind the city’s serene temples and ancient alleys. This guided walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the captivating world of Izakaya bars, where locals gather to unwind and savor the flavors of Kyoto. Led by knowledgeable guides, you will explore the Kawaramachi and Kiyamachi districts, discovering exclusive establishments and sampling a variety of local beers, spirits, and sake. More than just a typical bar crawl, this intimate experience promises to unveil a side of Kyoto that few travelers ever get to see.

Key Points

• A guided walking tour that explores hidden Izakaya bars and the vibrant nightlife in Kyoto, led by a local guide.
• Opportunity to discover local bars not open to the general public and immerse in the unique Japanese social scene.
• Chance to sample a variety of Japanese beers, spirits, and sake during the tour.
• Small-group format for an intimate experience, typically 5-10 guests.
• Minimum age requirement of 20 years old, with valid ID required to comply with local laws.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This guided walking tour of hidden Izakaya bars in Kyoto allows visitors to explore the city’s traditional streets and vibrant nightlife with a local guide, typically in a small group of 5-10 guests.

The tour takes guests on a journey through the Kawaramachi area, showcasing temples, hidden alleys, and the Kiyamachi district, where they’ll be guided to local bars not open to the general public.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy the uniquely Japanese social scene, trying local beers, spirits, and sake.

The tour ends at a hidden bar known only to locals, providing a truly authentic and insider’s experience of Kyoto’s nightlife.

Highlights

Discovering bars and Izakayas that only locals know about is a highlight of this guided walking tour. Taking in the uniquely Japanese nightlife and social scene in Kyoto allows guests to connect with the guide and fellow explorers.

The small-group format, typically 5-10 guests, creates an intimate atmosphere for experiencing the vibrant yet hidden Kiyamachi area. Visitors will be guided to local bars not open to the general public, where they can sample local beers, spirits, and sake.

This insider access to Kyoto’s nightlife unveils a side of the city that many travelers never get to see, making for an unforgettable culture.

Itinerary

The tour starts at Kawaramachi, where guests will see temples and hidden alleys before being guided to the Kiyamachi area to visit local bars not open to the general public.

Here, they’ll have the opportunity to try local beers, spirits, and sake, seeing the uniquely Japanese nightlife and social scene in Kyoto.

The tour ends at a hidden bar known only to locals, providing a truly authentic and exclusive experience.

Throughout the 3-hour guided tour, guests will be able to connect with the local guide and fellow explorers, discovering the hidden gems of Kyoto’s vibrant nightlife.

Inclusions

The guided tour includes 3 hours of exploration, with food and drinks provided for participants.

Guests will be able to discover hidden bars and Izakayas that are typically only known to locals. Throughout the experience, they’ll get to try a variety of Japanese beers, spirits, and sake.

The tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide who’ll provide insights into the unique nightlife and social scene in Kyoto.

It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for minors under 20 years old, and guests should bring cash for any additional purchases. Dietary restrictions should also be communicated in advance to ensure the best possible experience.

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Age Requirement

This tour is not suitable for minors under 20 years of age, as it focuses on the local Izakaya bar scene and the consumption of alcoholic beverages. In Japan, the legal drinking age is 20, and this tour respects and adheres to that law. Guests must be of legal age to participate in the Izakaya bar experience.

Age Requirement	Details
Minimum Age	20 years old
Identification	Valid ID may be required
Exceptions	None
Enforcement	Strictly followed
Importance	To comply with local laws and ensure a responsible experience

The tour operator takes the age limit seriously, as it is paramount to provide a safe and legal experience for all participants.

Payment Considerations

Guests should bring cash for the Izakaya tour, as most establishments may not accept credit or debit cards. Rounding up payments to the nearest 99 JPY or less is encouraged for smoother accounting during the experience.

The tour includes food and drinks, so guests should be prepared to pay for these items as they go. It’s important to note that the tour isn’t suitable for minors under 20 years of age.

If guests have any dietary restrictions, they should communicate them to the tour operator in advance to ensure accommodations can be made.

Dietary Restrictions

For the Izakaya bar tour, if guests have any dietary restrictions, they should communicate them to the tour operator in advance. This allows the operator to ensure the necessary accommodations can be made during the experience.

The tour includes food and drinks, so it’s important for the guide to be aware of any special dietary needs. Whether it’s a food allergy, vegetarian, or vegan preferences, the operator can work with the local establishments to provide suitable options.

Additional Information

Beyond the culinary experience, the Izakaya bar tour in Kyoto adheres to a few additional guidelines. Guests under the age of 20 are not permitted to participate, as the tour involves visiting bars and consuming alcohol. Plus, participants are encouraged to bring cash, as the local establishments may not accept credit or debit cards. On top of that, to facilitate smoother accounting, guests are advised to round up any payments of 99 JPY or less.

Guideline	Reason
Minimum Age: 20 Years	Alcohol Consumption
Bring Cash	Local Establishments May Not Accept Cards
Round Up Payments ≤ 99 JPY	Smoother Accounting
Communicate Dietary Restrictions in Advance	Accommodate Special Needs

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Time Do We Have to Explore Each Bar?

Guests typically have 30-45 minutes to explore each bar during the tour, allowing them to sample local drinks and enjoy the unique atmosphere of the establishments visited. The guide ensures a balanced experience at each stop.

Can We Take Photographs During the Tour?

Guests are generally permitted to take photographs during the tour, though they should be mindful of other guests and follow the guide’s instructions. Some bars or establishments may have restrictions on photography, which the guide will communicate.

Is the Tour Conducted in English or Japanese?

The tour is typically conducted in English to accommodate the international guests. The local guide is fluent in English and will provide translations and explanations throughout the experience for the non-Japanese speaking participants.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no strict dress code for this tour. Guests should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Casual attire is acceptable, as the focus is on experiencing the local nightlife and culture.

Can We Bring Souvenirs From the Bars Back Home?

Guests can generally bring home souvenirs from the bars, such as local beer bottles or sake cups. However, they should check with their guide or the specific bars regarding any restrictions on taking items out of the establishments.

Recap

This guided walking tour of Kyoto’s hidden Izakaya bars offers an intimate, immersive experience in the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Visitors can explore local establishments, sample traditional drinks, and gain an authentic understanding of the unique Japanese social scene.

With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this small-group tour provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to discover a side of Kyoto that many travelers never get to see.

You can check if your dates are available here: