Thanks for booking a Gion Night Walk & Izakaya Experience with us!
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Kyoto for a fun evening of culture and cuisine. We will take you to see some of the most picturesque streets of the Gion district and enjoy the beauty of the city at night. Then we will visit a local "izakaya" tapas bar where we can try some tasty treats and a drink or two to conclude the evening.
You will start by meeting your guide at 5:30pm in front of the McDonalds near Kawaramachi station exit 1b (Kiyamachi & Shijo). You will then discover Gion on foot on a walk along cobble stoned streets through some of the Geisha districts and passing the tea houses, bars and clubs of the area as they begin to come to life. If you are lucky you might see a Geisha or Maiko on their way to an early appointment.
After the stroll, your guide will take you out for a meal of classic Japanese "izakaya" fare. We have tons of favorites and no matter where we go, they all sell tasty Japanese specialties and a wide range of dishes including plenty of options for vegetarians. Your guide will help you pick out the dishes and we can all share so that we can try lots of different flavors. The way we pay for the meal in the end is Japanese style. We split the bill evenly among everyone there. Usually the cost is around 3,000yen per person so please bring enough cash for that. There is also the option to pre-pay that amount by credit card so please let us know if you prefer that, but note we can't refund if we go under 3,000 each so better if you can prepare cash.
Also, note that the "izakaya" style is a bit like a Japanese pub so it is not suitable for children. Also, the fact that smoking indoors at pubs is not yet banned in Japan there is a chance to be exposed to second hand smoke. If you are traveling with young people or have an allergic reaction to tobacco smoke, let us know and we can possibly change your tour to a private one with family friendly or smoke-free options for dinner.
Please note that the "izakaya" visit is option and that some people opt to finish the tour at 7:30pm and venture off to find their own place for dinner. In that case, we are happy to help you find a place specific to your tastes.
Meeting time: 5:30pm
Meeting place: McDonalds at Shijo and Kiyamachi streets
http://www.kyotofun.com/night-tour-meetup-point.html
The walking tour is about 2hrs or so in length. We generally eat and drink at the "izakaya until around 9pm.
I hope you are looking forward to discovering the amazing streets of Gion and getting the chance to check out some of the local tasty dishes too.