ESPLORARE KYOTO

Small walking tours in Kyoto

Explore Kyoto with a Local

Walk through Kyoto's lively market streets, quiet lantern-lit lanes, and intimate local places with a guide who calls this city home.

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Kyoto beyond the checklist

From market mornings to quiet Kyoto nights.

ESPLORARE KYOTO is for travelers who want a personal, small-group way to experience the city: local food, everyday stories, gentle streets, and places that feel closer to real Kyoto.

Current tours

Choose your Kyoto walk

A busy covered market street in Kyoto

Daytime / Food / Local culture

Nishiki Market Walk with Local

★ 4.97 · 68 reviews on Airbnb

Taste your way through Kyoto's kitchen with local stories, seasonal flavors, and a calmer look at everyday food culture.

Price
¥6,800 per guest (shown in your local currency on Airbnb)
Duration
About 2 hours
When
Usually Sundays, starting at 10:00 AM
Meeting point
Daimaru Kyoto, Nishiki-koji side exit
Best for
First-time visitors, food lovers, families
Style
Easy daytime walk
Check available dates & book on Airbnb

Evening / Higashiyama / Izakaya

Night Walk Adventure & Hidden Izakaya

★ 4.91 · 32 reviews on Airbnb

A quiet Kyoto evening through atmospheric streets, ending with sake and dinner at a hidden local izakaya.

Price
¥28,000 per guest (shown in your local currency on Airbnb)
Duration
About 4 hours — we part at the izakaya, so your evening can continue as long as you like
When
Usually Fridays, starting at 6:30 PM
Meeting point
In front of the Takashimaya Kyoto information counter
Best for
Couples, solo travelers, small adult groups
Style
Small group, ages 20+
Check available dates & book on Airbnb
Kumiko, your local host in Kyoto

Hosted by Kumiko

A local host sharing the Kyoto she walks every day.

Based near Nishiki, Kumiko has spent more than 20 years in Kyoto. Her tours are small, personal, and built around real streets, conversations, food, and the gentle details visitors often miss.

"See Kyoto through a local's eyes, from its lively market mornings to its quiet lantern-lit nights."

Guest voices

Loved by 100 guests on Airbnb

Excerpts from Airbnb reviews, as of June 2026.

Nishiki Market Walk

“Kumiko is an amazing guide through Nishiki Market… She is an expert on every single merchant stall, guiding her guests towards those with the best flavors, history and tradition in Kyoto. She made our trip very special.”
Ted · United States

Nishiki Market Walk

“A very friendly, knowledgeable guide who gave us great insights into the shops where the locals buy. The help with buying souvenirs was brilliant.”
Wolfram · Germany (translated from German)

Night Walk & Hidden Izakaya

“Kumiko was a wonderful host who expertly guided us through the historic Higashiyama district… The izakaya experience we had afterward was cozy and relaxed, and the food and sake were amazing. Highly recommended!”
Cody · United States

Night Walk & Hidden Izakaya

“This was without doubt one of the absolute highlights of our time in Japan… We really felt like we experienced a slice of real life in Kyoto. I can’t recommend this highly enough.”
Mike · United Kingdom

Good to know

Before you book

Are private tours available?

Yes. Send an inquiry with your preferred date, group size, and interests.

Which tour should I choose first?

Choose Nishiki Market for daytime food culture, or the night walk for a slower, atmospheric evening with dinner.

Can I book directly?

Direct booking is planned. For now, Airbnb booking links and private tour inquiries are available.

Custom requests

Planning a private Kyoto walk?

For private tours, special dates, or future collaborations, send a short note with your travel dates and what kind of Kyoto you want to see.