Kyoto: Pontocho Bar Hopping Night Tour & Izakaya Food

Summary

Kyoto night alleys, izakaya flavors and sake laughter with locals

You’ll slip into Kyoto’s lantern-lit alleys with a local guide, hopping between three cozy izakayas for dinner and drinks—including sake tastings and classic yakitori—while soaking up laughter and river breezes with new friends. It’s relaxed, lively, and just unpredictable enough to feel real.

What’s the experience like?

We met our guide—her name was Yuka—right outside Gion Shijo Station. I was a little nervous at first (I mean, what if I ordered something weird by accident?), but she just grinned and waved us along Pontocho Alley. The street looked almost too perfect: lanterns glowing above narrow stone paths, voices drifting from behind sliding doors. First stop was a tiny izakaya where the owner nodded hello but mostly kept to his grill. The yakitori came out smoky and hot; honestly, I burned my tongue on the first bite because I couldn’t wait.

By the second bar, everyone loosened up—even the quiet guy from Melbourne started telling stories. We tried Kyoto-made sake at this standing bar (no seats, so you just lean in and chat). Yuka explained how each sake had its own “personality”—I tried to describe mine in Japanese and got it completely wrong. She laughed so hard she almost spilled her glass. There’s something about sharing food and drinks with strangers that makes you feel like you belong for a minute.

At some point we wandered along the Kamogawa River—the air felt cooler there, with a little breeze carrying the smell of grilled fish from somewhere upriver. The city lights reflected off the water in these wobbly gold lines. Someone took a photo of us all together; I still think about that view sometimes when I hear cicadas at night. We finished at another backstreet spot where the chef barely spoke but smiled every time he set down a dish. Not every place had an English menu, but Yuka handled everything (and even found something vegan for my friend). It didn’t feel like a tour after a while—more like being invited out by someone who knows all the good places.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening bar hopping in Kyoto

• Meet at Gion Shijo Station
• Visit izakaya on Pontocho street
• Hop through 3 bars in Pontocho or Kiyamachi
• Enjoy yakitori, sashimi, and draft beer
• Try Kyoto-made sake at standing bar
• Walk along Kamogawa River

Top questions

How many bars do you visit on this Kyoto bar hopping tour?

The tour includes stops at three different local izakayas or bars in the Pontocho or Kiyamachi area.

Are drinks included in the Kyoto bar hopping night tour?

Yes, your booking includes 3-4 drinks of your choice from their selections during the tour.

Is food provided on this Kyoto izakaya experience?

You get 3-4 dishes (enough for dinner), with some vegetarian options available depending on the venue.

Where does the Kyoto bar hopping tour start?

The group meets up at Gion Shijo Station in Kyoto before heading to Pontocho Alley together.

Can vegans or vegetarians join this Kyoto night food tour?

Vegetarian options are limited but possible; vegan choices may be very limited depending on each izakaya’s menu.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, solo travelers can join—the small-group setting makes it easy to meet people over food and drinks.

Does the tour include sake tasting in Kyoto?

Yes, one of the stops is usually a standing sake bar serving locally brewed Kyoto sake as part of your included drinks.

What’s included

Your evening covers meeting at Gion Shijo Station before heading out with your guide to three local izakayas around Pontocho Alley and Kiyamachi. You’ll get 3-4 drinks from their menu (including sake or beer), plus 3-4 shared dishes—enough for a full dinner—with photos taken along the way so you don’t have to worry about capturing every moment yourself before heading off into the Kyoto night on your own schedule.