The Nishiki Food Market, known to locals as the “Kitchen of Kyoto,” is a huge 400-year-old market sprawling with food vendors. Navigate what can be an overwhelming space with the help of your guide, whose insight into the local food scene will give you a taste of Japanese culture — and plenty of food. All food tastings are included as per itinerary.

Meet your guide and your group in central Kyoto prior to the 10:00am departure time. Come with an empty stomach and good walking shoes for your 3-hour culinary tour of the Nishiki Food Market, a vast expanse of food vendors selling fresh and prepared wares.

Sample regional specialties like tsukemono, a dish of pickled vegetables from the surrounding mountains; yuuba, or shashimi tofu made from mountain water; and sparkling sake straight from the tap. Visit a total of 12 family-owned shops throughout the tour to get a broader sense of Japanese cuisine from local favorites to national classics.

Your guide will provide detailed information about each dish from farm to plate, giving you not only a literal taste of Japanese food, but also a taste of Japanese culture.