Bar Hopping in Downtown Kyoto

If you want to experience the traditional side of Japan, Kyoto is the place to go. This city is steeped in history and home to an impressive 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites! From the mysterious geishas of Gion and kimono-clad visitors at Kiyomizu Temple to the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and striking torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, there's no shortage of beauty in Kyoto. The Gion and Kawaramachi areas–located in the heart of Kyoto city–unite traditional and modern Japanese cultures. Towering buildings, department stores, and luxury boutiques sit alongside historic food markets, cobblestone streets, and wooden tea houses. See the best of it all and bar-hop through Kyoto as you learn about the city's history, culture, and hidden gems alongside your knowledgeable guide. Your adventure begins at Shijo Kawaramachi–a thriving food, drink, and entertainment district–where you'll feast on izakaya food, drink, and be merry. Next, you'll wander over to Kiyamachi Street, which sits parallel to the Kamogawa River. This district is one of the busiest nightlife spots in the city. See the streets come alive after dark as the red lanterns flicker on and the storefront signs begin to glow. The final stop on this Kyoto bar crawl extravaganza will be Pontocho–a narrow alley lined with restaurants and bars on each side–frequented predominantly by locals. Drinking with a local guide allows you to enjoy local food and drinks, experience traditional and authentic Japan, and explore bars and restaurants that have yet to be recognized among tourists. There's no better way to explore a city than via its side streets and alleyways. Away from the shiny shopfronts and department store facades is where you'll find the beating heart of any city, Kyoto included.