10 Food Tours in Japan That You Shouldn't Miss

September 23, 2021 Alice Mieles

Coordinates: 35°N 136°E / 35°N 136°E / 35; 136
Restaurants in Japan

1. Tokyo Local Food and Drink Experience with a Bar Hopping Master

Okachimachi Station, 5 Chome-27 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan Beauty of Japan
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Experience the local bars of Tokyo's Ueno, Shinbashi, or Ikebukuro neighborhoods like a local and experience a side to Tokyo that visitors rarely see on this 2-hour tour. With a local guide, visit three traditional izakayas, small, local bars that serve drinks and small plates of Japanese food. Sample typical drinks and cuisine and perhaps get to know a few of the regulars.

Inclusions: One drink and two dishes, or two drinks and one dish at each bar, Tour guide

Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, Transportation to/from bars

Reviewed By Glenn B

We cancelled the tour in advance and have NEVER been refunded the payment, my advice to anybody is to avoid at all costs this tour

2. SAMURAI WALK in Asakusa Tour

1-chōme-4-1 Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0033, Japan SAMURAI WALK
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Imagine walking the streets of Tokyo with a Samurai, all clad in armor and helmet! Not a scary fearsome warrior, but a young friendly one, who has nothing on his mind but to guide you around the city and entertain you. We do our best to cater to the needs of each customer. Kids are thrilled just to see the Samurai!! Enjoy a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience on this "Samurai Walk"- a day you'll never forget! If you are lucky, we can give you a private tour.

Inclusions: We lend Japanese Aloha shirt for free, We take photos and videos and share them for free

Exclusions: Lunch fee is not included, All Fees and Taxes

Reviewed By Shelby D

We had a great time. Very nice and helpful young men. I would recommend this tour for anyone that wants to learn about Tsukiji than wandering around by yourself.

3. Kawaii Food Tour of Harajuku and Omotesando in Tokyo

Apple 表参道, 4-chōme-2-13 Jingūmae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan Arigato Japan Food Tours
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

The Harajuku district of Tokyo is full of cool, cultural, imaginative and above all CUTE food and experiences. Join our tour for the best tastes of this outrageous area. Come make some delicious memories in Tokyo’s mecca for youth culture. Harajuku is famous for pop art and fashion, and the home of Japan’s CUTEST characters, goods, and yes even “Cute Food!” On this Tokyo food tour let our guides show you around the back streets of Omotesando and Harajuku. Discover cultural snacks, a delicious and original ice-cream, trendy sweets, and the craziest artsy lunch imaginable. Cook your own Okonomiyaki for lunch and wrap up with pop-culture with our local guide. Find out more than you can from the guidebooks and websites. Explore hidden gems with our local experts. Our Kawaii Food Tour is great for families, cute-culture fans, foodies and especially those with a bit of a sweet tooth.

Inclusions: Local guide, Local Foods at 5 Food Stops, Dessert Included, 1 Drink

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Transportation costs , Additional drinks or food

Reviewed By 411jacquiel

Guide was very knowledgeable and provided lots of insight into the cherry blossoms and their history and tradition

4. Haneda Narita Layover tour by private Luxury car

Travel Assist Japan LLC
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

You can visit the best spots in Tokyo while your layover from Haneda to Narita airport or vise versa. We go with your baggage and quite friendly guide will lead you to great experience in Tokyo even with 6 hours. There is no tour like this with great cost for value. Please note that it is not feasible staring at Narita airport and back to Narita airport.

Inclusions: Private transfer and guide service

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By davidgrahammd

Tony was an exceptional guide for the day. We had planned and booked for a specific day. Tony contacted us a couple of days before and told us the weather was not going to be great but was willing to take us a day earlier when the weather and viewing would be much better. I can't say I have ever had that happen! He picked us up in a very comfortable vehicle which made the day's travel very easy. The itinerary he planned gave us views of the mountain from pretty much all sides and from places not nearly as many people go to. His insight about the area and the history was tremendous and added greatly to the day. We really could not have asked for anything more in a tour like this and I would not hesitate to recommend him fully to anyone

5. Retro Shibuya Food Tour

Hachikō Memorial Statue (Shibuya-ku, Tokyo), 2 Chome-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan Arigato Japan Food Tours
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5.0 based on 11 reviews

This hidden gem nightlife tour will show you a side of Shibuya that tourists never see. Step back into history and visit spots and have experiences that locals have enjoyed for decades! Visit drinking and dining stalls that are hiding in plain sight. Learn about the culture of Tachinomi bars (Tachinomi are Japanese standing bars (“tachi” meaning stand, “nomi” meaning drink), try some of the best local Ramen at a favorite shop that has stood the test of time– serving local fans for over 60 years! Then wind your way along back streets and head over to our hidden gem izakaya (Japanese pub) wonderland where your guide will help you enjoy some of the best local dishes and drinks with a retro atmosphere like nothing you’ve seen before. Choose your own sake, beer, or special mixed drinks at this spot. Finally, have a dessert experience that you will never forget. Your inner child will have so much fun, but we can’t tell you much here as we don’t want to spoil the surprise!

Inclusions: BEER, SAKE, OTHER BEVERAGES 3 DRINKS INCLUDED, 4 LOCAL FOOD STOPS, TRY DIFFERENT DISHES PLUS DESSERT, Local English speaking guide

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Transportation costs , Additional drinks or food

Reviewed By 411jacquiel

Guide was very knowledgeable and provided lots of insight into the cherry blossoms and their history and tradition

6. Yamaguchi Highlights: Karato Market, Tsunoshima & Motonosumi Inari Shrine

Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk Hotel(bus), 2 Chome-2 Jigyohama, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, 810-0065, Japan Tour&Charter International Ltd.
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

・Convenient pick-up and drop-off locations in Fukuoka City. Not so early departure tour for a leisurely day in Yamaguchi Prefecture by Sea of Japan! ・Have a glimpse of Yamaguchi in Japan’s Chugoku region! Akama Shrine in Shimonoseki has a long history and is regarded as power spot by the local. ・Karato Market is in particular notable for its seafood and sushi, and a can't-miss spot for sushi fans! ・Experience driving across the Tsunoshima Bridge and visit Motonosumi Inari Shrine which is selected as one of Japan's 31 most spectacular spots. The impressive shrine gates stand in a row and stretch over 100 meters towards the sea, attracting viewers to a fascinating torii world.

Inclusions: All activities, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By dianawN8133UL

The itinerary was as exactly what I had expected out of the tour - efficient conduct and punctual to the core. The multilingual audio tour was informative and provided quite a comprehensive background information prior to arrival at each tourist attraction. The day was especially glorious with blue sky, hardly any cloud in sight and with plenty of sun - couldn't have picked a better day myself to go on this tour. Don't expect any commentary in English by a tour guide or even a guided tour because there is none - that's what the headset provided at the start of the tour is for and this tour is pretty much free and easy, provided you adhere to the time specified by the tour guide. There was 1 thing on the itinerary which was clear - at Lake Shikotsu, entrance to the ice festival was out of pocket. That didn't bother me that much as the scenery on Lake Shikotsu did plenty to keep me occupied. I enjoyed myself so thoroughly this trip that I had forgotten to obtain the tourist stamp at each attraction - only remembering to get one during my last stop at Mt Usuzan. Oh well, it's better than nothing.

7. The 10 Tastings of Kyoto With Locals: Private Street Food Tour

600-8008, Japan ►► Withlocals.com - Private Tours by Locals ◄◄
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Eat your way through Kyoto's culinary scene on a private food tour. Go on a delicious journey as you try 10 of the best food items beloved by the locals: from savory to sweet and local drinks; this tour will leave every foodie satisfied! Enjoy tastings typical of the local cuisine and hand-picked by a local guide passionate about food like Gyozas and Japanese pepper ice cream. But that's not it! This tour is more than just food; it's a cultural experience! In between food stops, you'll also find city highlights making this experience a well-rounded tour that will satisfy every foodie. Withlocals The 10 Tastings Private Food Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local produce and prevent over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard

Inclusions: Private Tour, Small group tour option available, Local Guide, 10 Food & Drinks Tastings

Exclusions: Hotel pick-up and drop off, Food and drink not mentioned as inclusion

Reviewed By W3459XHannel

We booked the bike tour to see Kyoto from a different perspective and it was totally worth it! Jonathan is a great guide, he informed us beforehand and made sure we came prepared. During the tour he told us a lot about Kyoto and some historical backgrounds as well. Besides, he gave us some practical tips and recommendations to spend our time in Kyoto. He didn't hurry and took all the time we needed to stop at certain places to give more information or to take some photos. Would definitely recommend him to guide you through Kyoto if you have the chance!

8. Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour Including Kaiseki Dinner

Japan Kanji Museum & Library, 551 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0074, Japan Arigato Japan
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5.0 based on 36 reviews

This tour is a celebration of Japanese traditional culture and Kaiseki cuisine: a multi-course, multi-flavored Japanese dinner that flawlessly mixes global and local flavors to produce some of the most delicious dishes on the planet. Kyoto is a magical place. You will stroll with your guide along the local streets, amongst the many passersby to fully appreciate the life of the city. Gion is a prominent, traditional entertainment district and Kyoto’s center of Japanese arts. Your guide will tell you stories about this very exquisite part of Kyoto along the way. You will also explore the gorgeous Shirakawa neighborhood, and have the chance to whet your appetite with a special Kyoto treat as you wander. Learn about the life of Kyoto’s famous Geisha and then sit down to enjoy a 10-course Kaiseki meal, with some of Kyoto’s freshest food. We want this moment of your life to be a memory you will never forget!

Inclusions: Local Guide, 10 Course Dinner plus Green Tea and Dessert, One drink included

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Transportation costs., Additional drinks or food

Reviewed By tokyoterri

actually I took this one in March this crazy year, and it was a perfect escape! Looking at the trees was like being in a Japan storybook. The historical stories made the whole experience even more alive. and the food! superb! I really understand the significance of seasonality in Japanese food. highly recommend!

9. Flavors of Japan Food Tour in Tokyo

Starbucks, 1-chōme-7-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0022, Japan Arigato Japan Food Tours
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5.0 based on 26 reviews

Understand what makes Japanese food unique and exquisitely delicious and experience some of Japan’s most amazing flavors. Learn about food from the different regions of Japan, the process of how to make them and why they come from those areas. You will visit several shops and taste different types of food including Dashi (Japanese soup stock), Tamagoyaki (egg roll), Anago (salt water eel), Fish cake, Katsuoboshi (fish flakes) and satsumaimo (sweet fried potatoes). You will experience a seasonal lunch at a very serene, authentic place. Next, you will enjoy an authentic Japanese “must do” activity, a Wagashi experience, with a Wagashi master that will make an intricately handcrafted dessert in front of you. This will be served with very high-quality Matcha.

Inclusions: One drink included, Regional Food tasting, Local guide, Try local dishes at 7 food stops, Local Japanese Lunch

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities, Transportation costs , Additional drinks or food

Reviewed By 411jacquiel

Guide was very knowledgeable and provided lots of insight into the cherry blossoms and their history and tradition

10. Small-Group Wagyu Beef and Kaiseki Ryouri Tokyo Cooking Class

Cooking Sun Tokyo, 18 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0016, Japan Cooking Sun Tokyo
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4.9 based on 53 reviews

Wagyu is a premium Japanese beef known for its refined quality. Kaiseki is the traditional Japanese multi-course meal. On this activity, you can enjoy both at the same time. You will prepare a total of 7-8 different types of dishes from appetizers to desserts including delicious Wagyu Sukiyaki taste dish.  At the end of this 3-hour Kaiseki journey, you will have a wonderful lunch that you created!

Inclusions: Local cooking instructor, Recipes, Ingredients, Apron and towel rental

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By wilkin10

The sushi making class was fantastic!!! Yuki and Yumi were very knowledgable, helpful and patient. I have learnt so much and enjoyed the class even more. Everything was perfectly organised and the food we prepared was amazing. Everyone was very accommodating - we came with my visually impaired father-in-law. Thank you - he enjoyed it very much - sorry for the mess. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn not only about Japanese cooking but also about your beautiful culture and country. I appreciate all the effort that you put into teaching us and will always be grateful for that. ありがとうございます

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