SMALL GROUP TOKYO FOOD TOUR: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME THROUGH FOOD

Japanese cuisine (known in Japan as Washoku) has long been recognised as one of the finest cuisines of the world. The ingredients, preparation of and presentation of Japanese food is steeped in cultural and historical significance.

This Tokyo food tour takes you on a journey through time, through food! Spanning three geographical districts of Tokyo and three periods of time this food tour covers the foundation of Japanese food and cooking (the Edo period; 1603 to 1868), the most popular present-day foods in Japan and finishes in the future with some fun fusion twists on traditional flavours.

Visit Nihonbashi, Ginza / Tokyo Station and Akihabara. Enjoy 14 Japanese food tastings. Come hungry!

If you book onto our small group Tokyo food tour you will join a mixed group of maximum 8 guests. Small group food tours run on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and start at 11:30 am in the Nihonbashi area of Tokyo. Full details on the meeting point are provided upon booking. Tours last 5.5 hours and finish at 5:00 pm in Akihabara.

Eat like a local on a food tour.
Culturally immersive experience.
Small group with a maximum of 8 people.

Over the course of this Tokyo food tour we will undertake an in-depth exploration of Japan’s food culture. Starting in Nihonbashi, in the past, we will look at key ingredients and flavours that underpin Japanese food. We will learn about Dashi, the stock that forms the base of many Japanese dishes. We will focus in on two key ingredients; Katsuobushi and Kelp. From there we will enjoy some traditional Japanese snacks that have been eaten for generations. Kombu Tsukudani (Simmered kelp), Amazake (a healthy fermented rice drink), Imo Kenpi (sweet potato chips) and Daifuku (glutinous rice mochi with a sweet filling). All of the shops that we have chosen have been carefully curated. Most are over 100 years old, several date back to the Edo period itself!

From Nihonbashi we take a short subway ride through to present day. Arriving into Ginza we learn about how Japan industrialised after the war. With industrialisation came Salarymen and with Salarymen came Gado Shita’s (small bars and restaurants built under the railway tracks) to serve the working men before their commute home. We will eat and drink like Salarymen at an Izakaya (Japanese style pub) and noodle stall under the tracks. On our menu we have several common chicken dishes, a Sour (an alcoholic drink which is unique to Japan) and tempura soba or curry udon ( noodle soup dishes).

From the railway tracks of Ginza and Yurakcho we stroll to Tokyo Station calling in at the impressive International Forum Building on route. At Tokyo Station we will learn about gift giving cultures and explore some foods eaten on bullet trains; a Fruits Sando (Japanese milk bread sandwich filled with fresh fruits and whipped cream).

One more short subway ride takes us into the future. Arriving in Akihabara, an area famous for its many electronics shops, Maid Cafes and Anime culture, we consider the future of food in Japan. We will be trying a selection of desserts which combine traditional foods or flavours with a modern fusion twist. In addition to our three fusion desserts, we will discuss Akihabara’s prominence in bringing new technology, ideas and subcultures to Japan. Join us on this gourmet tour of Japan.

All prices listed are in US$ and are the per person price including local tax.

We do accept last-minute bookings so if you are already in Tokyo please do contact us for our availability. Tours can be booked online up to two hours before the start time.

The price includes all of the food and speciality drinks listed. Prices listed do not include the costs of transport. We will take two short subway rides during the tour which you will need to pay for yourself (approx. US$3 per person). On certain days some of the food stops might be closed. In these cases, we substitute in a very similar replacement. We encourage those with young children to book private tours. Please note there is a 4.8% credit card processing charge.

Throughout the tour, you will discover the histories and stories behind the foods that we eat, as well as the restaurants that you eat them in. This tour will give you a solid understanding of what it means to ‘eat like a local’ in Japan.

This is a walking tour and you should expect to walk about 6.5 km or 4 miles in total over the 5.5 hours. You will need to be able to walk at a reasonable pace in a group environment. The group tour is not wheelchair or stroller friendly. If you have walking difficulties please book a Private Food Tour so that we can be flexible with the pace and route.

LANGUAGE: English.

LENGTH: 5.5 hours.

STARTING TIME: 11:30 am

STARTING POINT: Nihonbashi Subway Station. Exit B12. Directions, maps and pictures for the meeting point are sent upon booking.

FINISHING POINT: Akihabara (instructions on how to get back to your hotel or to your next activity will be provided by your guide).

WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable shoes.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: This tour is not suitable for Vegans or strict Vegetarians. If you are a Pescatarian we WILL be able to accommodate you. If you are a Vegetarian or Vegan we strongly suggest taking a non-food tour. That said we have taken people on the tour who have not been able to eat many of the foods and they have still enjoyed the tour as there is a lot of cultural and historical information. If you are gluten-free please be aware that there will be several foods that you will not be able to eat.

CHILDREN: This is a group tour and it is not suitable for children under 6 years of age. If you are bringing children aged 6 years or older they must be able to meet the group walking requirement. If you have young children please book a private tour which will allow us to focus more time and attention on your children’s enjoyment.

WEATHER CONDITIONS: All tours take place as scheduled (including in heavy rain) except under a Red Warning or Purple Emergency Warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency. For up to date information see the Japan Meteorological Agency website.

Ready to book your tour? Then use our secure online booking form to secure your ultimate Hello! Tokyo tours experience. If you can't find what you're looking for, please feel free to contact us.

All pricing is in USD.