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Dining in Japan: 12 Tokyo Food Tours and Cooking Experiences
Tokyo boasts innumerable restaurants and cooking experiences, but deciding where to go might be hard. We introduce 12 highly-rated Tokyo food tours that allow you to enjoy Japanese cuisine and dining culture in the city's famous districts: Asakusa, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, and more!
From the traditional to the modern, Tokyo is brimming with a wide range of culinary delights. There are various ways to immerse yourself in all that Tokyo’s food scene has to offer.
Whether it's intimate cooking classes or vibrant tours of Tokyo’s pubs, choose one of the following Tokyo food tours available on Viator to fully enjoy Japan's cuisine and dining culture.
12 Excellent Food Tours in Tokyo
1. Sushi Making Experience in Asakusa
2. Best of Shibuya Food Tour
3. Ginza - Tokyo After 5: Savouring Culinary Delights of Japan
4. Shibuya Local Bar and Izakaya Crawl Tour
5. Makizushi (Roll Sushi) and Temari Sushi Making Class
6. Japanese Traditional Sweets Tour in Asakusa
7. Half-Day Foodie Walking Tour in Harajuku
8. Japanese Sweets Making Experience
9. Tokyo Ikebukuro Local Izakaya Tour by Locals
10. Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku
11. Tsukiji Fish Market Visit and Sushi Making Experience
12. Shinjuku Golden Gai Food Tour
1. No. 1 Cooking Class in Tokyo! Sushi Making Experience in Asakusa
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Embark on a culinary journey through Tokyo's traditional Asakusa area with an immersive sushi-making class, skillfully guided by an experienced instructor.
During this tour, participants will craft up to 20 delectable sushi pieces using a variety of 10 fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The entire session is conducted in English, eliminating any language concerns.
Conveniently located just a minute from Asakusa Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, this culinary experience provides straightforward access for all.
Dive into the deep-rooted traditions of Japanese cuisine and depart with the expertise and abilities to replicate authentic sushi delights in your own home.
2. Best of Shibuya Food Tour
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Get a taste of Japanese food and culture during this walking tour of Tokyo’s vibrant Shibuya district! This tour allows you to discover the local cuisine in a manner that mirrors how Japanese residents dine, by sampling traditional dishes at lesser-known eateries and social spots which might escape your notice otherwise. One drink is included!
The meeting point with your guides is at Hachiko Square, located in front of Shibuya Station. After seeing the impressive Myth of Tomorrow mural up close, you'll head to Shibuya Center-Gai, a foodie paradise where you can taste a variety of dishes.
Additional highlights of the tour include visits to Shibuya 109 department store, the discount paradise MEGA Don Quijote, Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho, a street brimming with cozy izakaya bars, and the Shibuya Tokyu Food Show, where you can actually buy delightful treats to enjoy later.
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3. Tokyo After 5: Savouring Culinary Delights of Japan
Tokyo After 5: Savouring Culinary Delights of Japan is a best-selling food tour operated by Viator. This 3.5-hour food tour offers you the chance to immerse yourself in the cultural richness and gourmet delights of Tokyo. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the city's culinary landscape, exploring popular bars and restaurants in the Ginza and Yurakucho areas.
You'll taste a variety of traditional delights, from Ningyoyaki cakes to rice crackers while deepening your understanding of Japanese culinary and cultural traditions.
Participants meet their guide at the Mitsukoshi Ginza department store, a landmark of the area. After a delightful tasting of Wagashi Japanese sweets, you'll stroll through the vibrant Ginza district, illuminated with evening lights and filled with bustling nightlife.
The next stop is Tsukishima Monja Street where you'll enjoy the hands-on thrill of grilling Monja cuisine at your table.
To wrap up your adventure, you'll arrive in Yakitori Alley near Yurakucho, an area teeming with casual bar-style eateries and renowned as the birthplace of yakitori, a beloved Japanese appetizer. Join the local tradition and unwind with sake or a local beer before delighting in yakitori at one of the charming local spots.
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4. Shibuya Local Bar and Izakaya Crawl Tour
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Dreamt of immersing yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Tokyo's bustling entertainment districts? Now, you can enjoy a hassle-free evening with this meticulously organized tour, guiding you through Shibuya and its environs.
This tour is thoughtfully arranged, featuring curated visits to select venues, including a dynamic bar in the heart of Shibuya and a serene interlude at Miyashita Park. Known for its allure as one of the city's most picturesque parks, it serves as a favorite spot for locals to gather and enjoy themselves.
Whether you crave a standalone relaxation experience or an energetic prelude to future escapades, the pub crawl accommodates all preferences, ensuring a night brimming with both thrills and tranquility.
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5. Makizushi (Roll Sushi) and Temari Sushi Making Class in Asakusa
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Asakusa, renowned as the heart of Tokyo's traditional districts, offers a captivating opportunity to delve into Japanese culinary arts.
This two-hour class in Asakusa enables visitors to create two different types of sushi: the familiar makizushi rolls and the visually appealing temari sushi.
Temari sushi, presented as bite-sized balls on a plate, stand out as some of the most picturesque sushi morsels imaginable, perfect for social media sharing. Crafting these treats is both enjoyable and straightforward during the session.
Once you've perfected your culinary creations, you can relish the flavors without the Baworry of leaving the tour feeling unsatisfied.
With a track record of over 10,000 contented participants, this tour promises to satisfy the palate of any food enthusiast seeking a distinctive culinary experience in Tokyo.
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6. Japanese Traditional Sweets Tour in Asakusa
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Asakusa's delightful Sweets and Temple Tour presents a flavorful adventure that entices your palate and immerses you in the district's vibrant cultural legacy.
Picture yourself relishing divine strawberry mochi (soft rice cakes) and velvety green tea ice cream while meandering through lively streets, engulfed in the energetic ambiance.
Yet, this tour offers much more! Accompanied by an amiable guide, you'll explore the ancient Sensoji Temple, experiencing enthralling narratives that animate its historical tapestry, blending a taste of history with sweetness.
This journey isn't solely about culinary delights; it harmoniously combines flavors, entertainment, and intriguing stories. Join this tour for an unforgettable escapade merging delectable treats with cultural revelations, unveiling Asakusa's dynamic past and present.
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7. Half-Day Foodie Walking Tour in Harajuku
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Explore Tokyo's lively streets with this exclusive Harajuku Walking Tour, a culinary escapade tailored for food enthusiasts like yourself!
More than just a stroll, your guides will provide you with all the insider knowledge necessary to enrich your Tokyo sojourn, including transportation tips, etiquette essentials, and unmissable destinations.
Renowned for its distinctive fashion and youthful vibe, Harajuku harbors hidden culinary treasures for discerning food lovers. Enjoy exploring this diverse district, sampling delectable treats along the way.
Uncover Harajuku's flavors on our excursion through its bustling thoroughfares while savoring an array of gastronomic delights and soaking in the dynamic atmosphere.
8. Licensed Guide Wagashi Japanese Sweets Making Experience
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Ideal for integrating tradition into any Tokyo itinerary, this Japanese Sweets Experience Tour offers a quick yet fulfilling adventure.
During this tour, participants will discover the art of creating visually stunning and delicious sweets. Delving into shaping flower petals or delicately crafting fruit edges from colorful rice flour adds a playful dimension to the experience.
Guests will learn the crafting process, taste their handmade treats, and savor them alongside a delightful cup of tea.
Adding to the convenience, the licensed guide will meet you near the station, ensuring smooth and easy access to the experience.
9. Tokyo Ikebukuro Local Izakaya Tour
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This exhilarating Izakaya Tour in Ikebukuro is guided by a knowledgeable local. The walking tour unveils the hidden gems of Ikebukuro's bar and izakaya landscape, reserved for those in the know.
Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese nightlife as we traverse the lively streets, unveiling a myriad of bars and izakayas that embody Tokyo's social fabric.
This tour is a chance to savor the excitement of uncovering Ikebukuro's hidden treasures, delving into the vibrant tapestry of Japanese culture and camaraderie that defines its evenings.
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10. Easy Ramen Cooking Experience in Kabukicho, Shinjuku
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Enjoy a culinary adventure through the heart of Shinjuku with our immersive Ramen Making Class, a unique experience that guarantees excitement and flavor for you, your companions, and your family!
You'll be mastering the art of creating authentic Japanese ramen in the vibrant center of Shinjuku, where you'll delve into the process of making this beloved dish from the ground up.
Uncover the mysteries of crafting the perfect noodles and broth, all while relishing a hands-on experience that is both straightforward and incredibly gratifying.
Whether you're a ramen enthusiast or a kitchen novice, our class provides a delightful fusion of learning and entertainment, culminating in a delectable meal that you've prepared with your own hands.
Don't miss out on this unforgettable culinary escapade in Shinjuku!
11. Tsukiji Fish Market Visit and Sushi Making Experience
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This immersive Tsukiji Fish Market and Sushi Making Experience is an enthralling journey through Japan's culinary legacy spanning over four memorable hours!
Enter the vibrant realm of Tsukiji, the former location of the Toyosu Fish Market, one of the world's largest seafood markets! The guide will take you through the bustling stalls, unveiling the intricate processes of fish procurement, distribution, and commerce.
Following your exploration of the lively market, you'll dive into the art of sushi-making during a hands-on introductory session led by a seasoned sushi master. Unveil the mysteries behind crafting perfect nigiri sushi, from hand-picking the freshest ingredients to honing your skills in delicate techniques.
Conclude your adventure by relishing the results of your efforts as you indulge in the sushi you've freshly prepared for lunch, providing a taste of Japan's profound connection with seafood like never before.
Seize this exceptional chance to delve into the essence of sushi culture at Tsukiji Fish Market and beyond!
Shinjuku Golden Gai Food Tour
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This walking tour explores the food scene in Shinjuku Golden Gai and Kabukicho, uncovering bars, restaurants, and food stalls without the need for research.
Indulge in local delights like ramen and yakitori, guided by knowledge of the area's history with included tastings.
After exploring Omoide Yokocho's nostalgic setting, you'll go to Kabukicho, Asia's largest Red Light District. Explore Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, boasting unique izakayas and tiny bars where you can almost be in two places at once. You'll be wandering among over 200 intimate venues that offer glimpses of Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife.
You'll also pass by the stunning Hanazono Shrine, a Shinjuku landmark. The tour promises an unforgettable Tokyo experience, blending history, cuisine, and local hotspots.
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Explore Tokyo's Food Scene
The array of food-related experiences available in Tokyo is truly staggering. There are so many options that you could easily craft an entire itinerary around them or return for multiple trips to Japan to sample them all.
With Viator, discovering and booking these experiences has never been simpler! Why not indulge in one of these delectable tours for a taste of Tokyo?
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Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.