Savor Atami: Traditional Tea, Tofu and Local Eats

Atami, just a few hours southwest of Tokyo, is a seaside town on the Izu Peninsula known for its beaches and hot springs, as well as its rich food culture rooted in local traditions. On this guided food tour, you will explore that culture through tastings at local shops usually known only to residents. Your experience begins at Sakurabashi Bridge, about a 15-minute walk from Atami Station, where you will meet your host, Yuri. Originally from Tokyo, Yuri spent 10 years in the US and UK before settling in Atami, where she now uses her English-speaking skills to help guests connect more deeply with the local community and food culture. During the tour, you will visit three local shops selected from four possible stops: green tea, wasabi-zuke (Shizuoka-style pickled wasabi), katsuobushi (fermented and dried fish used for dashi broth), and tofu. The exact combination may vary depending on availability on the day. Each shop is chosen for its quality, long-standing traditions, and focus on artisanal production methods. At each stop, you will sample local products and have the chance to purchase items that interest you. With Yuri acting as your interpreter, you will also speak with shopkeepers, learn their stories, and gain insight into how each ingredient is made, used, and valued in Japanese cuisine.