Private Tokyo Food Tour: From Edo Era Eats to Modern Morsels
Explore Japan’s long culinary history on this private food tour of Nihonbashi, Ginza, and Akihabara.
Highlights
A well-designed walking tour that covers 3 districts of Tokyo: Nihonbashi, Ginza and Akihabara
Learn about Japanese food culture and its foundation
Taste 14 carefully picked ingredients, dishes, and delicacies to get a comprehensive understanding of Japanese food culture
10 meals
Experience Details
This food tour will immerse you in Japanese food culture and allow you to truly "eat like a local." Spanning 3 districts of Tokyo and 3 different time periods, your guide will provide insights into the cultural and historical significance of Japanese food. Whether you are a curious traveler or a first-time visitor to Japan, this Tokyo food tour is for you!
In Nihonbashi, where your tour kicks off, you’ll get familiar with dashi (a fish-based stock used in many dishes) and other key ingredients like katsuobushi (bonito flakes), and kelp (a type of seaweed). From there, it’s a roller coaster of sweet and savory Japanese treats. You will have the chance to try old favorites, from satsuma-age (fried fish cake) to amazake (a fermented rice drink), to imo kenpi (sweet potato chips) to daifuku (mochi with sweet filling). Many of the shops date back to the Edo era (1603-1868) and all are over 100 years old.
Next are Ginza and Yurakucho, major sites of Japanese post-war industrialization. Grilled yakitori skewers, a glass of “sour” (an alcoholic drink unique to Japan), and tempura soba or curry udon await you! The bottomless feast of signature Japanese “commuter” dishes goes on at Tokyo Station. While you head there, take a peek at the majestic International Forum Building along the way. After you’ve tried tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet) and fruits sando (milk bread sandwich with fruits), get ready for the future!
A short subway ride from Ginza is iconic Akihabara, home to buzzing electronic shops, maid cafes and anime culture. Get a taste of 3 fusion desserts with a twist on traditional flavors and learn about Akihabara's pivotal role in bringing new ideas and subcultures to Japan.
Please note that the price of this private tour is for one or two people. If you have 2 guests, please book the tour for 1 guest and notify us that there are 2 people in your party in the additional info section at checkout. There will be no additional charge.
Inclusions
14 Japanese food and beverage tastings
An English speaking guide
A tour of 3 Tokyo districts: Nihonbashi, Ginza, and Akihabara
Exclusions
Any additional food or drink
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Exit B12 of Nihonbashi Subway Station.
Remarks
If you would like to book for more than 2 people, please contact byFood through the Contact Us page. This tour can accommodate up to 10 people in total for a small additional surcharge per person.
Please wear comfortable shoes as this tour includes walking.
Please note that tours take place as scheduled regardless of weather condition, except under a Red Warning or Purple Emergency Warning issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency.
If you have walking difficulties we can cut out the walking and take a taxi. However, any taxi fares would be payable by yourself.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
In Nihonbashi, you can still find traditional shops that were founded in the Edo era, as well as historical landmarks that have survived rapid post-war urbanization and Westernization. Ginza is an upscale shopping area in Tokyo, home to luxury brands, high-end restaurants, and even a kabuki theater. Yurakucho has many traditional Japanese-style eating establishments and is the favorite drinking place for most businessmen. It has a charming and authentic local vibe, with cheap yakitori joints and casual eateries as well as trendier beer halls and French wine bars.
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10 meals
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