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Japan Bento Food Tours

Explore Japan with a bento food tour, where culture meets cuisine. Discover traditional styles and create your own bento box.
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Latest Reviews
What byFood users are saying.
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Sumit Sarkar
This experience in Yawatahama completely was so memorable. We came to pick mikan and make marmalade and left with so much more. Yoko-san and Gen-san are incredible hosts. Their farm and restaurant are so special and you can see the care and effort put into growing and harvesting Mikan and making marmalade. Naomi-san’s English interpretation was great and let us connect with everyone beyond just learning the process. Our tour guides from Yawatahama tourism were also amazing. Everyone answered all our questions about the mikan, the marmalade making process, and the farm. Picking mikan straight from the trees and then turning them into marmalade was so fun and fulfilling. The food prepared fresh from the restaurant was delicious and picnic style meal overlooking the sea was lovely. The whole day felt relaxed, genuine and so authentically Japanese. We would love to come back again, hopefully during peak season in November. If you’re visiting Ehime or Shikoku, or honestly even japan in general, do not skip this experience. 🍊
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Day as a Mikan Farmer! Ehime Mikan Picking, Marmalade Making
March 14, 2026
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Karel Kubena
We greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this experience to all citrus lovers. We received heartfelt welcome at the station and were taken to a farm of one of the local families, where we enjoyed a stunning view over the sunny hillsides full of mikan trees (you can see the bay and the islands), picked the fruits, squeezed and drank some of the fresh juice on the spot. Invited in a traditional, over 100 years old house of the family, we ate a delicious locally made bento lunchbox. Thanks to our translator we were able to comunicate effortlessly and learned about the culture. Later we were warmly received by local ladies in a community kitchen and were guided through the process of making marmelade from the fruits we picked. We used Haruka, a sweet refreshing yellow fruit. We also tasted Beni-Madonna, a locally developed mikan variaty with exquisite sweetness and softness. The ladies are members of the Japanese Marmelade Association and have won many awards. Of course, through their experience, our marmelade turned out a success! Therefore we were encouraged to try our luck at this year's competition. The last lucky guest won a silver medal last year! We even got fruits to enjoy at home and some more presents from the community. We cannot believe that this experience is so little known, it really is a hidden gem. It is very well organised, everybody is so kind and made us feel very welcome. Thank you, people of Yawatahama!
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Day as a Mikan Farmer! Ehime Mikan Picking, Marmalade Making
February 01, 2025
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George Scherer
Ehime Mikan Picking, Marmalade Making is a wonderful opportunity to interact directly with a Shikoku mikan farming family and meet some of the welcoming folks living in the Yawatahama region of Ehime. About an hour by train southwest of Matsuyama, the experience includes the chance to pick and eat a variety of citrus fruits the region is famous for. The terraced orchard provided spectacular views of the ocean and small islands separating Shikoku from Kyushu. Under sunny skies, our hosts spread a tarp and mats on the orchard floor and we dined on a most delicious obento lunch box featuring regional specialties. These included a tempura of shrimp and vegetables, fried chicken with mikan juice and mikan rice balls. Following the harvest and lunch, we were chauffeured to a spotless commercial kitchen operated by the Yawatahama Ward office. There, the kind ladies of the community guided us through the marmalade making process and we bottled multiple jars using Haruka variety mikans. We were also invited to try other varieties created by some of the gold medal winners from last November's Dalemain World Marmalade Awards and Festival. Our product was entered in the "homemade division" for the next festival. Loaded up with our marmalade and several bags of fresh fruit, our hosts returned us to the train station. With the increasing popularity of Japan as a tourist destination, this is a special opportunity to get off the beaten path and away from the crowds to see the real Japan.
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Day as a Mikan Farmer! Ehime Mikan Picking, Marmalade Making
February 29, 2024
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Karel Kubena
We greatly enjoyed and highly recommend this experience to all citrus lovers. We received heartfelt welcome at the station and were taken to a farm of one of the local families, where we enjoyed a stunning view over the sunny hillsides full of mikan trees (you can see the bay and the islands), picked the fruits, squeezed and drank some of the fresh juice on the spot. Invited in a traditional, over 100 years old house of the family, we ate a delicious locally made bento lunchbox. Thanks to our translator we were able to comunicate effortlessly and learned about the culture. Later we were warmly received by local ladies in a community kitchen and were guided through the process of making marmelade from the fruits we picked. We used Haruka, a sweet refreshing yellow fruit. We also tasted Beni-Madonna, a locally developed mikan variaty with exquisite sweetness and softness. The ladies are members of the Japanese Marmelade Association and have won many awards. Of course, through their experience, our marmelade turned out a success! Therefore we were encouraged to try our luck at this year's competition. The last lucky guest won a silver medal last year! We even got fruits to enjoy at home and some more presents from the community. We cannot believe that this experience is so little known, it really is a hidden gem. It is very well organised, everybody is so kind and made us feel very welcome. Thank you, people of Yawatahama!
Experience Image
Day as a Mikan Farmer! Ehime Mikan Picking, Marmalade Making
February 01, 2025
Photo of star fill v4
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George Scherer
Ehime Mikan Picking, Marmalade Making is a wonderful opportunity to interact directly with a Shikoku mikan farming family and meet some of the welcoming folks living in the Yawatahama region of Ehime. About an hour by train southwest of Matsuyama, the experience includes the chance to pick and eat a variety of citrus fruits the region is famous for. The terraced orchard provided spectacular views of the ocean and small islands separating Shikoku from Kyushu. Under sunny skies, our hosts spread a tarp and mats on the orchard floor and we dined on a most delicious obento lunch box featuring regional specialties. These included a tempura of shrimp and vegetables, fried chicken with mikan juice and mikan rice balls. Following the harvest and lunch, we were chauffeured to a spotless commercial kitchen operated by the Yawatahama Ward office. There, the kind ladies of the community guided us through the marmalade making process and we bottled multiple jars using Haruka variety mikans. We were also invited to try other varieties created by some of the gold medal winners from last November's Dalemain World Marmalade Awards and Festival. Our product was entered in the "homemade division" for the next festival. Loaded up with our marmalade and several bags of fresh fruit, our hosts returned us to the train station. With the increasing popularity of Japan as a tourist destination, this is a special opportunity to get off the beaten path and away from the crowds to see the real Japan.
Experience Image
Day as a Mikan Farmer! Ehime Mikan Picking, Marmalade Making
February 29, 2024

Discover the Art of Bento on an Unforgettable Food Tour

Experience the delightful world of bento, a staple in Japanese cuisine, through our expertly curated food tours. Bento boxes, known for their balance of taste, nutrition, and aesthetics, offer a glimpse into the harmonious philosophy that underpins Japanese culinary traditions. Whether you're a food enthusiast or simply curious about Japanese culture, our bento food tours are a perfect way to explore this iconic aspect of Japan. These tours allow you to sample a variety of bento styles, from traditional and homemade to contemporary gourmet interpretations. Each tour is designed to not only satiate your appetite but also to expand your understanding of the bento's cultural significance in Japan.

What to Expect on Our Bento Food Tours

Join us as we delve into the rich history and cultural practices surrounding bento. Our culinary journeys include stops at bustling markets where you'll witness the craft and precision of bento preparation. Engage with local chefs who share insights into the meticulous process of creating these boxed meals, which often feature rice, fish, meat, and pickled or cooked vegetables in a compact, portable form. Many tours also include hands-on workshops where you can try your hand at assembling your own bento, ensuring a fun and interactive experience.
In addition to learning about bento, you will have the opportunity to enjoy beautifully presented meals made from fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Each bento box tells a story, not just about food, but about the history, social customs, and even economic factors influencing Japanese daily life. Experience a culinary narrative that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is delicious. With professional guides providing rich context and colorful anecdotes, our tours offer a full sensory experience that will enhance your appreciation for this culinary tradition.

Why a Bento Food Tour is a Must on Your Trip to Japan

Bento boxes might seem simple at first glance, but there is so much more beneath the surface. By joining a bento food tour, you not only indulge in delicious meals but also gain valuable insights into Japanese culture and history. Learn the differences between bento styles like ekiben (station bento), aisai bento (made by someone you love), and kyaraben (character bento)—each with its unique history and significance. Our tours cater to all dietary preferences and are suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten-free requirements. Not only do these tours celebrate the diversity and creativity in Japanese cuisine, but they also offer a chance to meet like-minded travelers, making it a social and memorable experience as well.
Whether you are in Japan for a brief visit or a long stay, a bento food tour is an enriching addition to your itinerary. Satisfy your curiosity and palate with our bento experiences that highlight the imaginative artistry and cultural richness of Japanese cuisine. Book your spot today and embark on a flavorful journey through the world of bento.