Japan Yakitori Food Experiences(33)
Kyoto Home Cooking Class at a Local Izakaya
Immerse yourself in Japanese izakaya culture by making three classic dishes at a local izakaya in Kyoto before sitting down to enjoy your meal with a complimentary drink as you kanpai (cheers) with your group!
Hakata Food Tour: 7 Dishes & 4 Drinks at 4 Yatai Stalls
In this private yatai-hopping tour, enjoy dinner and drinks at up to four yatai food stalls in Nagahama and Neo-Nakasu, two distinctive yatai areas in Hakata, with a local expert foodie guide. Hotel pick-up and transportation by taxi are included!
Eat and Drink Like a Local in Ueno
Just outside of the restless Tokyo city center, there are bars, restaurants, and shops that are seldom frequented by tourists. During this tour, your guide will give you the opportunity to have an authentic and local experience in Ueno.
Hakata Food Tour: Chicken, Ramen, Mentaiko Bread, & More
Taste Hakata’s best with this 3-hour whirlwind food tour! Feast on 72-hour chicken skin skewers, mentaiko (cod roe) bread, Hakata-style ramen, along with tea & snacks. In between food stops, visit the sacred Kushida Shrine.
Evening in Kyoto Pontocho Food Tour
Strolling through Kyoto’s Pontocho and Gion is like entering another era—all cobbled streets, amber lighting, and traditional architecture. Visit 4 stops and taste the delicate Kyoto cuisine, notable for its seasonal ingredients and presentation.
Yakitori & Tsukune Cooking Class with Tokyo English Teacher
Learn how to make two chicken staples — yakitori skewers and tsukune meatballs — at this cooking class in Tokyo’s Jimbocho Book Town neighborhood, guided by an instructor with 20 years of experience teaching English in high school.
Eat Like a Local: Food Tour of Ikebukuro, Akabane, and Jujo
No Tokyo tourist traps here! This tour covers the entertainment hotspot of Ikebukuro, the retro izakaya hub of Akabane, and the working-class Jujo district with a charming local shopping street. Come ready to fill up on pub foods and sake!
Ueno Food Tour: Sushi, Ramen, Gyoza & Yakitori
Come hungry! In this food tour in bustling Ueno, you’ll enjoy a wide assortment of Japanese foods at four different restaurants near Ameyoko Street. Savor sushi, gyoza, yakitori, and ramen with a foodie expert guide.
Food & Culture Tour w/ 3 Food Stops in Tenma, Osaka
Join friendly locals and indulge in classic Osaka foods in Tenma, Osaka’s nightlife and commercial hotspot. Explore a local supermarket, Japan’s longest-covered shopping arcade, and dine at 3 restaurants showcasing exemplary cuisine.
Bar Hopping Tour in Osaka: Drink like a Local in Dotonbori
Dive into the world of Osaka’s nightlife on this exciting bar hopping tour, where you will have the chance to explore a variety of drinking spots. From standing bars to whisky lounges, enjoy four drinks in total paired with small dishes.
Izakaya Foods Cooking Class in Kyoto (5 Dishes)
Don’t just visit an izakaya, learn to make your very own izakaya-style food in this cooking class in Kyoto. Learn classic recipes to cook and enjoy five different staple dishes like yakitori and oden guided by friendly local hosts.
Osaka Food Tour: Takoyaki, Kushikatsu, Okonomiyaki & More
Taste Osaka specialties like okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, takoyaki and more through this adventurous food tour led by a local guide. Explore local spots and learn insights on the authentic side of Osaka as you make your way through three food stops.
Tokyo Old Town Nostalgia Private Food Tour Of Yanaka Ginza
Join a Yanaka Ginza food tour & a tea ceremony experience in Tokyo! Dine at local Japanese restaurants (soba noodles, omurice), enjoy a tea ceremony & matcha-making experience, & visit a tea house to enjoy a sip (tea) & sweets (anmitsu).
Absolute Osaka Food Tour
Join this tour in Minami Osaka, where gleaming lanterns light the path from restaurant to restaurant, and larger-than-life food signs indicate glorious gyoza and seafood within. Explore 4 food stops and a local restaurant with a knowledgable guide.
Eat and Drink Like a Tokyo Salaryman in Shinbashi
“Work hard, play hard” embodies the mentality of many Japanese workers. This mentality is epitomized in the food scene of Shinbashi, the raucous “salaryman” district of Tokyo where business meets pleasure. Explore the area’s gastropubs on this tour!
Sushi Cooking Class in Osaka
From delicate nigiri sushi to hefty gunkan maki, learn how to make several types of sushi during this cooking class in Tokyo. With a side of yakitori, miso soup, pickles, this is the perfect balanced Japanese meal to impress family and friends.
Togoshi Ginza Street Food Tour With Karaage & Yakitori
Embark on a gastronomic adventure through Togoshi Ginza on this street food tour! Discover the finest local stalls, treating yourself to mouthwatering delights like karaage, yakitori, onigiri, curry pan, and Japanese pudding.
Sugamo, Tokyo: Jizo Dori Shopping Street Food & Culture Tour
Immerse yourself in the retro atmosphere of Sugamo, a laidback area near Ikebukuro in Tokyo. Stroll Jizo Dori Shopping Street with a local guide and savor snacks and sweets at local shops and explore shrines and temples like Koganji Temple.
Tokyo Bar Hopping: Golden Gai, Kabukicho & Omoide Yokocho
Join an expert guide and navigate the hidden gems and secret bars of Tokyo’s Shinjuku district. Enjoy food and drinks at 3 exclusive bars and eateries in Omoide Yokocho, nightlife hub Kabukicho, and the maze-like alley network of Golden Gai.
Shimbashi Night Tour: Shrines, Food, & Culture
Experience a night out in Shimbashi–one of Tokyo’s most prominent business and “salaryman” districts. Visit Karasumori Shrine, explore backstreets, eat at 3 different Japanese restaurants, and learn about the area's history from a multilingual guide.
Ikebukuro Adventure Tour: Games, Food, & Family-Friendly Fun
Join a 4-hour guided food and adventure tour in Ikebukuro! This family-friendly experience includes a game center, a food-themed park, and tasty treats like sushi, yakitori, wagyu, takoyaki, and sweets. Children can join FREE of charge!
Drink with Locals in Osaka: Bar Hopping Tour in Kyobashi
Experience a completely different side to Osaka in the nostalgic and often overlooked area of Kyobashi. Discover cozy bars and quirky izakaya restaurants in this bar hopping tour of Kyobashi led by locals.
Old Osaka Izakaya Hopping Tour w/ Food & Drinks
Venture beyond the tourist sites, through hidden alleys and hole-in-the-wall bars locals love. This comprehensive izakaya-hopping tour will take you through four different bars in retro neighborhoods in Osaka.
Kyushu Street Food: Yatai Food Tour in Karatsu (Saga)
Exploring the fascinating street food scene of historical Karatsu City in Saga, dining at several yatai street food stalls tucked under railroad tracks where you’ll try Kyushu delicacies like squid shumai dumplings and champon.
Tokyo Yakitori and Ramen Tour in Shinjuku
Embark on a culinary journey through the busy streets of Shinjuku. Savor the smoky, succulent skewers of yakitori, and a steaming bowl of hearty ramen—all while learning about Japan's iconic food and drinking culture.
Tokyo Food & Culture Tour: Yanaka Ginza, Yanesen, & Nezu
Embark on a walking tour through the charming districts of Yanaka Ginza, Yanesen, Nezu, & Sendagi. Visit cultural sites & try street foods like roasted sweet potato, yakitori, croquettes, & chestnut ice cream.
Family-Friendly Tokyo Home Party: Home Cooking Class & Meal
Experience an authentic Japanese home party in a cozy home in the suburbs of Western Tokyo. Aki, your local host, will take you shopping and share her best home cooking recipes before sharing a delicious meal in a family-friendly home party.
Shinjuku Izakaya & Culture Tour w/ University Students
This private 2-hour guided tour will immerse you in Tokyo’s izakaya culture. Join local university student guides in the bustling neighborhood of Shinjuku and learn to enjoy traditional Japanese pub fare and drinks like the locals.
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Explore Authentic Yakitori Food Experiences
If you're a food enthusiast looking to delve into the rich culinary traditions of Japan, exploring yakitori food experiences is a must. Yakitori, which literally means "grilled chicken," is a beloved Japanese dish that has captivated palates around the world. These skewered and grilled chicken pieces are not just a meal; they represent a unique cultural experience deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.
When you embark on a yakitori food journey, you have the opportunity to experience this simple yet flavorful dish in all its authenticity. From the bustling streets of Shinjuku in Tokyo to quieter locales throughout Japan, yakitori stands, known as "yakiton" or "yakitori-ya," provide savory delights and a glimpse into local life. Each skewer is meticulously prepared with different parts of chicken, such as thigh, heart, and liver, often seasoned with either shio (salt) or tare (a sweet soy sauce-based glaze), offering a diverse range of tastes.
The Art of Yakitori Cooking
Yakitori is more than just grilling pieces of chicken; it is a culinary art form that involves precision and passion. Each yakitori chef has honed their craft over years, mastering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and presentation. The grilling process is a spectacle in itself, often carried out over charcoal, which imparts a distinct smokiness to the skewers and enhances their flavor.
Participating in a dedicated yakitori class can provide insights into the skills and techniques used by seasoned chefs. You'll learn the importance of using fresh ingredients, the perfect grilling temperature, and timing to achieve that ideal balance between crispy skin and juicy meat. Whether you're learning the ropes as a novice or an amateur cook trying to refine your skills, this experience will immerse you completely in Japanese cooking culture.
Enjoying Yakitori with Sake
While yakitori in itself is an exquisite experience, pairing it with sake can elevate your culinary adventure to new heights. In Japan, yakitori is often enjoyed with a glass of sake, traditionally brewed rice wine, bringing out the rich umami flavors and adding depth to the tasting experience.
Many food tours and experiences integrate sake tasting, providing a chance to sample a variety of local brews. A knowledgeable guide can explain the intricacies of sake production, the differences in flavor profiles, and how each can complement different types of yakitori. From dry and crisp to rich and full-bodied, the combination of yakitori and sake makes for an unforgettable Japanese culinary journey.
Embarking on a yakitori food experience in Japan offers a perfect blend of taste, culture, and tradition. It's not just about the food, but also about experiencing the heart of Japanese hospitality and culinary artistry.