Food Tours in Tokyo

As Japan’s capital and one of Asia’s cultural epicenters, Tokyo attracts thousands of international visitors each year.  The metropolis is known for its neon-lit streets, modern architecture and delicious Japanese cuisine.

The city of Tokyo is filled with high-end sushi restaurants, relaxed after-work pubs, traditional eateries and street food vendors— thus providing the ideal food experience for every type of traveler.

Food tours in Tokyo are designed to provide you with an introduction to the city’s buzzing culinary scene. Learn about what makes Japanese cuisine so special as you familiarize yourself with both traditional and modern local dishes.

Here's the ultimate guide on food tours, one of the most captivating gastronomic experiences in Tokyo.

What are the most popular food tours in Tokyo?

Tsukiji Fish Market food and culture tour

Tsukiji Fish Market was established almost a century ago and acts as the cornerstone of Tokyo’s seafood scene. Visit Tsukiji’s outer market and see where the city’s top-rated chefs shop for their ingredients with this guided food and culture tour.

Explore the hundreds of market stalls with your professional guide and stop to taste local delicacies along the way— including Japanese tea, omelets, sake, sushi and fresh tuna among other dishes.

Chat with local vendors and learn about Tokyo’s seafood-related traditions.

Tsukiji Fish Market is a must-see attraction for seafood lovers. Not only will you immerse yourself in Japanese culinary culture for the morning, but there will also be the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and take great photos.

Walking food tour of Shibuya at night

Skip the overpriced restaurants and instead visit Shibuya’s lesser-known eateries to see the trendy neighborhood through the eyes of a local in this walking tour.

Discover Shibuya’s hidden gems, taste authentic Japanese cuisine and learn where the residents choose to eat and drink.

Meet your friendly guide at Shibuya's popular Hachiko Square. From here you’ll follow your guide through the neighborhood’s maze of back streets, stopping to taste Japanese delicacies at local eateries along the way.

Some of the dishes you can look forward to tasting include sushi, okonomiyaki, Wagyu and taiyaki dessert. In addition to eateries, you’ll also visit an underground food hall, which is a local food experience not to be missed.

Izakaya food tour in Shinjuku

Izakayas are pubs where small Japanese dishes are served alongside alcoholic beverages. These pubs have a busy after-work atmosphere and are perfect for getting an authentic feel of the local culinary scene.

Meet your guide in the heart of Shinjuku and walk through the brightly-lit streets— stopping to visit various izakayas in the district. You’ll get to taste at least seven classic Japanese dishes, which will be accompanied by drinks.

This tour takes place after dark when the Shinjuku district comes alive, and the tour is limited to 10 participants— making for a personal izakaya experience.

Private food and culture tour in Tokyo

Make the most of your time in Tokyo when you book a private food and culture tour. Your local guide acts as your personal translator— eliminating any language barriers between you and street vendors, waiters, etc.

You’ll visit a range of restaurants, eateries and izakayas in vibrant areas like Ginza, Yakitori Alley, Tsukishima Monja Street and others. Some of the Japanese dishes that you’ll try include yakitori, monjayaki, Japanese sweets and sake.

The tour is greatly enriched by the stories and anecdotes told by your guide as you walk through the city streets. Not only will you get to taste amazing food but you’ll learn more about Japan’s capital.

West-side walking and street food tour in Tokyo

Leave Tokyo’s tourist hubs behind you as you discover the charming areas of western Tokyo on this walking street food excursion.

Take a stroll in the city’s character-filled neighborhoods of Koenji and Nakano with your professional guide leading the way through the winding streets.

Visit some of the area’s best local eateries, markets and street vendors and taste a carefully-chosen selection of Japanese dishes. Wherever you go, your guide will provide fascinating information about Tokyo’s culinary scene.

Your tour ends at an izakaya, which is a type of pub known for serving small affordable meals alongside alcoholic beverages like sake. Choose between a private or small-group tour— whatever suits you best.

What are the best Tokyo food tour combos?

Shopping and food tour in Tokyo

Visit the charming neighborhoods of Ningyocho and Nihonbashi, where you’ll find an array of traditional souvenirs made by local craftsmen. As you walk through the district on this shopping tour, you’ll also get to taste a variety of Japanese snacks.

Cycling and food tour in Tokyo

Pedal through the trendiest neighborhoods with your local guide leading the way in this bike tour in Tokyo.

Discover riverside cycle paths and twisting back alleys as you visit some of the city’s best eateries, allowing you to taste a wide range of traditional Japanese dishes.

What will you see and do on a Tokyo food tour?

As the culinary culture in Tokyo is so diverse, most food tours focus on a particular neighborhood or specific type of food.

Popular places commonly visited during food tours include Tsukiji Fish Market, various izakayas, traditional eateries, sushi restaurants and more.

Commonly visited neighborhoods include Harajuku, Shinjuku, Tsukiji and Asakusa among others. Be sure to read itineraries carefully before making a booking to ensure that the tour that you are interested in aligns with your preferences and visits places that you find interesting.

How much do food tours in Tokyo cost?

Basic food tours in Tokyo usually cost around US$100 per person for a group experience led by a professional guide. These basic tours usually last around 3 hours and include a variety of samples.

Small-group tours and more personal food tours typically cost around US$150 per person and you can expect these tours to be limited to a maximum of 10 people.

Private tours that offer a fully customizable experience, and have a duration of at least 4 hours, typically cost at least US$250 per person. These tours often include hotel transfers and a wide range of different Japanese dishes.

What is included?

While each food tour in Tokyo has slightly different inclusions, most food tours are inclusive of several different food tastings and you can expect to be full by the end of the tour.

While some tours are inclusive of drink and sake tastings, most tours require you to pay for your drinks.

Where does it start?

Food tours take place all over Tokyo and most tour operators ask that you meet your guide at a nearby restaurant, cafe or another landmark. These meeting points are usually centrally located and easy to find.

There are a few tour operators that offer hotel transfers for tour participants, but in most cases, you will need to make your own way to the tour’s starting point so make sure that you leave early enough to arrive on time.

How much time do I need?

Food tours in Tokyo typically last around 3 hours. However, there are a few half-day food tours available— usually lasting between 5 and 6 hours— for those looking for a more comprehensive culinary experience.

When is the best time for a food tour in Tokyo?

The best time for a food tour in Tokyo will depend on what type of food tour you decide to take. For example, when visiting Tsukiji Fish Market it is best to arrive in the morning as stalls close in the early afternoon.

In contrast, it is better to take izakaya food tours in the evening as this is the best time to experience the busy after-work atmosphere that these pubs are famous for.

Book your food tour in Tokyo for the beginning of your stay in the city so that you gain a basic understanding of Japanese food and culinary culture. Learn what local dishes you like best so that you know what to order during the rest of your stay!

Travel tips

• As there are so many different types of food tours in Tokyo, it is best to take your schedule, budget and food preferences into consideration when choosing the right tour for you.
• Book your Tokyo food tour in advance to secure your spot on your preferred excursion.
• If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, you should inform your tour guide ahead of time.
• Wear comfortable shoes for food tours that involve walking from place to place.