Written by Cassandra Lord
Tokyo is full of amazing food, but when you have limited time to try everything, you want to be sure you’re making the most of it. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best food tours in Tokyo.
Although food tours can seem pricey, you’ll save time looking up the best spots to eat, you’ll get a ton of food to make up for it, and you’ll even learn some cultural and historic background to make the experience more meaningful.
From a tour of the original Tsukiji Fish Market to bar-hopping and family-friendly and vegan tours, here are 12 great ways to explore Tokyo’s food scene.
1. Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour
Price: From ¥16,800Area: Tsukiji
Duration: 3 hours
Book online
It’s not just fish that’s on offer at Tsukiji Market in Tokyo. Walk through the lively market food stalls of the Outer Market, and taste everything from freshly-seared wagyu beef to premium tuna sashimi on this insightful tour.
Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the Tsukiji area. Bring your walking shoes, and be prepared for a bit of day drinking, too!
Note: The actual wholesale fish market, or Inner Market, with its world-famous tuna auction, relocated to the nearby Toyosu Market in 2018.
2. Kawaii Food Tour in Harajuku
Price: ¥68,196 (minimum 2 people)Area: Harajuku
Duration: 3 hours
Book online
The cute pinks and pastel colors are everywhere in Harajuku, and that includes the food. Think pastel-colored cotton candy, animal cake pops, dessert crepes — anything and everything cute, Harajuku has it.
Though this fun Tokyo food tour is geared towards those with a sweet tooth, there are also savory dishes, too, complete with an okonomiyaki (savory pancake) lunch in an artsy restaurant.
3. Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
Price: From ¥19,400Area: Shinjuku
Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Book online
Visiting Japanese izakaya (local bars or pubs) is a must for any Tokyo traveler, but it can be tricky to find a good one on your own. Many of them are hidden in alleyways or areas you might not think to visit, so this intimate tour takes out the guesswork.
Small izakaya are a great way to experience Japanese food and drink you won’t get elsewhere. This tour ensures you get a seat at the best spots in Shinjuku.
4. Ramen Tasting: Mini Bowl Ramen Tour
Price: From ¥20,000Area: Multiple areas, starting in Shibuya
Duration: 2-3 hours
Book online
Ready for ramen? This soupy noodle dish can be very filling, so a ramen tour might seem somewhat ambitious. But Tokyo Ramen Tours has found a way around that, with six mini bowls of award-winning ramen.
On this Tokyo food tour, you’ll walk between three different ramen spots in three different neighborhoods, while learning about both the history and modern world of ramen. You’ll realize just how different each bowl can be, and maybe find your new favorite style. The walks in between will make you feel like you’ve earned each one, too!
5. Mochi and Traditional Sweets Making with Tea Ceremony
Price: From ¥15,000Area: Meguro
Duration: 2.5 hours
Book online
If you want a more hands-on experience, this Japanese sweets class is a great way to let out your creative side.
The instructor will guide you through every step of the process, from making the perfect rice dough to the fine techniques of decoration. Round off the day by tucking into your creation with a steaming bowl of matcha tea.
6. Asakusa Highlights: Street Food Crawl Tour
Price: From ¥11,500 (minimum 2 people)Area: Asakusa
Duration: 2 hours
Book online
Explore a quieter side of Asakusa on this street food tour. As part of it, you’ll enjoy lunch and visit additional food vendors that have been mainstays in the area for more than 100 years. There may also be a tipple or two.
During this walking tour, you’ll also visit various important cultural and historic spots, including Nakamise Shopping Street and Sensoji Temple.
7. Sumo Tournament, Chanko Nabe, and Culture in Ryogoku (Seasonal)
Price: From ¥22,000 (different seat packages available)Area: Ryogoku
Duration: 4 to 5 hours
Book online
Although this full-day tour is a bit pricier than the others on our list, it’s not without good reason. The ticket includes seats to a live sumo match, with an expert guide.
If you opt for lunch plan, you will first enjoy a traditional sumo hotpot, known as chanko nabe, at Hanano-mai Restaurant near to Ryogoku Station. Following this, you’ll get to explore inside Ryogoku Kokugikan and then sit back and watch some live sumo wrestling.
Note: This tour is only available during the Grand Sumo Tournament season. Read more about how to see sumo in Tokyo and what a Sumo Tournament is actually like.
8. Tokyo Akihabara Maid Cafe
Price: From ¥17,946Area: Akihabara
Duration: 2 hours
Book online
Get ready for ultimate kawaii! Maid cafés have been a staple of Japan’s contemporary culture and a viral sensation thanks to their unique blend of entertainment and dining.
On this tour, you can enjoy a special maid café meal, snacks, and even alcholic drinks. There’s also a live dance performance, and you’ll get a commemorative photo with the maid girls.
9. Make Your Own Ramen and Gyoza in Arakawa
Price: From ¥22,000Area: Arakawa
Duration: 3 hours
Book online
There’s so much great ramen in Tokyo, it’s a shame you can’t take it all home. But this tour allows you to take home the skills to make it for yourself.
In this three-hour class, your cooking instructor will show you how to make everything from the ramen noodles themselves to a side dish of perfectly folded gyoza dumplings. And, if you are interested, there’s even an option to visit a local supermarket after to learn more about Japanese ingredients.
10. Vegan / Vegetarian Ramen Tour in Tokyo
Price: From ¥13,000Area: Shibuya
Duration: 2 hours
Book online
Although vegan and vegetarian options are growing in Tokyo, it can still be difficult to find a good bowl of plant-based ramen without going to a chain restaurant. But on this tour, you get to try vegan ramen AND gyoza!
This tour is run by a local certificated instructor who will also take you around the local supermarket and provide you with some of the survival Japanese you might need when trying to order vegan food. After that, it is time to prepare your vegan/vegetarian food, which also includes dessert.
11. Vegan Friendly Sushi & Okonomiyaki in Shibuya
Price: From ¥16,650Area: Shibuya
Duration: 3.5 hours
Book online
Experience the best of Shibuya’s food scene by going on this vegan-, pescatarian-, and gluten-free-friendly food tour.
Along the way, you’ll explore the bustling area — famous for the iconic Shibuya Crossing — while sampling a variety of delicious dishes. Enjoy gluten-free and vegan okonomiyaki, fresh sushi, and more. You can also order a few alcholic drinks to keep the night going.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
