Food Tours in Japan: 15 Crawls Worth Skipping Lunch For

Tokyo: Shinjuku Food Tour (13 Dishes at 4 Local Eateries) - Golden Gai: tiny bars and a changing route

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6,603 reviews · from $86Our pick

Spend about three hours walking Shinjuku with a local guide, tasting 13 Japanese dishes at a stall, izakaya, traditional eatery, and gastrobar. Two drinks are included. Guides such as May, Hoshi, Igor, and Emma have led this experience, which visits Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and the alleys around Golden Gai.

“As it was our first time in Tokyo and specially to the Shinjuku station - we got lost and couldn't reach on time for our tour. Our tour guide waited for us and did his best to help us find our way and reach on time. However, it only gets worse after this. We went to possibly the worse eateries in Tokyo. I can say this with a high level of confidence because we explored Tokyo's Izakaya scene on our own and got much better food everywhere. None of the dishes were nice and my husband and I couldn't wait for the tour to get over. This is a highly…”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Fish Market Tours, Food & Drink, Food Tours, Food Tours in Tokyo, Market Tours in Tokyo, Markets, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour

2.Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,184 reviews · from $99

Meet guides such as Kiyo, Naz, Shoko, or Masa at Tsukiji Honganji Temple for a three-hour walk through the outer market. Taste seafood, sushi or a seafood bowl, Wagyu beef, fish cakes, omelette, fruit, dashi, and tea while learning about Japanese food customs. The tour suits fish lovers who want help navigating Tsukiji.

“Sean was the best guide. He was really informative and fun. We really enjoyed the experience and I would definitely recommend the tours to others.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Food & Drink, Food Tours, Food Tours in Osaka, Osaka Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Osaka: Shinsekai Food Tour with 13-15 Dishes at 5 Eateries

3.Shinsekai Food Tour with 13-15 Dishes at 5 Eateries

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,204 reviews · 3 hours · from $53

Walk Osaka’s Shinsekai with a local English-speaking guide such as Kevin, Tommy, Mio, or Taka, stopping at five small eateries for takoyaki, kushikatsu, udon, yakitori, gyoza, and more. This three-hour evening tour serves 13 to 15 dishes and two drinks in a group capped at nine people. Come hungry and wear comfortable shoes.

“The tour guide Mio was amazing! She had excellent knowledge of the local area and took us to amazing locations. You will be full after this food tour! Will recommend.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Food & Drink, Food Tours, Food Tours in Osaka, Osaka Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Osaka Food Tour: 13 Dishes at 5 Local Eateries

4.Osaka Food Tour: 13 Dishes at 5 Local Eateries

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,149 reviews · from $73

Spend about three hours in Osaka’s Shinsekai district with a local guide such as Tommy, Mario, Mari, or Brian. Visit five small eateries, sample 13 Osaka dishes, and enjoy two drinks while learning about local food and customs. The tour suits first-time visitors who want help finding low-key spots, but it is not suitable for vegans or people with gluten or serious allergy needs.

“We enjoyed our food tour which had lots of variety. The only reason it is a 4 star is we found the drinks situation confusing as we were often told this one is on me me the next one is on you but then after we ordered it was no this one in you next one on me.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Food & Drink, Food Tours, Food Tours in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tokyo: Shinjuku Food Tour (15 Dishes and 4 Eateries)

5.Shinjuku Food Tour (15 Dishes and 4 Eateries)

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 2,033 reviews · 3 hours · from $85

Spend three hours with an English-speaking local guide exploring Shinjuku after dark. Taste up to 13 Japanese dishes at a food stall, izakaya, traditional eatery, and gastrobar, with two drinks included. Guides such as Daichi, Fu, Aika, and Igor add local stories as you walk through Golden Gai, Omoide Yokocho, and Kabukicho.

“We had an incredible experience thanks to Hina, who was an outstanding guide and took us to some truly memorable food spots. The pork katsu was my absolute favourite, perfectly cooked and full of flavour. The seaweed salad and tempura tuna were also standout dishes. This tour is well worth booking, and I can’t recommend Hina highly enough, she was brilliant.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Drinking Tours, Drinking Tours in Tokyo, Food & Drink, Food Tours, Food Tours in Tokyo, Izakaya Tours, Izakaya Tours in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (4 Stops, 14+ Tastings)

6.Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (4 Stops, 14+ Tastings)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,863 reviews · from $92

Spend 3.5 hours eating through Shinjuku with a bilingual local guide such as Taiga, Yusuke, Nobu, or Chi. Visit four izakayas for 14+ tastings, three drinks, and dishes ranging from sashimi and grilled skewers to Japanese comfort food. Walk through Kabukicho, Golden Gai, and Omoide Yokocho in a small group of up to 10.

“We had an amazing time on the food tour! Our guide, Taiga, was lovely to talk to and very accommodating to our dietary restrictions. The tour in general was a great way to see more of the city, and we had some really excellent food. I would hRead more”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Drinking Tours, Drinking Tours in Kyoto, Food & Drink, Food Tours, Food Tours in Kyoto, Kyoto Tours, Sake Tasting, Sake Tastings in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours

Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings)

7.Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion (9+ dishes + 6 Sake tastings)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,762 reviews · from $163

Spend about three and a half hours walking through Gion, Pontocho, Kawaramachidori, and along the Kamo River while eating 9-plus Kyoto dishes and sampling sake. A guide such as Jimmy, Kumi, Emma, Rika, or Yuki leads the small group into local restaurants and bars. Expect a full evening meal, cultural stories, and up to six sake tastings.

“Value for money and fun Kyoto experience with our guide Yuma. Highly recommend this food and drink experience - something for everyone.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Food & Drink, Food Tours, Food Tours in Osaka, Osaka Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Hungry Osaka Street Food Tour:15 Tastings & 3 Drinks with a Local

8.Hungry Osaka Street Food Tour:15 Tastings & 3 Drinks with a Local

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,727 reviews · from $73

Spend about three hours eating through Shinsekai with guides such as Andy, Anna, Adam, Tim, Scott, and Kenzo. You will visit five small local eateries for karaage, yakitori, takoyaki, udon, oden, kushikatsu, dessert, and three drinks. The evening also covers Tsutenkaku, Osaka food culture, and the area’s postwar character.

“I would highly recommend this trip. We went to places which I probably wouldn’t have found by myself. Tim, our guide was amazing. I was also lucky with my group- I had a really nice cozy group. I could have happily spent a couple more hours with them.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Fish Market Tours, Food & Drink, Market Tours in Tokyo, Markets, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Tokyo

Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Walking tour

9.Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Walking tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,724 reviews · from $30Best value

Spend about two hours with a local English-speaking guide at Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple, Tsukiji Fish Market, and Tsukiji Jogai Market. Guides such as Rie, Haydn, Jim, Minori, and Sayaka help you find good stalls and explain Japanese food culture. Food costs extra, so bring cash, ideally around ¥10,000.

“Haydn did a wonderful job explaining the temple which was a peaceful experience. Best of all, he expertly guided our group through the market, taking us to the best of the best. He definitely knows his stuff. Thanks Haydn!”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

1-Day Tours, Day Trips in Nagano, Drinking Tours, Drinking Tours in Nagano, Food & Drink, Nagano Tours, Sake Tasting, Snow Monkey Tours, Temple & Shrine Tours in Nagano, Temples & Shrines, Tour Reviews, Winter Activities

1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

10.1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake in Nagano

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,020 reviews · from $151

Spend about eight hours with an English-speaking guide at Zenko-ji Temple, a Nagano sake brewery, and Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Guides such as Tom, Kieran, Nadine, and Endo have helped make the day informative and easy to follow. Lunch, transport, sake tasting, and park admission are included. Expect a forest walk and icy footing in winter.

“This excursion surpassed our expectations and added cultural experiences to our day. We were leaving Japan the next day so it really enhanced our trip.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Food & Drink, Food Tours, Food Tours in Tokyo, Ramen & Noodle Tours, Ramen Tours in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour-Taverns&Ramen

11.Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour-Taverns&Ramen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 957 reviews · from $95

Spend three hours eating and drinking through Ueno and Okachimachi with a guide such as Aki or Shota. You’ll visit a standing bar, izakaya, and ramen shop, trying dishes such as sashimi, skewered meat, grilled fish, mystery meats, Japanese drinks, and ramen. Food, drinks, translation, and local guidance are included.

“Lots of food, many alcohol drinks, be adventurous and enjoy the different choices. Guide was energetic and attentive to details.”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

3-Hour Experiences, Breweries, Drinking Tours, Drinking Tours in Kyoto, Food & Drink, Kyoto Tours, Sake Tasting, Sake Tastings in Kyoto, Tour Reviews, Tours

3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings

12.3-Hour Kyoto Insider Sake Brewery Tour with Tastings & Pairings

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 917 reviews · from $84

Spend three hours in Kyoto’s Fushimi sake district with a certified sake sommelier. Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, then taste 10 sake styles in a private room with traditional otsumami pairings. Guides such as Kyoko, Miyuki, Momo, Mai, and Shogo explain labels, brewing choices, and flavor differences in clear English.

“WOW! Our guide Kyoko was so friendly and cared so much about helping us learn about sake. The museum tour was very interesting and gave us a good base level of understanding before we tasted so much sake! The way the tasting waRead more”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Breweries, Drinking Tours, Drinking Tours in Kyoto, Food & Drink, Kyoto Tours, Sake Tasting, Sake Tastings in Kyoto, Temple & Shrine Tours in Kyoto, Temples & Shrines, Tour Reviews

Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkeys, or Secret Sake Brewery

13.Arashiyama Bamboo, Temple, Monkeys, or Secret Sake Brewery

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 886 reviews · 5 hours - 330 minutes · from $87

Walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station through the bamboo grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Okochi Sanso Garden, Tenryuji Temple, and Arashiyama’s shopping streets. You’ll see koi ponds, Kimono Forest, Togetsukyo Bridge, and macaques at Iwatayama. Depending on the option, finish with monkey-park views or a local lunch and sake tasting at Tanzan Brewery.

“Amazing tour!!! Francis was such an awesome guide. I loved the monkeys and the zen garden. 😊🦧”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Nagano: Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

14.Snow Monkeys, Zenkoji Temple & Sake Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 833 reviews · 8 - 12 hours · from $135

Spend a full day exploring Nagano with guides such as Dylan, Brent, Tom, or Hiroshi, depending on your departure. Visit Zenkoji Temple, sample several sakes, enjoy a generous local lunch, then walk 1.6 km through a forest trail to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. Transport, entry, lunch, and sake tasting are included.

“I had a brilliant time exploring Zenkoji Temple and seeing the snow monkeys! Hishiro and Shin were brilliant!”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →

Food & Drink, Food Tours, Food Tours in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tokyo: Shibuya Food Tour (13 dishes and 4 Eateries)

15.Shibuya Food Tour (13 dishes and 4 Eateries)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 770 reviews · from $77

Spend about three hours walking through Shibuya with a local English-speaking guide and tasting 13 Japanese dishes at four eateries. The route includes Shibuya Crossing, Hachiko, Dogenzaka, and Center-gai. Guides such as Hoshi, Naruto, Kei, and Mat have led this experience, though the assigned guide can vary. Food and drinks are included, with extra orders at your own cost.

“The choice of eateries was fantastic. The food at each place was a knockout. The tour guide, Hoshi, was very knowledgeable about the food and demonstrated how to eat each dish. His English was perfect and he was very considerate of his tour group. Cannot praise him enough”

Dates, prices, availability →Our full review →