4 Best Food Tours in Tokyo, Japan
Looking for the best food tours in Tokyo? I’ve got you covered.
We’ve eaten our way through Tokyo tons of times both on our own and with tours, but tours by far offer the best experience for first-time visitors. You get to meet locals with a guide, find hidden spots, and see a side of the city you would otherwise miss.
As avid foodies and lovers of all things Japan, we decided to make a list of our favorite food tours we’ve taken in Tokyo so you can make the most of your trip to this incredible city. All you need to do is quickly read about the tours below, pick your favorite, and you’re good to go.
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Tour
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE tour is this food tour at one of Japan’s most famous markets. Your local guide will help you navigate Tsukiji Market and you’ll try food and drinks including the freshest seafood we’ve ever had! You can book this 5-star tour here and read over 1,200 positive reviews from other travelers.
Tip: Book online as soon as you can as this is a POPULAR tour. It has free cancellation 24 hours before the start time, so secure your spot now!
1. Food Tour with a Local to Explore Tsukiji Market
- Duration: 3 hours
- Area of Tokyo: Tsukiji Market
- Highlights: Exploring the famous Tsukiji Market, live demonstrations, fresh seafood
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, 4-5 different food items and snacks, sake, beer, tea
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 1,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the tour starts
- Price: Check price here!
If you want to see firsthand why Tokyo’s fish markets are famous around the world and taste some of the freshest seafood possible, there is no better tour than this. We loved this Tsukiji Fish Market tour because it gets you into the action with a guide who can explain everything that’s happening in real-time while you watch the city’s best chefs pick out fresh ingredients.
As one of Japan’s largest fish markets, Tsukiji is easily our favorite because of how chaotic it is. We recommend taking the 8:30 am option of this tour because it will have you there when things are in full swing. One of the highlights was watching a vendor fileting a massive tuna right in front of us! If you enjoy authentic demos, this tour is full of them and the best way to see it from a local perspective.
A majority of our time was spent in the lively Jogai (outer) and old part of the market. We learned about the history of fish markets in Japan, watched people buy ingredients like octopus tentacles, and tried some snacks. Don’t worry, you won’t eat octopus tentacles! Depending on the season you’ll eat a Japanese omelette made of fresh ingredients instead.
Tsukiji Uogashi and the Tsukiji Fish Market are pretty much one and the same and will be where you try some more delicious food like sushi or a fish bowl. There is nothing better than fresh sushi, especially when the ingredients were caught that morning! If you’re a foodie you’ll be in heaven.
Book our FAVORITE food tour in Tokyo right here!
Related Read: For more options like this one, check out our favorite Tsukiji Market Tours in Tokyo!
2. Small Group Food Tour in Shinjuku District
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Area of Tokyo: Shinjuku District
- Highlights: Eat and drink at three local restaurants, visit Kabukicho District, Golden-Gai District, and Omoide Yokocho alleyway
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, 7+ traditional Japanese dishes, alcoholic drinks
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: No, it’s non-refundable
- Price: Check price here!
Without a doubt, this food tour is one of the best ways to participate in Japan’s delicious food and drink culture. If you’re a foodie who loves hitting lesser-known spots, this tour is for you.
We love that this tour hits the ground running in one of our favorite food and drink areas of Tokyo, Kabukicho District. The neon lights and packed alleyways are a sensory delight in themselves. We also liked that you spend a decent amount of your time in Kabukicho District, so you get to see some off-the-beaten-path areas other tours don’t explore.
The first two restaurants involved several rounds of sake and some delicious yakitori (chicken) skewers, dumplings, sushi, and other staple Japanese foods. But our favorite dish of the night was something we had never had, okonomiyaki. Think savory pancake with various meat and vegetable toppings, it was incredible! We always appreciate it when a tour surprises us with something we haven’t seen anywhere else.
The evening continued with a quick walk down the WWII-era Omoide Yokocho alleyway and our guide gave us a brief history lesson about the area. Not just a tour for foodies, but history lovers too!
The night ended in the Golden-Gai District, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. What we enjoyed however was the lack of other tourists at the restaurant we went to. It was super authentic! After some Japanese cocktails and a dessert of yuzu sorbet, we were stuffed. Be sure to come hungry when you book this tour!
Book this top-rated food tour to guarantee your spot!
3. Night Time Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
- Duration: 3 hours
- Area of Tokyo: Shinjuku
- Highlights: Eat at several local local restaurants in Shinjuku District, Kabukicho District, Godzilla Head
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, 8 pieces of nigiri sushi and full Yakiniku dinner with Wagyu beef (vegetarian menu available), 2 beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), dessert, tour photos
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the tour begins
- Price: Check price here!
As someone who could eat sushi every day I loved that the first stop we made on this evening food tour had melt in your mouth nigiri. Sushi fans will be dreaming about this for a long time – I still am!
What made it even better was that the restaurant was hidden on the second floor of a chaotic alleyway we would have never found on our own. Seriously though, if you’re a sushi fanatic this tour starts with some of the best you’ll ever have – don’t miss it!
As we followed our guide from the first restaurant to the second, he took us through Kabukicho District, one of Tokyo’s more wild areas known for its adult-oriented nightlife. It’s a neon-lit series of alleyways that looks like it’s out of an anime.
The second restaurant cooked up a full Yakiniku (grilled) Wagyu beef dinner which Japan is famous for. They grill it right on the table in front of you while you enjoy a beverage of your choice, but I recommend sake! This restaurant was high end and I liked that this tour takes you to a fancier place to try this iconic meal.
Anyone who enjoys cinema’s biggest lizard will love seeing the famous Godzilla Head in Kabukicho as you walk to the last restaurant. Here you have a choice of another alcoholic beverage or a traditional Japanese dessert depending on what you fancy. I was stuffed so I went for a cocktail, but the pastries they served looked amazing!
For an unforgettable evening, book this highly-rated food tour!
4. Private Food Tour in Sangenjaya
- Duration: 4 hours
- Area of Tokyo: Sangenjaya
- Highlights: Eat at three local restaurants in a part of Tokyo off the tourist trail, learn how to cook Japanese pancakes, visit a hidden sake bar and restaurant
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, 10 Japanese food items (full meal), beverages
- Rating: 5 Stars (Read the 70+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes, up to 24 hours before the tour begins
- Price: Check price here!
A private food tour in Tokyo is one of the best ways to experience this country’s incredible cuisine. But a private food tour through an off-the-beaten-path neighborhood of Tokyo? Even better. If you’re a foodie who likes quality, quantity, and all of the perks that come with a private tour, look no further than this food tour in Sangenjaya.
The first stop of the night was a Japanese pub that specialized in grilled meat and sushi. We ate tons of other snacks, but I can’t even remember them all! Our guide, Simon, was fantastic and told us tons of stories about Tokyo while we munched on traditional Japanese food favorites.
A short walk through the lantern-lit alleyways we found ourselves at the second restaurant of the night that had us making our own Japanese pancakes. While mine weren’t as great as the chef’s, it was still a super fun experience! All of this was accompanied by several rounds of sake and a few beers, I was feeling good! If you like bang for your buck (or sake for your buck) tours this one is a heck of a deal.
The last stop of the night was a hidden standing bar that served killer seafood and plenty of beer. It was tiny, energetic, and the highlight of our evening. We made friends with everyone in the bar (with help from Simon) and they loved that we were partying with them at their local watering hole. This tour was a 10/10 night!
Book this VIP private food tour here and pay later!
Related Read: If you’d like to try your hand at cooking up some tasty food, we picked out our favorite cooking classes in Tokyo for you to choose from!
Where to Stay in Tokyo, Japan
Accommodation in Tokyo can be expensive – there’s no simple way to put it! However, there are a lot of great options in terms of quality, location, and amenities. To help narrow down your choices, I’ve picked out three fantastic stays for those looking for a luxury, mid-range, or budget place to stay.
Luxury – $$$
Mitsui Garden Hotel Jingugaien Tokyo Premier is a luxury stay featuring rooms with balconies and city views. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Tokyo, so you’re close to the trains and top sights, but it’s still a relaxing and quiet stay. The rooms are modern and spacious, and you can enjoy the onsite restaurant and gorgeous garden area.
Prices start around $250 USD per night and can be booked online here.
Mid-range – $$
OMO3 Tokyo Akasaka has a fabulous location in the Minato area, and close to the trains so you can get anywhere in the city easily. The hotel itself is very comfortable for a moderate price point, offering double or twin rooms with cozy sitting nooks in each room. There are plenty of restaurants and convenience stores around the hotel, and you can walk to some of Tokyo’s top sights.
Rooms start around $150 USD on average. You can check prices and reserve this stay online in advance.
Budget – $
If you’re looking for a budget friendly stay, the Plat Hostel Keikyu Asakusa Karin is your best bet. Located in the Asakusa area of Tokyo, you’ll be near top temples and activities and a short walk to the train station. The rooms are basic, but clean and provide a comfortable place to rest and you can get a private room or a dorm room. Private rooms start around $50 USD and a dorm is about $20 USD – not bad for Tokyo!
Check availability and book this budget stay on Booking.com.
For more options, check out all of the hotels in Tokyo here!
Renting a Car in Japan
Japan’s trains are great, but if you want to explore rural areas, scenic routes, or off-the-beaten path hidden gems, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility. Driving in Japan is generally safe, with well-maintained roads and clear signage, though there are some unique rules and customs to be aware of.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare multiple provider prices, check company ratings, filter for the type of vehicle you want, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Japan
- Drive on the left: In Japan, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right, and you’ll need to adjust to roundabouts and different road layouts. Take some time to get comfortable before hitting busy roads.
- Know the local rules: You must come to a full stop at “止まれ” (stop) signs, and pedestrians always have the right of way. It’s also mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts, even in the back seat. It’s also a good idea to brush up on the Japanese road signs before you go. They are mainly symbol based, and being able to recognize them will make your journey a lot smoother!
- Insurance is essential: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance—especially in Japan, where tight city parking, narrow village streets, and even wildlife on roads (like deer in Hokkaido) can lead to unexpected dings or damage. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Roads and parking spots in Japan can be tight, especially in cities and older towns, so a small or mid-sized car is usually best. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by transmission, fuel type (like hybrid), luggage space, and more, so you can find exactly what works for your trip.
- Watch for toll roads: Japan has an extensive network of toll roads (expressways). Tolls can be paid by cash or card, but it’s worth checking if your rental car comes with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for convenience.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This is a must—it’s the only version Japan recognizes, and you’ll need to get it before arriving.
- A credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
- Most companies require you to be at least 18 years old, and some may require you to have held a license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Japan on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
The food in Japan is SO good. I think that was one of the main reasons we first visited and it definitely keeps us coming back. But if it’s your first time here, it can be overwhelming to know where to go and find authentic and tasty places to eat. Luckily, these food tours solve that problem! Any of the ones on our list are good for a great time and lots of yummy food.
For more unforgettable experiences and travel tips, check out all our blogs on Japan. We’ve criss-crossed the country to find all the activities you won’t want to miss.
