Top Japan Dining Experiences

Soba noodles are a staple of Japanese cuisine, and a treat for visitors in Japan—but learning how to craft these hand-cut buckwheat noodles is usually left to professional chefs, and especially tricky if you don't speak Japanese. During this private cooking workshop in Sapporo, mix flour and stretch and cut the dough to master the art of making soba yourself. Then, sit down to enjoy your freshly prepared meal.

Tokyo has countless restaurants, but this small-group evening cooking class offers a more immersive way to dine. Instead of a single dish, learn to prepare a multi-course meal of classic “izakaya” (Japanese tavern) fare, such as sushi rolls, chicken balls with shiso leaves, and eggplant with miso sauce. Best of all, you get to enjoy every dish you make.

Dive into the fascinating world of sumo wrestling with this interactive experience led by retired sumo wrestlers. Learn about sumo history, techniques, and daily life, watch live sparring matches, and even step into the ring yourself for a friendly skirmish. Complete your experience with a delicious meal of Tonkatsu and Chanko Nabe, prepared by the wrestlers, with vegetarian and dietary accommodations available upon request.

Skip the tourist traps and experience the Tokyo nightlife just like a local. This small-group experience takes you on a tour of the Shinjuku district's many *izakayas*, informal Japanese watering holes. Enjoy a range of classic Japanese dishes at several different izakayas in Golden Gai and Shinjuku, accompanied by drinks, and experience Shinjuku at its most atmospheric: after dark.

Join me in a warm, private kitchen and experience Japanese home cooking like visiting a local family. This is a fully hands-on class where you will cook together, not just watch. Enjoy preparing a traditional Japanese meal from scratch in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Take a break from busy sightseeing and spend a special moment cooking, eating, and connecting in a cozy home setting.

Head deep inside one of the world’s most under-the-radar natural wonders on this small-group guided expedition through a Japanese ice cave. This site is hard to reach for most independent travelers, but special entry permits are included in the tour. Follow the light of a headlamp into the mysterious, ice-cold cavern, carved by lava eruptions from Mt. Fuji over a millennium ago—a thrilling, out-of-the-box adventure.

If you’ve ever been curious about the best way to prepare Japanese matcha, then this is the experience for you. Rather than sharing your session with a crowd, enjoy the intimate alternative of a private tea experience with personalized one-to-one guidance from a skilled tea master. Learn how to prepare matcha yourself, taste five different Japanese teas, and enjoy traditional sweets along the way.

Take a deep dive into the world of Japanese seafood during this tour of the outer Tsukiji Fish Market. See where Michelin-starred chefs shop for ingredients at this iconic market for all things aquatic. Investigate stalls selling fish, shellfish, and everything in between, and feast on top-quality food including high-grade Wagyu beef skewers, fish cakes, sushi or seafood bowl, and seasonal fruit. Plus, enjoy other samples along the way.

Seeking out the well-concealed back-alley bars of Tokyo's Shinjuku district is notoriously tricky for outsiders. Take the guesswork out of your trip on this guided tour that takes you barhopping to Izakaya bars in two different alleyways in Shinjuku with a small group. Experience the backstreets of Tokyo and authentic street food and drinks (included) while your guide shares insights into local culture in this atmospheric part of the city.

Indulge in a premium Japanese whisky experience designed for travelers who want to go beyond the typical tourist spots. This curated tasting journey takes you to hidden whisky bars and specialty venues known mainly to locals, where you can enjoy some of Japan’s finest whiskies in an intimate atmosphere. The experience is flexible and can be tailored to your preference—whether you prefer a relaxed daytime tasting with a late lunch and lighter whiskies, or an evening exploration of traditional Tokyo whisky bars. Along the way, you will visit a carefully selected mix of classic local whisky bars and modern international-style venues. For true enthusiasts, we can also stop by specialty whisky shops where rare and hard-to-find bottles may be discovered, offering a deeper look into Japan’s world-renowned whisky culture.

If you haven’t been lucky enough to catch a sumo tournament in Tokyo, don’t worry—this behind-the-scenes experience lets you get closer to the wrestlers than you could watching a match. Not only do you watch a live demonstration, you also tuck into a hearty dinner with the sportsmen while you ask about their profession.

Discover Tokyo's must-see landmarks on the deluxe coach tour including a Matcha experience, admission to Skytree, and a Tokyo Bay ferry(sometimes no cruise). Stroll the natural scenery at Meiji Shrine and drive past Akihabara, Ueno and other major attractions en route to the Imperial Palace. Then explore Asakusa with historical temples, shopping, matcha tea and Japanese Izakaya Lunch! In the afternoon, enjoy a 360° panoramic view from Tokyo Sky Tree and relaxing at Tokyo Bay Cruise. Return to Shinjuku while enjoy the view of the Tokyo city. ・Discover Tokyo's the most iconic landmarks on the coach tour efficiently ・Try Authentic Matcha experience & IZAKAYA Lunch at Historical place, Asakusa ・Benefit from skip-the-line admission to skytree which is the tallest broadcasting tower in the world ・Get a light breeze of Tokyo Bay Ferry (sometimes no cruise) ・A Professional English-speaking guide attend this tour ・Also, multilingual audio guidance is available in EN, FR, IT, ES, DE, PT, UK

Experience the authentic artistry of Kabuki and classical Japanese dance up close in a serene Kyoto temple, away from the typical tourist crowds. Unlike large-scale theater productions viewed from a distance, this intimate experience brings you face-to-face with a professional traditional dancer: • Welcome with Tea & Sweets: Begin your visit with authentic matcha and Japanese sweets. • Deep Cultural Insights: Learn about the history, storytelling, and philosophy behind Kabuki and traditional dance forms. • Live Intimate Performance: Watch 4-5 classical dance pieces up close, showcasing intricate movements and the expressive artistry of traditional dancing fans. • Q&A & Photo Session: End with personal interactions with the performer, with time for commemorative photos inside the historic grounds. *Note: Gather at Saishu-ji (10 min walk from Gojo Station). To accommodate temple rituals, the venue may occasionally shift to a nearby equivalent temple with advance notice.

Discover Tokyo with a private guide who shares the modern and traditional sides of the dynamic Japanese capital, and saves you hours of research. Navigate the city's complex subway system (or upgrade to a private car) with your guide as you visit famous sites including theTsukiji fish market, Asakusa, and the Meiji Shrine. Learn about Japanese youth and pop culture in Harajuku, and enjoy a private tour customizable to suit your interests.

If you’re a fan of sushi, learn to make it yourself the authentic Japanese way during a sushi-making cooking class in Tsukiji. Your expert sushi-chef instructor will share insider tips and guide you through fish preparation, knife techniques, and sushi shaping. Learn about different types of sushi, and make two—nigiri and rolled sushi—before enjoying your creations. Sake and soft drinks are available for purchase to complement your meal.

Learn to make a traditional Japanese meal during this private cooking lesson in Sapporo. Join a professional culinary instructor for a hands-on workshop including starters, main dishes, and side dishes such as sushi, somen noodles, and grilled chicken. Get advice and recipes for recreating the Japanese feast back home.

An English speaking interpreter will take you step by step through the history, etiquette and cultural importance of the Japanese tea ceremony, while you witness a demonstration from a local professional. Following the demonstration, you'll be invited to try making your own cup of 'matcha' tea - which you'll be able to savour along with a sweet local delicacy served at the side.

Roppongi is Tokyo's international nightlife district, dense with bars and clubs, and this unique show at one of its intimate venues blends burlesque with a modern geisha performance. Enjoy adults-only choreography that runs glamorous one moment and daring the next, with dinner and drinks included with your ticket.

Chieko is a certified cooking instructor who was born and raised on Shikoku Island and then lived in Kyoto, Osaka and Los Angeles, before moving to Tokyo. Growing up on an island ensured that Chieko always has access to fresh seafood, as well as fresh vegetables and rice. She learned to cook traditional Japanese dishes from her mother . She is so excited to meet travelers from all over the world and teach them how to make a home cooked Japanese meal.

This is not just a sake tasting — it’s a 3-hour experience that will completely change how you understand and choose sake in Japan. Led by a sake specialist, you’ll go beyond “sweet or dry” and learn how sake is actually made, why flavors differ, and how to identify your own preferences with confidence. Visit the historic Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, then enjoy a guided tasting of multiple styles of sake paired with traditional snacks — with clear, practical explanations you can use anywhere in Japan. By the end of the tour, you will know which type of sake you truly like and how to select it without hesitation - enjoy sake not just during your travels, but as part of your life. Date full? Visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum on your own, then join our 1.5-hour session to learn how to choose sake you’ll love.

Immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine with this all-in-one small-group class. You’ll visit a local supermarket near Iriya Station with your guide and learn how to shop for Japanese ingredients like a professional. After, you’ll make traditional foods like sushi rolls, miso soup, egg rolls, and more as you hone your homestyle cooking skills. Once it’s time to enjoy your meal, tea is served to complement your experience.

Get more out of your time in Shibuya by learning about Japan’s national drink—sake. Instead of just drinking it in a bar, this interactive, small-group experience educates you on the different types of sake—from crisp and dry to light and fruity. During the tasting, an expert also reveals more about how sake is brewed, the different flavor profiles, and how to recognize a premium sake as you enjoy samples alongside authentic food pairings.

Take a closer look at the fascinating world of sushi, extending from the ocean to your plate, during this 4-hour sushi-making class and a visit to the outer Tsukiji fish market. Tour one of the world’s largest seafood markets with a guide as you learn how fish is caught, distributed, and sold. Then turn your attention to sushi-making, learning to prepare nigiri sushi with the help of a sushi master. Finish your experience by enjoying your creations for lunch.