Top Japan Dining Experiences

You won’t just experience a tea ceremony in Tokyo on this small-group tour—you’ll also look the part with an optional free kimono rental, with staff assistance to ensure comfort and authenticity. The tea ceremony is hands-on, giving you the opportunity to practice these traditions as you learn about them. It isn’t just a culinary experience, as you’ll also learn the meaning of “Ichigo Ichie,” a Japanese concept that emphasizes treasuring each moment.

Discover one of Tokyo's busiest and most exciting districts, Shibuya, on this exciting small-group food tour. Your guide takes you away from the tourist crowds to discover hidden gems where locals eat. Feast on 13 traditional Japanese dishes at three different eateries around the district. Sample dishes such as sushi, yakiniku, udon, karaage, and more. Learn more about Japanese culture while making new friends.

Our onigiri-making and miso soup experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with Japanese culture in an authentic and hands-on way. Unlike typical cooking classes, this activity takes place in the tranquil setting of a historic temple, allowing you to enjoy not only the art of making onigiri but also the peaceful atmosphere that Japan is known for. You’ll have the chance to personalize your own onigiri plate, experimenting with various fillings and flavors, and learn the process of creating a delicious miso soup from scratch using locally renowned Hida miso. This special blend of culture, culinary skill, and tranquility is something you won’t find in just any cooking class. Plus, our experience is entirely vegan-friendly, making it accessible for everyone. Join us to create lasting memories, nourish your body and soul, and take home a unique slice of Japanese culture.

Even if your visit to Japan doesn’t coincide with the official sumo season, you can still watch wrestlers show off their skills during a sumo show experience in Kyoto. Not only will you watch the retired athletes perform classic moves in a traditional ring, but you’ll enjoy unlimited food and drinks, and you can even challenge a wrestler to a match.

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.

With this Tokyo Bay cruise, you can enjoy the combination of a night of great entertainment, sightseeing, and delicious food at the same time. After boarding your vessel, enjoy a traditional Japanese performance, followed by a hot pot "sukiyaki" meal with soft drinks. Then, have a chance to soak up the views on the open-air viewing deck, while passing notable sights, such as the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower.

Osaka is nicknamed "Japan's Kitchen" thanks to its incredible food scene. But with so many options, it can be overwhelming to pick which spots to go to. Skip the research and leave the navigation to your guide on this group tour, where you'll try a variety of dishes and drinks throughout the evening.

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.

Combine traditional sumo wrestling—a must when visiting Tokyo—with a delicious Japanese meal, thanks to this unique restaurant experience. Sink into comfortable sofa seating, tuck into a tasty chankonabe (hot pot)—a meal that the wrestlers themselves eat—and watch a sumo display in action. Gain insider insight into the sport and leave with a better understanding of its cultural significance and history.

Explore Local Life! Join us on a shopping tour through a local Japanese town and experience the unique culture and way of life that define Japan. Our guided tour will take you to local shops, markets, and hidden gems, where you can browse unique souvenirs, and interact with friendly locals. You'll get a glimpse of daily life in Japan as you walk through the streets lined with traditional Japanese shops, and hear the sounds of local merchants selling their wares. This is an authentic Japanese Cooking Experience! Our experienced and friendly instructor will guide you through each step of the cooking process, providing tips and tricks to help you recreate the dishes at home. You'll have the opportunity to make popular Japanese dishes such as roll sushi, deep-fried chicken. Our cooking class is suitable for all skill levels. We keep class sizes small to ensure personalized attention, so easy to ask questions and interact with the instructor. We also have a vegetarian menu available.

Learn how to make an authentic cup of matcha during your time in Osaka in this small-group class. Whether you're traveling solo or are part of a group, your instructor walks you through each step and corrects any mistakes. All of the tools and ingredients are prepared for you, and your tea break comes with Japanese sweets for the full experience.

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.

- Immerse yourself in the elegance of traditional Japan at a tea house - Enjoy a graceful dance performance accompanied by live shamisen music - Play an authentic ozashiki-asobi game and enjoy a lighthearted tradition - Savor seasonal Japanese sweets and freshly whisked matcha tea - Capture a commemorative photo with the geisha as a keepsake

Matsumoto is world-famous for its earthy soba noodles made from buckwheat flour. It is also known for its well-preserved feudal castle. Experience both on this unique tour of the city. After touring Matsumoto Castle—one of Japan's National Treasures—you will learn how to prepare a traditional soba dish and then taste its exquisite flavors! Both exciting and enriching, this hands-on experience gives you an unforgettable way to learn about Japanese history and culture.

Japan’s whisky scene has been steadily growing over the past few years, which unfortunately means it can be tricky to know which establishments to check out if you’re hoping to discover this unique beverage. Thankfully, this small-group Japanese whisky tasting experience lets you sample a wide range of different varieties while learning more about the beverage’s storied history.

Rather than simply teaching you to make sushi, this Tokyo cooking class gives you the full Japanese culinary experience. You’ll master the art of rolling rice and seasoning your fillings under the guidance of a professional chef, as well as toasting with sake and finishing by whisking matcha. Plus, you can select from multiple start times to suit your schedule.

Immerse yourself in Japan's rich culinary heritage in a cooking class led by experts in Japanese cuisine and culture. In an intimate setting in the heart of Tokyo, learn how to prepare sushi, brew savory ramen broth from scratch, and sip sake that has been carefully selected to complement your dishes.

[PRIVATE TOUR] If you're seeking an authentic connection with a local family, this is for you! We are a warm, fun-loving family of four, deeply rooted in Takayama. Here, you won’t just learn to cook Japanese food—you’ll experience how locals live and savor life together. Our 200-year-old wooden townhouse stands on Old Town’s main street, yet stepping inside feels like entering a quiet world where time slows down. Its small quirks remind us of its beauty and history. We’ll welcome you with Japanese tea and snacks before guiding you in preparing a traditional meal in our kitchen. As we cook side by side, we’ll share stories of life in Takayama and living in harmony with nature and the seasons. Hisa and Bob pour their hearts into every class. This is more than a cooking lesson—it’s a moment of connection, culture, and feeling at home far from home. Feel free to write us your request on food or any restrictions, we are happy to accommodate as much as possible!

Taste five expertly selected teas locally sourced in Nara prefecture Talk with locals for inside tips on places to visit while in Japan Private, one-on-one instruction from a skilled tea master Hands-on matcha practice with personalized feedback Enjoy authentic wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets)

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.

When traveling abroad, there is no other experience like cooking and eating a meal with a local. Yoshiko opens her Osaka home to visitors to cook a meal and share conversation. Enjoy learning to make dashi stock and use it to bring out the umami flavor of your dishes. Get a glimpse into the life of an Osaka local, and immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine and culture on this private experience.

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.

Mochi balls are one of Japan’s favorite snacks; this mochi-pounding experience helps you do more than just eat the sweet or savory treats, and tells you how to make your own mochi at home. A small group promises personalized attention from your instructor, while a selection of different flavors ensures a bite for all tastes.