Top Japan Culinary Tours

Language barriers can make it difficult to find the best places to eat in Kyoto, but this guided food tour removes the guesswork. Set in the atmospheric Gion district, a local guide leads you to a curated selection of eateries to sample seasonal Kyoto specialties. To keep things simple, food tastings are included, along with a complimentary drink at two different venues.

Shinjuku is a foodie’s paradise, but knowing the best spots to eat requires a lot of research. If you want to save time browsing reviews, and make the most of your vacation, then this food tour is a great shout. A guide takes you to four eateries, where you can try 13 dishes—all of which are included for a hassle-free experience.

Step into Osaka’s nostalgic side with a retro street food tour through Shinsekai, one of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods filled with neon lights, old-school charm, and bold local flavors. Led by a local guide, you’ll visit four carefully selected eateries loved by locals, each offering a different taste of Osaka’s food culture and atmosphere—from lively kushikatsu spots to cozy neighborhood favorites. Enjoy up to 17 dishes and 2 drinks included, featuring a variety of authentic specialties such as crispy kushikatsu in multiple varieties, fresh cabbage salad, freshly made takoyaki, handmade gyoza, and a traditional Japanese meal set with sushi, tempura, and miso soup. Designed for all ages, this experience offers a fun and relaxed way to explore local flavors, hidden streets, and the nostalgic atmosphere that makes Shinsekai so unique. Come hungry, stay curious, and discover Osaka through its most authentic bites.

2024 Winner of Viator's 10th Best Experience in the Whole of Asia Award. Eat your way around Osaka on this tantalizing foodie tour, where your local guide will take you to a handful of hidden eateries that have been featured on the hit Netflix series "Somebody Feed Phil." Over the course of the tour, sample a variety of different dishes that range from gyoza to takoyaki to kitsune udon and more. You’ll also try two drinks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, to give you a full picture of the food and drink culture of the area.

A truly unique & authentic experience, made possible by our very small groups — perfect for solo travelers & pairs (just 2–3 guests per tour!) Step into local-favorite izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) — including hidden spots only accessible through this tour — and enjoy a wide variety of local izakaya dishes & Japanese drinks, just like the locals do! You’ll enjoy an authentic taste of Osaka’s nighttime food & drink culture at cozy, non-touristy izakayas mainly frequented by Japanese locals — where you might even chat with the chef or other locals over drinks. With a local, Japanese guide by your side, there’s no need to worry about language or cultural differences. Immerse yourself in Osaka’s izakaya culture & the true essence of its nightlife for a relaxed, fun, and memorable night out! Join us tonight & explore Namba, the heart of Osaka — including areas around Dotonbori, vibrant backstreets, and hidden alleys! *Non-alcoholic options available! *Same-day bookings welcome!

Escape the crowds and explore local izakayas with a friendly guide. Food isn’t included, so the tour suits your tastes! Featured on NHK and other TV shows, this trusted tour offers first-time visitors and foodies alike an unforgettable taste of Osaka’s diverse food scene. What You’ll Experience: • Street food • Interaction with locals • Izakayas. Japanese pubs where you enjoy drinks and small dishes. • Local shops. Avoid tourist areas and enjoy authentic flavors. • And much more! Perfect for: • Food lovers exploring Osaka’s street food. • Travelers seeking authentic Japanese flavors. • Adventurous travelers chasing new flavors.

With this Shinjuku food tour, get a shortcut to the district’s foodie hot spots that you likely wouldn’t find if exploring alone. From tiny “izakayas" to restaurants in the entertainment district of Kabukicho, a guide shows you favorite local haunts, with delicious food and drink specialties included along the way.

Discover Kobe’s rich culture, flavors, and history on this unforgettable tour. Start in Nada, one of Japan’s top sake regions, where you’ll taste premium sake, see traditional barrel-making, and enjoy sake-lees ice cream at Kiku-Masamune. You’ll even receive a special sake cup to take home! Next, visit the historic Ikuta Shrine as your local guide shares Kobe’s fascinating past. Then, the highlight: a counter seat at a teppanyaki restaurant to watch world-famous Kobe beef grilled live—an unforgettable experience. Perfect for foodies, sake fans, and curious travelers, this tour offers local flavor and cultural insight, with friendly guidance throughout.

Navigate Osaka's bustling food scene like a local by opting for this small-group walking tour. Try several dishes Osaka is famous for, including takoyaki, without falling victim to any tourist traps. Your guide can also help you navigate any language barriers when it comes to ordering food.

Get a deeper experience of Kyoto food culture than would be possible on your own by joining this guided food tour. Stroll through the districts of Gion and Pontocho, stopping into small bars and restaurants to sample traditional drinks and food that have been carefully chosen to make up a full meal. The experience also includes the opportunity to try three different types of local sake too.

Start your day right on a fun small-group breakfast walking tour of Kyoto’s Nishiki Market. This is a great opportunity to learn more about local Japanese food while seeing some sights that you might otherwise miss. Start with a stroll through historic Gion before tucking into the delicacies on offer in the 400-year-old market that’s known as the “kitchen of Kyoto”. The walking tour lasts around 3 hours.

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.

Keen foodies and anyone interested in Japanese culinary culture will love this private tour of Tokyo’s Toyosu and Tsukiji fish markets. After an early-morning hotel pickup on foot, head to the first market to witness the daily tuna auction. After the tour, you can stay longer to grab breakfast (own expense) if you like. Note that Tsukiji may be closed for tours in December and early January.

Lots of tours help you discover Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku ward, but not many let you dine at a range of hidden-gem eateries across the district. On this half-day small-group food tour, sample more than a dozen different dishes, including fresh sushi, traditionally-made gyoza, and crispy kushikatsu, alongside complimentary Japanese sake.

Tsukiji Market is a must visit during any trip to Tokyo, but the area can be overwhelming to navigate on your own. See the vibrant fish market and its surrounding area with a guide who knows their way around and can take you to some of the best food stalls while you learn about the area’s history.

Discover Matsumoto on this full-day tour designed to cover the city’s key cultural highlights in one rewarding day. Enter the black-walled Matsumoto Castle, a rare original fortress rich in samurai history, and explore at your own pace. Depart from Nagano (8:00 AM / 8.5 hrs) or Matsumoto (9:30 AM / 6.25 hrs). Visit a 150-year-old miso brewery for a guided tour and onigiri lunch. Enjoy free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm, with time to try wasabi ice cream and local treats. Stop at a scenic countryside winery for a casual tasting of local wines. End at the Ukiyo-e Museum, home to a major woodblock print collection. On Mondays, this final museum stop is replaced by Matsumoto City History Village. ・Entry to Matsumoto Castle ・Miso brewery tour & onigiri lunch ・Free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm & local treats ・Casual local wine tasting at a scenic winery ・Entry to the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum (History Village on Mondays) ・Matsumoto’s key cultural highlights in one day

Navigating Tsukiji Fish Market’s endless stalls and eateries can be overwhelming, but this private food tour makes it easy. With insider tips from a private guide, you can explore restaurants, market stalls, and hidden gems while sampling a wide range of Japanese specialties—from sushi and sashimi to Wagyu beef and beyond.

Discover Tokyo with a private guide who shares the modern and traditional sides of the dynamic Japanese capital. Navigate the city's complex, yet efficient, subway system with your guide as you visit famous sites including the outer Tsukiji fish market, the traditional town of Asakusa, the Meiji Shrine. Learn about Japanese youth and pop culture in Harajuku, and enjoy a tour that’s customizable to suit your interests.

Unwind at the 5-star Shiroyama Hotel in Kagoshima, where stunning views of Sakurajima Volcano and exquisite local cuisine await. This 4-hour retreat includes access to rejuvenating hot springs renowned for their mineral-rich waters, known as "Bijin no Yu" or beauty water. Indulge in a gourmet lunch featuring seasonal ingredients while enjoying the serene ambiance of a waterfall garden. Treat yourself to expert spa treatments tailored to help you relax and rejuvenate your mind and body. Perfect for travelers seeking wellness, relaxation, and a taste of authentic Japanese culture. - Experience breathtaking views from the hotel's scenic hot springs - Savor authentic Kagoshima cuisine during a gourmet lunch - Choose from relaxing spa treatments for body and facial rejuvenation - Convenient shuttle service from Kagoshima Chuo Station and Tenmonkan included

The old Japanese capital of Kamakura is a must-visit day trip destination. Get the most out of a short visit by joining a walking tour. Start with street food samples, to power you up for the four-plus hours of wandering. Visit ancient temples and shrines set in beautiful manicured gardens and, of course, pay a visit to the Daibutsu, the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

Escape the crowds and cycle the forest paths near Sapporo on a mountain hike, then relax with a soak in a Japanese onsen (hot spring) and lunch during this small-group excursion that’s perfect for beginners. Take a 1.5-hour ride to the town of Jozankei, a city known for its hot springs, for a snack and a soak in the mineral baths of Hoheikyo Onsen, before finishing with a typical local lunch of Japanese curry.

■Discover the best of Kochi on a guided half-day walking tour. ・Perfect for cruise passengers & first-time visitors ・Explore Kochi Castle and the vibrant Hirome Market in a small-group tour with a local guide ・Visit Kochi Hachimangu Shrine to experience Japan’s spiritual culture and learn traditional Shinto customs ・Enjoy a well-paced walk through Obiyamachi, featuring local food, culture, and a lively atmosphere ・All entrance fees included for a smooth experience ・Taste local flavors with complimentary citrus juice and biscuits ・Professionally managed by a certified tour coordinator for a smooth experience ■For Cruise Ship Guests Kochi Port is about 20–30 minutes from JR Kochi Station. Most cruise ships provide shuttle service to the city center, and taxis are available at the port. If requested in advance, our guide can meet you at Kochi Port and accompany you to JR Kochi Station (additional taxi fee may apply). For further details, please feel free to contact us in advance.

If you want to experience the famous tuna auction and Japanese cuisine, the Toyosu Fish Market should be at the top of your Tokyo list. But many travelers don't know how to secure a spot. This tour, led by Fumi a guide with over 10 years of experience and strong market connections, ensures your space and reveals insider secrets. Hotel pickup included Watch the complete tuna auction from start to finish from the closest possible spot Enjoy authentic sushi at one of the best market restaurants—no waiting (*meal not included) Explore the entire market including intermediate wholesale areas to sample and shop for authentic Japanese ingredients