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.

Discover Shinsekai, an Osaka neighborhood filled with neon lights and old-school charm, through its food on this walking tour. Visit eateries beloved by locals, each offering a different taste of Osaka’s food culture and atmosphere—from lively kushikatsu spots to cozy neighborhood favorites. Enjoy over 15 dishes, sampling a range of dishes from freshly made takoyaki to handmade gyoza.

Osaka has built a stellar reputation for its street food, and this small-group walk through the back lanes of Ura-Namba covers the best of it. Eat takoyaki and kushikatsu across three or four izakayas, with your guide ordering and translating as you go. The route also stops at Dotonbori and Hozen-ji Temple, where visitors splash water over a moss-covered statue for luck.

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 small group food tour is a great shout. A guide takes you to four eateries, where you can try 13 dishes and enjoy 2 complimentary drinks—all included for a hassle-free experience.

Discover the authentic food, drinks, and nightlife loved by locals. Explore hidden gems tucked away around Dotonbori, the heart of Osaka, where locals gather after work. These spots rarely have English menus or English-speaking staff, but your local guide will be with you every step of the way, making the experience easy, enjoyable, and truly memorable. Immerse yourself in Japan's unique izakaya culture (Japanese-style pubs) as you eat, drink, and discover a side of Osaka beyond the usual tourist experience. With a maximum of just 3 guests per tour, you'll enjoy a personal and relaxed experience.

Immerse yourself in Tokyo’s rich street food scene with the help of a guide to show you some of the best eateries at the Tsukiji fish market on this small-group tour. Learn all about Japanese culture through the lens of its food with the help of your guide, who also shares fun facts about the history of the city while you explore.

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.

Discover the delicious side of Kyoto on this small-group foodie tour. Explore popular spots, such as the Nishiki Market, as well as hidden gems, and enjoy at least seven food tastings from obanzai (Kyoto-style cuisine) to local izakaya dishes, served at local restaurants, as well as two drinks such as beer or sake.

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.

There’s so much to see in Tokyo that it can be tough to know where to start. Instead of exploring aimlessly, on this private full-day tour join a guide who’ll show you a curated selection of the city’s most popular sights. Explore Shibuya Crossing, the Imperial Palace, Senso-ji Temple, and more. Note that some attractions may require separate admission.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Discover Matsumoto on this full-day tour designed to cover the area’s 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 visit and onigiri lunch. Enjoy free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm, with canals, waterwheels, wasabi souvenirs, and optional snacks such as wasabi ice cream. Stop at a 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 museum stop is replaced by Matsumoto City History Village. ・Entry to Matsumoto Castle ・Guided miso brewery visit & onigiri lunch ・Free time at Japan’s largest wasabi farm ・Casual wine tasting at a scenic winery ・Entry to the Japan Ukiyo-e Museum (History Village on Mondays) ・Matsumoto’s cultural highlights in one day

Enjoy a food tour at the world's largest fish markets with a special set provided by your guide. You'll learn about artisan techniques, flavor-enhancing methods, and Japanese food culture. - Premium sushi or a seafood rice bowl, Wagyu beef skewer, Wagyu menchi katsu, Tamagoyaki (sweet omelette), Grilled eel, Shumai (dumpling), and a Strawberry dessert. - Special wasabi set by our guide - Further enhances the flavor - Craftsmanship of Tsukiji's artisans in Japanese cuisine - Traditional preservation techniques that enhance umami - Rich history of the fish market and its role in Japanese culinary culture

Experience Japan’s diverse food culture in Asakusa! Visit local-favorite restaurant and sake bar, and enjoy 12 unique dishes such as monjayaki(savory pancake) which is soul food of old downtown of Tokyo, yakisoba(Japanese stir-fried noodles), conbini ice cream etc.! A great chance to meet fellow travelers along the way. **Highlights** ・12 unique Japanese dishes for the first time ・Japanese Izakaya restaurant loved by locals ・Sake bar where you can enjoy sake from all over Japan ・A stroll through Hoppy Street ・A delicious fish-shaped waffle for dessert ・Meet new friends along the way ・Tips for Enjoying Asakusa **Important** This tour includes plenty of food and drinks, but any extras must be paid in cash. Please be sure to bring some cash with you. Please notify us if wheelchair access is required. We will modify the restaurant reservation as needed. Please note: This tour is conducted in English only. Japanese language support is not available.

Ideal for dedicated foodies and anyone wanting to learn more about Japanese cuisine, this small-group food-focused walking tour of Osaka’s Dotonbori and Shinsekai neighborhoods takes in samurai-era merchant streets, narrow alleys, hidden gems, and a Shinto shrine. Sample local specialties such as kushikatsu, okonomiyaki, and takoyaki, and learn more about Osaka’s culture and history.

■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.

This is the ultimate experience for seafood lovers visiting Tokyo. Enjoy the special opportunity of visiting Toyosu and Tsukiji fish markets, where you can watch an early morning tuna auction. Rather than visiting alone, benefit from having a private guide to explain local customs and traditions so you understand the intricacies of this important industry in Japan.

If you’re curious about the history and highlights of Tsukiji Market, then this guided walking tour saves hours of research time. Enjoy a guided stroll through Tsukiji, with stops outside must-see landmarks, such as Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple. Along the way, hear stories about local culture and customs, and get plenty of insider tips on the best places to eat too.

Feast your senses on a Tokyo food hotspot that’s usually reserved for locals during a private food tour that reveals Japanese bites that you might otherwise have missed. With just you and your private guide, you’ll explore the culture-rich district of Ueno, navigating markets and checking off food hotspots for an authentic glimpse into local culture.