Top Japan Dining Experiences

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.

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.

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.

You don’t just experience a tea ceremony in Tokyo on this small-group tour—you can also enjoy a 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 also learn the meaning of “ichigo ichie,” a Japanese concept that emphasizes treasuring each moment.

Learn more about traditional Japanese culture during a fun small-group workshop in Shinjuku. Get changed into a comfortable, stylish, easy-to-wear kimono and sit down for a presentation on tea. Learn about the different varieties and their cultural importance in Japan. After, try making a bowl of matcha tea the traditional way with the right tools, and enjoy drinking a refreshing cup.

Step into the Matcha Discovery Workshop, a hands-on experience in a quiet, hidden corner of Shibuya, featuring Pure Matcha from a heritage tea merchant with 10 generations of history. ・Taste Pure Matcha from a heritage tea merchant with 10 generations of history ・Discover the difference between blended and authentic matcha, by taste ・Learn to prepare your own bowl of matcha using traditional tea tools ・Uncover the history and culture behind Japan's matcha tradition ・Enjoy the proper way to pair matcha with Traditional Japanese Sweets ・Enjoy close, personal guidance from your host throughout the workshop

Break up a day of sightseeing with this small-group sake tasting tour in Tokyo. Sip, swirl, and sample over 30 different bottles of sake, as you deepen your understanding of this popular Japanese rice wine with an expert guide. Learn about manufacturing processes, production areas, and flavors as you swap tasting notes with fellow travelers. Plus, each tasting comes with a curated selection of appetizers to refresh your palate.

When visiting Tokyo, don't just eat sushi: learn how to make it. This culinary experience takes place just steps from Senso-ji Temple, in the heart of the traditional Asakusa neighborhood, and immerses you in Japanese culinary culture. Learn how to prepare authentic sushi and rolls, then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your effort with your classmates. Instruction is available in English and Japanese.

Turn one meal of your trip into a special experience. I grew up around Okinawan elders who live long, healthy lives. They’re always full of energy, and I’ve watched them live each day with genuine happiness. One day, I realized this isn’t “normal” everywhere. I started to feel a strong desire to preserve and share this culture and the secrets behind it. That’s why I created this experience together with elders nearing 100 years old. Turn one meal of your journey into a meal you’ll never forget. ____ Experience Flow • A warm welcome and a welcome drink in a historic Okinawan traditional house • Watch our original short film “IKIGAI,” created with 8 energetic grandmothers nearing 100, and discover the secrets of longevity • Enjoy traditional Okinawan dishes served on “HAKOZEN” (a traditional tray table said to have been used by samurai) • End with dessert and tea while experiencing the aroma of Okinawan ingredients and local herbs

Elevate your visit to Tokyo with authentic Japanese kaiseki (a traditional multi-course meal) cuisine and a classic geisha performance. As you dine, enjoy live performances of traditional Japanese dance by the geishas, renowned for their artistry and grace. Participate in traditional geisha games—something many travelers never get to try—and experience the true spirit of Japanese hospitality.

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.

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.

Satisfy your curiosity about sumo wrestlers and how they train on this small-group tour. Go behind the scenes with a guide to a sumo dining room, bath, and practice area. Then, finish with the chance to learn some moves and enjoy a delicious sumo lunch.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Discover the culinary traditions of Japan in Osaka, one of Japan’s best food cities, on this small-group cooking lesson at a local's home. Learn how to prepare popular Japanese dishes including *okonomiyaki* (savory pancakes), *takoyaki* (deep fried octopus balls), and miso soup. You can expand your Japanese cuisine knowledge, and best of all, eat your creations when you’re finished.

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.

Language barriers can make Tokyo’s nightlife scene hard to navigate, but this private tour removes the guesswork. A local insider leads the way, helping you skip tourist traps to discover hidden bars and exclusive spots most visitors miss. The experience is tailored to your preferences, with venues chosen to match your interests for a personalized night out without limousine or security options.

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.

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.