Eat and Drink Like a Local-Hidden Taverns & Ramen in Ueno, Tokyo
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Tokyo, Japan
- 3 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
This is the ideal pick for first-time visitors to Tokyo. Avoid the tourist traps and benefit from having a guide to take you to secret places that locals love in Ueno. Visit exciting local haunts that you likely wouldn’t find alone such as a standing bar, and a tavern, where you can try local specialties such as sashimi, skewered meat, and grilled fish, as well as Japanese alcoholic drinks.
- Discover standing bars and taverns that local go to in Ueno
- No language barriers—a guide takes care of the translating
- Small-group tour ensures a more personalized experience
- Enjoy the perk of having food tastings and drinks included
What's Included
- DinnerALL DRINKS and FOOD are INCLUDED in the fee. You will have 5 dishes included RAMEN in total.
- Alcoholic BeveragesYou have 5 drinks on the tour.
- You are going to have a small souvenir porcelain cup, using one on the tour.
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Starbucks Coffee - atré UenoJapan, 110-0005 Tokyo, Taito City, Ueno, 7-chōme−1−１ アトレ上野 1F
In front of Starbucks atré beside Ueno station Hirokōji exit, Tokyo.
End point
- 5-chōme-27 Ueno5-chōme-27-27 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan
Itinerary
Tokyo (Pass By)
Ueno Park (Pass By)
Ueno Zoo (Pass By)
1
Ueno
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Taito Station Ueno Ameya Yokocho (Pass By)
2
Okachimachi Ekimae Street
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Tokyo Metro (Pass By)
3
Ueno District
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
Okachimachi Panda Hiroba
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.9
based on 1,137 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Brigid_S, May 2026
Akira is absolutely the best guide— Not only is he passionate and knowledgeable about Japanese food and beverages, he was also very informative about Japanese customs that helped us throughout our tour of Japan. His choices of restaurants and variety was superb and we truly enjoyed every minute with Akira. We highly recommend this tour to one and all — so much fun and so informative
Thank you for a wonderful evening - great company and great food
Victor_A, May 2026
The tour was more than expected. The food and drink was amazing and Aki was a great guide and very informative.
I highly recommmend!!!
Joseph_R, Mar 2026
This was a really fun thing to do in the evening. GO HUNGRY... the portions are huge and you'll make a lot of stops. My tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly, explaining the history of the area as well as each of the foods we ate. We tried a wide variety of dishes, from various types of sashimi to funky natto and various pig innards, ending on a massive bowl of ramen and a cold beer. I definitely recommend this tour if you're looking to eat like a local.
Bradley_B, Mar 2026
Great evening with good food, good drinks, and good company. Aki is a great and friendly tour guide.
Melissa_N, Dec 2025
All 5 of us (23F, 24M, 27M, 56F, 63M) had an amazing time and can agree this was a highlight of our Tokyo stay. Aki lead us through the crazy busy Ueno neighborhood telling us about what made the area unique. He then took us to 4 stopes- sushi, tepanyaki, a stand up bar, and a ramen restaurant. None of these were locations that we would have ventured into on our own so we really appreciated being guided by a local. Aki shared his culture and knowledge with us as we ate tons of food and drank plentifully. This tour is for those looking for adventure and willing to taste all types of good (such as the deconstructed hot dog). My guess is that Aki read our groups vibe and catered to our adventurous spirit, as this was by far the most unusual foods that I have tasted! Thanks for a memorable experience!
Jodie_K, Dec 2025
We had an awesome night with Akira on the 'Eat and Drink like a Local in Tokyo' tour last night. We visited restaurants that we wouldn't of found and he stepped us through what we were eating and how to eat it. Each meal was paired with a drink beautifully. He was energetic and informative. It was a really great night, thankyou.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Jodie,
I’m so happy to hear that you had an awesome night with me on the “Eat and Drink Like a Local in Tokyo” tour!
There are so many fun things to do and an incredible variety of foods to try in Japan, so I hope you continue to enjoy your time here and stay open to discovering new flavors and experiences.
My goal is to help you leave Japan with wonderful memories — and maybe even miss it a little after your trip comes to an end! 😊
If you do feel that way, please feel free to contact me when you decide to return to Tokyo. I’d be delighted to show you other parts of the city next time.
I hope to see you again in the near future!
Jacob_L, Nov 2025
Aki was great, had a fun time trying soooo many different foods. Would recommend to adventurous eaters and those who want a head start on the night in Ueno.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
I’m delighted to hear you had a fun time trying many different Japanese foods!
There are so many dishes to enjoy here in Japan, so please keep exploring and trying as many types of Japanese meals as possible.
I hope that after your trip comes to an end, you’ll feel excited to come back to Tokyo again.
If you do, please contact me as soon as you decide to return—I’d love to show you another part of Tokyo next time!
Cerys_W, Nov 2025
A brilliant experience with Aki! We had wonderful evening and it was such a great start to our trip in Japan! Not only did we have great food but local knowledge and hot spots we wouldn't have known about otherwise
Can't recommend enough!
Jaapppaaannnn!!!!!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Hi Cerys,
I’m happy to hear that the tour was such a great start to your trip in Japan!
I hope the information I shared will be helpful for the rest of your journey here.
I also hope that when your wonderful time in Japan comes to an end, you will have many positive memories that make you want to come back again!
When you decide to return to Tokyo, please feel free to contact me. I would be very happy to show you another part of the city next time!
Hopefully see you again!
Phil_M, Nov 2025
Aki is fantastic! He's super knowledgeable, his English is excellent, and he smoothly guides you through the madness that is Ueno. You'll learn about Japan, their culture, Tokyo, and be taken on a culinary adventure. The food and drink were all superb and plentiful, and my tour group was awesome. Come very hungry! You're in good hands!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
It was a pleasure meeting you on the tour, and I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed the food and drinks I served.
I hope you will continue to have an excellent time during the remainder of your travels in Japan.
I trust that your experiences here will inspire you to return in the future.
When you decide to come back to Japan, please feel free to contact me, and I would be honored to show you another part of the country.
Alan_M, Nov 2025
Aki was a wonderful tour guide. Very friendly, knowledgeable, and spoke great English (no language barrier, promised and delivered). Tried food we wouldn't have normally ordered and learned about Japan's eating and drinking culture as well as the city in general. Would highly recommend if you're looking for a food tour.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Dear Alan,
I am delighted to hear that you and your group enjoyed the tour.
Thank you very much for your generous tip via PayPal at the end of the tour — I truly appreciate it.
I hope you have had a wonderful time exploring Japan during your stay. Should you visit Japan again in the future, please feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to guide you through other parts of Tokyo next time.
I look forward to the opportunity to see you again.
Kind regards,
Aki
Matt_G, Oct 2025
Just a really fun way to get an introduction to Japanese eating and drinking like a local. Japan's bar and restaurants can be intimidating but Aki really did a wonderful job explaining and guiding us through with often very thoughtful insights into Japanese culture . I feel much more confident to go and eat and drink on my own after this tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Matt
I’m delighted to hear that you enjoyed the introduction to Japanese eating and drinking that I provided on the tour!
I’m also very happy to hear that you now feel much more confident to explore and enjoy food and drinks on your own.
I hope you had an amazing time experiencing Japanese food, drinks, and culture.
If you ever start to miss Japan, please come back to Tokyo — I’d be more than happy to show you other parts of the city next time!
Hopefully see you again soon!
Aki
Christina_H, Oct 2025
This was hands down the best food tour Ive been on and I generally do at least one food tour every time I travel. Our guide was super accommodating, taking care to ask about dietary needs and restrictions. He took time to explain everything, was very funny and engaging. Answered questions all along the way and made sure we all together and safe walking around Ueno and the many random steps that would appear as we walked down some of the alleyways. I was on a tour with repeat customers and it was obvious why they came back. Could not recommend highly enough.
Good things to know: there’s lots of walking but not unmanageable. Stairs in a couple of locations. 5 drinks are included and they are not exactly samples… there is a lot of food! You can be as adventurous or not as you wish. He will accommodate you!
We even got him to come out for karaoke with us afterwards and we all had a blast!
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Christina
I’m happy to hear you felt I was super accommodating!
I’ve learned that many people from overseas often have dietary restrictions, and since I have experience working in a kitchen, I can easily handle food needs and special requests.
I think you probably noticed that in Tokyo you walk a lot, because you can go almost anywhere by train. That’s great because it makes you hungry faster and you get to enjoy even more food! 😂
Wanderwall! lol
Daphne_H, Oct 2025
Ali is a really sweet guy. The problem was we could not understand 75% of what he said. The food was also very unusual. Some of it was very hard to eat. We are very adventurous eaters, but this pushed that limit. We would’ve liked to have tried some more traditional food. The sashimi and Ramen was excellent. The rest of the food we did not really like.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
I am truly sorry to hear that you were not able to enjoy some of the dishes I served and that parts of my explanation during the tour were difficult to understand.
This is actually the first time I have received such feedback, as most guests have not experienced similar issues.
If you had let me know during the tour that something was unclear, I would have gladly explained it again to ensure your understanding.
Before the meal, I asked whether you would like to try something adventurous(explained what is like), and as you mentioned you were open to that, I selected a few unique dishes for you to experience. Otherwise, I would have served more traditional Japanese options instead.
Once again, I sincerely apologize that the experience did not fully meet your expectations. I hope that you still enjoyed the rest of your stay in Japan and made many wonderful memories during your visit.
JeanPierre_G, Oct 2025
The tourguide Akira is lots of fun to hang out with. He is very experienced in the hospitality industry and knows his stuff. He met us at the meeting spot on time and greeted us with a shot of pear infused sake for a first “kampai!”. We stopped at a first restaurant to have sashimi and a few other dishes. The food was sooo fresh. Then we went to a skewer restaurant and the grilled meat was awesome. At both places, we had good Japanese drinks to go with the food. Third was a pitstop at a cute local bar for a drink before finally heading to a ramen place. Between the stops, Akira would tell us about the Ueno neighbourhood (definitely worth seeing) and its history.
I didn’t see any other tourists at the places he brought us. They all seemed frequented by locals, which was a good sign to me!
Totally recommend this tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Jean-Pierre,
I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed walking around Ueno and learning about Japanese culture during the tour!
I believe you’ll have a wonderful time exploring the rest of Tokyo, and I hope to see you again the next time you visit.
I’m sure you will come back!
Please message me when you start planning your next trip to Japan — I’d be happy to show you other parts of the country then.
Hopefully see you soon!
Aki
Robert_H, Oct 2025
Varied, delicious food stops with plenty of drinks and interesting places in between. Warm, welcoming and fun!
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Hi Robert,
I believe you had a great time enjoying Japanese food and drinks on the tour!
If you have any questions about Japan, please feel free to message me — I’ll be happy to help you make the most of your travels (I know Japan just a little better than you do! lol).
When you decide to come back to Japan next time, please message me — I’d love to show you other parts of Tokyo!
Bye for now,
Aki
Michael_K, Oct 2025
This was a great trip through Ueno with a lot of food and drinks. Aki made it very fun as well as informative.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
I am very pleased to hear that you found your trip in Ueno enjoyable, and that I was able to make the tour both engaging and informative.
I trust that all four of you had an excellent time traveling in Japan.
It is my hope that you leave with positive memories and feel inspired to return to Tokyo in the future.
I would be honored to guide you through other parts of Japan on your next visit, so please do not hesitate to contact me when you plan your return.
Anne_S, Oct 2025
Aki was welcoming, engaging, thoughtful and organized. The food and drinks were lovely and plentiful. He was well-prepared and kept the tour moving at a comfortable pace. I never felt bored or rushed. He shared history and points of interest along the way, in a way that felt like we a group of friends on a night out. He also accommodated dietary needs for some of our group with care. Aki is a star and I am so glad to have been on the tour.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Anne
I'm delighted to hear I was welcoming, engaging, thoughtful and organised.
I'm also happy to hear you felt like you were a group of friends on a night out.
Dietary restrictions are not the issue as I have accommodated so many customers who have food allergies.
I'm pretty sure you are Alfred's missing Japan!
If you do, please come back to Japan for your next trip!
I love to take you to another city in Tokyo next time!
I hope to see you again soon!
Aki
Laurence_K, Oct 2025
Lots of food, many alcohol drinks, be adventurous and enjoy the different choices. Guide was energetic and attentive to details.
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi Laurence
It was a pleasure to meet you on the tour, and I’m glad to hear you enjoyed the Japanese delicacies!
I’m also happy to hear that you found me energetic and attentive to detail—thank you!
I believe you’re already missing Japan, and if so, please come back again on your next trip. I’d be very happy to show you another area of Tokyo next time.
Hopefully see you again soon!
Aki
Ezinne_U, Sep 2025
I had such a wonderful time on this tour with Aki! From the very beginning, Aki was warm, welcoming, and made everyone feel comfortable. The way he shared his knowledge about Japanese food, drinks, and culture was both fun and informative. I learned so much while also laughing and enjoying the experience.
The food and drinks we tried were absolutely delicious, and Aki made sure we got a real taste of Japan beyond what most tourists would find on their own. He was also so thoughtful about taking great photos for us, which made the memories even more special.
What I appreciated most was how personal and genuine the whole experience felt. It was clear Aki really cares about his guests having the best time possible.
If you’re visiting Tokyo, I highly recommend this tour. It’s the perfect mix of culture, food, fun, and great company. Thank you, Aki, for making my trip so memorable!
Victoria_E, Sep 2025
Fantastic experience! Must do in Tokyo. So much food and learn so much about Tokyo/ Japanese culture too.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
I’m very pleased to hear that you found the tour to be such a fantastic experience.
I’m sure you were fully satisfied after enjoying the ramen! I also truly appreciated learning about Wales during our conversation.
It would be a pleasure to welcome you again on your next visit to Japan. Please feel free to message me once your travel plans are confirmed, and I would be delighted to help make your next visit just as enjoyable.
Thank you once again, Victoria.
Janine_M, Sep 2025
Fantastic tour, Aki was fun and informative. Great walking through different parts of Tokyo, you will not go hungry on this tour, best Ramen I’ve ever tasted. Would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Sep 2025
I’m delighted to hear that all four of you enjoyed the tour and the ramen I served.
I hope you continue to enjoy the culinary experiences and beverages Japan has to offer.
Slàinte Mhath, Janine!
erikson2992, Aug 2025
From the very beginning, the tour felt welcoming. Aki is a fun, knowledgeable guide who clearly enjoys what he does. I also met some friendly people along the way, had some delicious food and overall was a great time. Don’t hesitate to book a tour with Aki!
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Yes!
I am thoroughly enjoying meeting people from all over the world and hope that you are enjoying your travels and dining experiences in Japan as much as I do.
I trust that you have had a wonderful time, and I would be delighted to welcome you back to Japan to explore even more.
I look forward to seeing you next time in Tokyo.
Until then, farewell!
Malia_T, Aug 2025
Aki was AWESOME! So knowledgeable, fun, and accommodating. The food tour was a lesson in both cuisine and culture, which Aki made exciting and funny throughout. The ramen we ate at the last stop was the best I’ve ever had. We got a fabulous cross section of Japanese cuisine, from “mystery meats” to more known fare like sashimi and miso soup. Our group had some non-drinkers and they enjoyed the food tour as much as those who imbibed! We were a group of 4 and two other couples were on the tour, and Aki did a great job of facilitating convos while also letting us get to know each other, hang out, and of course, eat! Go on this tour!!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed the tour. Should you wish to try the same style of ramen again, please let me know, and I will be pleased to provide you with detailed information about the ramen shop.
Arigato Malia-san!
Farid_D, Aug 2025
We had a fantastic experience. Aki was an amazing tour guide too. We went to places we wouldnt definitely go by ourselves. Totally recommended!
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Great to hear that, Farid!
I'm proud of having you on the tour as you are famous in Latin society as an influencer!
Muchas gracias, amigo!
Matthew_K, Aug 2025
It was a great experience and learned a lot about japanese culture and was able to explore the area. Akira wada is a good tour guide
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Great to hear that, Matthew!
I believe you will have a great time staying Japan before you start to back for your Uni for PhD!
Have fun in Japan!
Meggan_J, Aug 2025
Aki was an incredible host- funny, observant and ordered us amazing food! We would definitely book with him again on future trips and recommend to fellow travelers.
Response from Host, Aug 2025
Hi Meggan
I believe your daughter recovered from jet lag the following day!
I hope I will see your friends on the tour in the future and you will come back to Japan again for not this 3 days trip but for a couple of weeks holidays!
Thanks again!
Adam_C, Jul 2025
Aki was a great guide, he is very friendly, fun and knowledgeable about Tokyo. He took us to eat 3 different meals and some snacks. The food was delicious and was a highlight of the trip. Highly recommend if you are interested in trying Japanese food.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Great to hear that, Adam!
Please keep having fun traveling in Japan!
Marie_R, Jul 2025
Aki runs a great walking tour of real Tokyo bars and eateries that, as an American, I would never have the courage to walk into on my own. And the food and drink in each of the places he took us was delicious! He also took care of the vegetarian in our group by calling ahead to make sure each place had a vegetarian friendly option available. I highly recommend Aki’s tour. Just be sure you show up hungry and ready to learn a lot about Tokyo’s food and drink scene!
Anita_O, Jul 2025
This is a must do tour in Tokyo. Truly local food and drink experience. Planty of good quality food from sashimi, pork skewers (choose the mystery pork option you will be pleasantly surprised) to super delicious ramen. The drink variety and drinking as a local was great. The sake was super tasty. The guide was extremely attentive, engaging, funny and full of interesting Tokyo and Japan history tidbits. Highly recommend this tour while in Tokyo if you want excellent food, drink and a fantastic time.
Nicole_F, Jun 2025
Before I begin, Aki is a national treasure and if there’s a free spot on his tour, GRAB IT.
And if you are lucky enough to nab a slot, bring your spirit of adventure and leave your culinary (and cultural!) preconceptions at the door, and prepare to be wined and dined SALARYMAN STYLE!! You’ll have sashimi! Stews! Ramen! Drinks that are truly unique, and so much more that I don’t dare to spoil!
If you’re looking to pig out on the kind of Japanese food you don’t often find outside of Japan, THIS IS THE TOUR FOR YOU!
PS: You get a lil sake cup that is truly dope. I love it.
Thanks again for everything, Aki!
Ps: Aki is hilarious and had me and my sister rolling with laughter for hours. Or maybe it was the drinks…? Hang on, that’s a win-win situation right there!
From $104.08
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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