Exploring Japan’s culinary scene is an unforgettable experience, and a Japanese food tours offers the perfect way to dive into the nation’s rich food culture. These tours, from bustling markets to hidden izakayas, provide a window into authentic flavors and traditions. Whether you’re craving sushi, street food, or sake, these eight curated food tours will take you on a journey through Japan’s most vibrant food cities.
The 8 Best Japanese Food Tours
1. Osaka Food Tour – 13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries
Osaka, Japan’s kitchen, offers a food lover’s paradise. This food tour takes you off the beaten path to explore five hidden eateries featured on Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil. The tour highlights Osaka’s best dishes, including gyoza, takoyaki, and kitsune udon. Priced from $91.84 per adult, this small-group experience includes two drinks—alcoholic and nonalcoholic—so you can savor Osaka’s culinary heritage with a well-rounded dining experience.
Tripadvisor | Osaka, Japan’s kitchen, offers a food lover’s paradise.2. Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku
For a more upscale experience, the Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku offers a luxurious dive into Japan’s traditional cuisine. Starting with sushi at a locals-only spot, you’ll taste freshly grilled Wagyu at a traditional shichirin stove before wandering through Kabuki-Cho’s neon-lit streets. Priced from $157.76 per adult, the evening ends with a decadent dessert at a hidden bar, ensuring your Tokyo food adventure satisfies your hunger and curiosity.
3. Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
This bar-hopping tour offers an authentic glimpse of Tokyo’s nightlife. It is priced from $124.34 per adult and focuses on backstreet bars tucked away from the tourist trail. Your guide helps you navigate language barriers, offering recommendations and making ordering easier. The small group size makes it a personal experience, as you sample local drinks and snacks while discovering hidden gems in the Shinjuku district.
4. Shinjuku Izakaya Food Tour
For those seeking a more casual yet comprehensive introduction to Japanese dining culture, the Shinjuku Izakaya Food Tour is ideal. You’ll visit three different izakayas, sampling at least seven classic dishes while sipping on traditional drinks. At $124.69 per adult, this tour immerses you in Tokyo’s local nightlife. With a maximum of 10 people, the small group setting ensures an intimate atmosphere while you explore the food scene like a local.
5. Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour
The Tsukiji Fish Market is famous for its fresh seafood, and this tour takes you through its bustling outer market. Priced from $90.00 per adult, this walking tour lets you sample fresh sushi, Wagyu beef skewers, fish cakes, and more. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll learn how top Tokyo chefs source their ingredients, providing insight into Japan’s seafood culture while tasting it firsthand.
Tripadvisor | The Tsukiji Fish Market is famous for its fresh seafood.6. Kyoto Night Foodie Tour
Kyoto’s food scene is a rich blend of tradition and innovation, and this night tour allows you to experience it like a local. For $167.08 per adult, you’ll stroll through Gion and Pontocho, stopping at select bars and restaurants for a full meal of traditional dishes. You’ll also sample three local sakes, making this tour an ideal way to immerse yourself in Kyoto’s food culture while enjoying the city’s historic ambiance.
7. Osaka Bar Hopping Night Walking Tour in Namba
Experience the lively atmosphere of Osaka’s nightlife on this bar-hopping tour. Priced from $111.62 per adult, the tour takes you through the vibrant Dotonbori district and into the backstreets of Namba, where you’ll sample local sake and street food. Known for its party culture, Osaka shines at night, and this tour ensures you get a taste of both the city’s iconic flavors and its unique energy.
8. Fukuoka Private Food Tour
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the Fukuoka Private Food Tour offers a curated selection of local restaurants. Led by a former izakaya owner, this tour includes visits to hidden spots known only to locals, making it a unique opportunity to enjoy Fukuoka’s best-kept culinary secrets. Priced from $141.30 per adult, this tour offers access to hard-to-reserve restaurants and a personalized experience tailored to your preferences.
