10 Best Tokyo Food Tours for Japanese Food Lovers

Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, is undoubtedly one of the hottest spots for delicious, culturally-rich food in the entire world — the city’s impressive number of Michelin-starred restaurants is proof of that. With such a concentrated market, there’s quite a handful of places still yet to be discovered by the public masses. That’s where a Tokyo food tour comes in handy — a perfect way to discover hidden gems, learn about Japanese food culture, and even make some new friends!

Trust in your local tour guide to bring you to the highest-rated restaurants and izakaya gastropubs— pick from an array of Japanese specialties like ramen and okonomiyaki — or quench your thirst at some Japanese bars with local alcoholic beverages like plum wine and whisky highballs. Hop on the bandwagon and prepare yourself for these incredible food tours in Tokyo!

Discover Tokyo's iconic landmarks while indulging in delicious food on this immersive day tour. Perfect for travelers with diverse dietary needs, this experience offers Halal and vegan-friendly meal options. The tour covers famous spots like Asakusa, home to the historic Senso-ji Temple, and the bustling Nakamise shopping street. In the afternoon, visit the trendy neighborhoods of Shibuya and Harajuku, and pop by the serene Meiji-Jingu Shrine in Yoyogi Park. If you only have one day in Tokyo, this tour covers all the essentials and more. 

Explore hidden gems in Shinbashi. Perfect for adventurous foodies, this tour takes you off the beaten path to local izakaya and retro snack bars, offering an authentic taste of Japan’s after-hours culture. Enjoy a selection of delicious bar snacks paired with sake, beer, or other local drinks. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll experience Tokyo like a local, discovering the city’s best-kept secrets in an intimate, small-group setting.

Nothing beats the liveliness of one of Tokyo’s busiest city centers. Any Japan trip is not complete without a visit to Shibuya. Experience the city to the fullest! Shibuya is not only great for nightlife and shopping but also for the authentic Japanese food, and this Tokyo food tour will prove it to you! Go from munching on sushi bites and piping hot takoyaki to grilling our own wagyu beef at an izakaya. Don’t worry, it’s not all hefty meals — this Shibuya food tour takes a pit stop at a local arcade so you can digest those meals while playing some insane Japanese games!

Explore the world of fresh seafood on the Tokyo Toyosu Fish Market Tour, offering an insider's look at Japan’s largest wholesale fish market. Learn about the market’s history and discover the intricate processes behind Japan's seafood industry. Afterward, stroll through Senkyaku Banrai, a vibrant shopping street, where you can sample fresh sushi and seafood delicacies. This tour provides an unforgettable experience for seafood lovers and those curious about Tokyo’s rich culinary traditions, all in the dynamic setting of Toyosu Fish Market.

Ramen is the heart and soul of the people of Japan. It’s not only a convenient and quick dish but it's also insanely delicious! One of the best culinary tours to go on to relish in mouthwatering bowls of Japanese ramen is the Tasting 6 Mini Bowls of Ramen at 3 Award Winning Shops tour. Roam around the streets of Shibuya, Nakameguro, and Ebisu to visit award-winning ramen restaurants and learn everything about this incredible dish — from the history to the customizable options. You'd better come with an empty stomach and a huge appetite because you’ll be tasting not just one but six mini bowls of various types of ramen! 

Get a local’s insight with a tour guide while you explore one of Tokyo’s most culturally and historically rich areas, Asakusa. On this tour, you’ll experience the coexistence of traditional and modern Japanese culture in one spot. Not only will you get to discover the hidden gems of this popular area while munching on snacks that can only be found in Asakusa, but this tour is also a fun learning opportunity as it introduces you to the Japanese culture — from etiquette and table manners to historical storytelling.

Shinjuku is not only known as a business district but it’s also famous for nightlife. With an abundance of local bars like izakaya and tachinomiya (standing bars), it’s hard to know which ones are worth spending time in. On this Tokyo food tour, trust the local guide to bring you to not only authentic local bars but also ensure the best Shinjuku nightlife experience. Try every local alcoholic beverage like Japanese sake, paired with ideal snack foods like yakitori.

Regardless of whether or not you’re a big drinker, you ought to know about Japanese sake. This local rice wine takes a significant part of the Japanese food culture and the sake breweries in Japan are immensely dedicated to their craft. This tour brings you to one of Tokyo’s oldest breweries, established in 1596. The Toshimaya Shuzo still uses Mt. Fuji spring water for their sake varieties. Learn the history and process of this fine beverage, and end the experience with an all-you-can-drink sake tasting where you’re able to explore the various flavors of sake.

Most would know Kichijoji for being one of the top spots for cherry blossoms, but what they don’t know is that this neighborhood is home to countless quaint, themed bars residing in a former flea market established after World War II. Go on a bar-hopping expedition in Harmonica Yokocho. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with the locals in these bars — the local tour guide will come to the rescue to interpret if you can’t speak Japanese. All you need to know is the word “kampai” as you raise your glass to clink theirs.

Tokyo’s bustling ward Shibuya is more than just the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Hachiko Statue. It’s the birthplace of countless fashion trends and home of multiple local and international boutiques. Not to mention the array of various types of local cuisine restaurants. This retro-inspired Shibuya experience is one of the unique Tokyo food tours that brings you off the beaten path and into the unique local eateries rather than tourist-invaded ones. Some of these restaurants have been around since the Showa Era — you definitely don’t want to miss that!

There's nothing like a Japanese food tour to complete your Japan trip! Eat authentic Japanese cuisine and uncover rare eateries and dishes, all while picking up cultural tidbits and mingling with Japanese food lovers — it doesn’t get any better than that! What are you waiting for? Go ahead and book a Tokyo food tour!

Tokyo offers a variety of food tours, including sushi-making classes, izakaya pub crawls, market tours, and street food explorations. You can find tours tailored to specific neighborhoods, cuisines, or dietary preferences.

Yes, many Tokyo food tours cater to vegetarians and vegans. You can find tours that specifically highlight plant-based Japanese cuisine or offer vegan-friendly options at each stop.

No, most food tours in Tokyo are conducted in English, and guides are experienced in helping non-Japanese speakers navigate the local food scene.

Food tours in Tokyo usually last between 2 to 4 hours, though some full-day experiences are available for those looking to dive deeper into the city's culinary culture.

Looking for more food experiences in Tokyo? Check out our cooking classes, dining experiences, and tastings in Tokyo!