Have you ever wanted to explore the Tohoku region in beautiful northern Honshu? There's no better place to tap into the hidden gems of northeastern Japan than in Sendai, the capital city of Miyagi Prefecture!
From Sendai Station, it's easy to access Sendai Castle, Sendai City Museum, and countless other unique Sendai attractions. Not to mention, tons of incredible dishes originate in Sendai, like zunda mochi and beef tongue — so why not join a Sendai food tour with a local guide to gain deeper insight into Sendai food culture? You might even make some friends, locals and travelers alike, along the way!
5 Best Sendai Food Tours
Here are the 5 best Sendai food tours we recommend!
- Sendai Izakaya Bar Hopping Tour
- Sake in the sea: Immersive sake storage voyage in Kesennuma
- Tour of Nikka Whisky Distillery with whisky tasting
- Go bar hopping through Sendai’s back-alley bars!
- Eat tasty food and drink sake like a local in Sendai
1. Sendai Izakaya Bar Hopping Tour
On this Sendai Izakaya Bar Hopping Tour, follow a local guide for an incredible night on the town and explore the drinking alleys of Bunka Yokocho and Iroha Yokocho. These historic Showa-era side streets will transport you back in time, lined with hundreds of miniature izakayas that only seat about 8 customers at a time!
Your local Sendai food tour guide will take you to three of the best tiny pubs and bars in Sendai to discover the different Japanese izakaya styles and enjoy an inside look at local Miyagi nightlife. And don't worry, if you don't know what to order, your guide will help you find new favorite dishes and have an unforgettable drinking experience!
Book the Sendai Izakaya Bar Hopping Tour >>
2. Sake in the Sea: Immersive Sake Storage Voyage in Kesennuma
This Otokoyama Sake Brewery tour in Sendai is a one-of-a-kind experience like no other. For starters, you’ll be taken through the Otokoyama Sake Brewery by an English-speaking guide, learning about the history, culture, and production process behind Japan’s complex sake scene.
Then, take to the water and sail across the oyster farms of Kesennuma to retrieve fermenting Japanese sake. It’s been waiting under the water all this time, waiting for you, and you’ll even get to leave a note for the next group to take the same tour!
Once you’re back on shore, prepare for a catered after-party — you’ll get to sip on the sake you hauled up, alongside local Kesennuma delicacies.
Sendai sake souvenirs: You’ll get a small bottle of sake and a sake cup to take home!
Take to the seas of Sendai in this unique sake brewery tour!
3. Tour of Nikka Whisky Distillery with whisky tasting
Take a tour of the Nikka Whisky Distillery with a whisky tasting! Get up close and personal with the world-renowned Nikka whisky on this 5-hour tour of the Miyagikyo distillery, taking you through the entire whisky production process, savor a few samples for yourself, and grab a few wonderful whisky souvenirs at the Nikka Whisky Miyagikyo Museum.
4. Go bar hopping through Sendai’s back-alley bars!
Step into Sendai’s energetic nightlife scene in this 4-hour bar-hopping tour, customized for your tastes and budget by your local guide. You’ll start the night in Kokubuncho, the largest entertainment district in Japan’s northeast region, Tohoku — which crams about 3,000 bars and restaurants into one vibrant area — before rubbing shoulders with the locals in Iroha Yokocho, an alley with over 100 cozy bars, restaurants, and shops!
5. Eat tasty food and drink sake like a local in Sendai
Need another night spent mingling with Sendai’s nightlife? Join this back-alley bar-hopping food and drink tour, taking you down the lively streets of Bunka Yokocho and Iroha Yokocho. A local guide will take you to three different styles of izakaya, recommending dishes and drinks in each that you’ll love.
Get ready to feel like a real local on the streets of Sendai.
Whether you're in Sendai admiring the majestic Japanese zelkova trees or attending the largest summer Tanabata Star Festival in Japan, make sure you don't miss out on the unique food culture of Miyagi!
There's something for everyone, from the adventurous eater to the sake aficionado. Book now to ensure your trip to Sendai is an unforgettably delicious visit!
Looking for more things to do in the area? Browse food experiences in Miyagi for more food tours, cooking classes, dining experiences, and tastings, or check out our top 12 things to do in Sendai!
Craving a luxurious course menu in Sendai? Book a spot at Graal, the best French fusion restaurant in the city.
