Savor Atami: Traditional Tea, Tofu and Local Eats
In this Shizuoka food tour, visit three traditional shops in the coastal town of Atami and sample tofu, tea, wasabi-zuke and katsuobushi, learning about Japan’s culinary culture along the way.
Highlights
Visit three local food shops in Atami and sample tofu, green tea, wasabi-zuke (a Shizuoka pickled wasabi dish) and katsuobushi (bonito flakes)
Sample different ingredients unique to Japan as you learn the stories behind each and learn about their preparation and multiple uses
Connect with local shopkeepers to learn about life in Atami: your host will act as an interpreter so you can talk to locals, even if you can’t speak Japanese
10 meals
Experience Details
Only a few hours Southwest of Tokyo you'll find Atami, a picturesque seaside town in the stunning Izu Peninsula. Renowned for its beaches and hot springs, Atami offers more than just relaxation — it is a cultural treasure trove with a distinct food culture and traditions. On this Atami tour, you will discover the area's culinary culture by tasting traditional ingredients at traditional shops that are usually only known to locals.
The food tour will begin by meeting your host, Yuri, at Sakurabashi Bridge, just a 15-minute walk from Atami Station. Originally from Tokyo, Yuri spent 10 years living in the US and UK before finding her home in Atami where she now uses her English-speaking skills to share her insights with guests in the area, enabling them to discover what makes Atami so special.
During the tour, Yuri will bring you to three different local shops among four possible options: green tea, wasabi zuke (a pickled wasabi unique to Shizuoka), katsuobushi (fermented and dried fish used for dashi broth) and tofu. The exact stops will be decided on the day depending on availability. Each shop is chosen based on the quality of its food, their long-standing traditions and artisanal methods, and a special emphasis on culturally significant ingredients not found outside of Japan. At each location, you will be able to sample food and purchase the products that interest you most.
With language assistance from Yuri, you will also interact with the shopkeepers to discover their stories and learn more about each of these ingredients, how they can be prepared and used, and their significance in Japanese culture. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you might have as you sample their unique offerings and stroll through the shop in search of unique local specialties.
Inclusions
Food tasting at each shop
Atami walking tour
An English-speaking guide
Exclusions
Additional purchases and other personal expenses
Transportation to and from the meeting point
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Your host will meet you at Sakurabashi Bridge on the Itogawa River, a 15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi from Atami Station. A Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.
Remarks
Please wear comfortable shoes and be ready to walk around 1km.
At the end of the tour, your guide can show you the way back to the starting point or recommend any nearby restaurants/sightseeing places.
This experience starts at 8:45.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 3 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
A coastal prefecture located in central Japan between Tokyo and Osaka, Shizuoka is home to Mount Fuji (the highest mountain in Japan), beaches and hot spring resort towns, and a thriving agriculture industry producing some of the most delicious and highly coveted produce in Japan.
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10 meals
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