Japanese New Year Food Tour in Shibuya
Experience authentic Japanese New Year food, a shrine visit, and free-flowing drinks in Shibuya on this fun Osechi Ryori tour.
Highlights
The first meal will be Toshikoshi soba noodles, which symbolizes long life
Then, visit a hidden shrine in the middle of Shibuya and learn about Hatsumode, the traditional first shrine visit of the year
Try Osechi Ryori (the traditional Japanese new year cuisine), which include symbolic dishes for good luck in the new year
Cheers to the new year with sake, wine, local beer, and more!
Cook up two types of Japanese hot pot at a restaurant, Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki
10 meals
Experience Details
One of the biggest holidays in Japan is Shogatsu (Oshogatsu) or the Japanese New Year, so of course, this Japanese New Year Food Tour in Shibuya goes all out to show you the highlights of this festive season. New Year traditions in Japan are quite unique from other countries of the world. While in Western countries, the New Year is traditionally celebrated with friends and Christmas is celebrated with family, in Japan, Christmas is for lovers and Shogatsu is a time to celebrate together with family. From the tradition of Hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the new year) to eating soba noodles and Osechi Ryori (Japanese New Year cuisine) to a Kanpai party with friends, this Japanese New Year Food Tour in Shibuya (held from December to January) will let you in on a whirlwind of an evening covering all the highlights of the Japanese New Year.
Perfect for a food tour, the New Year holiday in Japan is a major foodie celebration, the time of year when many symbolic traditional foods emerge, like Toshikoshi soba noodles, which symbolizes long life; and osechi ryori, a special type of traditional Bento box which has been apart of Japanese New Year traditions for centuries. But don’t be fooled, Osechi is nothing like your average convenience store lunch Bento. Traditionally, it is served in three tiers of beautiful, handcrafted lacquerware boxes, each with different compartments for colorful, seasonal dishes. Kuromame (black soybeans) symbolize health, as “mame” means health in Japanese and Konbu (kelp) sounds like “yorokobu” the Japanese word for “joy,” so it is eaten for happiness.
Inclusions
Osechi cuisine (symbolic New Year’s dishes)
5 different foods stops, with dinner and food tastings
Free-flowing sake, wine, beer, and other drinks with a hot pot dinner!
Toshikoshi soba noodles
Traditional New Year’s dessert and a traditional Shogatsu gift
Meeting Point and Meeting Time
Meet-up details will be sent to your provided email upon booking is confirmed. If you don't receive details, please contact us.
Remarks
Please note that this food tour is only held from December to January, for the Japanese New Year.
The food tour starts strictly on time. If guests do not arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, the tour will begin regardless, and no refund shall be given.
There’s a strict rule that only a person 20 years of age may drink alcohol.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel your booking at least 2 days before the experience start time to receive a full refund minus a 3.2% transaction fee.
Experience Location
Shibuya’s commercial area is a fashionista haven, home to department stores, boutiques, and entertainment. Shibuya’s most famous meeting point is Hachiko Statue. And you can’t miss the Shibuya Crossing. For two minutes at a time, the world’s most intense pedestrian crossing comes to life. A popular street photography spot, the crossing is symbolic of Tokyo, featured in films like Lost in Translation and Tokyo Drift. Another point of interest is Bunkamura which literally means “culture village,” consisting of concert halls, a theater, a cinema, and a museum that features changing exhibits.
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10 meals
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