Old Tokyo Food & Drink Tour in Nihonbashi

Organized by Mao
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Experience Details
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Duration
2.5 hours
Number of Guests
1 - 6 guests
Language
English
Other
With 3 drinks, byFood Original
Embark on a culinary exploration of the flavors and stories that shaped Tokyo as you eat and drink at three long-established restaurants in this food tour in the historical district of Nihonbashi.

Highlights

In this Tokyo gourmet tour, feast on traditional Japanese foods and cheer with refreshing drinks at three distinct historical restaurants (shinise) in Nihonbashi
Explore Nihonbashi, where traditions can still be found amidst sleek modern architecture, and cross Nihonbashi Bridge, the starting point of the Edo Five Routes (Gokaido)
Easy access: Nihonbashi is in central Tokyo, near Ginza, Akihabara, and Tokyo Station
Enjoy traditional Japanese delicacies: eel cuisine, sukiyaki marbled beef hotpot, and an assortment of tempura fritters and sashimi with one drink at each venue (three in total)
For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals

Experience Details

Immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Nihonbashi, a district near Ginza, Tokyo Station and Akihabara that blends tradition with modernity. Led by a friendly guide, you'll sample foods and drinks at three long-standing restaurants, each distinct in its gourmet offerings and ambiance, where you can savor the rich culinary heritage and deep historical roots of an area at the core of Tokyo's history. You'll meet your guide, Mao, at the doors of Mitsukoshi, an impressive building that was also Japan's first department store. As you stroll to your first food stop, you'll get to know Mao and learn about Nihonbashi's rich history, from its Edo period roots to its modern charm. You'll soon arrive at Izumoya, a quaint eatery founded in 1946 specializing in eel cuisine. In this traditional restaurant beloved by locals, you'll enjoy an eel-filled rolled omelet (tamagoyaki) and grilled eel with fresh wasabi and grated radish. Before heading to the second restaurant, wash down the food with a cold beer or your soft drink of choice. Crossing the iconic Nihonbashi bridge, you'll soon arrive at Sasaki, an establishment steeped in over a century of history. Here, you'll dine in a quiet, private room with tatami floors and traditional decor. Your dish will be a bubbling sukiyaki hotpot: a delightful marriage of marbled beef, tofu, and grilled vegetables in a soy sauce-based broth. Dine and enjoy refreshing drinks while getting to know your tour guide and other participants. Your last stop will be Ikemasu, an energetic underground izakaya that has been a household name since 1948. A go-to spot to unwind after work, its name (meaning "Can we go?") is a playful way of inviting colleagues out for drinks. Here, you'll enjoy tempura fritters and fresh sashimi, including ume suisho (strips of shark cartilage in sour plum sauce). Choose your last drink and clink glasses to a great evening uncovering the cultural treasure trove that is Nihonbashi!

Inclusions

2.5-hour guided food tour
Food: two eel dishes (first restaurant), sukiyaki hotpot and rice (second restaurant), sashimi plate and tempura (third restaurant)
Drinks: one drink at each restaurant (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). Specific selection is subject to availability but may include beer, whisky soda, oolong tea, and sparkling water.

Exclusions

Additional food and drinks

Meeting Point and Meeting Time

Meet your host in front of the main entrance of the Mitsukoshi Main Store in Nihonbashi (not to be confused with the one in Ginza). More detailed information and a Google Maps link will be provided upon booking.

Remarks

Please note that food contents in this tour are fixed and dietary restrictions or special food requests cannot be accommodated.
Please note that two restaurants on this tour can only be reached by stairs.
Please note that guests will be asked to remove their shoes before entering the second restaurant.
This tour includes several food portions, so participants are encouraged to come hungry.

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.
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Experience Location

Over 14 million residents call Tokyo home. Functioning as Japan's economic and cultural center, it's no surprise the metropolis often appears at the top of travelers' bucket lists. Here, you can find everything from traditional tea houses to futuristic skyscrapers.
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Earliest available date: September 11, 2024
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¥22,156
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Please note that the time is in Japan Standard Time.
Free cancellation (2 days notice)
For each guest that attends this experience, byFood will donate
10 meals
Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nihonbashi a bridge, a district or both?

Nihonbashi translates to “Japan Bridge” and refers to both the iconic Nihonbashi Bridge and the surrounding district near Ginza in central Tokyo. The bridge was the starting point of the five historical roads of Japan (Gokaido), and it is a main landmark and namesake of the area, known for its historical charm, traditional buildings, and sophisticated restaurants.

What is shinise?

Shinise is a Japanese term for long-established shops and restaurants that are a part of the cultural fabric of the local community. This tour involves enjoying dinner and drinks at three shinise restaurants in Nihonbashi with several decades of history.

What is the duration of the Old Tokyo Food & Drink Tour at 3 Nihonbashi Restaurants?

The tour is around 2.5 hours, during which guests will explore the historical Nihonbashi district, learn about its rich heritage, and enjoy authentic foods and drinks at three shinise restaurant serving traditional Japanese foods.

Are foods and drinks included in the tour price, or do they need to be paid separately?

The price of this experience includes the following: two eel dishes (first restaurant), sukiyaki hotpot and rice (second restaurant), sashimi plate and tempura (third restaurant), as well as one drink at each restaurant (alcoholic or non-alcoholic). The specific beverage selection depends on the restaurant but may include beer, whisky soda, oolong tea, sparkling water, and other soft drinks. Additional food and drinks are available for an additional cost.

Why should I book the Old Tokyo Food & Drink Tour at 3 Nihonbashi Restaurants?

This tour provides the unique opportunity to savor the rich culinary heritage and deep historical roots of the Nihonbashi district, a fascinating part of Tokyo that is easy to access from Ginza, Akihabara, and Tsukiji. Led by a friendly local guide, you’ll feast on traditional foods and refreshing drinks while discovering the fascinating stories behind three long-established restaurants in Nihonbashi.
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