BEST Food Tours in Tokyo for Amazingly Tasty Japanese Food!
Tokyo has some of the best seafood anywhere in the world!
I’ll get this out of the way, I love Japanese food, it’s my all time favorite cuisine (Indian food is a close second), and I am incredibly excited to share my love of this cuisine with you in the form of recommendations for some Food Tours in Tokyo that I’ve been on.
Something about the careful preparation of the deceptively simple Tempura, or the complex melody of flavors of the cold Soba noodles paired with slightly sweet dipping sauce. The food in Tokyo is artistic and, of course, tasty. But to truly experience it fully, I believe it’s best to join a Tokyo food tour where a knowledgeable local foodie guide can bring you to all the right eats.
So here are the best food tours in Tokyo that I wholeheartedly recommend, for the best foodie experience you can have in this wonderful east Asian culinary metropolis!
Affiliate Disclaimer: This page contains affiliate links. By clicking on the links and purchasing the product, I will receive a partial commission at no cost to you. All of these products are ones that I fully trust and recommend with my heart. Thank you for your support!
Why Take a Food Tour in Tokyo?
A little bit of everything delicious
Japanese food ain’t all just about raw fish and ramen, it is SOOO much more than that, it’s about the delectable deep fried crunch of the Tonkatsu (Fried pork cutlet), or the comfortingly savory Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), or the various seasonal side dishes that often accompany your Teishoku (set meals).
And if you’re positioning yourself in the capital of Edo, going on one of the many fun-tastic food tours in Tokyo will surely open your palates to the wonderful word of Japanese cuisine. This is one of my favorite cuisines and you’d be severely crippling your holiday in Japan if you’re only sticking to the usual Tokyo foods on offer…
If you’ve been to Osaka or are planning to (check out my 5 Day Osaka Itinerary) you’ll know that Osaka street foods are more mild and “rustic”, like comfort food if you will, while in Tokyo, foods are saltier, bolder in flavor, and more complex and precise in preparation due to the innovative and ever changing societal landscape of the city. Also you can’t forget that Tokyo is a HUGE city so there is so much more variety of Japanese foods to discover.
A plump assortment of tuna nigiri sushi, less fatty, medium fatty, and extra fatty tuna!
And that ties into what I love most about food tours in Tokyo, it’s the fact that you’re not just hopping between restaurants, you’re also learning the story behind each dish, the neighborhood, and even little cultural details.
And there is a Japanese food experience for everybody, from sampling pastries at trendy character collab cafes, to slurping ramen in a back alley, or trying fresh sushi at a local market such as the Tsukiji Fish Market. This metropolis is vast and joining a Tokyo food tour definitely helps you find the best places to FEAST!
Also, a lot of what you know generally as “Japanese food” originated in Tokyo. Dishes such as Soba (buckwheat noodles), Tempura (fried shrimp), Taiyaki (sweet pancakes with filling), Oyakodon (egg and chicken rice bowl), Chanko Nabe (hearty Sumo wrestler stew), as well as Nigiri Sushi (raw fish on top of rice). It’ll be incredible to experience these dishes at local spots that you would only easily find if you’d join the food tours in Tokyo.
Shinjuku Tokyo Food Tour (13 Dishes)
The glistening fat on that salmon sashimi is irresistible
For an all inclusive foodie experience in Tokyo, I wholeheartedly recommend the Shinjuku Tokyo Food Tour because in addition to the 13 dishes you get to sample, this tour encompasses all types of eating experiences you can have: traditional restaurant, bar, street food stall, and modern gastropub!
This Tokyo food tour lasts 3 hours and it’s a private tour (max 12 persons) so the experience is of course more intimate. As the name suggests this food tour takes place in the heart of Tokyo, the Shinjuku district where you will visit 3 areas and 4 restaurants:
Omoide Yokocho - Famous narrow streets full of Izakayas (Japanese bars) and Tokyo street food stalls, which you will have the chance to eat at.
Kabukicho - Tokyo's most famous nightlife entertainment district, you’ll, you’ll be dining at a traditional restaurant here.
Shinjuku Golden Gai - Nightlife alleys packed with over 200 local bars, and here is where you’ll be eating at a local gastropub.
Tight alleyways like these are where you’ll find the best eats in Tokyo
Of course this food tour in Tokyo includes an English speaking local guide, Miyu-san was my guide when I went and she was the best, super friendly with that Kawaii (cute) Japanese personality, and knowledgeable about the food.
As for the foods, I mean you have your typical sashimis and udon/ramen but I also had the chance to try some more “local” dishes, things like Chahan (Chinese style fried rice), Salad with sea grapes, and a bean sprout stir fry. Dishes that only locals would eat on a daily basis you know what I mean? Which I very much appreciate, and it’s a valuable experience to try new dishes especially from a Tokyo food tour.
But yeah, if you’re new to Japanese food or if it’s your first time in exploring Tokyo street foods, then I recommend this Shinjuku Tokyo Food Tour.
Shinjuku Tokyo Food Tour Price and Value
With a lot of these food tours, pricing is not always indicative of value, especially if the tour brings you to try dishes or restaurants that you can easily go to yourself. But this particular Shinjuku Tokyo Food Tour? 13 dishes, 4 restaurants, and a very friendly local guide all for only $84 USD per person, that is an absolute steal! Definitely worth it.
Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Walking Tour
A tuna lover’s dream right here
You can’t go to Japan without eating seafood and wouldn’t you know it, there’s a food tour in Tokyo specifically for exploring the delicious world of Japanese seafood! As the name suggests this Tokyo food tour takes place in Tsukiji Outer Market (the inner market is generally inaccessible to the public), the MOST famous seafood fresh market in Japan!
This is a private food tour (10 persons max) and is approximately 2 hours long BUT one major caveat is that the food is NOT included, you pay for your own food BUT, that does mean the price of the tour is cheaper which I will talk about later.
So what’s the point of joining this food tour? Well Tsukiji Market is huge with well over a hundred stalls selling all sorts of fresh eats. So you’d definitely want someone who knows their way around the place to help you find the best stalls to eat at.
Some succulent looking king crab legs at Tsukiji Market
So this aspect of the tour lends itself to a more flexible eating experience where you can choose to eat what you want and how much you want, which is good especially for something as daunting as seafood.
You’ll have the chance to try juicy sashimi, meaty king crab legs, tender grilled scallops, plump nigiri sushi, and so much more. And if you’re not into seafood, Tsukiji has much more on offer as well, stuff like wagyu beef skewers, strawberry mochi, and that famous Tamago -yaki (rolled omelette) stall that everyone has to stop at!
So if you’re wanting to explore the most famous seafood market in Tokyo without getting lost and knowing all the best food stalls, then this Tokyo food tour is for you!
Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Walking Tour Price and Value
Right, the price of this food tour in Toyko’s Tsukiji Market comes in at $32 USD per person, which is significantly cheaper than the other Tokyo food tours you’ll find. But yes, you pay for your own food. Some might find that annoying because that kinda defeats the whole purpose of food tour, but from the other perspective, you’re not pressured or guilt tripped into eating something that you’ve paid for.
So price to value ratio, I think it’s fine.
Shibuya Hidden Alleys Izakaya Food Tour
One of the funnest experiences I’ve had in Japan was bar hopping with this Tokyo food tour
Right, we’ve covered entrees and savory foods, seafoods, so what’s left? ALCOHOL. And when you’re in Japan, especially Tokyo, Sake (rice wine), Beer, and Umeshu (plum wine) are a MUST-TRY. And where better to sample Tokyo’s 2nd most popular beverage (after tea) than at one (or multiple) of the city’s Izakayas (Japanese bar).
This fantastic food tour in Tokyo takes place in Shibuya, home of the iconic Shibuya Crossing, and some of the city’s best places for a drink.
So this is a 3.5 hour small group public tour, where you’ll be hopping through 3 Izakayas and trying out 4 different dishes or rather snacks to go along with your drinks, these dishes are enough for a full meal so you won’t leave hungry.
But the best part of course is the drinks, and here’s how it works:
Izakaya 1 - 2 drinks included
Izakaya 2 - ALL YOU CAN DRINK (F*** YEAH)
Izakaya 3 - 1 drink included
Nothing beats a few mugs of Asahi beer at a Japanese Izakaya during after work hours!
You’ll be accompanied by a local English speaking guide of course and you’ll be exploring 3 of Shibuya’s neighborhoods: Dogenzaka (downtown dining and nightlife), Udagawacho (laid back nostalgic area), and Center-gai (a more festive area).
My guide was Naoki-san, and he was such a good drinking partner, that man can drink, and he’s also very knowledgeable about the culture behind the nightlife, definitely a fun night out especially as this is a public tour so I got to meet a bunch of people. As an introvert that is kind of uncomfortable but I’m glad that I got to step out of my comfort zone in this Tokyo food tour.
Shibuya Hidden Alleys Izakaya Food Tour Price and Value
Alcohol is expensive, so the price of this food tour in Tokyo reflects that at $103 USD per person, BUT you do get All You Can Drink alcohol at the second Izakaya which is incredible. Plus it’s not just drinks but food is also included so that’s another big plus right there.
So for this bar hopping Tokyo food tour, I’d say the price is right.
Bonus: Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class
The lady behind Japan’s most cozy and welcoming cooking class!
Okay for a different type of activity, how about a cooking class? I love cooking classes, not only do you learn new skills and recipes but you also get to learn about the dish more intimately. This cooking class in Tokyo is about making Ramen and Gyoza (Japanese dumplings) from scratch.
This Tokyo cooking class is absolutely lovely, it’s ran by a lovely lady who also has a YouTube Channel, YUCa’s Japanese Cooking. It’s about 3 hours in length and it’s public class but up to 7 people per session.
The chef is masterful and she’s really good at English so there’s not worries on that front. All ingredients, tools, and recipes are provided, and on top of that this Tokyo cooking class takes place in a real Japanese Home Kitchen so it’s a really authentic experience!
You do have the option to tour a local Japanese fresh market but that’s wholly optional.
The Ramen that I’ve made at YUCa’s cooking class!
I have been to and recommended some cookings classes before in the past, namely in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, but Japanese cooking techniques are really precise and delicate compared to the more rustic stir frying of South East Asian cuisine. So it’s really interesting to learn about these particle Japanese techniques.
A vegetarian option is available, if needed you’ll need to inform them during booking, also for this Tokyo cooking class, a minimum of 2 people is required for booking.
Ramen & Gyoza Cooking Class in Tokyo Price and Value
Cooking classes are always a bit more pricey compared to the regular old food tours in Tokyo, so it should be no surprise that this cooking class is $119 USD per person (minimum 2 so basically $238). For value you’ll only be cooking 2 dishes, however I’d say the value also comes from the knowledge you gain from Japanese cooking techniques, and the overall atmosphere of the class, it's very intimate and cozy.
A bit pricey but ok.
What to Look for in Food Tour in Tokyo?
If you love sashimi or fish, Tokyo is the best food city for you!
Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the best cities to explore the wonderfully delicious world of Japanese food, and of course there is no shortage of Tokyo food tours to choose from. But be aware though, not all of them offer the same experience or value for the price.
Things like the variety of dishes you’ll try, whether it’s a small intimate private group or a larger public tour, and if the guide can clearly communicate in English all make a big difference. So before booking a food tour in Tokyo, it’s worth knowing exactly what to look out for so you don’t end up disappointed. Below are some key things to consider when picking the best Tokyo food tour.
What Kind of Japanese Foods are included in the Tokyo Food Tour?
A nice assortment of Japanese dishes are what makes a Tokyo food tour worth the price
One of the biggest things I always check when booking food tours in Tokyo is the variety of Japanese foods that are included. A great Tokyo food tour shouldn’t just focus on one type of food or eating experience, rather it should feel like a mini Tokyo street food adventure! So stuff like street food stalls, sit down traditional restaurants, and of course, Izakayas.
This also means that the tour should bring you to a nice mix of popular and more hidden gem alleys and neighborhoods. I wholeheartedly recommend choosing food tours that’ll bring you to local food spots and family run restaurants. No overpriced touristy spots!
As a brief reminder, here are some Tokyo foods you should be looking out for when booking a Tokyo food tour:
Sushi/Sashimi - Obviously, the quintessential Japanese food, raw fish, sounds a bit generic but it’s true.
Yakitori - Assortment of grilled chicken skewers, these are also great paired with a few drinks at an Izakaya.
Ramen - Japanese noodle soups, also another generic Japanese dish but in Tokyo it’s amazing.
Tempura - Lightly battered and deep fried shrimp or other assortment of ingredients.
Monjaiyaki - A relatively unknown Tokyo classic, a flat gooey and crispy pancake.
Taiyaki - Fish shaped pancakes filled with sweet fillings, most common is Anko, red bean paste.
Dietary Concerns in Food Tours in Tokyo?
Almost everything you eat in Japan will contain some sort of seafood
Japan of course has a lot of seafood and when you’re booking food tours in Tokyo, there is a 100% chance that you will encounter some form of seafood… So double-check how the tour handles dietary restrictions.
Not just seafood but if you’re vegan or vegetarian, Japanese food tends to have hidden ingredients like Dashi (fish stock), soy sauce with wheat, or cooking oils you might not expect. A good Tokyo food tour will clearly state whether they can accommodate dietary needs and will usually ask about restrictions in advance. If that info isn’t mentioned, it’s worth reaching out before booking.
Generally, food tours in Tokyo are very accommodating to these dietary restrictions but do note that you might miss out on a lot of dishes as a result…
Is the Tokyo Food Tour a Private or Public Group Tour?
Public group tours can be real fun especially if you like meeting new people!
Another big factor to consider when booking food tours in Tokyo is the guide and group size. Personally, I always lean toward small-group experiences or private tours if possible, just because I am more introverted in nature and that’s what I like.
Also another advantage with smaller group private tours is that the experience is more intimate, and there is more time to savor the foods.
If you prefer to meet new people then a public tour is also a good option.
Tips for Going on a Tokyo Food Tour
Most important thing is to just have fun eating all that delicious Japanese food!
If you’re planning to join one of the many food tours in Tokyo, a few simple tips can make your experience so much smoother and more enjoyable. From my own Tokyo food tour experiences, it’s really the small things that help you enjoy every bite without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Come hungry - It sounds obvious, but don’t eat a full meal before your Tokyo food tour since you’ll be trying multiple dishes across different stops.
Wear comfortable shoes - Most food tours in Tokyo involve a fair bit of walking, especially through alleys and local neighborhoods.
Bring cash (yen) - Some smaller food spots still prefer cash, and you might want to buy extra snacks along the way.
Ask questions - Your guide is a huge part of the experience, so don’t be shy, this is how you learn more about the food and culture.
Pace yourself - You don’t have to finish everything at every stop; save room so you can enjoy the full variety.
Check dietary needs in advance - Always confirm with your Tokyo food tour provider if you have any restrictions to avoid surprises.
Arrive on time - Japan values punctuality and tours usually run on a tight schedule, and being late can mean missing out on the first food stop.
Bring a small bag or backpack - Handy for carrying water, tissues, or any extra treats you pick up during the tour.
Looking for Things to Do in Tokyo?
Useful Resources for Traveling in Japan
Tourism Information - All the information you need when traveling in Japan
Pocket Wi-Fi - Important for staying connected on the go
JR Rail Pass (Whole of Japan) - Easy , cheap, and unlimited access to JR transports
Check out my Other Japan Blog Posts!
Best 5 Day Osaka Itinerary Including Visits to Kyoto and Nara City!
Tokyo Street Food Guide: 15 Must Eat Dishes + Where to Find Them!
Top Osaka Food Tours Worth Booking to Eat the Best Japanese Street Food!
Amazing 3 Day Kyoto Itinerary, Things to Do in Japan’s Ancient Capital!
Ultimate Yufuin Travel Guide: Exploring the Onsen Paradise of Kyushu
Foodie’s Guide to Dotonbori, What to Eat in Osaka’s Iconic Street Food District
What to Eat at Kuromon Ichiba Market, the Seafood Paradise in Osaka
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER ARTICLES!
