Why Join a Food Tour in Tokyo
Tokyo can feel overwhelming for food lovers. The city has more than 160,000 restaurants, from tiny ramen counters to lantern-lit izakayas and Michelin-starred sushi bars. It’s magical, but also intimidating if you don’t speak Japanese or know where to begin.
That’s where food tours shine: they cut through the chaos and connect travelers with authentic local dishes, hidden spots, cultural stories, and local guides who make the experience feel effortless. They open doors to spots most tourists can’t access due to language, etiquette, or reservation hurdles.
At Ninja Food Tours, we see this every night. In 2024 and 2025, more than half of our guests told us they never would’ve found these izakayas without a local guide. And while we’re proud of what we do, we’re far from the only great option.
Come along as we break down the best of Tokyo’s food tours so you can choose the neighborhood, vibe, and tasting style that fits your taste buds best!
Table of Contents
Tokyo Food Tour Info
What is a Tokyo food tour?
A Tokyo food tour is a guided tasting experience that walks travelers through neighborhoods like Shinjuku, Asakusa, Shibuya, or Tsukiji to sample signature Japanese dishes, street foods, and regional specialties.
Along the way, guides explain cultural etiquette, local history, and help guests access small restaurants, markets, and bars that are often difficult to find or navigate without Japanese language skills.
What is an izakaya?
An izakaya is a casual Japanese gastropub where people gather after work or with friends. to enjoy shared plates such as yakitori, sashimi, grilled dishes, and comfort snacks, paired with drinks like beer, sake, and highballs.
Izakayas are central to Japan’s social and nightlife culture, and many are small, hidden, or reservation-only, making them a key highlight of many Tokyo food tours.
What Makes a Great Tokyo Food Tour
Local insight
A great guide doesn’t just point out dishes, they explain how these dishes are made and the cultural stories behind them. They also educate on etiquette tips (like when to say “itadakimasu”), regional food history, and insider knowledge about the neighborhood.
Neighborhood personality
Each area of Tokyo has a distinct food identity:
- Shinjuku: neon-lit nightlife, tiny back-alley bars, izakaya culture
- Asakusa: traditional snacks, old-town charm, family-run shops
- Shibuya: modern comfort food, youth culture, trendy bites
- Tsukiji: seafood freshness, morning market energy
A good tour leans into what the neighborhood does best.
Group size & atmosphere
Smaller groups (6–8 people) allow for deeper conversation with the guide, more flexible pacing, and easier access to intimate restaurants. Larger groups may offer lower prices but can feel more structured and less personal. The right size depends on whether you want social energy or local immersion.
Food & drink balance
Memorable tours offer a mix of sit-down dishes, street snacks, tastings, and beverages. This creates a natural rhythm, avoids palate fatigue, and gives you a broad view of Tokyo’s food culture. Some tours include drinks (especially izakaya routes), while others keep them optional.
Customization & flexibility
A strong operator offers options for:
- Private tours vs. shared groups
- Day vs. night routes (market tours vs. nightlife experiences)
- Dietary needs (though some limitations are unavoidable in traditional spots)
- Pacing (long cultural walks vs. fast, tasting-heavy routes)
7 Best Food Tours in Tokyo
Izakaya Food Tour in Shinjuku Ninja Food Tours
If you want to dive straight into Tokyo’s izakaya culture, this is the classic Shinjuku night out. Ninja Food Tours’ Izakaya Food Tour in Shinjuku is their signature experience and one of the most widely reviewed food tours in Tokyo.
Overview
- Area: Shinjuku (Kabukicho, Golden Gai, backstreet and local izakayas)
- Duration: ~3.5 hours, with tours starting at 5pm
- Group size: Max 10 guests (small-group format)
- Includes: Dinner & drinks; optional pre-tour sake tasting add-on
- Price: $109 USD per person
What you’ll eat & drink
The tour includes 13 to 16 izakaya tastings (enough for a VERY full dinner) and one drink at each izakaya. Drinks include beer, sake, whiskey, non-alcoholic options, and more. You’ll stop at handpicked izakayas where locals actually go, rather than tourist bars with English menus.
Vibe & storytelling
This is their most popular nightlife experience, with a big focus on explaining izakaya culture: why you get an otoshi (automatic appetizer), how salarymen really drink after work, and what all those mysterious menu items actually are.
They have 3,000+ 5-star Google reviews and have been featured in Netflix’s Somebody Feed Phil. The night consists of TONS of food, cultural explanations and stories, and a feeling of being “looked after” in a part of Tokyo that can be intimidating on your own.
Best for
Travelers who want a social, slightly boozy night out with a clear structure: multiple stops, lots of food, and a guide who handles reservations and ordering the most delicious food.
Great for solo travelers and small groups who want to see Shinjuku’s nightlife but don’t want to stumble around guessing.
*Note: Some dietary restrictions may be hard to accommodate due to the nature of izakaya food and culture.
Image source: https://tours.arigatojapan.co.jp/tour/asakusa-twilight
Asakusa Twilight Evening Tour Arigato Japan
Arigato Japan is a travel agency that does it all. They do tailored sightseeing tours and food tours all around Japan, and the Asakusa Twilight Evening Tour is one of their most popular.
Their Asakusa tours consist of a daytime “Family Food Tour” and a “Twilight Evening Tour”, with both focusing on nostalgic streets, Sensoji Temple, and small local food spots. We will be taking a look at the evening tour, but if you are coming as a family, definitely check out the daytime family food tour!
Overview
- Area: Asakusa & Sensoji area (old “shitamachi” Tokyo)
- Duration: About 3 hours
- Style: Sightseeing around the Asakusa area + some street snacks + 1 sit-down meal, with 1 included drink and dessert
- Price: Starting at around ¥26,400 per person
What you’ll eat & see
On their Asakusa Twilight Evening Tour, you’ll wander Sensoji temple grounds at night, explore Asakusa side streets and the famous Hoppy Street, try local snacks and regional bites, then sit down for a local dinner with a drink and dessert.
Vibe
They favor a relaxed pace and tours that mix food with history. People on these tours will love to learn about culture and etiquette while eating your way through the local side streets. Be prepared to walk a lot, and wear comfy shoes!
Because Arigato can accommodate many dietary preferences with advance notice (vegetarian, pescatarian, no-pork, etc.), this is one of the more flexible options for mixed groups or families.
Best for
- Travelers who want to see a more traditional Tokyo rather than pure nightlife
- Those looking for a relaxing evening full of walking, history, tradition, and food
Image Source: https://secretfoodtours.com/tokyo/food-tours-tokyo/
Secret Food Tours: Tokyo Secret Food Tours
Secret Food Tours offers a relaxed daytime walk through Ueno where you taste sushi, gyoza, yakitori, and a rotating “secret dish” while exploring local streets and the park. It is a friendly, small-group experience that gives first-time visitors an easy introduction to classic Japanese flavors and everyday Tokyo life.
Overview
- Area: Ueno district (markets, park, local streets)
- Duration: 3 hours, with tours starting around 10:40 or 11:30 am
- Group size: Up to 10 people
- Price: $130.99 USD per person
What you’ll eat
On “Secret Food Tours: Tokyo”, you will enjoy tons of Japanese food tastings, such as sushi, gyoza, yakitori, and a “secret dish,” with food that changes by season. You will also take a stroll through Ueno Park and nearby local streets, so it doubles as a light city walk and tasting experience.
Vibe & reviews
Guests rave about this tour, describing it as warm, flexible, and helpful beyond the tour, with things like helping with JR passes or finding extra shops afterward.
Compared to the izakaya-heavy tours, this one leans more into being an introduction to Japanese food and local Tokyo culture. It is great for an afternoon activity!
Best for
- First-timers who want a broad intro to Japanese staples
- Visitors staying near Ueno or Akihabara
- People who prefer a daytime, non-bar-hopping tour
Image source: https://hellotokyotours.com/small-group-food-tour
Flavours of Tokyo: A Journey Through Time Hello! Tokyo Tours
Hello! Tokyo’s “Flavours of Tokyo: A Journey Through Time” tour is a 5.5-hour deep dive that stitches together old and modern Tokyo through food. It’s a long and heavily detailed tour, giving you a strong understanding of Tokyo that tourists would otherwise not have the chance to learn about.
Overview
- Route: Nihonbashi → Tokyo Station → Akihabara
- Duration: 5.5 hours (runs only on Tues, Thurs, and Sat at 11:30am)
- Group size: Max 8 guests
- Includes: 10+ tastings plus specialty drinks
- Price: $160 USD per person
What you’ll eat
The tour has a set progression:
- In Nihonbashi, you will taste the foundations of washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) like dashi, kombu, and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) at historic shops.
- Near Tokyo Station, you will move into everyday commuter food: croquettes, fruit sando, and a quick-service noodle shop (curry udon or tempura soba).
- Under the Tokyo Station train tracks, you will stop at an izakaya for yakitori and a sour (lemon or grapefruit flavor), bringing in salaryman culture.
- In Akihabara, you finish with three playful dessert snacks that remix traditional flavors.
Vibe & guest experience
Hello! Tokyo emphasizes that this is a walking tour (~6.5 km) and not suitable for guests with mobility issues or strict diets (not vegan/vegetarian friendly). Children under 6 are also not allowed on this tour, but can be accommodated on a private tour.
This is a tour for travelers who are curious and detail-oriented who want to fully comprehend the culture of Tokyo’s cuisine and why Tokyo eats the way it does.
Best for
- History aficionados and hungry learners
- Travelers who want to spend most of a day with a guide and come away with a big-picture understanding of Tokyo’s food culture
Image source: https://culinarybackstreets.com/food-tours/tokyo/backstreet-yanesen-finding-a-taste-of-old-tokyo
Backstreet Yanesen: A Taste of Old Tokyo Culinary Backstreets
Culinary Backstreets is known globally for “deep dive” walks, and their Tokyo flagship is “Backstreet Yanesen: A Taste of Old Tokyo.” It focuses on the Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi districts, collectively called Yanesen, one of the last pockets of truly old-feeling Tokyo.
Overview
- Area: Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi (“Yanesen”) — low-rise, retro neighborhoods north of Ueno
- Duration: 6 hours (Thursdays to Mondays from 10am)
- Group size: 2-6 guests
- Focus: Old temples and shrines, family-run shops, and classic everyday Tokyo foods
- Price: $195 USD per person
This is a small-group walking tour that visits historic temples and shrines, then neighborhood institutions for “classic Tokyo” bites.
What you’ll eat & see
- Japanese rice crackers and wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) from a traditional sweets shop
- Cutlets, sashimi, and yakitori along narrow retro shopping streets
- Small family-run shops with long histories, where you can see how old Tokyo neighborhoods still shop and eat
Because Culinary Backstreets often uses these local favorites as stops, expect simple, very local foods rather than high-end tasting menus. The real star is the context. Enjoy soaking in the stories about Tokyo’s past, preservation, and everyday life.
Vibe & who it’s for
This is a slow-paced walking and eating tour with a lot of historical storytelling. Think “anthropology with snacks.” This is the opposite of a bar crawl; it’s for people who want to see where Tokyoites actually live and shop, not just the big sights.
Best for
- Travelers who care about history and old neighborhood vibes
- Repeat visitors to Tokyo who’ve already done Shinjuku/Shibuya and want something deeper
Want to join this tour?
Image source: https://www.magical-trip.com/product/e8a26b4b-898e-4e85-bdc2-1fd285dd06ff
Tokyo Night Foodie Tour (Shinjuku) MagicalTrip
MagicalTrip’s Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku is one of the easiest ways to experience Tokyo’s after-dark food scene. A local guide leads you through hidden sushi counters, Wagyu BBQ spots, and neon-lit streets for a night that feels equal parts delicious and immersive.
Overview
- Area: Shinjuku (restaurants + nightlife district + neon-lit Kabukichō)
- Duration: Around 3.5 hours
- Group Size: 7 guests max
- Price: Around $120 USD per person (price may vary depending on season)
What you’ll eat & experience
During the tour, you’ll enjoy:
- Edo-style sushi at a hidden sushi-counter, made right before your eyes by a professional chef.
- Wagyu yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) where you grill different cuts yourself as part of the experience.
- Dessert, traditional Japanese sweets to finish the night.
- Two drinks included, alcohol or soft drinks.
- A stroll through Shinjuku’s lively, neon-lit streets, and the entertainment-district Kabukichō to get the real “Tokyo night out” atmosphere.
Vibe & target audience
- This tour is ideal for travelers who want to go beyond typical tourist restaurants and experience hidden/local favourite spots in Tokyo.
- It’s a tour suitable for solo travelers, couples, families, and small groups. Everyone is welcome!
Important notes / dietary & booking disclaimers
- Vegetarian or other dietary-restriction options are limited. If you request vegetarian food in advance they’ll try to accommodate.
Image source: https://www.japanwondertravel.com/lps/tsukiji-tours
Tsukiji Market Food and Culture Tour Japan Wonder Travel
If you’re a morning person (or jetlagged at 5am), Tsukiji is the obvious move. Japan Wonder Travel runs one of the best-known Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tours, centered entirely on the outer market.
Overview
- Area: Tsukiji Outer Market
- Duration: About 3 hours
- Typical time: 8:15–11:30 am on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays. 10:45 am – 2:00 pm on Wednesdays, Sundays, National holidays.
- Price: ¥14,000 per person
What you’ll eat
The tour is very explicit about its tasting lineup, so take a look at their website to make sure you’ll enjoy what they are serving! Dishes vary depending on the day, but here are some examples:
- Japanese omelet (tamagoyaki)
- Fried fish cake
- Seasonal fruit
- High-grade wagyu beef skewer
With this tour, you’re not just grazing; you’re essentially eating a full brunch across multiple stalls and small shops.
Vibe & guest experience
- Guided history and market background
- Access to local favorite stalls
- Interactions with vendors in narrow alleys many visitors would skip or feel awkward entering alone
Best for
- Early risers and jet-lagged travelers
- Seafood fans who want to understand where Tokyo’s fish actually comes from
- People who want a structured, guided morning before exploring busy Tokyo later in the day
Best Tokyo Food Tour Comparison Table
| Company | Tour Name | Area / Route | Duration & Group Size | Approx. Price (per person) | Highlights / Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja Food Tours | Izakaya Food Tour in Shinjuku | Shinjuku (Kabukichō, Golden Gai, backstreets & local izakayas) | ~3.5 hours | Max 10 guests | ~US$109 | Signature Shinjuku nightlife tour with 13–16 izakaya tastings and drinks at each stop. Great for solo travelers and small groups who want a social, slightly boozy, culture-focused night out. |
| Arigato Japan | Asakusa Twilight Evening Tour | Asakusa & Sensōji area (shitamachi streets, Hoppy Street, temple grounds) | ~3 hours | Small-group format | ~¥26,400 | Mix of evening sightseeing and casual eats in one of Tokyo’s most traditional districts. Good for travelers who want history, etiquette, and flexible dietary options (e.g. vegetarian, pescatarian) at a relaxed pace. |
| Secret Food Tours | Secret Food Tours: Tokyo | Ueno district (market streets, Ueno Park, local backstreets) | 3 hours | Up to 10 guests | ~US$130.99 | Daytime walk with tastings like sushi, gyoza, yakitori, plus a seasonal “secret dish.” Great for first-time visitors who want an introduction to Japanese staples and local culture without a bar-crawl vibe. |
| Hello! Tokyo Tours | Flavours of Tokyo: A Journey Through Time | Nihonbashi, Tokyo Station, and Akihabara | 5.5 hours (Tues/Thurs/Sat at 11:30am) | Max 8 guests | ~US$160 | Long, detailed walking tour connecting historic washoku foundations with modern commuter food and izakaya culture. Best for curious, detail-oriented travelers who want big-picture context on Tokyo’s food culture (not suitable for strict diets or young kids). |
| Culinary Backstreets | Backstreet Yanesen: A Taste of Old Tokyo | Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi (“Yanesen”) – retro low-rise neighborhoods north of Ueno | 6 hours (Thu–Mon from 10am) | 2–6 guests | ~US$195 | Slow-paced “deep dive” into old Tokyo with temples, family-run shops, rice crackers, wagashi, cutlets, sashimi, and yakitori. Ideal for repeat visitors and history lovers who care more about neighborhood stories than nightlife. |
| MagicalTrip | Tokyo Night Foodie Tour (Shinjuku) | Shinjuku (Izakayas and Kabukichō nightlife streets) | ~3.5 hours | Max 7 guests | ~US$120 | Night tour with Edo-style sushi, DIY Wagyu yakiniku, dessert, and two drinks. Good for solo travelers, couples, and small groups who want a guided “Tokyo night out” beyond touristy restaurants. Vegetarian options limited. |
| Japan Wonder Travel | Tsukiji Market Food & Culture Tour | Tsukiji Outer Market | About 3 hours | Morning start times | ~¥14,000 | Guided outer-market walk with tastings like tamagoyaki, fried fish cake, seasonal fruit, and wagyu skewers – essentially a full brunch. Best for early risers and seafood fans who want a structured, guided start to the day in Tokyo. |
How to Choose the Right Tokyo Food Tour
Not all Tokyo food tours are created equal! Choosing the right one depends on your appetite, schedule, and neighborhood vibe. Platforms like, Tripadvisor, Booking.com, and Airbnb can also help you compare experiences, but here’s the simplified breakdown:
By Time of Day
Morning person?
→ Choose Tsukiji Market with Japan Wonder Travel. The outer market wakes up early, and it’s perfect for travelers still jet-lagged at 6am.
Night owl?
→ Go for nightlife-heavy routes like Shinjuku (Ninja Food Tours) or Shibuya (Magical Trip). These are the best picks if you want izakayas, neon alleys, and salaryman culture.
By Vibe
Traditional and historic?
→ Arigato Japan’s Asakusa Twilight Tour. Great for culture lovers and relaxed walkers.
Off-the-beaten-path and old Tokyo?
→ Culinary Backstreets in Yanesen. Slow, story-rich, very “local Tokyo.”
Modern comfort food + youth culture?
→ Secret Food Tours near Ueno/Shibuya. Tasting-heavy, easy for first-timers.
By Privacy or Flexibility
For travelers seeking personalization:
→ Ninja Food Tours or Arigato Japan both offer private upgrades with customizable routes and restaurant selection. Feel free to inquire with other tour companies regarding private tours as well.
Why Ninja Food Tours Stands Out
Ninja Food Tours has become one of Tokyo’s most recognizable local food tour brands, thanks to thousands of positive Google Maps, Airbnb and Tripadvisor reviews. But here’s what actually sets them apart:
Local roots & real relationships
The company was founded and operated by a Tokyo local (Yuma Wada) who spends his days building personal connections with neighborhood izakayas. This means access to hidden spots, owner-run counters, and places most tourists won’t find even with Google Maps.
Small groups that feel personal
Their Shinjuku night tour caps at around 10 guests, which keeps the feel intimate and lets the guide focus on storytelling, etiquette, and individual preferences. Guests will definitely feel “looked after,” especially when ordering in Japanese can be intimidating.
A balanced tasting progression
Unlike many tours that rely on one main restaurant, Ninja Food Tours emphasizes variety, with three izakayas in one night! Some choice foods and drinks include (depends on the day):
- izakaya classics
- yakitori
- seafood
- gyoza
- grilled dishes
- sake, beer, or non-alcoholic choices
This makes their tour feel like three “Tokyo nights out” rather than just one! Three izakayas for the price of one!
Booking Tips Before You Go
Book early!
Tokyo’s evening tours between Friday–Sunday tend to sell out quickly. March–May and October–November are the busiest months, so if you are planning a trip then, be sure to plan ahead!.
Give dietary information in advance
Izakayas and markets can be challenging for:
- vegetarians
- vegans
- gluten-free travelers
- seafood allergies
Let your operator know early! Most companies (Ninja Food Tours, Arigato Japan, Japan Wonder Travel) ask for any food restrictions during booking, so please let them know!
Arrive early at the meeting point
Use Google Maps or other map apps to plan your route. Tokyo’s stations can be huge and confusing.
Don’t eat too much beforehand
Most tours serve the equivalent of a full dinner or brunch. Coming even slightly hungry makes the experience much more enjoyable!
Tokyo is one of the most delicious cities in the world, but it can also be one of the most overwhelming, especially with 160,000 restaurants, unmarked doorways, and Japanese-only menus. That’s why good food tours matter.
Each of the tours in this list shines in a different way:
- neon-lit izakayas in Shinjuku
- nostalgic street snacks in Asakusa
- deep cultural dives in Yanesen
- youthful, modern flavors in Shibuya
- early-morning seafood markets in Tsukiji
No matter the tour you join from this list, you will get access to gourmet dishes, historical neighborhoods, and local stories that would be hard to find alone.
Come hungry, and leave with a deeper understanding of Tokyo itself.
Are you headed to Kyoto after your time in Tokyo? Be sure to check out the below links for information on incredible sightseeing locations across Kyoto.
Check them out here:
Our guide to the Nishiki Market
Itinerary for 3 full days in Kyoto.
At Ninja Food Tours, we run food tours in Kyoto and Osaka as well, so be sure to put those on your itinerary when you come to Japan!
Speaking of itinerary, we at Ninja Food Tours provide itinerary reviews exclusively for our food tour guests. We also share personalized recommendations tailored to your trip! So be sure to check out our food tours in Kyoto!
Tokyo Food Tour FAQs
- Are food tours in Tokyo worth it?
Yes. They help you find authentic spots, avoid language barriers, and try dishes you likely wouldn’t discover alone. - How much do Tokyo food tours cost?
Most range from ¥12,500–¥26,000 ($85–$170 USD), depending on length and how many tastings and drinks are included. - Do food tours include enough food for a full meal?
Usually yes! Especially evening izakaya tours, which often serve 10+ tastings. Make sure to arrive (very) hungry. - Can vegetarians or people with allergies join?
Some tours can adjust with advance notice, but izakayas and traditional shops may have limited options. Always check or ask in advance! - Which neighborhood is best for a first-time food tour?
Shinjuku or Shibuya for nightlife; Asakusa or Tsukiji for tradition; Yanesen for slower, local vibes. - Are food tours good for solo travelers?
Definitely. They’re social, guided, and make eating out alone feel easy. - Should I tip the guide on a tour?
Tipping isn’t necessary in Japan, but it is very much appreciated! If you had a good time on the tour, tipping is a great way to say thanks to the guide.
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