JAPAN
Japan's classics.
The 15 most popular dining experiences in Japan. What each one is really like, who runs it, and what you will pay.
Tokyo Shinjuku bar hopping tour with 3 hidden izakaya stops, all-you-can-drink plus snack plates, small group, and local guide.
“Yohei was a great guide! The food was exceptional and the drinks were plentiful! Highly recommend this of you were worried about going into tight bars by yourself as a foreigner!”
Sumo up close in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa. Watch and participate at Tokyo Sumo Room with optional training and a chanko-style meal. 90–120 min.
“Fantastic presentation. The host, the stable master, and the sumo wrestlers were all terrific. Very fun and kind. The mawashi isn't as uncomfortable as you'd think, but the wrestlers are much stronger than I thought. Loved it!”
Tokyo’s Samurai Restaurant show in Shinjuku blends neon samurai theater with dancers and 2 included drinks, lasting about 90 minutes.
“It was a blast. The staff were nice and helpful. The performers were talented and fun!”
A 3-hour Osaka backstreets walk with street-food tastings, retro shops, old alleys, and a dinner upgrade option at an izakaya.
“We had Josh as our tour guide. He was absolutely fabulous! We loved having him as our tour guide 🤗. This tour is about the things you never see or know about Osaka. It was such an informative and fascinating tour. We visited a temple and shrine with some insight on what these represent to…”
Osaka after dark on gritty backstreets, with street snacks, Taisho-era red light district options, and an optional dinner finish.
“We highly recommend this tour to everyone, who likes to travel deeper! We learned so much on this evening about the red light district, a lot of it secrets, how things are organised there and how society treats its minorities. Tim was just a natural as a host. You could really feel, that he loved,…”
Sail the Sumida River on a traditional yakatabune from Asakusa, eat a full Japanese multicourse dinner, and snap night views.
“This is the best river cruise! Staff very attentive and professional - the delicious food kept coming as did the drinks. Boat was docked when we arrived and only waited a few minutes before boarding. Night lights of Tokyo from river made the cruise all the more memorable. One of the best experiences of our…”
A small-group Gion walk and Maiko performance in Kyoto, with a real chat and optional lunch, tea, or dinner. Respectful and practical.
“This tour surpassed our highest expectations! Ken is a knowledgeable and engaging guide. The walking tour took us to major locations within the historical district and along the way we learned about the history as well as the current functioning of the geisha culture. The dinner was at a local restaurant in kaiseki style, each…”
A guided Gion walk in Kyoto plus a maiko show and Q&A, with culture stops, temples, and optional dining—small group, easy pace.
“Akari was amazing! She had a wealth of knowledge and was passionate in sharing the history of the Geisha (Gei-ko) and Kyoto. I will definitely return.”
Shinjuku izakaya bar hopping with dinner and drinks included. Visit Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and Golden Gai in 3 hours.
“This was an outstanding experience. Lila was an amazing guide and delivered on taking us to places we’d likely never otherwise find. We had great group synergy and of course the food and drinks were amazing. After the tour finished, we all stayed out and kept chatting because the vibes were great. Overall a highlight…”
Cruise Tokyo Bay on a yakatabune with shamisen music, a sukiyaki-style hot pot, soft drinks, then finish at Tokyo Tower.
“The boat ride was amazing. They give you lots of yummy food. The music was awesome. Shiela was a great tour guide. We totally recommend.”
Make ramen noodles and gyoza from scratch in a Tokyo restaurant kitchen, choose broth, learn technique, then eat what you made. Small group.
“Very well organised. Great bunch of guys. Very knowledgeable on all things Ramen. Had a great day and lunch, enjoying our mornings work.”
Hiroshima food tour: 3 tachinomi stops, 10+ dishes, up to 3 drinks, and a 3-hour guided walk from Don Quijote.
“Ken was a fantastic guide who not only gave us the food tour but also some facts about surrounding attractions. He was incredibly accommodating and was definitely a highlight of the tour. Cannot recommend enough.”
Small-group Gion walk and private dinner with a maiko in Kyoto, with cultural performance, translation, and traditional dishes.
“Wow, what a cool and unique experience! We spent over an hour with a Geisha and we were able to ask her so many questions and our guide translated. I’d definitely recommend if you are interested in an authentic Japanese cultural experience”
In just 4 hours in Omori, Tokyo, you’ll fold origami, make udon and sushi, sip free drinks, learn matcha, and take home calligraphy.
“It was the best part of our trip to Tokyo! They are so welcoming and provided us with such great knowledge of the area and tradition's. They were both so fun and kind our kids who are 15 and 13 had the best time. The food was also the best we have had while in…”
Asakusa kaiseki dinner with a live geisha performance, English interpretation, and conversation time in a small Tokyo group.
“Learn about Geisha history and enjoy a unique element of Japanese culture with traditional Geisha entertainment combined with delicious food. In addition, participate in some fun games.”
