Japan’s capital city is a hotspot for a great number of reasons – from culture to history, music, and technology. I personally love walking around Tokyo exploring its mega stores, parks, and temples, it’s one of my favorite cities in the world. But its traditional cuisine is by no means left behind!
Being a foodie’s paradise, Tokyo is home to incredible eateries, restaurants, and bars that serve authentic local bites. I loved eating my way through the city, and I recommend it to everyone who’s planning a visit – with a tour or on your own.
From visiting bustling markets to diving into the world of ramen, and savoring street snacks, the options are plenty.
And while that’s a fantastic thing, it also makes it harder to choose an activity, especially in a place like Tokyo where you can find so many tours and excursions– how do you know which tours are worth it, and filter them from the rest?
I’ve taken it upon myself to select the most authentic and best food tours in Tokyo for you. I’ve divided them by district and by type (shared or private tours, family-friendly tours and more).
➥ Why should you trust me? I have a decade of experience helping thousands of people plan their trips around the world. Working in the travel industry and traveling full-time for several years has helped me develop a knack for identifying high-quality tours that are worth experiencing.
Plus, I’ve spent over a month in Tokyo trying all the best tours and experiences! You can trust that you’ll only find the most epic, worthwhile activities in this guide.
I usually use Viator and Get Your Guide to book activities around the world. I especially recommend them for their fantastic cancellation policy. If your travel plans change, you can cancel most tours up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Are you in a rush? These are the best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour |
| TSUKIJI MARKET TOUR | Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food |
| PRIVATE TOUR | Private Personalized Local Food Tour |
| RAMEN TOUR | Ramen Tasting Tour with 6 Mini Bowls |
OUR PICK: The BEST Food Tour in Tokyo
The most delicious experience in town is this Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour. The trip allows you to discover the Ueno District like a pro, avoiding the tourist traps as you visit local hangouts.
Your friendly guide will take you to secret spots loved by locals, including standing bars, cozy taverns, and haunts you wouldn’t find on your own.
You’ll have the opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and cuisine from an expert as you explore the city. At each stop, you’ll get to relish local specialties such as sashimi, skewered meat, and grilled fish.
On top of four tastings, you’ll be treated to a bowl of ramen, and alcoholic drinks to pair each dish. The tour is capped at eight travelers, ensuring an intimate experience.
➤ Why is this the best tour? This is a small-group tour which is led by a very knowledgeable, easy-going guide who will ensure you learn in an entertaining way. The tour includes enough food and drinks to make up for a meal, and it’s both a culinary and cultural dive into Tokyo’s heritage. Plus, it has over 700 5-star reviews!
Read what the reviews say:
“Aki and his partner were the best tour guides I could have asked for! He was vibrant and made the experience so much fun. We visited a few places I would have never gone myself, and the tour included drinks. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to have a great time, in unique spots in Tokyo! Thank you again Aki!’’
Chicago_I – Read more reviews
This tour includes: A guide, all food tastings, drinks, and a souvenir porcelain cup. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Food Tour in Shibuya
Discover the flavors of the city on the Best of Shibuya Food Tour, a 3-hour excursion. Led by a local, you’ll leave the tourist crowds behind and immerse yourself in authentic Tokyo life.
Your adventure begins at Hachiko Square, and takes you to Tokyo’s hidden eateries to sample a variety of delicacies. You’ll explore the labyrinth of food items at an underground food hall, and learn about the local foodie scene from your guide.
Feast on delicious Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, enjoy Japanese sushi, and savor Wagyu beef skewers. You’ll cap off the foodie trip with taiyaki for dessert!
This tour includes: A guide, all food tastings, and a drink. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Tsujiki Fish Market & Food Tour
Uncover the vibrant city market on this Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour. You’ll immerse yourself in the heart of the Japanese culinary scene with a visit to Tokyo’s most iconic market: Tsukiji.
Learn about its 80-year history and why Michelin-starred chefs flock here daily for the freshest ingredients. Marvel at stacks of sea urchins, watch vendors carve massive bluefin tuna, and spot live pufferfish in tanks.
Along the way, sample an array of Japanese bites including sushi, omelets, tea, sake, fried fish cakes, and fresh oysters. A guide will lead the way, and provide fascinating insights into the market and local food.
This tour includes: A guide, a tour of Tsukiji Fish Market, and food tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Food Tour in Shinjuku
Join this 3-hour Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku to explore the bustling atmosphere of this important district. You’ll stroll through Kabukicho, passing iconic spots like Godzilla Head and the quirky Robot Restaurant as you explore with a guide.
Stop at a few local haunts to sample authentic delicacies, including Wagyu barbecue, sushi, takoyaki, and sweets. A couple of traditional drinks are also included. Besides eating your way through the area, you’ll be introduced to Tokyo’s nightlife and its gastronomic culture.
This tour includes: A guide, food tastings, 2 drinks, and photos. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Food Tour in Ginza
Experience Ginza’s finest cuisine on this Tokyo After 5: Local Japanese Food and Drinks Experience. It’s a delicious adventure that kicks off at Mitsukoshi Ginza, and it’s led by a local foodie.
Immerse yourself in the flavors of the city with a sample of the area’s main delicacy, monjayaki, on Monja Street. You’ll get to grill it on the table, and relish it as you learn about its origins. Then, delight in Ginza’s confectionery shops with a sample of Wagashi sweet.
The 3.5-hour tour wraps up at Yakitori Alley with sake, local beer, and irresistible yakitori, the famous grilled chicken skewers.
This tour includes: A guide, public transportation, and all tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Private Food Tours in Tokyo
▶️ Explore Tokyo’s hidden food gems on this Private Personalized Local Food Tour. Skip the crowds for an utterly intimate, customized experience that lasts a half day – either in the morning or afternoon.
Your guide will take you to Asakusa, where you’ll taste monjayaki pancakes and a hoppy drink. You can otherwise choose to visit Nakano, famous for its tsukune chicken meatballs and otaku culture.
For an off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Kichijoji, where you’ll relish yakitori and other seasonal dishes.
You’ll get to sample 8-10 local dishes and drinks at two or three handpicked izakayas. No tourist traps here, just authentic flavors. Ready to eat like a Tokyo local?
This tour includes: A guide, a customizable itinerary, and all food and drink tastings. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Get ready for this Private Tokyo Food Tour – A Journey Through Time Through Food.
Start in Nihonbashi, where you’ll delve into the foundations of Japanese cuisine with dashi, katsuobushi, and kelp. You’ll also savor traditional delights like Satsuma-age and daifuku, as your guide explains the origins of each dish.
In Ginza, experience the post-war industrialization era with Yakitori and Japanese Sours at an Izakaya, a traditional eatery.
Dine under railway tracks in Yarakucho, and discover fusion desserts in Akihabara. The tour accommodates 10 foodie enthusiasts and is led by a professional guide.
This tour includes: A guide, 14 food tastings, alcoholic drinks, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Ramen Tasting Tour in Tokyo
Dive into the mouthwatering world of ramen with the Tokyo: Ramen Tasting Tour with 6 Mini Bowls of Ramen.
Roam through three distinct Tokyo neighborhoods, including the vibrant Shibuya, as you learn about the beloved Japanese dish. Your guide will provide insights into its history, varieties, and preparation methods.
You’ll stop at different shops and eateries for samples, getting to devour six mini bowls. All ramen dishes include meat or fish, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians. The tour is a small-group experience limited to eight participants.
This tour includes: A guide, 6 mini bowls of ramen, and a drink. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ If you’re into ramen as much as I am, check out my guide to the best ramen tours in Tokyo as well!
Kawaii Food Tour of Harajuku (Great for Kids!)
Take your children on a 3-hour Kawaii Food Tour of Harajuku Tokyo, getting to explore two trendy neighborhoods.
You’ll wander the charming back streets and alleys, and sample an array of creative pastries, candy, and other local specialties. Explore the colorful corners of the districts, that will delight kids, and savor a family-friendly lunch full of flavor.
This tour is limited to 10 participants, and it ranks as one of the best Tokyo food tours for families with young children.
This tour includes: A family-friendly tour, all tastings, lunch, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
