Japan, an archipelago renowned for its centuries-old traditions and modern marvels, offers a culinary landscape as diverse as its culture. Also, who doesn’t love Japanese food?

While the country’s iconic sushi and ramen have already made a mark on global palates, there’s so much more to discover. Taking a food tour in Japan is not just about satiating one’s appetite, but also a journey through its rich history, traditions, and local flavors. For international visitors, embarking on one of these tours provides an immersive experience that goes beyond regular dining. It’s a bridge to understanding the soul of Japan, a feast not just for the taste buds but also for the heart and mind.

In this article, I will introduce to you our list of the 10 best food tours in Japan.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

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What are Food Tours?

Japan’s culinary landscape is a delightful fusion of tradition, innovation, and an unparalleled commitment to quality. What makes Japanese food truly special is its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, meticulous preparation methods, and a deep-rooted respect for the art of cooking. From the intricate layers of flavors in a bowl of ramen to the delicate artistry of sushi, every dish tells a story.

Embarking on a food tour in Japan offers the most efficient way to delve into this rich culinary culture. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, you not only get to taste an array of delectable dishes but also gain insights into their history, preparation, and significance. Every question you might have, from ingredients to customs, will be addressed by these culinary experts.

What’s more, many food tours are flexible, adapting to individual preferences and dietary requirements. So whether you have a penchant for street food or a specific regional dish, there’s likely a tour that caters to your tastes.

In addition to the gastronomic pleasures, food tours provide an excellent platform to interact with fellow enthusiasts. You’ll find yourself sharing a table with people from all corners of the globe, enhancing your experience and fostering a sense of global community over shared meals.

1. Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku

The first food tour on our list is the Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku. You can go through various Japanese culinary experiences in one night.

Shinjuku is a great area to explore Tokyo’s diverse culinary scene, offering a wide range of food experiences, but you may not have enough time to go through them all with a single visit. This small group tour, led by an English speaking guide, takes you to three different eateries and offers various bucket-list-worthy food experiences including Omakase sushi, premium wagyu beef, and drinking at Kabukicho, the neon-lit red light district.

<<Book Online: Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku>>

2. Tokyo Fish Market Tour at Tsukiji

The second food tour on our list is the Tokyo Fish Market Tour at Tsukiji. Embark on a culinary journey through Tokyo’s renowned Tsukiji Fish Market with our expert guides, well-versed in the intricacies of Japanese food culture.

On this tour, indulge in a diverse array of Japanese delights, from tantalizing finger foods to unique local specialties. Witness the bustling small wholesale section, showcasing an impressive variety of seafood, including the much-sought-after fresh tuna. The tour culminates in a visit to an esteemed local sushi establishment, where you’ll savor some of the freshest sushi offerings. Whether you’re a Tsukiji first-timer or language barriers concern you, our accommodating guides ensure a seamless and enriching experience.

<<Book Online: Tokyo Fish Market Tour @Tsukiji – Enjoy Local Food and Drink>>

Check out our experience when taking part in this food tour from the following link!

▶Tsukiji Fish Market Tour: Best Food Walking Tour in Tokyo

3. Kyoto Food and Drink Tour at Nishiki Market

Next, we have the Kyoto Food and Drink Tour at Nishiki Market. Take part in a Kyoto culinary journey with an intimate Nishiki Market Food Tour, offering insights into the city’s deep-rooted heritage, blending the traditional with the contemporary.

This tour is more than just a tasting experience; it paints a vibrant picture of Kyoto’s everyday life and centuries-old history. Navigate through the bustling Nishiki Market, discover hidden gems like Takoyakushido Eifukuji Temple and Rissei Garden Hulic Kyoto, and get a taste of modern Kyoto at a café repurposed from an old elementary school.

<<Book Online: Kyoto Food and Drink Tour @Nishiki Market>>

Check out our experience when taking part in this food tour from the following link!

▶Nishiki Market Tour: Food and Shopping Guide

4. Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour

Another Place you should consider taking part in a food tour is Hiroshima! The Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour is our recommendation!

Discover Hiroshima’s vibrant nightlife on this bar-hopping tour through the heart of Nagarekawa. Experience authentic Hiroshima, securing seats at three select izakayas, where delectable local delicacies await. Savor iconic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, fresh oysters, and the unique horumon tempura.

As you mingle with the city’s friendly locals, immerse yourself in the genuine ambiance of Hiroshima’s culture and gastronomy, making for an unforgettable night out.

<<Book Online: Hiroshima Bar Hopping Food Tour>>

5. Tokyo Local Street Food and Drink Tour at Sunamachi

Dive into the heart of Tokyo’s culinary scene with the Tokyo Local Street Food and Drink Tour at Sunamachi.

Stroll along the nostalgic 670-meter-long Sunamachi shopping street, home to over 180 establishments, and experience the warmth of its community. From the crispy Tempura to succulent Yakitori skewers and comforting Oden hot pot, relish dishes freshly prepared in family-run kitchens. Raise a glass with a spirited “Kampai” using traditional Japanese Sake right on the street.

With your guide bridging the language gap, engage with the welcoming locals, making you feel right at home amidst the flavors and tales of East Tokyo.

<<Book Online: Tokyo Local Street Food and Drink Tour @Sunamachi>>

6. Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Embark on a flavorful journey with the Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai.

Within a span of 3 hours, let the local guide introduce you to 8 delectable Osaka specialties including the iconic Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu. Venture beyond the bustling streets into hidden alleys and ancient temples, unveiling Osaka’s rich history. Relish the flavors of yesteryears in Shinsekai with delicacies like Kushikatsu, and meander through a nostalgic food alley that transports you back in time. Cap off your food adventure in Dotonbori, fondly known as the “nation’s kitchen,” and indulge in its gastronomic treasures.

<<Book Online: Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai>>

7. Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour

Next on our list is the Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour. The local guides lead the way to three unique izakayas, including an enchanting igloo-shaped one, places you might miss on your own.

Relish the bounties of Hokkaido with delectable seafood freshly sourced from its icy waters. The tour doesn’t just highlight food; it’s a curated beverage experience too. And as the night draws to a close, decide between a decadent parfait or a bowl of savory ramen to wrap up this memorable Sapporo escapade.

<<Book Online: Sapporo Bar Hopping Food Tour>>

8. Osu Street Food Tour in Nagoya

The next stop is another popular location for its food! The Osu Street Food Tour in Nagoya will dive deep into Nagoya’s history as you explore the vibrant Osu District, from its entertainment-rich past to its lively present and promising future.

Alongside temples and shrines, you’ll understand their distinct characteristics and even partake in traditional omikuji fortune-telling. But what’s a tour without flavors? Savor Nagoya’s unique delicacies, from the delectable Goheimochi and Karaage to the region’s takes on Uiro and Miso Kushi Katsu. And don’t miss Japan’s bubble tea craze! At the tour’s end, you’ll leave with both spiritual fulfillment and a satiated palate

<<Book Online: Osu Street Food Tour in Nagoya>>

9. Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion & Pontocho

Take part in an intimate gastronomic adventure with the Kyoto Night Foodie Tour in Gion & Pontocho. Traverse the enchanting backstreets of Gion and Ponto-cho, discovering Kyoto’s genuine food culture under the canopy of night.

With a local guide leading the way, not only will you delight in Kyoto’s traditional dishes at a concealed Gion eatery, but you’ll also be introduced to an array of Kyoto sake, complete with insightful explanations. Perfect for families and culinary enthusiasts alike, the tour culminates in a taste of Kyoto’s signature desserts or perhaps even more local delicacies. Experience the genuine voice of Kyoto, one bite at a time.

<<Book Online: Kyoto Night Foodie Tour>>

10. Local Bar Hopping Experience in Fukuoka

And we will finish our list all the way down south. Dive into Fukuoka’s vibrant nightlife with the Local Bar Hopping Experience in Fukuoka.

Wander through the bustling food alley of Hakata, one of Fukuoka’s premier nightlife hubs, under the guidance of an expert. Navigate the city’s hidden backstreets, savoring authentic treats like yakitori, mentaiko, and indulging in the finest Kyushu shochu and Japanese sake. This immersive journey will take you to two handpicked izakayas and a cherished local restaurant, offering a genuine taste of Fukuoka after dark.

<<Book Online: Local Bar Hopping Experience in Fukuoka>>

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▽Here are more food tours in Japan!▽

▶12 Best Food Tours in Tokyo

▶Best Food Tours in Kyoto

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