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Tokyo Food Tours: 12 Best Gourmet Travel Experiences

Kyoto Food Tours: 9 Best Gourmet Travel Experiences

15 Best Osaka Food Tours [2024 Update]

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Food Tours Japan helps you discover the best gourmet experiences in Japan, the world’s number one food destination. Pack your chopsticks, and dive into elegant and harmonious cuisines developed from centuries of artistry, to deliciously addictive soul foods.

Start your journey in Tokyo, the world’s premier city for food-lovers with the most Michelin-starred restaurants. Savour the best of Japan’s cuisine and local delicacies on a Tokyo food tour .

Stroll around Shinjuku’s narrow back streets and taste sizzling yakitori in Memory Lane, or discover where the locals go out at night. Fun-seekers will love the Robot Restaurant’s sensory overload of action and lights, which is more cabaret show, than a place for serious foodies. Or, combine sightseeing with a culinary experience during the day.

Tantalise your taste buds with fresh-off-the-boat sashimi at Tsukiji Market and witness the drama of Tokyo’s famous tuna auction at its new home, Toyosu Market . After all that delicious sushi, wash it down with a sake tasting or brewery tour .

For a more hands-on culinary experience, learn how to cook ramen and gyoza, wagyu beef and more at a Tokyo cooking class .

Ranked number two in the world for the most Michelin star restaurants, Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s most refined dishes. On a Kyoto food tour , experience the finest kaiseki multi-course meal and discover restaurants and bars in Kyoto’s geisha districts, Gion and Pontocho.

But don’t leave spotting a geisha to chance! For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, enjoy the company of Kyoto’s elegant and legendary entertainers at a geisha and maiko dinner show .

Or, take a break from shrines and temples with a sake brewery and tasting excursion in Kyoto’s quaint and pretty Fushimi district.

Osaka is a foodie paradise, and its people are famous throughout Japan for their love of food. They’re so passionate about cuisine, they have a saying kuidaore which means to ‘bankrupt oneself through extravagance with food.’

Osaka’s friendly and outgoing locals makes it a perfect place to experience delicious local soul foods like takoyaki and Japanese cuisine.

Take a food tour in Osaka and wander around Dotonbori’s neon-lit streets tasting food as you go at one of the many izakaya or standing bars. Or, why not visit Kuromon Market with its seafood-laden food stalls.

Taste the beauty of Japan on a culinary adventure and get a deeper insight into the nation’s culture. A Japan food tour is a must-do travel experience and one you’ll never forget!

Image: Sushi!!! / 鮨 by Toshihiro Gamo , used under CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED / Edited from original

THE 10 BEST Japan Food Tours

Japan food tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku

2. Kyoto Night Foodie Tour

3. Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour

4. Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond

5. Shinjuku Izakaya Food Tour

6. TeamLab Planets Walking Tour with Toyosu Fish Market Buffet Lunch

7. Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

8. Tsukiji Fish Market Food Walking Tour

9. Best of Shibuya Food Tour

10. Osaka Bar Hopping Night Walking Tour in Namba

11. Shibuya All You Can Eat Food Tour Best Experience in Tokyo

12. Small Group Tokyo Food Tour - A Journey Through Time Through Food

13. Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour

14. Small-Group Wagyu Beef and 7 Japanese Dishes Tokyo Cooking Class

15. Eat, Drink, Cycle: Osaka Food and Bike Tour

16. Secret Food Tours Tokyo w/ Private Tour Option

17. Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour

18. Hakata Food Tour, Ramen, Mentaiko Bread, Chicken and More

19. Toyosu Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Market by Gov Licensed Guide

20. Tuna Auction and Tokyo Toyosu Fish Market Tour

21. Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide

22. Kyoto Foodie Night Tour

23. Tsukiji and Asakusa Food and Drink Cultural Walking Tour (Half day)

24. 3-Hours Tokyo Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl in Shinjuku Area

25. Tokyo After 5: Savouring Culinary Delights of Japan

26. The 10 Tastings of Tokyo With Locals: Private Street Food Tour

27. The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Kyoto: The 10 Tastings

28. Tokyo downtown bicycle tour Tokyo Backstreets Bike Tour

29. Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk

30. Kyoto Evening Gion Food Tour Including Kaiseki Dinner

What travelers are saying.

Japan Food Tours ( 262 )

Immerse yourself in a captivating culinary journey with our Flavors of Japan 7 Day Tour Package . Showcasing the delectable cuisines of Tokyo and Kyoto , this tour is perfect for foodies seeking a blend of history, culture, and delectable delights. With pre-arranged accommodations and activities, you can relax and enjoy one of the most extensive food tours Japan offers, led by knowledgeable local guides.

In Tokyo, you’ll explore Nihonbashi, Tokyo’s oldest district, uncovering its rich history and culinary gems. Next, discover Asakusa’s enchanting Sensoji Temple, where ancient traditions come alive. Savor diverse flavors in cozy restaurants on an izakaya adventure in Tokyo’s contemporary Rokku area. Then, treat yourself to traditional Japanese drinks like sake , whiskey , and cocktails at the best bars in Kyoto . Finally, wander the Nishiki Market, called the “Kitchen of Kyoto,” and absorb its vibrant energy.

Tokyo Market and Cooking Experience

Delve into the heart of Japanese cuisine with our Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Tour and Cooking Experience . This is a delightful opportunity to find the essence of local food culture and master the art of sushi. Depending on availability, you may join a bento , matcha sweets, soba noodles, or ramen cooking class instead. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a curious traveler seeking an immersive cultural encounter, this Japanese cooking class promises an unforgettable gastronomic adventure.

An expert guide will lead you through Tsukiji Fish Market , an iconic Tokyo farmers market and emblem of the city’s culinary heritage. Learn about its historical significance and explore the vibrant array of stalls offering fresh produce and seafood. Then, learn to create various sushi styles during a hands-on cooking workshop guided by a professional chef. This is one of the best Tokyo food tours, granting you insider access to the market’s history and dynamics and teaching you to craft sushi with Japan’s rich flavors.

Kawaii Culture and Food Tour in Tokyo 

Experience Tokyo’s vibrant and quirky side in the lively Harajuku district. Discover the enchanting world of “cute food” culture. Enjoy the latest trends, explore colorful streets, and savor a sweet rainbow treat. Expert guides will show you Harajuku’s hidden gems and share captivating stories of its evolution as Japan’s pop culture capital. You’ll also enjoy a memorable lunch inside a pop art masterpiece. This is an exclusive and unparalleled tour that truly captures Harajuku’s unique spirit.

Best Ramen Tour in Tokyo

Embark on the Ultimate Ramen Tour in Tokyo , a three-hour culinary expedition that introduces you to the soul-satisfying world of ramen. This tour is an excellent fit for food enthusiasts and globetrotters seeking an authentic taste of Japanese cuisine . Savor the rich flavors and cultural significance of six different mini-bowls. Led by a local expert, you’ll delve into the artistry, history, and etiquette behind this beloved dish. Learn the intricate process that creates ramen’s unique essence to gain a profound appreciation for this iconic comfort food. 

Best Kyoto Food Tour 

Indulge yourself in our enchanting Evening Food Tour in Kyoto , a captivating exploration of history and flavors. Ideal for those drawn to cultural heritage and culinary delights, this tour allows you to meander through iconic streets in the geisha districts of Gion and Shirakawa. Savor light bites as you uncover hidden treasures and enjoy fascinating stories of the local history. The multi-course Japanese dinner that concludes the tour is a fusion of global and regional tastes. Delve into the world of geisha as you embark on one of the most authentic Japan street food tours.

Most Unique Hiroshima Food Tour

Our Hiroshima Food Tour is a guided exploration unveiling the city’s rich flavors and history. Savor the true essence of Hiroshima’s friendly community atmosphere through a diverse range of local eateries. Perfect for foodies and culture seekers alike, this tour blends authentic tastes with intriguing stories from expert guides. Revel in local delicacies like tsukemen, a unique twist on traditional Japanese ramen. You’ll also visit family-owned stores filled with distinctive snacks and souvenirs. This journey through Hiroshima’s best food and drinks connects you with the region’s vibrant heart and spirit.

Most Immersive Osaka Food Tour

Step into the vibrant world of Osaka’s Kuromon Market during this Osaka Market Tour and Cooking Class . This excursion is ideal for travelers seeking a hands-on introduction to the local food scene and an authentic connection to the city’s culinary culture. 

Explore the lively Kuromon Market as a local expert reveals the market’s history and helps you select the freshest local treats. The adventure continues with a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare your choice of Osaka street food or Japanese home cooking. You’ll master sumptuous dishes in an intimate city studio, gaining insider tips to recreate the magic at home. If you’re passionate about food and eager to dive into local gastronomic treasures, this Osaka food tour is the one for you.

We’re Hopeless Ramen-tics!

The best food tours in Japan offer diverse experiences for every kind of traveler. From bustling market tours that immerse you in the heart of local flavors to hands-on cooking classes that unveil the secrets of Japanese cuisine, food tours provide an authentic gastronomic journey. If you have a taste for exploration, our multi-day tour packages showcase the best of each city’s culinary gems. Whether you’re an avid foodie, a cultural enthusiast, or simply seeking to savor the essence of Japan, these food tours cater to your cravings and curiosities. Let Tourist Japan help you to savor Japan’s culinary treasures in the most unforgettable way. Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Japan ? We have plenty of valuable information, like when to visit , how to find Japan’s best beaches and important cultural tips .

See all Japan Food and Drink Tours

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Boutique Japan

Japanese Food: Culinary Travel in Japan

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, chances are that Japanese food is one of the things you’re most excited about (whether or not you refer to yourself as a “foodie”).

Japan is a wonderful destination for so many reasons , including its history, tradition, culture, and arts. But for most of our travelers, Japanese cuisine alone is reason enough to visit.

In the years since our team started Boutique Japan, we’ve watched Japan go from being slightly under the radar — hard to believe now! — to becoming one of the world’s top culinary meccas, as food-loving travelers worldwide have discovered that Japanese cuisine is much more than sushi and ramen (so much so that even foodie honeymoons to Japan have become popular).

If you’ve never visited, chances are you’ve only begun to scratch the surface when it comes to the astounding diversity of foods available in Japan. So to help you enjoy a delightful range of Japanese culinary experiences, both “high” and “low,” we’ve compiled the following:

• Japanese Culinary Experiences : A sampling of some of our favorite types of culinary experiences in Japan.
• What to Eat in Japan : A handy list of Japanese foods to eat during your trip to Japan (and a few “infamous” dishes many visitors find challenging).
• The Best Websites on Japanese Food and Drink : A short list of the best websites dedicated to Japanese cuisine, including sites devoted to everything from street food and Michelin-starred restaurants, to Japanese whisky and coffee.

Originally written in 2014, this page was updated and republished in August 2021.

Japanese Culinary Experiences

Below are some of our favorite types of culinary experiences in Japan, though they represent just a sampling of what you’ll discover as you travel around the country!

Private Market Tours in Japan

Visiting a Japanese market with a local expert is one of the best way to immerse yourself in Japan’s culinary culture. Whether you want to visit a famous market, or even a neighborhood grocery store, a private food tour is a great way to get beneath the surface – and of course your guide will have expert insights on where to eat afterwards!

Perhaps Japan’s best-known market is Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market , a must-visit if you are eager to learn about Japanese food. In Kyoto, the best place to immerse yourself in Kyo-ryori (Kyoto cuisine), is at Nishiki Market, a long and narrow shopping arcade packed full of vendors selling a beautiful array of Kyoto’s culinary specialties .

Another unique culinary experience we highly recommend is a visit to a department store food hall, known as depachika . Japan’s department stores are a foodie paradise, offering a mouthwatering selection of sweet and savory, Japanese and foreign, and more food than you could possibly hope to ever sample.

Sushi in Japan

For many travelers, eating sushi in Japan is at the top of the list. Modern-day sushi’s roots are in Tokyo, and for a quintessential sushi experience get counter seats for a special dinner at one of Tokyo’s best sushi-ya . You’ll also find top-quality sushi and sashimi in many other parts of Japan, including Kanazawa , Hokkaido, Fukuoka, and Toyama.

Even if your budget doesn’t allow for extravagance, you can find good sushi at neighborhood sushi shops, depachika food halls, and even kaiten-zushi (“conveyor belt”) restaurants.

Kaiseki Cuisine

Kaiseki is Japanese cuisine in what is often considered its most refined form. A kaiseki meal consists of course upon course of masterfully-prepared dishes featuring seasonal and local specialties.

A stay at a luxury ryokan usually includes a kaiseki dinner – often served in your room, or in a private dining room overlooking a small Japanese garden. Even if you’re not staying in a ryokan during your Japan trip , restaurants specializing in kaiseki cuisine abound, particularly in cities such as Kyoto and Tokyo.

Izakaya , Tachinomiya , and Street Food in Japan

Japan is far from all haute cuisine, and some of your best meals will likely be some of the most casual. While you can experience these without a guide, a local expert can heighten the experience. Not only can your private guide take you to hard-to-find “hidden” establishments, they will also be able to interpret, as most lack English menus or English speakers.

Izakayas in Japan

One of the quintessential Japanese dining experiences, see our full article on the izakaya experience in Japan .

Tachinomi: Stand Bars

At izakaya, the focus is equally on eating and drinking. For an even more casual and drinks-focused experience, head to a tachinomiya . Tachinomiya ( tachi means stand, nomi means drink) are “stand bars,” where you can really rub shoulders with locals. These casual bars can be found throughout Japan, and are a great place to strike up a conversation with locals over reasonably-priced drinks and unpretentious Japanese bar food.

Street Food in Japan

In Japan, street food is generally not as prevalent as in other countries in the region. However, there are some cities — such as Osaka and Fukuoka — with thriving street food cultures. You’ll also always find great street food at Japanese matsuri (festivals) , when colorful food stalls line the streets.

Fine Dining and Michelin in Japan

The Michelin Guide is controversial in Japan. While many in Japan embrace it, some chefs and critics denounce it as a foreign standard being imposed on Japanese cuisine.

No matter your stance, one thing is certain: Japan is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other country in the world — and when Japanese critics and Michelin inspectors agree on a restaurant, you can usually be assured of a remarkable culinary experience.

Dinner with a Geisha or Maiko

When done in an authentic, non-touristy manner, the chance to enjoy tea or dinner with a geisha or maiko (apprentice geisha) is a fascinating cultural experience. Kyoto , with its thriving geisha culture, can be a good place to do this, but it’s also possible in other cities such as Kanazawa, and even Tokyo.

Cooking Lessons in Japan

Taking a private Japanese cooking class is a great way to learn more about Japanese ingredients, while adding some recipes to your repertoire. You can learn highly authentic dishes, or a mix of authentic and slightly-adapted dishes to ensure you can re-create the recipes using ingredients available to you in your home country.

Sake Tasting and Breweries

Most people don’t realize how complex and delicious nihonshu (sake) really is. Going on a private tour with a local sake expert is the best way to learn about different varieties of sake, through tastings and explanations.

In many parts of Japan you can also visit a shuzo (sake brewery). During a brewery tour you’ll have the opportunity to see where and how sake is made, and the chance to ask all the questions you might have.

Other Countries’ Cuisines

Japan is home to some of the world’s best French, Italian, and Chinese restaurants (not to mention excellent Thai, Korean, and Indian restaurants). While most travelers understandably prefer to focus on Japanese food while in Japan, in larger Japanese cities it’s worth seeking out a top-notch non-Japanese meal.

What to Eat in Japan: Foods to Try

As you embark on the culinary experiences described above, you’ll have the chance to sample a huge variety of Japanese foods. Here is a list of foods we recommend trying during your trip Japan, along with a few some travelers choose to avoid!

(If you have special dietary needs, see our article on traveling to Japan with dietary requirements ).

• Bento : Few things are as pleasant as enjoying a gorgeous seasonal ekiben (bento box designed for train travel) while riding the shinkansen (bullet train ).
• Croissant : As those who already know are well aware, the quality of bread and pastries in Japan is simply amazing.
• Curry : While not spicy like the curries of many other countries, there’s nothing more comforting than a made-from-scratch Japanese curry.
• Fruit : Square watermelons aside, it’s seriously worth splurging on some high-end Japanese fruit, and one of the best places to do so is at a depachika .
• Gyoza : Dumpling heaven.
• Karaage : Japan’s mouthwatering take on fried chicken.
• Katsuobushi : Some travelers resist the ubiquitous bonito fish flakes, but those who love them do so with a passion. They’re served on top of a variety of foods, including tofu and takoyaki .
• Kushi-katsu : Deep-fried skewered meats and vegetables.
• Mabo-dofu : The Japanese take on Sichuan’s mapo tofu , this spicy tofu-focused dish is rich and addictive.
• Miso : Whether in miso shiru (miso soup) or on its own, authentic Japanese miso is leaps and bounds better than what most people find in their home countries.
• Nabe : Nabe literally means “pot,” and the food — a family-style hotpot featuring ingredients that can include vegetables, meat, and seafood — is one of our favorite things to eat in winter .
• Niku-man : Chinese-style meat buns often found at convenience stores , but better at depachika and shops specializing in buns and dumplings.
• Niku-jaga : A stew featuring beef and potatoes that is a national home-cooked favorite.
• Oden : Oden features a variety of ingredients (daikon, egg, fish cakes, and more) slow-cooked in a dashi-based broth. Specialty shops are usually best, but in winter oden also appears on izakaya menus and — like niku-man above — is even available at conbini .
• Okonomiyaki : An essential casual specialty of western Japan, okonomiyaki is one of the richer and heavier foods you’ll try in Japan. Read more about this famous dish in our full post on foods to eat in Osaka (it’s also particularly famous in Hiroshima ).
• Onigiri : One of the world’s most perfect snack foods, onigiri are triangle-shaped rice balls that can be prepared simply or filled with goodies (such as fish or umeboshi ).
• Ramen : One of the country’s most famous foods, see our full article on ramen in Japan .
• Rice : Rice is an obsession in Japan, and diners seek out famous varieties from Japan’s best rice regions (but even “average” rice in Japan is fantastic).

• Saba : Grilled mackerel, a simple classic you’ll find on the menus at most izakayas and neighborhood shokudo (cafeterias).
• Shabu Shabu : A famous variety of nabe (see above), meat is the star of shabu shabu (the name of the food refers to the sound of stirring the meat and vegetables in the hotpot).
• Shishamo : A drinking person’s favorite, these almost bite-sized grilled smelt fish are served whole and filled with roe. “Real” shishamo come from Hokkaido, but these days in most places they’re imported.
• Shojin Ryori : Traditional Buddhist cuisine, some of the best vegetarian food you’ll ever have, is one of the highlights of staying at a temple (in places such as Koyasan ), and can also be found in cities such as Kyoto.
• Soba : Made from buckwheat, and generally considered to be the healthiest of Japan’s three major noodles (along with ramen and udon), seek out te-uchi (handmade) soba.
• Sushi : For more on Japan’s most famous food, see the sushi section above under Japanese Culinary Experiences .
• Tamago Sando : One of Japan’s most iconic convenience store foods, the egg ( tamago ) sandwich is considered an essential for many food-loving travelers.
• Takoyaki : Sometimes called “octopus balls,” these bite-sized balls filled with octopus ( tako ) are a street food staple in Osaka, but also found throughout much of Japan.
• Tempura : The quality of this famous dish in Japan, particularly at high-end tempura restaurants, may blow your mind.
• Tofu : Fresh tofu in Japan is shockingly good, particularly compared to what most visitors are used to outside of Japan.
• Tonkatsu : Breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, typically served with shredded cabbage, tsukemono , rice, and miso soup.
• Tsukemono : Japanese pickles, which pair perfectly with white rice, and are also delicious on their own. An integral part of Japanese cuisine, you’ll find tsukemono throughout the country, but Kyoto’s are perhaps the most revered.
• Umeboshi : Ume is often translated as “plum,” but most people consider apricot to be more accurate. Umeboshi — pickled ume — are incredibly sour, healthy, and to those of us who love them, irresistible.
• Wasabi : Freshly grated wasabi bears almost no resemblance to what you’ve likely tasted at sushi restaurants outside of Japan.
• Yakiniku : The Japanese take on Korean barbecue, featuring a variety of grilled beef.
• Yakitori : Legendary grilled skewers of chicken.

Hopefully this will get you started! There are far more to try as well, and the great news is that you can find almost all of these foods (and many others) in almost any Japanese city.

Japanese Foods To Avoid?

You’ll probably have more fun — not to mention memorable experiences! — if you keep an “open palate,” but just for reference here are some foods that many non-Japanese are often wary of, at least at first:

• Natto : Perhaps Japan’s most “infamous” food, natto is made from fermented soybeans and is notorious for its pungent smell and sticky texture.
• Chicken and horse sashimi : In a country as hygienic as Japan, both of these are considered safe (and, to many, delicious). However, despite their domestic popularity, many non-Japanese people seem to steer clear of them.
• Horumon : This offal-based cuisine is very popular in Japan, and is considered great “drinking” food. While it may be perfect for Anthony Bourdain- esque eaters, it’s not always a hit with less adventurous diners.
• Fugu : Fugu is poisonous pufferfish (sometimes called blowfish), and can be deadly. Even though it’s strictly controlled and generally considered safe “enough” at established fugu restaurants, a handful of people still die every year from consuming it.
• Shirako : Shirako (cod milt, i.e., sperm sacs) is a delicacy in Japan, and a favorite of sake enthusiasts and adventurous diners.

The Best Websites on Japanese Food and Drink

Finally, in case you want to go down the rabbit hole, we’ve compiled what we believe are the best Japanese food and drink websites and pages from around the internet.

Unless you’re a professional eater (we know some of you are), we strongly recommend against trying to plan all your meals in advance. We’re all for obsessive preparation in general (our  trip-planning  depends on it), but we’ve also seen countless ambitious diners craving a simple meal after one too many “special” reservations — and keep in mind that canceling is a major breach of dining etiquette .

As for casual meals, while you can certainly pre-plan some, many informal restaurants don’t take reservations. The good news is that (outside of hyper-touristy areas) it’s hard to find a bad meal in Japan, and the quality of food is extremely high across the board.

So if you’re set on making some reservations, our suggestion would be to use the resources below to plan them, while also letting yourself experience how wonderful Japan can be with a little flexibility.

Best Websites on Japanese Cuisine

• Tabelog Award : Want to know where Japanese people eat? Tabelog is Japan’s preeminent ranking and review site for restaurants, and an incredible resource. It’s safe to say any restaurant on their Gold, Silver, or Bronze list will be worthwhile. You can also use the site to deep dive for other restaurants. When searching, make sure to toggle the sort function to “ranking.” Also, keep in mind that Japanese people are “stricter” in reviews, so a 3.0 out of 5 is actually pretty good, a 3.5 is generally very good, and 4.0 usually means a place is stellar.
• The Hungry Tourist : Our friend The Hungry Tourist is serious about food. While his list of Japan’s best restaurants doesn’t contain much fluff, you can essentially bet that any place included on his list will be worth dining at.
• Michelin Guide Japan : As alluded to above (under Fine Dining and Michelin in Japan ), the Michelin Guide is not necessarily the be-all and end-all it’s sometimes made out to be, but it can still be a fantastic resource, and at the very least a good starting point for diners seeking top-quality dining experiences in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.
• TableAll : There are many reservation services that have popped up in recent years to help travelers make dining reservations in Japan, perhaps none better than TableAll. To complement its relatively reasonable and easy-to-use reservation service, the website also features excellent features on the chefs and restaurants it works with throughout Japan. TableAll is a fun place to go down the rabbit hole – and you may find yourself making an impulse reservation at one of Japan’s best restaurants! (Especially for travelers who don’t have access to the concierge at a luxury hotel or ryokan , services like TableAll and its competitor Pocket Concierge can really help.)
• Eater Japan : At times, Eater can feel like a content farm, but they do tend to work with good writers, and their listicles featuring 38 Essential Tokyo Restaurants and 38 Essential Osaka Restaurants are both full of great dining inspiration.
• Ramen Adventures : For ramen lovers, there is perhaps no better resource on ramen throughout Japan. Brian of Ramen Adventures is truly a hardcore ramen enthusiast, riding his motorcycle throughout Japan in search of obscure and amazing bowls. Another great ramen resource is Ramen Beast , which offers a free app (as well as an outstanding and fascinating ramen-obsessed newsletter via Substack ).
• Tokyo Food File : Robbie Swinnerton offers some of the most interesting, informative, and enjoyable English-language writing on Tokyo’s ever-evolving food scene. His articles in The Japan Times feature a wide range of restaurants, from casual izakayas to top-end fine-dining establishments.
• LuxEat : A beautiful website devoted to mostly high-end gastronomic explorations in Japan (and beyond).
• Food Sake Tokyo : Perennially one of our favorite writers on Japanese culinary culture, the insightful Yukari Sakamoto tends to update her Instagram more than her blog these days, but regardless both are a joy to peruse.
• Andrea Fazzari : The blog of James Beard Award-winning photographer Andrea Fazzari gives you a taste of what you can expect from her magnificent books on Japanese chefs and cuisine.
• Takefumi Hamada : The Instagram feed of this extraordinarily well-traveled diner is worth a trip down the rabbit hole for bountiful culinary inspiration in Japan and beyond.
• Roads & Kingdoms Guide to Tokyo : We’re always fans of Roads & Kingdoms work, and this mini-guide to Tokyo is a fun read. For more from the R&K team, make sure to check out Rice, Noodle, Fish (one of our absolute favorite books on Japanese cuisine ).

Along with the great resources above, also make sure to see our articles on Tokyo’s best sushi restaurants , foods to eat in Kyoto , foods to eat in Osaka , and foods to eat in Fukuoka .

Resources for Travelers to Japan with Special Dietary Needs

• Happy Cow : Vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Japan.
• Gluten Free Japan : Guide to eating gluten free in Japan.
• Traveling around Japan with Dietary Restrictions : A post from our site for travelers with dietary restrictions.

Best Websites for Bars and Drinking in Japan

• PUNCH : The PUNCH guide to drinking in Tokyo.
• Kanpai Culture : Melinda Joe’s excellent column in The Japan Times on drinking in Tokyo.
• Dekanta : Highly informative blog on Japanese whisky.
• Urban Sake : Comprehensive sake-focused website.
• Sake  / Shochu  / Whisky : Our introductions to these essential Japanese beverages.

Online Resources for Tea and Coffee in Japan

• Japanese Tea : An overview of tea in Japan.
• Tea in Kyoto : A selection of teahouses in Kyoto.
• Good Coffee : Lists of great coffee shops in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and beyond.
• Tokyo Coffee : Guide to specialty coffee in Tokyo.
• Coffee  / Tea : Our introductions to coffee and tea in Japan.

We hope our comprehensive introduction to Japanese food helps you get the most out of your culinary travels through Japan!

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Japan Food Tour

All-inclusive food tours in japan, japan foodie tours for the culturally-curious and discerning traveler., refreshingly unique japan food tours.

The foodie scene in Japan is diverse and exciting, which is why we love to show visitors around various cities to highlight the unique gastronomy in each location. Our Hiroshima food tour will offer you different cuisine than our Kyoto food tour , and the history and local insights will vary, too! The same for our Osaka food tour or our Tokyo food tour …we don’t stay in touristy areas. We make sure that, wherever you visit, you’re walking around the local neighborhoods and dining in local establishments.

Taking a food tour in Japan is an absolute must. You can learn so much about a culture by breaking bread surrounded by locals. That’s why we take you to our favorite tachinomi , which roughly translates to “standing bars” (though we sometimes sit). These are more akin to tapas bars than your late-night drinking bars. Here, you can eat like the locals, socialize like the locals, and get a glimpse into daily life with your local guide ready to answer any questions you may have.

Explore our our authentic Japan foodie tours below — all designed with love and passion for local food and cutlure.

Remember that Pinpoint Traveler’s food tours, unlike our competitors’, never ask you to spend money on tour. Your food and one drink at each restaurant is included.

From ¥13,000

Deep Osaka All-Inclusive Nighttime Foodie Adventure

From ¥12,700.

Kyoto Night Streets and Eats

¥13,700.

Hiroshima Nighttime Local Foodie Tour

From ¥11,570.

Tokyo Local Food and Drink Adventure

How do our japan food tours work.

We believe in being up-front about all costs, inclusions, and exclusions so you know exactly what to expect during our foodie tours. We never take kick-backs or force you to shop at specific places and we don’t have endless add-ons during our food tours.When we say that food is included, we mean it. You’ll get a dinner’s worth of food over the course of our evening tour, plus a drink at each stop along the way (alcoholic or non-alcoholic, it’s your choice).We also include plenty of cultural insights and stories about the local neighborhoods and people who live there, so you get more than just a full stomach on our food tours in Japan!

Public Transit or Pickup

For our walking tours and night tours, meeting spots are always conveniently located close to train or subway stops. For some night tours, pick-up can be arranged at additional cost.

Expert Guides

Real English, real skills, and great personalities. Our guides have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with interesting, fun, and memorable tours.

Fully Narrated

During our Japan tours, we never leave you to wander about on your own. Your guide stays with you the whole time, giving you their undivided attention and answering whatever questions you may have.

Our night tours include dinner and a drink at each stop. While some competitor tours force you to spend a bunch of money along the way, we do things the all-inclusive way.

Food in Japan: 32 Popular Dishes You Need to Try on Your Next Visit

Satisfy your cravings for food in Japan with our list of 32 must-try Japanese dishes. From teppan to ramen to gyoza , we've got you covered.

Japanese cuisine is renowned worldwide, but there are numerous other dishes to sample besides sushi . While many are familiar with sashimi , tempura , and ramen , Japanese culinary culture is much more diverse. If you are planning a trip to Japan, you may wonder what foods are worth trying. To assist you in making a decision, we have assembled a list of 32 delectable Japanese dishes that everyone should experience.

1. Buta-No-Shogayaki (豚の生姜焼き): The 'B-Grade Gourmet' Ginger Pork Classic

Buta-No-Shogayaki is one of the most popular and delicious Japanese dishes that you can find in many restaurants, izakayas (traditional Japanese restaurant/ bars ), fast food chains, and even as a bento box (a pre-prepared Japanese-style lunch) available in many grocery stores and convenience stores . The word "yaki" literally means "grilled." This dish is prepared by grilling thin slices of pork that are dressed with a delicate sauce made of mirin, soy sauce, sake (Japanese rice wine), granola oil, sliced onions, and ginger. This dish is perfect for a quick and tasty meal that you can enjoy any time of the year.

2. Champon (ちゃんぽん): The Essence of Japanese Noodles

At first glance, Champon might be mistaken for ramen , but it is actually a unique dish in its own right. Originating from Nagasaki , it was first served in a Chinese restaurant during the Meiji era (1868-1912). Unlike ramen , the noodles used in Champon are boiled in the soup itself, giving it a distinctive taste and texture. Champon is a seasonal dish that uses a combination of ingredients such as pork, seafood , and vegetables. These are fried in lard before a soup made from chicken and pig bones is added to create a flavorful broth. As a result, each serving of Champon is different and offers a unique experience that varies depending on where you eat it. In fact, Champon is not just limited to Nagasaki ; it can be found in many countries throughout Asia and in different regions of Japan. Each place puts its own spin on the dish, creating a diverse range of styles and flavors that are sure to satisfy your appetite.

3. Edamame (枝豆): The Irresistible Boiled Soybean Snack

Edamame are not technically a dish, but they are a very popular food in Japan. These are immature soybeans that are still in their pods. They can be served hot or cold, and sometimes grilled instead of boiled. Typically, they are only dressed with salt, and they make for an amazing appetizer. Once you try a few, you'll find yourself reaching for more and more. Edamame usually accompany a meal in all izakaya , and they are almost always part of the menu in the vast majority of Japanese restaurants in Japan.

4. Fugu (ふぐ): The Delicate Dance with Pufferfish

For those looking not only for amazing food in Japan, but also for a thrilling experience, fugu is the dish to try! The fugu is a pufferfish that is, yes, delicious, but it can also be lethal due to a toxin in some parts of its body. Fugu is usually served as sashimi or in certain kinds of Japanese nabe hot pots . The preparation of this fish, due to its characteristics, is rigidly controlled by the Japanese government. Chefs who aspire to prepare this fish must undergo at least three years of very rigorous training to get their license. Before being served, the toxic parts of the fish are removed, making it safe to serve. Interestingly, fugu liver is considered the tastiest part of the fish, but it’s also the one that can be the most poisonous. As a result, serving fugu liver was outlawed in Japan in 1984. Should you try this dish, you’ll certainly remain amazed by its taste, but do careful research before ordering it in a restaurant (and never try to prepare it by yourself).

5. Gyoza (餃子): The Delightful Journey of Japanese Dumplings

Gyoza are dumplings that are shaped like a crescent moon. They are a popular dish in Japanese restaurants and can be found almost everywhere, regardless of their style. Although originally from China, the types of gyoza you will find in Japan are usually quite different from the original. There are various types of gyoza available in Japan, but one of the most popular is "yaki- gyoza ". These dumplings are made with minced pork, cabbage, garlic, onion, and ginger. They are then lightly fried until they become crispy and turn a nice dark golden color. You can enjoy gyoza with a dip made of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and spicy oil.

6. Gyudon (牛丼): The Bowl of Beefy Goodness

Gyudon is a mouth-watering dish consisting of beef served over rice (gyu = beef). It is a quick meal that is often served in specific restaurants or Japanese fast-food chains such as Yoshinoya. To make this dish, thinly sliced beef and tender onion are simmered in dashi broth (a popular Japanese ingredient) and then seasoned with mirin and soy sauce. The dish is then served over a bowl of steamed rice. Sometimes, it is topped with a lightly cooked egg. If you want to experience a typical Tokyo office worker’s lunch break, this quick and tasty dish is a must-try. You will feel full and satisfied, and ready to continue your sightseeing and exploration with renewed energy.

7. Gyukatsu (牛カツ): The Lure of the Beef Cutlet

If you're fond of tonkatsu , a popular pork-based dish, you should definitely give its beef variation a try. This dish involves deep-fried breaded beef, which is served with a side of cabbage, barley rice, miso soup, potato salad, and pickles. The preparation method results in a tender and crunchy texture, and the dish has a flavorful taste that's not too overwhelming. Although it's not as commonly available as the pork version, if you do happen to come across it, it's definitely worth trying.

8. Gyutan (牛タン): An Ode to Beef Tongue Delicacies

At first glance, this dish may seem unusual depending on where you're from, but we encourage you to keep reading. Gyutan is a dish made of grilled beef tongue, as the name suggests - "gyu" meaning cow and "tan" meaning tongue. This dish is typically found in yakiniku restaurants, prepared with salt or various sauces (often including lemon) and scallions. The meat is thin, delicious, and tender. Gyutan originated in Sendai, where the owner of a yakitori restaurant opened a new establishment in 1948 which offered gyutan. Since then, the dish has become increasingly popular throughout Japan. Give it a try and you'll quickly see why!

9. Karaage (から揚げ): Japan's Tasty Fried Chicken

When you arrive in Japan, you will instantly notice the popular Japanese fried chicken dish called karaage. Although karaage usually consists of chicken, some regions may use other meats such as pork. The meat is lightly coated with wheat flour or potato starch and is then deep-fried in oil. In some cases, the meat is marinated before cooking. Karaage is typically served with a slice of lemon, but it can be enjoyed with or without it. Restaurants, street-food carts, izakaya , and convenience stores frequently serve the chicken variety of karaage. It's a delicious, fast, and affordable dish. However, the only downside is that it's so tasty, it can be addictive!

10. Katsudon (カツ丼): The Breaded Pork Bowl

If you're a fan of beef bowl dishes like gyudon, you'll love Katsudon, a similarly popular Japanese dish made with pork. This tasty and affordable meal is often overlooked by foreign visitors, but can be found in many restaurants and Japanese-style fast food chains. The dish consists of a bowl of rice topped with deep-fried pork cutlet, egg, vegetables, and condiments, making it the perfect option for those on the go. Although it's a common dish in Japan, there are several varieties to choose from, including those served with tonkatsu sauce, demi katsudon (a specialty of Okayama ), shio-katsudon (flavored with salt), or miso-katsu (originally from Nagoya). Regardless of which type you choose, you're sure to enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal!

11. Kushikatsu (串カツ): Thrilling Skewered Deep-Fried Treats

Kushikatsu , also known as kushiage, is a delicious dish consisting of crunchy deep-fried skewered meat, fish, or vegetables. The name of the dish refers to the way it is prepared, with "Kushi" meaning skewers and "katsu" referring to the deep frying of a meat cutlet. Kushikatsu can be made using a variety of ingredients, including bamboo shoots, lotus root, cartilage (nankotsu), and gizzard (sunagimo). Each ingredient has its unique flavor and texture, making the dish even more exciting to taste. Apart from the different ingredients, there are also several geographical varieties of Kushikatsu . For example, Osaka and Tokyo (which also serves pork rib kushikatsu ) prepare the meat slightly differently and dress it with brown sauce. In Nagoya, Kushikatsu is served with doteni, a rich miso-based dish with beef tendon, offal , and daikon radish. The region also uses different sauces and batter to prepare the dish.

12. Miso Soup (味噌汁): The Soul-Warming Broth

Miso soup is an unavoidable dish when it comes to talking about food in Japan. It is a staple in Japanese cuisine and can be served with almost any meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner. This simple yet flavorful soup makes a fantastic side dish to complement the rest of your food. Dashi, one of the primary ingredients in miso soup, is mixed with miso paste, which is made by fermenting soybeans, to create this famous soup. Other ingredients are added according to individual preferences. Typically, miso soup is served with tofu , scallions, and wakame seaweed. However, other ingredients such as daikon, shrimp, fish, mushrooms, potatoes, onions, or meat can also be added. Miso soup is highly recommended during the cold winter months, and it is a must-try dish before leaving Japan.

13. Nabe (鍋): Enjoy Japan's Hot Pot Culture

Nabe refers to a cooking pot, and in Japanese, it can also be referred to as "nabemono," which translates to "things in a cooking pot." While the name suggests that it's a simple dish, in reality, there are many variations of nabe in Japan. It's a popular dish throughout the year but is particularly enjoyed during colder months. Nabe is a dish that can be enjoyed both in Japanese restaurants and at home. The preparation involves boiling a variety of ingredients such as meat, fish, shellfish, vegetables, and tofu in seasoned or unseasoned water. Sumo wrestlers are known to be big fans of nabe , especially "chanko nabe ," which usually includes meatballs, chicken, vegetables, and noodles. It's designed to be served with extra ingredients so that wrestlers can gain weight. Another popular variation of nabe is shabu-shabu , named after the sound made when thinly-sliced meat is dipped into boiling water. This dish is served with beef or pork, vegetables, and tofu and is enjoyed with a sesame dipping sauce or ponzu, which is a lemon-based dressing, or a combination of both. Sukiyaki is a sweeter version of shabu-shabu where the ingredients are stewed in sweetened water and soy sauce and then enjoyed with a raw egg dip. Yose nabe , which means "putting together," is a nabe variety where all the ingredients, such as meat, fish, vegetables, and tofu , are cooked together in the pot at the same time. This dish is usually based on a soup of miso or soy sauce. There are many types of nabe available in Japan, and it's definitely worth trying them all to find your favorite!

14. Natto (納豆): The Fermented Soybean Sensation

Natto, a fermented soybean dish, is a staple in the daily diet of most Japanese people. However, it's a type of food that many foreigners find unappetizing due to its strong smell and sticky consistency. Despite this, natto is a genuine Japanese delicacy that is worth trying at least once. Typically served with rice and dipped in soy sauce or spicy mustard, natto can be an acquired taste. It may take some getting used to, but don't let that intimidate you from giving it a try. You might be surprised to find that you enjoy it and have a more Japanese palate than you thought!

15. Oden (おでん): The Wintry Delight of Japan

Oden is a delicious and warming dish that is perfect for cold winter days. It is a type of one-pot meal made with various ingredients, such as eggs, konjac, fish cakes , and daikon, all served in a dashi and soy soup. Although some restaurants specialize in preparing this dish, you can easily find oden in many Japanese fast-food chains and convenience stores . Oden can be prepared in different ways, and its name may even vary depending on the region. For instance, in Nagoya, it may be known as Kanto-ni. Additionally, the soups used to boil the ingredients can also differ depending on the area. Oden is an inexpensive and unique dish that you will never tire of, particularly if you are traveling through different cities in Japan.

16. Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き): Japan's Savory Pancake Paragon

If you're traveling to Japan, trying out the various types of okonomiyaki , a staple dish, is a must. This savory dish, which can be compared to a Japanese frittata or pancake, is made using a wide range of ingredients, as suggested by its name's etymology (meaning "what you like" or "how you like" + "grilled"). Two of the most popular varieties of okonomiyaki are the Kansai-style and the Hiroshima -style. The Kansai version is the most common, with a batter prepared using flour, nagaimo (a kind of yam), dashi (or water), eggs, cabbage, pork belly, octopus, squid, shrimp, mochi, or cheese, and konjac. Osaka is particularly well-known for its okonomiyaki , as it is believed to be the dish's birthplace. In the Hiroshima -style, the ingredients are arranged in layers rather than mixed together. Toppings usually include noodles such as yakisoba or udon , eggs, and a lot of sauce. There are many other types of okonomiyaki available in various regions of Japan, such as Tokushima , Hamamatsu, and Okinawa . If you're in Tokyo, you should visit the Tsukishima district , which is famous for both okonomiyaki and monjayaki. On Monja Street , you can try monjayaki, a dish similar to okonomiyaki but with a less dense texture and different ingredients.

17. Omuraisu (オムライス): The Enchanting Omelette Rice Creation

The name of this flavorful dish derives from the contraction of the words omelet and rice. Omuraisu, as the name suggests, is an omelet filled with fried rice and usually topped with ketchup. The dish seems to have originated in Tokyo, in a western-style restaurant, roughly 100 years ago. You’ll find this dish in most Japanese cafes that also serve food, as well as in several restaurants. If you’re staying with friends from Japan, chances are they’ll know how to prepare it, as it’s a common dish among Japanese people. Once again, a filling, cheap, and tasty one-dish meal that will certainly be popular among adult visitors, as well as children!

18. Onigiri (おにぎり): The Staple Rice Ball Delight

Have you ever come across the famous Japanese rice ball, the onigiri, in an anime , movie, video or documentary? Although it is not a very common menu item in restaurants, it is considered the king of on-the-go dishes and can be found in almost every grocery and convenience store . The onigiri is a simple rice ball that can be flavored with spices or filled with various ingredients such as vegetables, meat, fish, seafood , and more. Depending on the region and one's preference, it can be wrapped in a sheet of flavored or unflavored nori (seaweed). While sightseeing in Japan, many people tend to eat mainly onigiri due to its cheap price (usually under 200 yen), availability, and simplicity.

19. Ramen(ラーメン): The Delectable World of Noodles and Broth

Ramen is a well-known dish globally, especially the instant variety. However, in Japan, the authentic version is far superior to its instant counterpart in terms of taste and variety. The broth for ramen can be made from chicken, pork, beef, fish, or vegetables, flavored with soy sauce, miso, dashi, and many other seasonings. It is usually served with scallion, seaweed, tofu , and bamboo shoots, but there are countless other combinations to choose from. Each region and restaurant has its unique recipe, leading to original and delicious meals. The noodles used in ramen are also specially made and have a soft yet chewy texture. The most common soup stocks used for ramen are miso, salt, soy sauce, and curry . Ramen is the go-to meal for the Japanese after a long day or night out, and it's commonly regarded as fast food . It's typically served hot, although some variations can be served cold, and it's a favorite on cold days.

20. Robatayaki (炉端焼き): The Art of Fireside Cooking

Robatayaki (or robata) is a unique Japanese cuisine in which food is grilled on an irori style fireplace (wide, flat, open fireplace) over charcoal. This particular dish is usually found only in specialized restaurants, so you may have to look/ask specifically for it. The list of food at robata restaurants is everything you can think of, although traditionally it is a combination of seafood and vegetables. Most visitors miss this amazing food in Japan. Make sure you taste a real slice of Japan by looking for a good robata (there are many in Tokyo and all over Japan).

21. Soba (蕎麦): The Buckwheat Noodle Escapade

Soba is a type of noodle made from buckwheat flour, which is a specialty dish from Japan. It is a very popular dish and can be found in both general noodle restaurants and specialized, often expensive ones. Preparing soba at home is relatively simple, as you can buy the noodles and soup in which they are dipped from a grocery store . Soba can be enjoyed in different ways, either in a cold dip or a broth as a noodle soup. This dish comes in various varieties depending on the region and the season you are visiting. Don't forget to try a soba dish next time you visit a restaurant in Japan!

22. Somen (そうめん): Delightful Thin Noodles

Somen is the Japanese version of a prevalent kind of noodle across Asia. Made out of wheat flour, it’s usually served cold. These skinny noodles are served with a simple cold dipping sauce or a sauce flavored with onion, ginger, and myoga (a different kind of ginger). This dish is particularly popular in summer when a dish of somen chilled with ice cubes is all you need to recharge, fill up, cool off, and take a break from the brutal Japanese summer heat.

23. Sushi and Sashimi (寿司 & 刺身): The Raw Elegance of Japanese Cuisine

Sushi and sashimi are among the most famous foods in Japanese cuisine . They are regarded as an art form, with sushi chefs often practicing as apprentices for years before being considered masters. Despite their popularity, many people fail to understand the variety of cuts and preparation that go into creating these dishes. However, good quality sushi and sashimi can be found in Japan at a fair price. There are options available for all palates and budgets. One unique dining experience in Japan is offered by rolling sushi restaurants, where you order from a tablet at your table and the sushi is served to you via a rolling mat. At these restaurants, known as 100 yen- sushi or sushiro, each dish costs only 100 yen and the food is excellent. A dish that is often missing outside of Japan is temaki zushi, or hand-rolled sushi . While you can find restaurants offering this dish, it's a fun and easy dish to make at home. You'll need sushi rice, thin slices of your favorite fish, seaweed sheets, and any other ingredients you'd like to add. Common ingredients include cucumber, crab, avocado, and wasabi. To make temaki zushi, spread the rice on a sheet of seaweed, add your fillings, roll the seaweed into a cylinder or cone, and enjoy with soy sauce. If you're in Japan, consider proposing a temaki zushi party - it's sure to be a hit!

24. Takowasa (たこわさ): The Wasabi Octopus Experience

Takowasa is raw octopus (tako) served in a wasabi sauce (wasa). This is one of those Japanese dishes that, depending on your cultural background, may appear weird. Do try it out! Takowasa is a common appetizer in many restaurants, especially in an izakaya . It’s very popular and for a good reason. It’s tasty, unique, and a true symbol of Japanese popular food tradition.

25. Tempura (天ぷら): Japan's Light and Crispy Masterpiece

Tempura is a delicious dish that can be enjoyed throughout the year, especially for those who love to socialize with friends over drinks. Tempura typically includes shellfish, fish, chicken, or vegetables coated in a flavorful batter and then deep-fried to a perfect level of crunchiness. You can savor tempura as is, or with a dipping sauce. While many restaurants offer this dish, some specialize in it, providing a wider range of options for an even more fantastic immersion into traditional Japanese cuisine .

26. Teppanyaki (鉄板焼き): The Theatrical Grilling Artform

Teppanyaki is a Japanese style of cooking that is not very well known but still absolutely delicious. The word Teppan means iron plate, while yaki means grilled. The term Teppanyaki is used to refer to a wide variety of dishes, including okonomiyaki , yakisoba, and monjayaki. However, it's typically used to describe a particular type of western-influenced food preparation. Typical ingredients for Teppanyaki dishes are beef, shrimp, vegetables, chicken, and scallops. These ingredients are cooked on a hotplate, usually with soybean oil. Some of you may be familiar with this type of cooking because in the United States, Teppanyaki restaurants are quite popular, although they're known as hibachi. If you visit Japan and want to try some amazing food that blends the best of Japan and the West, you should definitely give Teppanyaki a try.

27. Tonkatsu (とんかつ): The Crispy Pork Cutlet

Tonkatsu is a popular and easy-to-find Japanese dish consisting of a breaded pork cutlet that is deep-fried in vegetable oil until golden brown. You can easily find this delicious and affordable dish in many chain restaurants, grocery stores , and convenience stores , or you can even make it at home! To prepare the dish, season the meat with salt and pepper, coat it in flour, dip it in beaten egg, and cover it with panko (Japanese bread crumbs). Then, deep fry the cutlet until crispy and serve it with cabbage, potato salad, and a brown sauce or karashi. Tonkatsu is also great for making sandwiches, making it the perfect meal on-the-go.

28. Udon (うどん): Glorious Thick Noodles

Japan has a wide variety of noodles, and udon is one of the most popular, just like ramen . Udon is a thick noodle made from wheat flour, which you can enjoy either in its simplest form - with broth made of dashi, mirin, and soy sauce - or in many different combinations. For a hearty meal, try it with tempura , or for a more delicate taste, with tofu . Udon can be served hot or cold, depending on the season or your personal preference, and the style of preparation varies depending on the region you're visiting. Although the word " udon " refers to the noodles themselves, there are no limits to the flavors, soups, and ingredients that can be added. As a matter of fact, challenge yourself to try out as many styles of udon as possible during your trip to Japan. Not only will you be satisfied, but you'll also be nowhere near the end of the list of possible dishes!

29. Yakiniku (焼き肉): Grilled Meat, the Japanese Way

Yakiniku is a style of cooking that involves grilling meat, also known as Korean or Japanese barbecue. While Korean-style barbecue typically involves marinated meats, Japanese-style barbecue does not. Yakiniku restaurants are very popular and offer a wide range of options, from high-end to budget-friendly, with some even offering all-you-can-eat menus. When dining at a yakiniku restaurant, you can choose from a vast selection of meat or vegetables, seasoned or unseasoned, which you then grill yourself on a hot plate or grill embedded within your table. You can then add various sauces, such as lemon, BBQ, and many others, or simply salt and pepper to taste.

30. Yakisoba (焼きそば): Tasty Fried Noodles

Yakisoba is a Japanese dish that consists of grilled soba noodles and is usually served at festivals. However, you can also make yakisoba by stir-frying the noodles. You can add various ingredients such as pork, fish, or vegetables and enhance the flavor with toppings like seaweed powder, ginger, and fish flakes. Finally, add sauces such as oyster sauce to give it a delicious taste.

31. Yakitori (焼き鳥): Savory Grilled Skewers

Yakitori , which literally means grilled chicken, actually refers to all kinds of skewered meat (as well as vegetables) cooked on a grill. This dish is simple yet flavorful, and there are countless combinations of ingredients to try. You can find Yakitori in many restaurants and specialty shops. When you visit a good izakaya , it is highly recommended to try this popular Japanese food .

32. Yakizakana (焼き魚): Grilled Fish Delicacies

While in Japan, it's essential to try grilled fish, Yakizakana. Although sushi is more famous outside Japan, raw fish is not as common as grilled fish in the country. Typically, a whole fish is grilled and served with side dishes consisting of various vegetables and rice. You can try it at specialized restaurants for an immersive experience or at chain restaurants for a delicious, inexpensive, and quick meal that will keep you energized for several hours of sightseeing ahead.

You’re now on the way to become a true expert on food in Japan! Yet there’s much more to Japanese cuisine that can be discovered! While visiting this amazing country and taking in all the sights, the fun, and the culture, don’t forget to eat!

Written by:

Lucio Maurizi

Lucio Maurizi is an automotive expert specializing in Japan's car scene and auto-tourism. With an MA in East Asian History from La Sapienza Università di Roma, he's a multi-talented contributor to travel platforms like LIVE JAPAN, Japan Travel, and GPlus Media. His Instagram account (50k+ followers) offers insider views on Japan's automotive culture. Lucio also actively collaborates with professional drivers and influencers and organizes can't-miss car events in Tokyo. Instagram: @italian_in_japan Other links: https://linktr.ee/italianinjapan

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Japan Real Food Adventure

11 days | feast your way from tokyo to osaka on a food lover’s adventure.

Take your tastebuds on an 11-day culinary journey through Japan’s most delicious hotspots, relishing the flavours of the land of the rising sun. Uncover the secrets of sushi in Tokyo, pick local produce with an expert in Kanazawa, feast on plant-based monastic cuisine in Koya-san, meet local farmers in Uji and go on a food crawl in Osaka. Take part in cooking classes, cooking demonstrations and market visits, feasting on local delights along the way. From temples to tempura, shrines to sashimi, seafood markets to sake breweries, you’ll join a local leader on a food-focused adventure that has all the best Japanese ingredients.

Trip overview

• Learn the tricks of the trade when you take part in a hands-on sushi-making class in Tokyo, pick local produce from the market before a cooking class in Kanazawa and make your own okonomiyaki in Osaka.
• Meet local farmers during a day trip from Kyoto to Uji, the home of green tea production. Tour the green tea and matcha farms, enjoy a hot cuppa, then tour a vegetable farm full of fresh, organic produce.
• When you’re not busy eating, enjoy iconic experiences like wandering the streets of Tokyo, Kenroku-en garden in Kyoto, the glowing signs of Osaka’s Dotonbori district, learning Buddhist history in Koya-san and walking through Kyoto’s Gion district.
• Feast on delicious Japanese cuisine, from street food to restaurant favourites – including ekiben, sushi, matcha, takoyaki, okonomiyaki and fresh seafood.
• Sip on sake, the national drink of Japan, during a visit to a local sake brewery in Kyoto. Learn how sake is made and maybe even pick up a bottle (or two) to take home.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries.
• The cuisine of Japan includes a lot of meat and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to Japan which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.
• During the monastery stay in Koya-san, you'll get to experience traditional Japanese accommodation. It’s a great cultural experience, but not everyone finds futon mattresses on tatami mat floors, tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more western-style hotels and beds. Read more in the ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information.
• This trip involves a lot of walking, 10 km/6 mi or more each day. You’ll also be going up and down stairs frequently, particularly at train stations. Bring comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to spend a lot of time on your feet.
• We recommend packing light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations and to hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas. There’s an optional luggage transfer offered on this trip, so if you’d like to take up this option, bring a small backpack or overnight bag for one night.

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Between the freshest ingredients and generations of culinary know-how, this is a country that celebrates the art of eating well. Your adventure begins in Tokyo – a food lover’s dream. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you get to Tokyo with time to spare, you may like to head out to explore the different sides of the city, from fascinating museums to neighbourhood backstreets lined with izakaya and karaoke bars. After your meeting, it’s time to get acquainted with local cuisine over a welcome dinner with your group. Fancy some perfectly grilled yakitori skewers or super tasty soba noodles? You’re in the right place. Once dinner’s done and stomachs are full, maybe head out to explore Shibuya's backstreets in search of sake or a couple of local cocktails.

• Hotel (1 night)
• Tokyo - Welcome dinner

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

There isn't much free time in Tokyo once the trip begins, so consider booking an extra night or two before the trip starts if you wish to cover anything not included in the itinerary.

Kick off the day with a walk around the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, where seafood from Tokyo's largest wholesale fish market is delivered and ready to sample daily. After, learn the art of sushi making firsthand – it's the quintessential Edo-era specialty and possibly Japan's most famous culinary gift to the world. Hear about the history of sushi, how to choose the best fish, learn proper slicing and rice-making techniques and sample some seriously fresh sushi. Then, enjoy free time to explore the historic Asakusa area. Stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, founded almost 1400 years ago. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then Asakusa is the place to get your sugar fix. Try fried sweet potatoes tossed in sugar and soy or sweet red bean paste sandwiched between baked pancake batter (yes, it’s as good as it sounds!). Tonight, why not head to Tsukishima to tuck into one of Tokyo's most traditional dishes, monjayaki (a type of savoury pancake).

• Tokyo - Asakusa guided walk & Sensoji Temple
• Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market & Sushi Tasting
• Tokyo - Art of Sushi-making class

The wholesale fish market, previously located at Tsukiji, moved to a new location in Toyosu in late 2018. On this trip, we continue to visit the old, atmospheric Tsukiji Outer Market, which still functions as a fresh fish and produce market for the public, but we do not visit the new wholesale market.

Take the train towards Japan's northern coastline to the historic city of Kanazawa. Having avoided much of the destruction of World War 2, it's a place where modern and traditional Japan go hand in hand. On the train, you’ll be treated to ekiben for lunch – a bento box popularly sold on trains in Japan – yum! When you arrive in Kanazawa, join your leader on an orientation walk around the city, followed by a visit to the Chaya Gai district. With its well-preserved streets and old wooden tea houses, this is where geisha perform music and dance for small private functions. In the evening, join your leader for an optional dinner to sample local dishes bursting with regional flavour, particularly fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. The unique blend of warm and cold currents creates the perfect conditions for a wide variety of fish and shellfish year-round, including the famed Kano crabs and sweet prawns.

• Kanazawa - Leader-led orientation walk
• Kanazawa – Chaya gai district walking tour

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

This morning after breakfast, visit the lush, 17th-century Kenroku-en Garden – a highly intricate landscaped acreage of bridges, ponds, waterfalls, fountains and tea houses that are beautiful no matter the season. Perhaps stop for a cup of freshly whisked matcha tea on your stroll through the extensive grounds. Then, take a walk around Omicho market – the hub of Kanazawa’s food culture. Explore the stalls and seek out the best seasonal ingredients, learning how to spot the freshest seafood and vegetables along the way. Then head to a local home for a cooking class with an expert foodie. Pick up some tips and tricks on how to cook local cuisine, learn the history of Kanazawa’s favourite foods and then enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. This afternoon, you’re free to explore Kanazawa at your leisure.

• Kanazawa - Kenroku-en Garden
• Kanazawa - Home cooking class
• Kanazawa - Omicho market tour

Today, you’ll make your way by train to Kyoto – a city regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Before Tokyo, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years. When you arrive, get acquainted with this gorgeous city on an orientation walk with your leader, making your way to the narrow streets of Kyoto's charming Gion district. Here, you’ll learn about the city’s geisha culture. If you’re lucky, you might spot geiko (geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) in their elaborate dress and makeup. Join your leader for an optional dinner to sample some of Kyoto's trademark cuisine, like nishin soba (soba noodles with dried herring) or gyu katsu (beef cutlet).

• Kyoto - Leader-led orientation walk
• Kyoto - Gion District walk

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

Today, gear up for a fun daytrip to Uji – this small city between Kyoto and Nara is a cultural hub famous for its green tea. The Ujigami Shrine is the oldest extant shrine in Japan and was constructed here (along with the historic Byodoin Temple) during the height of the Fujiwara clan’s power, between 794 and 1192. Known for its superior quality since the 1100s, a hot cup of Uji’s green tea is a must-have while you’re here, so you’ll be taken to a local farm for an insight into the growing and harvesting process. The farm grows and produces its own green tea and matcha, and you’ll get to taste a cup of the finest! Find out which other popular Japanese vegetables they're growing - perhaps radishes or turnips. Learn about the agricultural industry firsthand from the local farmer, then sit down for a bento box lunch with your group. Return back to Kyoto for a free evening.

• Uji - Green tea & vegetable farm visit with tastings

Tuck into some breakfast this morning, then head out for another day of exploration around Kyoto. You’ll first visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, where you’ll have some time to wander through the iconic torii gates. Snap a few pics, then refuel your energy at a local sake brewery, where you might like to pick up a bottle to take home. Continue on for a food crawl through the glass-covered Nishiki Market. This 400-year-old market is the perfect spot to pick up a few local street eats for lunch, so you’ll follow your local leader and pick out a few favourites – maybe try tako-tamago (translating to octopus egg, this must-try is a savoury surprise of baby octopus with a quails egg inserted into the head after cooking!), beef sushi, matcha sweets or tamagoyaki (an omelette filled with cabbage, carrots, green and white onions and pickled ginger). The rest of the day is free to enjoy Kyoto, whether that means walking off your food baby or heading to a local park for a rest in the sun.

• Kyoto - Nishiki Market walk
• Kyoto - Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Kyoto - Sake Brewery & tasting

Rise early, hop on the train and venture into an important region for Shingon Buddhism. Founded in the 8th century by the revered Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi, Koya-san has been a centre for religious activities for over 1200 years. When you arrive, visit Okuno-in – the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. Your unique accommodation tonight is in one of the many temples still operating here. You’ll stay alongside Buddhist monks and follow their routine of evening meditation and morning prayers. Tonight, enjoy an introduction to shojin ryori, or monastic cuisine, prepared by novice monks. Shojin ryori was popularised in Japan in the 13th century by Zen monks from China. Shojin ryori is plant-based and prohibits the inclusion of meat and fish, following the teaching that it is wrong to kill living animals. Instead, meals are prepared with seasonable vegetables and wild plants from the mountains.

• Temple (1 night)
• Koya-san - Okuno-in Mausoleum

Temple lodgings, known as shukubo, have facilities similar to Japanese ryokans. Rooms have thin futon mattresses that are spread on tatami mats for your night's sleep.

There are no Western bathing facilities at the monastery. Instead, bathing occurs in a traditional onsen. This two-step Japanese experience is unique and often a highlight for travellers. The first step is to thoroughly clean yourself, then to enjoy a soak in a communal bath. As bathing suits are not permitted, it may seem intimidating at first, but once you are used to them, you will appreciate this longstanding cultural tradition. Your leader can suggest times when you are likely to have more privacy.

Today you have the option to send your main luggage directly to Osaka (at your own expense) and pack a smaller bag for your one-night stay at Koya-san. This is recommended for travellers with larger baggage. Please speak with your leader for more information.

Hop on public transport this morning to Osaka – Japan’s third-largest city and the unofficial culinary capital. Sprawling shopping hubs and tiny backstreets full of restaurants and bars serve up local delicacies here, as well as Japan's answer to fast food (Osaka is credited with the first kaiten-zushi, or conveyer belt sushi restaurants). When you arrive, visit the lively Kuromon food market for a morning walk through the quirky Doguyasuji Arcade, where you can pick up some kitchen gadgets (or plastic food!) and all the Japanese bowls you’ll ever need. You’ll also learn about one of Osaka’s signature dishes and try your hand at perfecting okonomiyaki. This evening, maybe dive into Osaka’s twisting back alleys and experience one of the city’s typical tachinomi bars (drinking while standing), maybe sharing a few drinks with your travel pals.

• Osaka – Tour of Kuromon Market and Doguyasuji Arcade

Have some breakfast this morning, then pop into a depachika – the food basement hall of one of Japan's department stores. This is a treasure trove for food lovers, given the endless range of products beautifully displayed. It’s also one of the best ways to understand what the locals eat on a daily basis. Wander the Dotonbori district with your group this afternoon at the heart of Osaka. This bustling district, known for the iconic glowing signs all over the canal, is the go-to destination for local nightlife, delicious cuisine and diverse shopping options. Enjoy a few included snacks along the way, then you’re free for the afternoon to continue exploring at your own pace. Regroup with your fellow travellers tonight for a farewell dinner of kushikatsu (skewered meat and vegetables, battered and deep fried).

• Osaka - Dotonbori Tour
• Osaka – Depachika visit

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. You’re free to leave anytime after check-out, but your adventure doesn’t have to end here! Osaka has so much to explore, it’s recommended that you stay a few extra days and continue to feast on the city’s many foodie favourites.

10 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners

Bus, Train, Bullet train

Hotel (9 nights), Temple (1 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is currently not available for this trip due to limited rooms at many of our properties. 2. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip. 3. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage from 160cm to 250cm may require an additional JPY1000 oversize luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please notify your tour leader at your Welcome Meeting if your luggage is from 160cm to 250cm so they can make the necessary arrangements.

4. We are currently unable to book pre or post trip accommodation at our start and finish point hotels due to limited room availability. We recommend booking a hotel of your choice through your booking agent. 5. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for Japan now. Japan has an extensive and efficient public transport system and the joining and finishing point instructions are listed in the Essential Trip Information.

6. Please note that there are generally less double rooms in Japanese hotels, even those in Western style. While every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests, this may not always be possible.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Arigato Travel: Culinary and Cultural Experiences in Japan

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Japan Food Tour     View Tours

Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people..

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

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Experience the culture of japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people. (smaller group departure available).

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

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Our budget tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget..

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

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Travel japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation..

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Group Tour | Active

Japan food tour.

Tokyo - Kanazawa - Gokayama - Shirakawa-go - Takayama - Hida Furukawa - Awaji Island - Kyoto - Uji

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All Japan Tours takes you on a culinary journey like no other. Experience famous locations in Kansai, such as the ancient imperial capital Kyoto, as well as hidden rural villages and the unique culture of Awaji Island located in Hyogo Prefecture, where culinary traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. Our journey will include searching for wild ingredients, harvesting the crops of the land, and cooking together alongside members of local communities. Food culture pla... View More

All Japan Tours takes you on a culinary journey like no other. Experience famous locations in Kansai, such as the ancient imperial capital Kyoto, as well as hidden rural villages and the unique culture of Awaji Island located in Hyogo Prefecture, where culinary traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. Our journey will include searching for wild ingredients, harvesting the crops of the land, and cooking together alongside members of local communities. Food culture plays a big role in Japanese society, as it is very closely related to festivals, rituals, and displays the way of life in each region. Our adventure starts in Tokyo, where we will travel by train to a local food market in Kanazawa. Here, we will be able to pick ingredients from the market, then later cook them with a professional chef. We will then travel to Gokayama to hunt for plants and vegetables native to the area, which we will later cook with the locals. Next we travel to Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site, and Takayama, where we learn about Okudo-san (earth oven) cooking and Furukawa’s specialty “Miso Senbei” crackers. We will also enjoy a kaiseki dinner, which is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal. Departing the mountainous region brings us to Sakai- City in Osaka, an area made famous by its steelwork. Learn about the art of Japanese knives and the forges that make them. Once we arrive on Awaji Island, we will experience a chef's artistry of "Foodscape", where seasonal foods are made to look like landscapes. From the island, we head to Uji where we learn more about Japan's unique tea culture and the origin of "sencha" tea. Our tour ends in Kyoto where we experience making tofu and participate in a traditional tea ceremony before saying goodbye at the farewell dinner. For those that admire Japanese cuisine and culture, this tour is a wonderful option. With exclusive experiences, such as tofu making and cooking with the locals, you will have insight into the unique cuisine of Japan. Travelling from mountain villages to fishing ports, staying in rural thatched-roof houses and in the dazzling cities, experience the food and the culture, awaken your senses, and share unforgettable moments with the people you’ll meet on this journey.

Tour Highlights

• Visit Kanazawa's local food market, which has attracted visitors for almost 300 years.
• Learn the art of earth-oven cooking with a local in Hida-Furukawa.
• Visit Awaji island to learn about its seafood culture and enjoy a beach lunch with a local food-designer chef.
• Hunt for wild vegetables (Sansai) with an expert and learn traditional cooking methods with locals.
• Travel to 'Kyoto's Kitchen', Nishiki Market, where you can buy snacks and local foods.
• Enjoy an exclusive and traditional Japanese Kaiseki meal.
• Participate in a traditional green tea ceremony.
• Witness the process and try your hand at making Kyoto-style Tofu.

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Group Tour | Active    

11 Days 10 Nights | from US $5020.00 (Limit to 13 guests)

Tokyo / Kanazawa / Gokayama / Shirakawa-go / Takayama / Hida Furukawa / Osaka / Awaji Island / Kyoto / Uji

A small-group guided food tour through japan's best- kept culinary traditions..

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Things Not to Miss

Shirakawago

Miho Museum

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Himeji Castle

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Sushi-Making Experience

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Food Tours in Japan

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Small Group Gourmet Food Tours, Japan

Our 2024 &2025 Food Tours of Japan are adventures, where you can see the sights and nature, experience the culture, and eat exceptional food.

Journey to the East’s Food Tours of Japan are a wonderful way to see Japan. Their foundation,’ Washoku’ , Japanese food, is UNESCO recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Japanese food has deep and complex traditions and is regionally based. That is why these culinary extravaganzas are staged in different regions of Japan, like Kyushu and Hokkaido. One of our goals is to showcase the depth and breadth of the Japanese food culture from Michelin-starred restaurants through to excellent street food, as well as introducing some modern fusion delights.

Our Japan Food Tours are not just “eatathons”. We will introduce you to some amazing people, including some outstanding chefs and producers, show you beautiful landscapes and famous sites.

Along the way, you will learn the care and pride of generations old producers of Japanese ingredients such as soy sauce, green tea and vegetables. Other food-related cultures such as ceramics, knives, lacquerware are also all part of your experience on these culinary tours.

Signature Our Signature tours offer the most comprehensive cultural exposure.

Discovery Our Discovery tours provide up-and-close encounters with traditional life and natural landscapes into the more remote regions of Japan.

Comfort With a focus on comfort and ease, our Comfort tours deliver an authentic experience with a few extra creature comforts to make for a more relaxed and supported trip.

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13 day tour

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We have released a number of gourmet food tours of Japan. They operate in different parts of Japan and take maximum advantage of the seasonal food of the regions. The Food Tour of Kyushu operates in spring with the cherry blossoms and in Autumn under the beautiful fall colours. The Kyushu tours will introduce you to some of the famous pottery and the influences of a number of countries on Kyushu’s history and culture.

To the north is the Food Tour of Hokkaido. This tour operates during May when the weather is pleasantly warm and the fresh food of the area is superb. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the culture in Hokkaido and the indigenous Aino people.

At Journey to the East we are committed to providing authentic and most memorable experiences in Japan – for both Small Group Tours and custom-built Private Tours. Whether it is your first visit or you have been several times to Japan, you will always find something new and have special experiences with Journey to the East. Our travel style is chosen to immerse you in the culture and landscape of the country and expose you to a rich variety of unique experiences.

We do this by taking you beyond the tourist hotspots to explore the lesser-known parts of Japan. Our tours are designed to strike the right balance between the classic highlights and local secrets, the urban and the rural, the historic and the contemporary, and in doing so, reveal the true heart of Japan.

With Journey to the East, you will have fun and be safe on your deeply rewarding journey through this endlessly fascinating country!

We are specialists that just handle tours within one country, Japan. Whether you are from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand or beyond we meet you at the airport upon arrival into Japan and ensure a smooth and stress-free time in a foreign land.

Ryokans is a Japanese style accommodation, mostly consists of Japanese style rooms with tatami matt floor and futon bedding, and private ensuite. Some ryokans have a western style room with beds. A Japanese style room always has a low table and flat cushions to sit on, but the room may or may not have chairs. Most ryokans have an additional large public bath for guests and includes kaiseki style dinner. Breakfast can be Japanese style (rice, miso soup, fish etc.) or western style buffet.

Western Style Hotels

Size and standard vary from 5-star large international chains to regional small business hotels. Generally, in Japan twin rooms (two single beds) are more common than double rooms (one double bed), and some hotels in regional cities only have twin rooms. Room sizes are generally smaller in cities. Also beds and pillows tend to be firmer than those in western countries.

Shukubo (temple lodging)

The vast majority have Japanese style rooms and shared bathroom although there are limited number of temples with a western bedroom with ensuite. The stay at shukubo includes Buddhist vegetarian dinner and breakfast. Dinners are served early, around 5pm. They are run by monks, and facility and services are basic. Guests can attend morning service in the main hall.

Japanese home cooking recipes Vol.5 – Okonomiyaki

Japanese Home Cooking Recipes Vol.4 – Tempura

Japanese Home Recipes Vol.3 – Karaage and Potato Salad

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Small Group Journey

Off-the-Beaten-Track Culinary Tour

Welcome to Japan, a culinary hotbed, and a world-class food destination. On this 8-day tour, you will be traveling to Tokyo, Nagano, and Yamanashi with a food blogger /chef to explore the best of Japan’s culinary traditions. Together, we will visit the Tsukiji fish market and take a cooking class, shop in Kappabashi (Japan’s “kitchenware capital”), and try some delectable street food in the bustling city of Tokyo.

In the second part of the tour, we will take our curiosity to the countryside to learn about where the food comes from and how ingredients are prepared, visiting a wasabi farm, touring a miso brewery, preparing soba noodles, and staying overnight at a century-old farmhouse. You will also relax in hot springs, sample Japanese whiskey, and visit cultural sights to nourish your body and soul.  

This tour is offered twice a year: at the first sign of spring, and during the harvest season in the fall.

Note: Itinerary dates are listed below. Please contact me directly if you are interested in other possible dates to better suit your travel plans.

Travel Details

dates: 5/29-6/5, 2024 (sold out) new dates coming soon! price: $4300 per person, double occupancy $4700 per person, single occupancy (limited) deposit due at the time of registration

what’s included: hotels local transportation cooking classes and admissions 15 meals guide & interpreter

what’s not included: travel or medical insurance flight to/from Japan personal spending including: shopping, alcohol, laundry, some meals

contact: koshiki yonemura 651-734-3923 [email protected]

• Master sushi-making, at a class at the Tsukiji Fish Market
• Shop in Kappabashi, in the “kitchen town” of Asakusa
• Visit Nagano for shojin ryori, temple stay, and a Zen experience
• Tea ceremony
• Visit a wasabi farm to learn how wasabi is grown and harvested
• Tour the 500-year-old Matsumoto castle
• Ponder the history and process of making miso at a miso brewery
• Relax at a traditional hot spring and enjoy a multi-course kaiseki dinner
• Sample world-class sake in the lakeside town of Suwa
• Visit a knife maker
• Tour the Suntory Distillery and learn about Japanese whiskey
• Take a soba-noodle-making class in the mountain town of Yamanashi
• Stay overnight in a community farmhouse

Welcome to my home country. I am excited to share its food culture with you. We start here in Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, where some of the most sophisticated and refined Japanese food is found. Let me assist you with check-in, and we will head out for a welcome dinner.  

After breakfast, a hands-on learning opportunity awaits you at Tsukiji Fish Market, the largest fish market in the world. The relocation of the inner market in 2019 made the outer market more spacious and accessible for visitors. Now located both along the Sumida River and in the Ginza district, Tsukiji handles over 400 different kinds of seafood and more than 700,000 tons of fish every year. Today we will learn about food history and culture, and the varieties of seafood and seasonal produce at the market. For our lunch, we will learn how to make sushi in a class taught by a master sushi chef.  

In the afternoon, we will hop on the subway to visit Kappabashi, a “kitchen town” where professional chefs and restaurant owners shop, located in Asakusa. Enjoy street food as we stroll through the busy streets on the premises of Senso-Ji Temple.  

Today we are taking the Shinkansen to Nagano City for a Zen experience. We will visit Zenkoji, the largest Buddhist temple in the prefecture. Nagano City was built around Zenkoji Temple, and from the train station, a cobblestone walkway will guide us to the temple entrance, where you will be welcomed into a community of shops and inns and cafes.  In the afternoon, we will visit a local tea shop to experience matcha tea.  

Our evening meal will be served in the temple’s dining hall.  It will be a traditional vegetarian meal, carefully prepared using long-established methods to bring out the best flavors of local vegetables and grains. Admire the artful presentation and  savor the delicate and delicious vegetarian flavors as you relax in the  tranquility of the Zen lifestyle.

After morning prayers at Zenkoji Temple, we head to the picturesque castle town of Matsumoto, a cultural destination and home to one of Japan’s finest feudal era castles. We’ll tour the castle and explore the amazing architecture and history of Japan’s feudal era.

We’ll also visit a 150-year-old Miso Brewery. Ishii Miso is known for using traditional wooden barrels instead of modern stainless steel for its three-year maturing process. No additives are used, resulting in delicious natural, pure-tasting miso . In the afternoon, we will visit a destination wasabi farm. 

The afternoon is open to stroll through this arts and crafts town, visit Ukiyoe or Matsumonot Fine Arts Museum.  Optional wagyu beef or a visit to izakaya tonight.  

This morning, we will take a half day trip to The Daio Wasabi Farm in rural Azumino City.  It is one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms and a popular tourist destination. The farm has multiple large fields with a meticulously maintained network of small streams that constantly provides each wasabi plant with clear, flowing water from the Northern Alps . 

In the afternoon, we will head to a lakeside town of Suwa where we will check in at a traditional ryokan , an inn in a hot spring.  Enjoy a relaxing evening soaking in a hot spring and a splendid meal paired with local sake .  

Today, we are going to explore the lakeside town of Suwa. Rich in history and blessed with nature, the city of Suwa is famous for many things: sake , natural hot springs, clock-making, and Japanese silk, to name only a few. We will visit a local knife maker and then visit a neighborhood brewery to learn about sake .  The Rebuilding Center is just a short walk away where you might find local treasures. 

Today, we will travel through a spectacular valley in the Japan Alps to Yamanashi Prefecture. Yamanashi is well-known for its national parks, the beautiful peaks of the Yatsugatake Mountains, high-quality produce, and buckwheat ( soba ). Upon arrival, we will learn to make soba noodles for our lunch. Because they contain only freshly ground buckwheat, a little wheat and water, these nutty and aromatic noodles are highly regarded for their flavor and refined preparation.  

In the afternoon, we will tour the Suntory Hakushu Whiskey Distillery, nestled in the forest on the slopes of Mt. Kaikoma. Known locally as the “Forest Distillery”, it’s also one of the highest whiskey distilleries in the world. Here, surrounded by a wild bird sanctuary, we’ll learn about the distillation process and taste some of the finest Japanese whiskeys.

Tonight, we are going to sleep at a thousand-star hotel (a.k.a. the bunkhouse on the farm premises). We’ll enjoy a dinner that is home-cooked by the inn owner and served in the formal dining room of a 150-year old farmhouse. Before dinner, be sure to take the time to stroll through the farmhouse gardens.

Wishing you all a safe journey home!

After graduating from University of Minnesota, she and her partner opened a Japanese restaurant in St. Paul, MN. After nearly 18 years in the restaurant business, she co-founded Tanpopo Journeys, a boutique travel company, offering hands-on tours to Japan. She has curated and lead groups to Japan on food and art tours to Japan as well as working as an interpreter for the General Mill Wheaties Team during the Nagano Olympics. Come travel to Japan and discover the hidden gems of culture, textiles, and food!

A Foodie’s Guide to Kyoto, Japan

I f you’re a true food-lover, you likely have Japan pinned to the top of your travel wish list. Foodies flock to Japan, known as one of the top culinary destinations in the world, to taste the freshest and highest-quality ingredients, sushi and diverse regional cuisines. And while the first Japanese city that usually comes to mind is Tokyo, there’s another spot that’s just a quick bullet train ride away that shouldn’t be missed: Kyoto. 

What makes it so enticing? Kyoto’s food scene places a huge emphasis on seasonality, unique regional specialties, rich culinary traditions and even the opportunity to experience traditional Japanese dining called kaiseki, which consists of multiple courses of precise dishes. Better yet, the city doesn’t just consist of eating: there are temples, lantern-lit alleys, markets, bamboo forests and monkeys to add to your itinerary, too. 

Whether you’re interested in upscale Michelin-starred dining or exploring Kyoto’s street food and local delicacies, this city is guaranteed to take your taste buds on a trip. Keep reading for the ultimate guide on where to eat, drink, sleep and explore while in Kyoto. 

How to Get There 

To get to Kyoto from the United States, you’ll need to fly into one of Japan’s major international airports, such as Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND). Several U.S. airports — like Newark (EWR), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — fly directly into Tokyo. From there, you can either travel to Kyoto by domestic flight or train. From Tokyo Station, you can transfer to a shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Kyoto. The entire journey takes approximately three hours.

Pro tip: for the true foodie experience, fly with United and upgrade to Polaris Business Class for in-flight sundae carts and free-flowing Champagne. Being that the flight is around 14 hours nonstop, sitting in Polaris is a game-changer, allowing you to rest peacefully and be ready to explore as soon as you hop off the plane. 

Where to Eat and Drink 

Local Delicacies: Nishiki Market

No trip to Kyoto is complete without wandering through the bustling Nishiki Market . The open-air market opened 400 years ago, but today it continues to thrive for locals and visitors seeking a taste of the community’s authentic food culture. Being that there are hundreds of stalls and shops, I spent hours at this market, trying everything from Japanese sweets, to Kobe beef skewers, to noodles. Some of the best foods to try at Nishiki Market include tako tamago (small baby octopus), mochi, goma dango (sesame dumplings), satsuma age (fish cakes), senbei (seasoned rice crackers) and tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette). 

Omakase : Sushi Gion Matsudaya

My favorite dining experience during my entire trip to Japan was at Sushi Gion Matsudaya , a six-seat, reservation-only sushi restaurant tucked in a quiet alley in Gion. While it’s on the expensive side (around $200 per person), it’s a Michelin-star establishment where Chef Matsudaya personally handpicks fresh and seasonal ingredients to create that day’s menu. The intimate and exclusive atmosphere, mixed with melt-in-your-mouth sushi and sake pairings, is well worth the splurge.

Tempura: Komefuku Shijo Karasuma

Fresh tempura in Japan is an absolute must. For the best in town, grab a seat at Komefuku Shijo Karasuma (walk-ins or reservations welcome) where you can feast on tempura and seafood dishes in a cozy, wood-lined izakaya with both counter and table seating. Once you’ve sipped on some sake, order the assortment of tempura, which includes shrimp, crab, sweet potato and more. Make sure to order a few pieces of the sushi, too. 

Ramen: Kyo Tsukemen Tsurukame

Right around the corner from the Nishiki Market, we stumbled upon Kyo Tsuke-men Tsurukame , a tiny hole-in-the-wall ramen shop with only eight seats and happy customers walking out, so naturally we waited in line. I ordered the tanten miso and chili oil ramen dish and it was, for lack of a less dramatic term, life-changing. The flavors were rich and the broth was thick. The chef adds ingredients and toppings you won’t find in typical noodle dishes, making it a unique ramen experience. It’s a hidden gem that will leave you full and wanting more.

Gyoza: MOTOÏ

Every culture has their own version of a dumpling, and in Japan it’s the gyoza. If you’re craving them, MOTOÏ is a restaurant that should be on your list. Run by a French-trained chef, MOTOÏ infuses French and Kyoto cuisine in a trendy setting. We walked in without a reservation and sat right at the bar. The restaurant is known for its signature papa gyoza, made with shrimp, ginger and coriander. 

Wagyu Sandwich: Hafuu

You’ll be eating a lot of seafood and sushi while in Kyoto, so a much-needed break for meat may be desired. Gyukatsusando is a Wagyu katsu sandwich that’s popular in the region, and the best place to get it with the highest-quality meat is Hafuu . Hafuu has plenty of ways to indulge in their infamous beef, but the most popular is the sandwiches, which come with a special sauce and cabbage. Visitors can even take them to-go and eat outside overlooking the Imperial Palace. For more affordable options, enjoy Hafuu lunch time.

Okonomiyaki: Yasubei

In Pontocho district, you’ll find Yasubei , a family-run restaurant serving okonomiyaki, a traditional teppanyaki dish; it’s essentially a savory pancake cooked on a teppan grill in front of you. We were able to add ingredients like cabbage, meat or seafood, and garnishes like okonomiyaki sauce, aonori seaweed flakes, katsuobushi bonito flakes, Japanese-style mayonnaise and pickled ginger. You’ll likely have to wait in line, so prepare for that.

Why the Japanese Robata Crushes the Stuffy Hotel Steakhouse

Plus, where to go.

Soba Noodles: Arashiyama Yoshimura

For stunning riverside views combined with fresh noodle dishes, Arashiyama Yoshimura is a must-try traditional soba house. I was fortunate enough to score a seat directly next to the window, so I slurped down noodles while overlooking the river and mountains. The restaurant serves fresh hand-made buckwheat soba noodles (both hot and cold) and seasonal dishes with simple and quick service. Be ready to wait outside, as they do not take reservations. 

Fluffy Souffle Pancakes: A Happy Pancake 

Stop by A Happy Pancake for an over-the-top brunch filled with the fluffiest pancakes you’ll ever eat. The menu is filled with both sweet and savory pancake options, including strawberry shortcake, matcha, tea milk and hojicha tiramisu. They taste like light clouds and were the perfect start to the day.

Pro tip: The earlier you get there (like before they open), the less likely you’ll have to wait in like. 

Drinks: Bees Knees 

Consistently named as one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars, Bee’s Knees in the Kiyamachi district gives prohibition-era speakeasy vibes. It’s hard to spot, as you have to find the yellow door with a sign for “The Book Store.” But as soon as you step inside, ‘90s hip-hop music is bumping and the drinks are flowing. There’s a solid list of cocktails to choose from, including Negronis with hoji tea and coffee bitters, and the Ninja Smashes with yuzu, passion fruit, lemon, shiso leaf and sparkling sake. 

Where to Stay

For Authentic Japanese Hospitality: HOSHINOYA Kyoto 

Located in Arashiyama, HOSHINOYA Kyoto is a remote, modern, ryokan-style retreat along the Katsura River that delivers pure serenity. The luxury five-star property is completely secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city, so much so that you take a boat to get there. Traditional rooms are designed with tatami floors, futons and chabudai dining tables, some with lounges and balconies. The best part? It’s perfect for foodies because of the chef’s high-end cuisine and unique floating tea room. The highlights of my stay at HOSHINOYA Kyoto were the romantic Hisui boat ride where we drank tea while taking in the mesmerizing views, and waking up to a hearty hot-pot in-room breakfast with fresh, seasonal vegetables cooked in hot broth. 

For Wellness-Focused Luxury: Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto

Garrya Nijo Castle Kyoto embodies a fresh approach to wellbeing through simplistic design and amenities that recharge. The 25-room boutique hotel opened in June 2022 and is located right in front of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site first built in 1603 during the Tokugawa Shogunate. The hotel’s restaurant, Singular, blends an innovative approach with gastronomy inspired by classic French techniques. The chef personally sources ingredients directly from producers in Kyoto and all over Japan. The hotel offers personalized experiences like Ayurvedic menus, forest meditation, in-room sound baths, self-training fitness and yoga programs through in-room digital tablets, and a unique pillow menu with health benefits. 

All of that eating must be balanced out with experiencing the city’s best sites and neighborhoods. Visiting Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is an otherworldly experience, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of towering bamboo groves. A few steps away from the forest, visitors love the Monkey Park Iwatayama where you can interact, feed and observe monkeys in their natural habitat.

You can’t miss the temples scattered around the entire city, but especially the five-story Yasaka Pagoda, Hokan-Ji , Adashino Nenbutsuji and Kiyomizu-dera . Spend a few hours walking through the Fushimi Inari Shrine , which is a popular photo op with thousands of vermilion torii gates. After walking through the entire trail, you will find yourself in the forest of the sacred Mount Inari. 

Lastly, two districts you’ll want to visit are the Pontocho Alley at night, filled with restaurants in the lantern-lit Gion alleys (you may even pass a Geisha) and the Gion Higashiyama ward during the day, home to two of Kyoto’s most attractive streets. Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka are a pair of gently sloping lanes with classic architecture, shops and temples. 

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Japan spotlights food tourism in rural regions to alleviate overtourism

The Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) is stepping up efforts to expand gastronomy tourism in a bid to combat overtourism, cater to the high-end market and boost inbound tourism consumption in rural areas.

JTA will provide financial subsidies in fiscal 2024 (April 2024 to March 2025) for the development and promotion of programmes focusing on regional culinary cultures.

The Japanese government considers food and drink an industry with high potential for growth given that inbound visitors spent 1.2 trillion yen (US$7.8 billion), on food and drink in 2023, equating to almost one quarter of their total consumption, according to JTA.

Support includes up to 50 million yen per successful applicant to cover the establishment of bases for collecting ingredients, such as wild plants, and for carrying out local cultural experiences. Advertising, meanwhile, can be carried out overseas, such as on travel websites.

As part of the plan, luxury packages that combine culinary and cultural experiences will also be developed to expand options for “high-value travellers,” categorised by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) as those who spend one million yen or more per visit to Japan.

Among the regions that could benefit from the subsidies is Nara Prefecture, which trialled six gastronomy tours from October 2023 to January 2024 with support from JTA as part of a project designed to attract 51 million tourists annually by 2025. The tours introduce Nara as the heartland of sake and  matcha , as well as the prefecture that produces the most persimmons.

“The bounty of the nation’s mountains, valleys, rivers and seas differs from region to region, giving tourists myriad opportunities to get to the heart of Japan through their stomachs,” said a JNTO representative. “That’s the essence of gastronomy tourism, a form of travel focused on food nurtured by local ingredients, customs and traditions.”

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An epic eating adventure

From kaiseki to branded beef: sushi, sashimi and starred restaurants. unbeatable and unique taste adventures await..

Japanese cuisine offers an exceptionally rich and rewarding eating experience. While sushi, wagyu beef and kaiseki cuisine need little introduction, no self-respecting foodie should miss out on street food like yakitori  and ramen  either. Perhaps the epitome of Japanese cuisine is the kaiseki food served at ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants). But the scope also includes numerous vegetarian varieties, river fish dishes, sushi, eel, tempura, soba, udon, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, yakiniku and more. Each region also has its own local specialties and culinary traditions in dishes unique to each area. Wherever you go and whatever you enjoy, why not accompany your meal with sake from a local brewery?

Vegans and vegetarians can also expect a feast of fine food choices.

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Please Choose Your Language

Browse the JNTO site in one of multiple languages

5 Unique Hiroshima Food Tours

Hiroshima is a foodie heaven, with exquisite local dishes and unique twists on national favourites. 

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

While many visitors to Japan flock to Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, the western city of Hiroshima sometimes be overlooked. It’s a shame because Hiroshima, its name synonymous with both the horrors of war and efforts for modern-day peace, is a beautiful destination with friendly locals, leafy green spaces and relaxed attitude. Like most places in Japan, the food on offer in Hiroshima is exquisite, with local specialities such as fresh koiwashi and the Hiroshimayaki, or Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki. To get the most out of a visit, take a food tour to both explore the city and its culinary delights. 

Hiroshima: Bar Hopping Food Tour

This three-hour food and drink tour focuses on the famous, local Hiroshima drinking spots around Nagarekawa. One of the most fun experiences of going to Japan is visiting the (often tiny) izakaya bars where snacks are served and you will undoubtedly meet many local people and have a blast, even if none of you are speaking the same language. Thanks to your guide, getting to know people will be a little easier, and a small group makes navigating the bars also simple, letting you try local beers and specialities such as okonomiyaki (a Japanese savory pancake), which is cooked on a flat iron grill at your table. From € 75.77.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Hiroshima: Private Food Tasting Tour with a Local Guide

Sometimes there is no better way to do a tour than  with a knowledgeable local guide. Japanese culture can be a bit bamboozling for anyone who doesn’t speak the language so this tour makes perfect sense, with a friendly local guide leading the way and explaining everything you need to know as you go. There are loads of hidden spots and secret tips to help you get to know Hiroshima and along the way a chance to try six delicious tastings and one drink. It’s a really informal and relaxed way to experience Hiroshima’s food, with the chance to check out everything from oyster huts to try local specialty Momiji Manjū – a creative take on the traditional buckwheat and rice cake. From €250.37.

Ultimate Hiroshima Food Tour

This tour is all about discovering some of Hiroshima’s lesser-known corners, tasting the city’s best-known delicacies along the way. It starts in the Peace Memorial Park and explains both the history of the city and its future through the often optimistic lens of local shop owners, chefs, and craftspeople. A food tour wouldn’t be complete without sampling the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, a savory grilled pancake with multiple fillings, whether that is meat or vegetables. There is also time to take in the vast modern shopping arcades of downtown Hiroshima and visit a surprising indoor teppanyaki village, where the food is cooked on large metal plates. From €147. 

Book at Byfood.com

Food Tour Adventure in Hiroshima at Night

(Photo: Byfood.com)

This lively three-hour tour hits Hon Dori and Downtown Hiroshima at night, stopping at three interesting local food venues along the way. It’s all about sharing so there will be several small plates to dig into, with more than 10 different foods during the night – if you want to get a real overview for the food scene here, this is a great option. It’s also a lot of fun, with the local guide providing plenty of entertainment and a small group meaning you’ll definitely get to know people. You’ll eat fresh seafood, tempura, grilled snacks, and more. From €81.79.

Hiroshima: Local Favorites Private Night Food Tour

This is a really good value three-hour tour that helps you to find the best Hiroshima food spots and eat like a local. The guide takes you to three top eateries that are famous among Hiroshima locals and introduces you to traditional favorites such as okonomiyaki, oysters, and local sake. The guide has a really good understanding of local food culture – the knowledge really comes through – making this an excellent tour for foodies. The private tour includes a drink at the first bar and one dish (okonomiyaki). This is bar hopping in Hiroshima – local style. From €63.61.

Book at Viator.com

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