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

based on 59 reviews

Duration:5 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Location: Tokyo, Kanto

From $176

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This 5.5 hours tour takes you on a journey through time, through food! Spanning three geographical districts of Tokyo and three periods of time this food tour covers the foundation of Japanese food and cooking (the Edo period), the most popular present-day foods in Japan and finishes in the future with some fusion twists on traditional flavours. Visit Nihonbashi, Ginza / Tokyo Station and Akihabara. Enjoy 14 Japanese food tastings. Come hungry!

WHAT'S INCLUDED

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Nihonbashi
Starting in Nihonbashi, in the past, we will look at key ingredients and flavours that underpin Japanese food. We will learn about Dashi, the stock that forms the base of many Japanese dishes. We will focus in on two key ingredients; Katsuobushi and Kelp. From there we will enjoy some traditional Japanese snacks that have been eaten for generations. Satsuma-age (fried fish cake), Amazake (a healthy fermented rice drink), Imo Kenpi (sweet potato chips) and Daifuku (glutinous rice mochi with a sweet filling). All of the shops that we have chosen have been carefully curated. All are over 100 years old, several date back to the Edo period itself!
2. Nihonbashi Bridge
Nihonbashi Bridge
3. Fukutoku Shrine
Fukutoku Shrine: Discover the differences between Shrines and Temples. Learn how to cleanse your spirit and pray at a shrine.
4. Ginza
Arriving into Ginza / Yurakucho we learn about how Japan industrialised after the war. With industrialisation came Salarymen and with Salarymen came Gado Shita’s (small bars and restaurants built under the railway tracks) to serve the working men before their commute home. We will eat and drink like Salarymen at an Izakaya (Japanese style pub) and noodle stall under the tracks. On our menu we have Yakitori (grilled meat on skewers), a Sour (an alcoholic drink which is unique to Japan) and tempura soba or curry udon ( noodle soup dishes).
5.
Arriving into Ginza / Yurakucho we learn about how Japan industrialised after the war. With industrialisation came Salarymen and with Salarymen came Gado Shita’s (small bars and restaurants built under the railway tracks) to serve the working men before their commute home. We will eat and drink like Salarymen at an Izakaya (Japanese style pub) and noodle stall under the tracks. On our menu we have Yakitori (grilled meat on skewers), a Sour (an alcoholic drink which is unique to Japan) and tempura soba or curry udon ( noodle soup dishes).
6. Tokyo International Forum
From the railway tracks of Ginza and Yurakcho, we stroll to Tokyo Station calling in at the impressive International Forum Building on the route.
7. Kitte Marunouchi
Kitte Building
8. Tokyo Station Marunouchi Ekimae Hiroba
At Tokyo Station we will try some foods popularly eaten on a commute home; Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) and a Fruits Sando (Japanese milk bread sandwich filled with fresh fruits and whipped cream).
9. Daimaru Tokyo
At Tokyo Station we will try some foods popularly eaten on a commute home; Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) and a Fruits Sando (Japanese milk bread sandwich filled with fresh fruits and whipped cream).
10. Akihabara
Arriving in Akihabara, an area famous for its many electronics shops, Maid Cafes and Anime culture, we consider the future of food in Japan. We will be trying a selection of desserts which combine traditional foods or flavours with a modern fusion twist. In addition to our three fusion desserts, we will discuss Akihabara’s prominence in bringing new technology, ideas and subcultures to Japan.

ADDITIONAL INFO

CANCELLATION POLICY

Posted By : Jane_S
I was attracted to the theme of past, present and future and was not disappointed. We enjoyed the three areas and variety of foods. Highly recommended!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-13 06:09:48

Posted By : sharongraylantis
Miko was fantastic and English was great. She made the day fun and was full of info and knowledge. Highly recommend this tour!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-12 17:15:34

Posted By : Donald F
We had the opportunity to join Miko of Hello! Tokyo Tours for a 5.5 hour food tour of Tokyo. Although I have been to Tokyo multiple times over the years, this was the first time I had the opportunity to do a food tour and Miko did not disappoint.

The tour was structured in such a way as to consider Tokyo’s food culture in its past, as in the Nihombashi area, present as in Ginza and Yurakucho areas, and future, ending in Akihabara.

We learned about the cultural and societal history of Japan and Tokyo from the time before the Shogun to the present, including the salaryman with an eye towards the future.

Two examples of the influence of foreign nations on Japanese cuisine, such as the Portuguese with Tempura and the British with the import of curry to Japan, and how the Japanese modified these were also discussed AND sampled!

Miko’s background is in education and it showed. She’s alert, polite, professional, engaging and friendly! The tour itself was amazing and I’d highly recommend Hello! Tokyo Tours and Miko if you have the opportunity to enjoy this marvelous city and its incredible food and culture!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-10 06:18:23

Posted By : Marko K
Ite was well planed and well organized tour! Many types of food and drink was provided and we walked around some of the famous districts of Tokyo!
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Posted On : 2024-05-09 23:03:07

Posted By : jdmigram
Great for both first time visitors and locals. Knowledgeable and accomidating every step of the way. Tour and guide were top tier!
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Posted On : 2024-05-08 01:23:19

Posted By : gracemos
We joined a Food Tour of Tokyo with the amazing Paiva.
The food tour was planned well and executed brilliantly.
Paiva was engaging, resourceful, experienced, professional and brought to light with stories and history the different places we visited, tastings and meals we had!
We would highly recommend using Hello! Tokyo Tours again!
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-05-06 22:37:59

Posted By : Laure_d
Very insightful your with Yasu who is eager to share about Japan history and to learn about his guests. Highly recommended!
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Posted On : 2024-05-02 03:05:21

Posted By : Sophia_G
We loved the curry noodles and the onigiri! Walking around and the theme of past, present, and future were great touches as well.
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Posted On : 2024-04-30 20:17:00

Posted By : michsmiley
We had an awesome time with Miko as our tour guide. We saw places we would never have seen and tried food that we all loved, but would not have tried had we not met Miko. The tour was well planned out and we all loved it. We had a group of six. Miko is full of energy, vibrant and happy and really made this experience fun for us. We tried traditional food from the past, now and the future. We also went to other areas, so the tour incorporated sightseeing and food. Well worth doing if you are new to Tokyo.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-04-26 22:08:54

Posted By : Linda_D
Great tour of different areas of Tokyo for authentic local food not found in tourist guides. Guide had great knowledge of Tokyo history and neighborhoods, as well as food. Very enjoyable experience. Would highly recommend.
Rating : full ratings
Posted On : 2024-03-31 12:19:43