Private Tokyo Food Tour - A Journey Through Time Through Food
Overview
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! This is a private tour and only the people that you personally invite will be in attendance. Hotel pick-up is available - an extra hour is added to the tour to cover the travel time.
Inclusions
- Snacks - Dashi. Katsuobushi. Kombu. Satsuma-age. Amazake. Imo Kenpi. Daifuku or Dorayaki. Pokemon Taiyaki. Matcha (green tea) bubble tea or ice-cream
- Lunch - Yakitori. Tempura Soba. Tamagoyaki. Fruits Sando
- Alcoholic Beverages - Lemon Sour (Japanese alcoholic drink)
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Nihonbashi, Nihonbashi, Chuo, Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture, Kanto
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!
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Pass By: Nihonbashi Bridge, 1-chome, Nihonbashi, Chuo 103-0027 Tokyo Prefecture
Nihonbashi Bridge
Stop At: Fukutoku Shrine, 2-4-14 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo 103-0022 Tokyo Prefecture
Fukutoku Shrine: Discover the differences between Shrines and Temples. Learn how to cleanse your spirit and pray at a shrine.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Ginza, Chuo 104-0061 Tokyo Prefecture
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).
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Stop At: Yurakucho District, Chiyoda Tokyo Prefecture
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).
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Stop At: Tokyo International Forum, 3-5-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda 100-0005 Tokyo Prefecture
From the railway tracks of Ginza and Yurakcho, we stroll to Tokyo Station calling in at the impressive International Forum Building on the route.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Kitte Marunouchi, 2-7-2, Marunouchi, Chiyoda 100-0005 Tokyo Prefecture
Kitte Building
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Tokyo Station Marunouchi Ekimae Hiroba, 1-9, Marunouchi, Chiyoda 100-0005 Tokyo Prefecture
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).
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Daimaru Tokyo, 1-9-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda 100-6701 Tokyo Prefecture
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).
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Akihabara, Sotokanda, Chiyoda 101-0021 Tokyo Prefecture
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.
Duration: 45 minutes
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Nihonbashi, Nihonbashi, Chuo, Tokyo, Tokyo Prefecture, Kanto
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!
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Pass By: Nihonbashi Bridge, 1-chome, Nihonbashi, Chuo 103-0027 Tokyo Prefecture
Nihonbashi Bridge
Stop At: Fukutoku Shrine, 2-4-14 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo 103-0022 Tokyo Prefecture
Fukutoku Shrine: Discover the differences between Shrines and Temples. Learn how to cleanse your spirit and pray at a shrine.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Ginza, Chuo 104-0061 Tokyo Prefecture
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).
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Stop At: Yurakucho District, Chiyoda Tokyo Prefecture
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).
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Stop At: Tokyo International Forum, 3-5-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda 100-0005 Tokyo Prefecture
From the railway tracks of Ginza and Yurakcho, we stroll to Tokyo Station calling in at the impressive International Forum Building on the route.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Kitte Marunouchi, 2-7-2, Marunouchi, Chiyoda 100-0005 Tokyo Prefecture
Kitte Building
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Tokyo Station Marunouchi Ekimae Hiroba, 1-9, Marunouchi, Chiyoda 100-0005 Tokyo Prefecture
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).
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Daimaru Tokyo, 1-9-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda 100-6701 Tokyo Prefecture
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).
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Akihabara, Sotokanda, Chiyoda 101-0021 Tokyo Prefecture
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.
Duration: 45 minutes
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
Veena B
November 2019
The tour was absolutely amazing. It explored the evolution of Japanese food culture, starting off with traditional foods that make up the basics of Japanese cuisine, moving onto the current food scene and giving us a glimpse of what the future may hold. Not only did we get to sample a whole host ...
The tour was absolutely amazing. It explored the evolution of Japanese food culture, starting off with traditional foods that make up the basics of Japanese cuisine, moving onto the current food scene and giving us a glimpse of what the future may hold. Not only did we get to sample a whole host of food items (every item was delicious) but our guide, Sid, did a top job of giving context to what me and my husband observed in Tokyo. It’s the context that I really value as you can often find yourself “going through the motions” when exploring a new culture and not really understanding any of it! I would 110% recommend this tour! Sid has a passion for Japanese history and culture and it really shows through in his explanations and enthusiasm. I really liked the fact that Sid has cultivated a relationship with many of the shop keepers and vendors showing the extra mile this company goes to to source the best for their clients.Barns65
October 2019
Fantastic way to spend a day exploring all the different foods of Tokyo. Sid our guide was great at giving us the history of Tokyo as well as taking us on a flavour extravaganza through the ages. Thoroughly recommend this as a way to spend your day.
Fantastic way to spend a day exploring all the different foods of Tokyo. Sid our guide was great at giving us the history of Tokyo as well as taking us on a flavour extravaganza through the ages. Thoroughly recommend this as a way to spend your day.pthompson080
October 2019
Really enjoyed the Hello Tokyo walking food tour. Went with 5 friends and visited some great areas of Tokyo and was a great mix of food and history. Some unique locations and Sidney was a brilliant guide, really enjoyable. Would highly recommend!!
Really enjoyed the Hello Tokyo walking food tour. Went with 5 friends and visited some great areas of Tokyo and was a great mix of food and history. Some unique locations and Sidney was a brilliant guide, really enjoyable. Would highly recommend!!Beverley_M
October 2023
This was our best tour on our whole trip to Japan. Rohan was a great guide, and the tour was a wonderful way to kick off our stay in Japan, and get a real feel for customs and layout of Tokyo. We tried so many different types of food and saw such different parts of Japan - got a great feel for ...
This was our best tour on our whole trip to Japan. Rohan was a great guide, and the tour was a wonderful way to kick off our stay in Japan, and get a real feel for customs and layout of Tokyo. We tried so many different types of food and saw such different parts of Japan - got a great feel for the past vs modern life in Tokyo. The highlight for us was the trip to the izakaya, where we had the most delicious meal, and tried things that we never would have ordered ourselves.Q9407IMpaulc
April 2020
What a fantastic time. How much we packed in, the quality of the food experience, the care of our Guide. This is the 100% best food tour I have been on across Asia. It opened my eyes up to Tokyo. The best way to visit the city. Very Unique, as it gives a Journey through time - very clever origin...
What a fantastic time. How much we packed in, the quality of the food experience, the care of our Guide. This is the 100% best food tour I have been on across Asia. It opened my eyes up to Tokyo. The best way to visit the city. Very Unique, as it gives a Journey through time - very clever original idea! Would recommend to all my friends and family visiting Tokyo.kendallkdawson
March 2020
I had a very enjoyable day with my two friends on this food tour. Our group is pretty mixed with different backgrounds (one from Finland and one from Philippines and I'm American) so it added quite a lot of fun to share knowledge from different parts of the world on top of learning a lot about Ja...
I had a very enjoyable day with my two friends on this food tour. Our group is pretty mixed with different backgrounds (one from Finland and one from Philippines and I'm American) so it added quite a lot of fun to share knowledge from different parts of the world on top of learning a lot about Japanese food and culture! We were able to easily understand from our guide Sid's easy and fun explanations. They have sister companies on Hong Kong and Singapore so I would most definitely go with Hello tours again if I visit. Two thumbs up!!