Find Your Slice of Heaven in Tokyo’s Food
Most travellers look for purpose in their holidays but if you're a foodie, you will be looking for plates of happiness - and there is no better place than Tokyo to experience food.
The food scene in Tokyo has always been diverse; from Michelin-starred restaurants that serve up a storm to yakitori restaurants that grill delicious chicken skewers and lavish kaiseki dinners with complicated multi-course meals, Tokyo food is synonymous with an unmatched eating experience.
But what really sets the Japanese food scene apart are the culinary experiences that are rich in history, customs, and culture that have shaped this metropolis. Whet your appetite by reading our guide to the best food tours in Tokyo so you are all set for your next trip.
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More things to do for Foodies
Tsukiji Food Tour & Toyosu Market
Long ago, Tsukiji Fish Market was the world’s biggest fish market. It was divided into two areas, Jogai with street vendors and Jonai where the auctions were held.
The fish market closed in 2018 and the auctions moved to Toyosu Fish Market, several miles south. Many of the restaurants that used to thrive in Tsukiji are still here, but in a more formal, mall-like setting.
One of the best things to do in Japan, you can see the early morning fish auctions and then the streets get packed with stalls serving everything from seared tuna to uni sandwiches in squid-ink buns.
The wholesale market has three main buildings, two for seafood and one for fruits and vegetables. There are auction viewing areas, rooftop restaurants and more for anyone who wants to experience Tokyo like a local.
The best way to experience both of these markets is through a Tokyo food tour. From watching the fish selling and processing at Toyosu to exploring Tsukiji’s seafood kitchen, you can do it all on a Tokyo food tour to Tsukiji & Toyosu Market.
Vegan-friendly Shibuya Food Tour
It’s hard to imagine Tokyo as a city where one can even attempt to get Japanese food that is vegetarian and vegan right?
But that’s the most wonderful part of being an experimental traveller; some of the must-eat food in Tokyo includes vegan treats in Shibuya.
In Tokyo, even vegan food gets the star treatment - chefs in Shibuya put their heart into crafting veggie versions of authentic Japanese food like ramen and tempura, and they get creative with treats like towering ice cream sundaes and crispy fried "chicken."
Regardless of whether you are a vegan or not, explore their creations with a Vegan-friendly Shibuya Food Tour. Secure your place on the Vegan-friendly Shibuya Food Tour now!
Japanese Traditional Sweets Tour in Asakusa
You can’t do a food tour in Tokyo without a sweet treat. Asakusa is one of Japan’s top spots with popular tourist attractions in Tokyo like Tokyo Skytree and Kappabashi Kitchen Town. But beyond the busy streets lies a world of sweets, especially Japanese desserts.
A must-visit for traditional Japanese desserts is Asakusa Soratsuki. You can choose from yummy dango, mochi on a stick with strawberry slices and sweet bean paste in flavours like matcha, mango and sweet potato.
Imo Pippi is another spot that has the best Japanese sweets like baked sweet potato ice cream.
There’s so much to choose from, you’ll be surprised, so make sure to fill your itinerary and tummy with a Japanese sweets walking tour. Indulge your sweet tooth with a Japanese traditional sweets tour today!
Tokyo Allstar Food Tour in Ginza
Interested in tasting real Japanese cuisine when you visit Tokyo? The Tokyo Allstar Food Tour in Ginza is your ticket to the city’s hidden culinary secrets that most tourists miss. Imagine a 3-hour walking tour through Ginza’s streets where old and new Tokyo collide.
You’ll visit lively restaurant districts that will transport you back to the Showa period, with izakayas full of local chatter.
From hidden gems serving regional specialities to a special noodle shop where the recipes are centuries old, this walking tour is a foodie’s dream and a journey through local food culture.
Perfect for solo travellers, Tokyo food tours don’t get much better than this. Head on the Tokyo Allstar Food Tour today!
Small-Group Tokyo Food Tour - A Journey Through Time Through Food
Travel back in time through Tokyo’s culinary landscape on this Small Group Tokyo Food Tour - A Journey Through Time Through Food!
This 5.5-hour walking tour is your ticket to see how Japanese food has evolved from the Edo period to today’s fusion delights.
Starting in Nihonbashi, you’ll dive into the flavours that have shaped Japanese food for centuries, trying Satsuma-age and Amazake from century-old shops.
As you walk into Ginza and Yurakucho, you’ll eat and drink like a salaryman, trying Japanese drinks, yakitori and tempura soba.
Then, Tokyo Station will serve up quick commuter food like Tamagoyaki and the Insta-worthy Fruits Sando.
Finally, in Akihabara, you’ll taste the future with desserts that blend tradition with modern twists. End the day with some Japanese sake and let the flavours of Tokyo’s past, present and future delight your taste buds!
Whether you’re a history buff, foodie or just someone looking to avoid the tourist traps and eat delicious food, this walking tour is one of the best food tours in Tokyo. Consider adding the Small-Group Tokyo Food Tour to your itinerary now.
Evening Tokyo Walking Food Tour of Shimbashi
Looking for an authentic Tokyo night foodie tour? This Evening Tokyo Walking Food Tour of Shimbashi is your ticket. Shimbashi, the “salaryman centre” of Tokyo, is a maze of alleys, standing bars and izakayas where Japan’s office warriors go to unwind after work.
This 3-hour tour will take you through the chaos, cutting through the noise to find some of the city’s best-kept secrets.
Start at Shimbashi Station and dive headfirst into the nightlife, surrounded by the hum of salarymen and office ladies having a cold beer and a bite to eat.
Next, visit 5 handpicked food spots to sample seasonal and local dishes that are the heart of Tokyo’s drinking and dining culture.
Get ready to find hidden gems, eat wagyu beef and experience the heart of Tokyo’s nightlife like never before.
Whether you’re a foodie or a curious traveller, this Tokyo night foodie tour is one of the easiest ways to taste the real Tokyo after dark! Have a feast at night with this evening walking food tour in Shimbashi now.
Kawaii Food Tour of Harajuku Tokyo
Get ready for a fun adventure through the land of all things cute and yummy with this tour! Harajuku, the heart of Tokyo’s youth culture, is famous for its pop art, fashion and the cutest food you’ve ever seen.
On this tour, expert guides will take you through the back streets of Omotesando and Harajuku where you’ll find cultural snacks, creative pastries and trendy sweets that are as photogenic as they are tasty.
Whether you’re a kawaii fan, a foodie looking for the next big thing or just a sweet tooth, food tours in Tokyo like this are a must-do.
Plus you’ll find hidden gems that even the trendiest guidebooks and websites miss. Suitable for families, foodies and kawaii lovers alike, Tokyo food tours such as this Kawaii Food Tour of Harajuku will be a foodie adventure like no other!
Japanese Street Food Tour in Shibuya, Tokyo
Embark on a tasty journey through Shibuya, the district that sets the trends in culture and fashion, to find the hidden gems where the locals eat.
You’ll try mouthwatering wagyu beef, and Kansai-style okonomiyaki before exploring the world of sushi and traditional desserts.
As you wander through Shibuya’s backstreets, your taste buds will thank you for joining one of the top food tours in Tokyo and just when you think it’s over, you’ll find yourself in a Shibuya depachika, an underground food market that’s a treasure trove of goodies.
Whether you’re a foodie or just curious, this Shibuya street food tour is the best way to experience Tokyo like never before!
The 10 Tastings of Tokyo With Locals: Private Street Food Tour
Ready to eat like a local in Tokyo? This private tour is the one you’ve been waiting for! Get introduced to the city’s most loved street foods, from sushi to gyoza to Taiyaki on this tour.
A food-loving local will guide you to hidden gems and flavours that define Tokyo’s food scene. And it’s not just about food – this tour is a cultural journey with stops at city highlights in between bites.
Whether you’re sipping on a tapioca drink or enjoying grilled chicken skewers in a peaceful park during this private street food tour, every bite will get you closer to Tokyo’s food culture.
Make Food Memories in Tokyo
Tokyo is a foodie’s heaven where every mouthful takes you deeper into the city. Whether you’re wandering the neon streets of Golden Gai or hopping off public transport to explore the secret spots of the Ueno area, the food of Tokyo is always just around the corner.
From a quick convenience store snack to the best restaurants in Tokyo, this city never ceases to amaze. So why settle for normal when you can have extraordinary? Let us take you on Tokyo’s best food tours and make your food adventure legendary!
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the most popular street food in Tokyo?
You’ll be spoiled for choice. Some of the most popular ones are takoyaki (octopus balls), yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes with sweet or savory fillings).
Does Tokyo have good street food?
Tokyo has amazing food, with a huge range of yummy snacks and treats to suit any taste, from traditional Japanese snacks to modern takes on classics.
What is the most popular junk food in Japan?
One of the most loved junk foods in Japan is “karaage”, crispy fried chicken that’s so good and addictive. It’s a favourite among all ages across the country.
What is the most famous Tokyo market?
While Tsukiji Fish Market used to be Tokyo’s most famous market, Toyosu Market has become more popular since Tsukiji Market moved. Both markets have a huge range of fresh seafood, produce and other goodies.
How to save money on food in Tokyo?
Here are a few ways to save money on food in Tokyo:
Shop local, especially at konbini (convenience stores) for affordable and yummy meals, snacks and drinks.
Look for budget-friendly dining in Shibuya, Shinjuku and Asakusa.
Check out local supermarkets and food halls (depachika) in department stores for a range of freshly made meals and snacks at reasonable prices.