japan food tours 2024

10 BEST Food Tours in Tokyo, Japan

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Looking for the best food tours in Tokyo? From exploring Tsukiji Fish Market to a ramen tasting tour, it’s time to experience Japanese food!

Tokyo , the world’s largest city with 38 million people calling it home, is an eclectic, electric city full of culture and customs.

With its bright lights and cacophony of sounds, Tokyo is a city like no other and you can almost feel the buzzing atmosphere.

However, the city can be more than a little intimidating for first-time visitors (that’s how I felt!) That’s why I really recommend going on a food tour in Tokyo to get a feel for the city.

Whenever I get somewhere I’ve never been before, I always go on a food tour. I find they’re the best way to learn about a city through its food – if there’s a better way I don’t want to know about it!

And Tokyo is the perfect place for a food tour. Not only do you get to try dishes like sushi, ramen, and other delicacies, but you get to learn all about Japanese food culture and the customs that come with it.

On my Tokyo food tour, I learned about 72 things just to do with chop-sticks, and that was just chop-sticks. For me, this was the perfect way to prepare for my two weeks in Japan – I really learned that much.

So, if you want to eat your way through the city and find out where some of the best restaurants are along the way, then check out some of the best food tours in Tokyo.

Oh, and make sure you turn up hungry because you’re going to eat a lot!

Are you a fellow foodie who likes to get to know a place by their taste buds? Check out my food guides of Bangkok , Hanoi , Istanbul , Rome and M arrakesh !

Tokyo Food Tours

Tsukiji fish market tour.

This is a 3-hour Tokyo food tour will really give you an insight into Japanese food. Just get ready to be dropped in at the deep end at the bustling Tsukiji Fish Market. Thankfully, there’s an amazing tour guide on hand to help you through this maze of fish stalls and people.

At Tsukiji Fish Market you can try all the fruits of the sea. Expect delicacies like bonito, sushi, fresh tuna, and local omelets cooked with fish. You’ll also learn all about the history of the market and the cultural significance of seafood in Japan.

Start the day by dining and shopping just like a local at Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Market. You’ll quickly see why the best Japanese chefs shop here for the freshest ingredients.

Explore the plethora of seafood stalls while flitting between boxes packed with sea urchins. Observe busy vendors carving huge bluefin tuna and spot nervous pufferfish floating in tanks.

The tour ends with a visit to a genuine sushi restaurant for a serving of the best fresh sushi before heading back to Tsukiji Station. This is one of the most popular food tours in Tokyo, and it’s perfect for those who adore seafood!

Tokyo: Sushi Making Class

Obviously you can’t come to Tokyo without eating sushi. Better yet, eat it after you learn how to make it!

One of the things I really love about making sushi is you can go wild with different flavour combinations. For me, that means lots of spice an chilli.

After learning the basics of sushi making, the sky is the limit for creatively inventing new sushi recipes with local ingredients. At the completion of this class, you will enjoy the excellent sushi that you made along with miso soup.

In this class you will get step-by-step instructions on how to make delicious and attractive sushi. And trust me when I say this, it’s a lot easier than it looks.

During this hands-on cooking lesson you’ll learn how to make eight or nine different kinds of sushi while spending an afternoon with friendly locals in an informal atmosphere. You’ll also learn proper techniques on how to make tasty sushi rice.

This class is taught by local female instructors, all of whom speak English. A number of different common types of sushi will be covered in the class, including inari, nigiri, and sushi rolls.

As this is always a small group tour, you’re guaranteed one-on-one assistance from the instructors. That means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to ask questions too.

Shinjuku After Dark Izakaya Tour

Tour guide Yoshi has experienced a lot of “tourist traps” in Japan and started his tour company to provide visitors a unique experience. He’s picked some of the best spots to enjoy Shinjuku nightlife on the Shinjuku After Dark Izakaya Tour.

He’ll take you to the best late-night food and drinking spots in Tokyo, including izakaya (Japanese gastropubs) in the notorious Kabukicho and classic Omoide Yokocho street. Enjoy yakitori and drinks while bar-hoping with a fun group! 

This is one of those Tokyo excursions that you’ll remember for a long time (depending on how much sake you have of course!). It’s a bit like a Tokyo street food tour, but with bar hopping including too.

Tokyo Kaiseki Cusine Cooking Class

One of the best ways to experience local food is to learn how to make it in a local cooking class! Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course meal in Japan. It features individual dishes made from seasonal ingredients, and is both aesthetic and delicious!

With English step-by-step instructions, the chef breaks down the process of making kaiseki dishes, making them accessible for beginners and families. Once everything is prepared, you’ll get to enjoy a full kaiseki feast! 

If you really want to learn all about Japanese food, then this is one of the best food tours in Tokyo for that.

Traditional Japanese Sweets, Wagashi & Mochi Class

Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that are naturally vegan and gluten-free. You’ll make three different types of Japanese sweets, including mochi, the classic chewy rice cake. The sweets are shaped to reflect different seasonal motifs, and are as beautiful as they are tasty.

After making the sweets, you’ll learn how to make a bowl of matcha green tea. The matcha goes perfectly with the wagashi, and you’ll enjoy both after the class.

Tokyo Ramen Tasting Tour

When it comes to the best food in Tokyo, ramen is always at the top of the list. Well, this is your chance for you to enjoy and experience ramen like a Tokyo native during this 3-hour group tour.

You will learn about the history and culture of this exciting dish, and then eat your way through six bowls of ramen. Yes, you read that right – six bowls of ramen!

The tour will take place in three unique Tokyo neighborhoods, including Shibuya. As part of this experience you will be given insider tips on the best ramen restaurants and tips to increase your enjoyment of ramen, learn about the history and different types of ramen, as well as how it is prepared, be exposed to how ramen is enjoyed locally, learn what makes good ramen, and select and enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen at a local restaurant suggested by a ramen expert.

I think this is one of my favourite food tours in Tokyo, so I really hope you check it out.

Tokyo’s #1 Family Food Tour Around Asakusa

Asakusa, with its Sensō-Ji Buddhist temple and popular May Sanja Matsuri festival, is an area that positively vibrates with excitement. This is one of the most popular places to visit in Tokyo so expect it to be busy busy busy.

This was the Tokyo food tour I went on when I first arrived in the city and I LOVED it! I found it so useful and our local Tokyo food guide was incredible. I can’t tell you how many questions I asked him over the 3 hour tour.

We went though the history of Asakusa and why food is so important to Japanese culture. He was the one who taught me all about chop-sticks too. For example, you should never stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of food as it’s means death and is very disrespectful.

This tour begins with an overview to Asakusa. This means you get to explore Namise Street while tasting popular Japanese delicacies like pickles, rice crackers, Japanese plums, and melon bread (made with a secret recipe!) along the way. You’ll also learn about pilgrims who have visited this area for over a thousand years.

The highlight of this Asakusa food tour is lunch. One thing I quickly learned was the Japanese love eating and lunch was a proper feast.

Depending on the time of year, lunch is often at the Tsukiji fish market. This is where you can try the freshest sashimi you’ll ever in your life. You’ll also learn about food customs with top tips on how to order food.

Other stops on the 3-hour tour include a visit to the theater, the side streets, and sampling specialties of Japan. Enjoy a popular pastry that has been made by a dessert shop since 1945 using a traditional candy making method. Oh, and obviously there’s lots of matcha tea too!

Shinjuku Golden Gai Night Tour

Those looking for a wilder ride can take a night walk with an established guide in two of Tokyo’s most notorious areas – Kabukicho and Shinjuku Golden Gai. For those looking for a beer and a bit of a party, this is the one for you.

Tokyo nightlife is like few places on the planet, and the heart of the experience can be found in Kabukicho. This is an area comparable with the red light districts of Europe but you know, different. However, Kabukicho is much cleaner and safer than its given credit for, and you’ll soon be enjoying the Tokyo nightlife like a local.

On your Tokyo street food tour you discover some of the best Japanese dishes – delicious ramen, okonomiyaki, yakitori, udon, takoyaki, soba, sashimi, tempura, and a load of others too. By the end of the night, you’ll be an expert.

Afterward, you’ll zoom through the streets to Shinjuku Golden Gai. This was one of my favourite areas in Tokyo and it’s always buzzing.

Golden Gai is a full of narrow, winding alleys and mysterious taverns and pubs. This is where a guide becomes essential – you’ll quickly find the best hidden gems in Golden Gai.

Sake Tasting Experience

Now it’s time for some sake! I have to admit, I developed a bit of a taste for sake while travelling around Japan. I can’t say I know too much about it though which is why a sake tour is perfect.

This tour is all about experiencing Kikizake. This is the process of judging the color, aroma, and taste of sake in a similar manner to how sommeliers taste wine. While blindfolded, you’ll sample different brands of sake and attempt to identify them – and yes it is hard!

During the tasting you’ll select 7 different types of sake from 20-30 different varieties for sampling. If you enjoy a particular type of sake that you have tasted, you can order it at the end.

Sake comes in many varieties, amount of alcohol, and degrees of dryness. It can also be served warm or cold (warm was my fav).

If you already have a particular inclination for the types of sake you would like to sample, you can let the guide know ahead of time so that we can select sake that matches your taste.

Learn to Cook Japanese Vegetarian Food

This is without a doubt one of the best Tokyo food tours. If you’re interested in learning more about the Japanese vegetarian lifestyle, this experience offers the opportunity to learn how to cook a Japanese vegetarian course menu of four or five different dishes.

The dishes include hijiki with creamy citrus sauce, brown rice with mizuna, persimmon gelee, steamed azuki and pumpkin, and lotus root fried ball. All the recipes featured in this course follow macrobiotic theory and include no meat, fish, white sugar, chemical products, or eggs. Basically, this is perfect for vegans and vegetarians!

Included in this class are also lessons offering instructions on how to arrange different types of vegetables and bread to make them more aesthetically pleasing. The table will be arranged with Japanese pottery or white porcelain with beautiful bouquets and tasteful table linens.

Classes are available on Saturdays and Sundays. They last three hours and there are two each day, one from 10:30-1:30 and one running from 4:30-7:30.

These classes are for women only and any males interested should bring a female such as a spouse, friend, or family member. That’s just the way it is I’m afraid!

To learn more about the cuisine before your trip, check out this amazing podcast all about Japanese food . They talk through some of the most popular dishes you’ll find in Japan, and it’s a great overview.

So, out of the best food tours in Tokyo, which one catches your eye? I would love to know which one you’d go on so let me know in the comments below!

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About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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2 thoughts on “10 BEST Food Tours in Tokyo, Japan”

Oh man I am DROOLING reading this! I’m going to be in Tokyo in March.. but sadly only for 2 days. Think I can do all eight of these tours in 48 hours?

Ha ha ha. I’m sure you can give it a good go if you try! Maybe just start off with one though? Let me know how you get on!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

THE 10 BEST Japan Food Tours

Japan food tours.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chinese (Simplified)
• Likely to Sell Out
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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. Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour

3. Kyoto Night Foodie Tour

4. Shinjuku Izakaya Food Tour

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

6. Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

7. Tsukiji Fish Market Food Walking Tour

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

9. Nagoya Special Food Tour

10. Best of Shibuya Food Tour

11. Osaka Bar Hopping Night Walking Tour in Namba

12. Nishiki Market Brunch Walking Food Tour

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

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

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

16. Tuna Auction and Tokyo Toyosu Fish Market Tour

17. Private Tour with Local Guides to Uncover Hidden Gems In Tokyo

18. Secret Food Tours Tokyo w/ Private Tour Option

19. Kyoto Bar Hopping Night Tour

20. Kyoto Foodie Night Tour

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

22. Tokyo After 5: Savouring Culinary Delights of Japan

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

24. Kuromon Market Food Walking Tour in Osaka

25. 3-Hours Tokyo Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl in Shinjuku Area

26. Explore Nishiki Market: Food & Culture Walk

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

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

29. Tokyo downtown bicycle tour Tokyo Backstreets Bike Tour

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

What travellers are saying.

• Alexander S 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good and drinks to local areas and a bit of history along with it Angelito was awesome and took us to some great spots! We went to a couple places to drink and eat and also saw a couple Geisha and passed the red light district too which was a lot of fun. Would recommend for people who want to experience what it's like to be a local of Kyoto Read more Review of: Nighttime All-Inclusive Local Eats and Streets, Gion and Beyond Written April 24, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Japan Food Tour: Spring

• Japan Group 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.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

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.

Budget Group Tours

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.

Active Small Group Tours

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        Tour Code: GTE3713571     3 reviews

Single Supplement:

The price is per person, based on twin or triple room occupancy

For single travelers, this tour has a single supplement. This guarantees a single room throughout the tour

Prices are excluding international flights

Single Room

Single room types are rooms for single room occupants. One person will be occupying the hotel room throughout the tour.

Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.

Double Room

A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.

Triple Room

A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.

Japanese Style Room

A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.

Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.

The spring season of Japan is a fantastic time to visit as it is not too hot nor too cold. Several mountain vegetables can be found during spring, such as bamboo shoots or shiitake mushrooms. During this spring culinary experience, you can taste the flavors of spring with each meal and cooking lesson. 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... View More

The spring season of Japan is a fantastic time to visit as it is not too hot nor too cold. Several mountain vegetables can be found during spring, such as bamboo shoots or shiitake mushrooms. During this spring culinary experience, you can taste the flavors of spring with each meal and cooking lesson. 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 tain 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. Activity Level: Moderate On our moderate walking tours, you will be on your feet for much of the day to experience the sights listed in the itinerary. Who is a Moderate tour designed for? - We recommend moderate tours for anyone who is able to climb stairs and is happy to walk about 1 mile/1.6 km per day. - If you do not exercise regularly, please practice walking for two to three hours a day about three to six months prior to the tour in order to get the most out of your trip. Accommodations This itinerary contains overnight stays at Western Hotels, Ryokans, and Minshukus. Ryokans and Minshukus are more traditional accommodations, with a more casual hospitality than you will find at a hotel. At both a Ryokan and a Minshuku, you will stay in a simply furnished room and sleep on a futon, which is laid on a tatami mat. Some Ryokans may have private bathrooms attached to your room, but others only have public bathrooms used by all the guests. Minshukus usually offer only a public bathroom – meaning either a smaller bathroom used one guest at a time, or larger bathrooms separated by gender (male & female), and designed to be used by multiple guests at once.

Tour Information

Dates & price.

Please Note: All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy. International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money! We can arrange international flights for US customers if needed, please ask for details.

A 20% deposit is required to hold the space at time of booking and final payment is due 2 months prior to departure. At least 4 passengers minimum are required to guarantee the tour’s departure. Booked passengers will be informed 3 months before the starting date if the tour is not guaranteed, and they will have the option to either cancel and refund the amount already paid, or transfer the payment to another tour.

What's included

• 10 nights in hotels and Japanese-style inns (Ryokan and Minshuku)
• All transportation between tour locations
• Forwarding of one item of luggage
• Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide
• Breakfast everyday
• 4 lunches & 6 dinners

Admission fees and activities

• All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary

What's NOT included

• International Airfares
• Airport transfers
• Meals that are not included in the itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
• For single travelers, this tour has a single supplement. The Single Supplement for this tour only applies to Western-style hotels. For Ryokan / Minshuku / Temple Lodging, you will be paired with another traveler of the same gender.

Additional Information

Public transportation

Arrival Departure Airports

For arrivals at Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Kyoto, with departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX).

Meal Requests

Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged.

Meet and Greet

Airport meet and greet and arrival airport transfer are NOT included, but we will provide with full instructions in advance.

Itinerary In Brief

• Day1   Meet in Tokyo
• Day2   Travel to Kanazawa
• Day3   Foraging experience in Gokayama
• Day4   Shirakawa-go and Takayama
• Day5   Classic earth oven cooking experience in Hida Furukawa
• Day6   Travel from Takayama to Osaka
• Day7   Osaka - Sharpen your knowledge about Japanese cutlery
• Day8   Awaji Island - Foodscape experience
• Day9   Travel to Kyoto, Uji - Tawara Tea visiting
• Day10   Kyoto - Tofu Making and Nishiki Market Farewell dinner
• Day11   Tour ends in Kyoto

Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

Detailed itinerary, meet in tokyo.

Welcome to Tokyo! In the evening, meet your tour guide and the rest of the group members at the hotel located in central Tokyo. From there we will venture out into the city’s dazzling streets where we will enjoy a Robatayaki dinner. This traditional Japanese cooking style uses hot charcoal to fire-grill ingredients, making for a tasty and robust dinner.

Welcome Dinner

Shiba park hotel or similar class (western hotel), travel to kanazawa.

We will take a train along the Japan Sea coast towards Kanazawa. As the seat of the Maeda Clan during the Edo Period, Kanazawa had a grand castle and is a city with refined and sophisticated local cuisine. Once we arrive at Kanazawa, we will have the chance to wander the Higashichaya-district for lunch. Afterwards, we head to a local market called Oomi Ichiba, Kanazawa's largest fresh food market which has attracted many residents and visitors for centuries. Allow a local chef to show you around the market, offering insight into locally produced ingredients at the many stalls. From there, with the local goods purchased, we will enjoy a cooking class at a traditional Japanese-style residence. We will learn how to transform simple ingredients into delicious dishes with the help of a professional.

Breakfast / Dinner

Ana crowne plaza kanazawa or similar class (western hotel), foraging experience in gokayama.

Today we will travel by private motorcoach from Kanazawa to Gokayama, a World Heritage Site where you can find the very distinctive Gassho-zukuri farmhouses with thatched roofs, unique to this region of Japan. A city located in a mountainous region isolated from the rest of the country for many centuries, here you will find villagers who still keep up with their traditional lifestyles, gathering and preserving ‘Sansai’, or wild plants, all while growing their own vegetables and mushrooms as well. Here we will join local plant hunter Ms. Ueda and together explore the surrounding mountains and harvest seasonal delicacies. Afterwards, we will visit the home of Mr. Nakanishi, a local resident who grows a special variety of rice for making sake. Getting to taste home-brewed sake, called Doburoku in Japanese, is an experience like no other. To finish our night, we will experience cooking the ingredients found from the mountains and learn to create delicious dishes with locals.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Yomorshiro or similar class (minshuku), shirakawa-go and takayama.

After enjoying a traditional Japanese breakfast, we will take a highway bus to visit the nearby village of Shirakawa-go. This village has its own extraordinary collection of Gassho-zukuri houses and has also been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. After lunch in Shirakawa-go, we will move on to Takayama located within the mountainous Hida region. Takayama has an absolutely beautifully preserved old town and a unique culture. Takayama is very well known for its crafts, particularly yew carving, Shunkei, lacquerware, pottery, and furniture. After exploring Takayama, we will enjoy a multi-course Kaiseki dinner at our family-run Ryokan. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner, which highlights seasonal ingredients that must pass the chef's inspection before making it onto the plate. Each individual dish is a small portion, however, the colors, combinations of the presentation of ingredients, all together with tableware and the atmosphere of the area, express the aesthetics of Japanese culture.

Asunaro or similar class (Ryokan)

Classic earth oven cooking experience in hida furukawa.

Today we will take a short train ride to the beautifully well-preserved old town of Hida Furukawa, where stunning white-walled storehouses have preserved the atmosphere of the Edo Period. Once we arrive, we will enter one of the Machiya residences, traditional townhomes, where a local grandmother will show us a traditional way of cooking. Known as 'Okudo-san', the traditional classic stove oven is rarely used today. After lunch, we will head to a sweet shop that has been making Furukawa’s specialty “Miso Senbei” crackers for more than 100 years using the famous "Hida Miso". We will then have free time to stroll the town of Takayama and a chance to dine out at one of the local restaurants.

Travel from Takayama to Osaka

To start our day, we will board a train towards Osaka along with our Ekiben lunch box. These lunch boxes are available only on trains and at stations, and are convenient for those with a long journey ahead of them. We will soon reach Osaka, known as “the Tenka no daikokoro”, or “The Nation’s Kitchen”, and although famous for its Michelin starred restaurants, Osaka is particularly famous for its street food such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and much more. For tonight's dinner, we will visit a hidden house owned by a sake shop in downtown Namba. The shop owner's deep love for sake shows, as the owner has been working alongside other sake connoisseurs with the same level of passion and enthusiasm with over 10,000 bottlers of Sake collections. The term “Sakana” traditionally refers to food served alongside sake as a pairing as originated from the Saka (Sake) and Na (food). For tonight’s dinner you will be served special delicacies that pair well with selected Sake.

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar class (Western Hotel)

Osaka - sharpen your knowledge about japanese cutlery.

This morning, we will travel by local train to Sakai City, which was once known for the production of Samurai swords. Today, the city is known for its kitchen knives and skilled craftsmen who have perfected their art. Once we arrive, we will make our way on foot to a local smith where we will have the chance to witness the forging process of Japanese knives up close. The craftsmen will show you all the steps needed to fold steel and sharpen edges to maintain a Japanese knife. You will also have the chance to purchase your own Japanese knife if you wish. In the evening we return to Osaka, where dinner will be at leisure. Enjoy trying the different street food or trying a local restaurant.

Breakfast / Lunch

Awaji island - foodscape experience.

According to Japanese mythology, when the gods Izanagi and Izanami first created the Japanese archipelago, they started by creating Awaji Island, also known as Ōyashima in Japanese. This island has long been known as Miketsukuni (a place of food production for emperors). We will first visit a fish auction at a port before meeting up on the coast for the ultimate beach lunch experience. If the weather is unkind, we will enjoy our delicious meal at a former primary school, now renovated as a lovely café. We will enjoy a meal from a chef who is a real artist and prepares what he calls a “Foodscape” (a food landscape). Using locally harvested ingredients, our chef uses his inspiration to create a natural landscape that will delight each sense. For the night, we will stay at a beachside property on Awaji Island. Before turning in for the night, we will browse the port's backstreets and enjoy the drinking culture of Awaji Island. Dinner is at your leisure, in which your guide can offer suggestions.

Yumekaiyu Awajishima or similar class (Ryokan)

Travel to kyoto, uji - tawara tea visiting.

Today, we will travel back from Awaji island by private vehicle and make a brief stop for a local lunch. After your lunch, we make our way to Uji, an area that is famous for its superior green tea. We will visit a tea plantation and participate in a tea tasting, where you will have the chance to taste the depth of flavors from the tea. We then depart Uji for a renovated samurai residence in Kyoto, where we will participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, considered an art by many. If you would like, you can also wear a kimono during the ceremony. Afterwards, you can enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar class (Western Hotel)

Kyoto - tofu making and nishiki market farewell dinner.

We will explore the ancient city of Kyoto today, tasting local cuisine and flavorful foods. Kyoto is renowned throughout Japan for its regional Washoku cuisine, which typically consists of rice accompanied by fish, seafood, and seaweed. The lovely city is also known for the refinement and artistic presentation of Kaiseki cuisine, a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner. We will first try our hand at making traditional Kyoto- style tofu at a long-established tofu shop using locally sourced soy. With so many temples located in Kyoto, Tofu is an important staple of Buddhist cusine. Later, we head to the lively Nishiki Market, a covered shopping area which has come to be known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’. Here, we can find a wide variety of traditional foods and local specialty items such as seafood, pickled and dried Japanese vegetables, tea, sweets, and also ceramics. We will then travel to Arashiyama, where we enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian lunch with a beautiful garden scenery. After a visit to the famous Bamboo Forest, we make our way to Central Kyoto for our farewell dinner.

Tour ends in Kyoto

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Your guide will be happy to provide advice for traveling to the airport if you are returning home, or advice for continuing your travels.

Destinations

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

Other Japan Tours you may interested

The Golden Triangle of Japan Tour Spring (Reverse)

The Golden Route Japan Tour Spring: Kyoto Aoi Festival

The Golden Triangle of Japan: Fuji Shibazakura, Snow Monkeys & Snow Corridor

Japan Trips & Tour Packages

Beautiful landscapes? Check. Cultural experiences? Check. Tastebud-tingling food? Check. Our Japan tours have it all.

There’s a certain allure to Japan – a place where eastern tradition and western modernity collide among otherworldly scenery that’ll take your breath away and refuse to give it back. Add mouthwatering cuisine, a fascinating history, and a multifaceted culture into the mix and it's easy to understand how Japan continues to captivate travelers. From enjoying a sake tasting at a local brewery and soaking in a steaming hot onsen to marveling at World Heritage-listed temples thousands of years old, our tours in Japan promise the ultimate adventure: one you’ll continue to think about long after you return home. 

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Japan at a glance

Capital city.

Tokyo (population approximately 37 million)

Approximately 123.1 million

(GMT+09:00) Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Japan

Culture and customs.

Japan is a multifaceted country made up of many different cultures, rituals, and traditions influenced by Confucianism (introduced in AD285), Buddhism (introduced in AD552), and Shintoism (Japan’s ritualistic native religion). The rise of technology and international trendsetting has also played a part in the culture of Japan today as the younger generation embraces fashion-forwardness, online personas, and high-tech gadgets.

This is in direct contrast to the Confucian-influenced, old-school Japanese culture that the older generations still live by, with a larger emphasis on modesty, respect, and discipline. This can sometimes cause conflict between the two demographics, however, there are still some traditions that are considered sacred regardless of age – tea ceremonies, bowing, kendo, geisha, and sumo.

Visit ancient temples and walk history-laden pilgrim routes on a 8 day Koya-san & Kumano Trek.

History and government

Japan has had an interesting past with its ancient history, pre-modern history, and 20th-century history, all influencing the country we all know and love today.

Ancient history

While there is evidence the archipelago has been occupied by humans for around 35,000 years, what we know now as ‘Japan’ began to take shape about 1700 years ago as disparate tribes started to unify.

Pre-modern history

Over the centuries, Japan has alternated between feudal, empirical, religious, and government rule, with each period birthing different styles of art, architecture, and spirituality. Buddhism and Confucianism, introduced in 552 BC and AD 285, respectively, both proved massively influential on the class structures and governance of pre-modern Japan. You can still visit and stay in many Buddhist temples in Japan today.

20th century

It’s difficult to discuss the emergence of modern Japan without talking about WWII. During the war, the Empire of Japan used aggressive military tactics in an attempt to expand its reach and control in Asia and elsewhere. In response, the US Army instigated a strategic bombing campaign that included the notorious use of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The result of these attacks was mass human and structural devastation.

These bombings, along with depleted armed forces and the looming threat of invasion from the Soviet Union, led the Empire of Japan to surrender unconditionally to the Allies in September 1945.

The ‘Empire of Japan’ became ‘Japan’ as part of the extensive terms of surrender, and the nation faced the prospect of rebuilding and reinventing itself in the second half of the 20th century.    

Reflect on the historic and sobering sites of Hiroshima and Nagasaki while on an 24 day Ultimate Japan tour.

After WWII, Japan found its feet operating as a free-market economy based around the manufacture and export of automobiles and electronics, experiencing particularly rapid growth between 1960 and the late 1980s. The late 20th century saw the country emerge as an economic superpower, and with that came the flourishing of several cultural sectors, such as the arts and cuisine. 

Experience Japan's historic sites on a 13 day Land of the Rising Sun tour.

Top places to visit in Japan

One minute you’re walking through a former black-market quarter, the next, you’re paying your respects at a 1400-year-old temple. Eclectic Tokyo is an essential part of any visit to Japan. Wander through the streets of Tokyo on our 12 day Classic Japan tour.

If you’ve ever eaten at a sushi train restaurant, you’ve got the underrated city of Osaka to thank! The motto in this city is 'kuidaore', which roughly translates as ‘eat until you drop’ . You can consider that a (friendly) order. Experience Osaka on our 12 day Japan Family Holiday.

The home of temples, palaces, and the Gion district (where geisha live and work), Kyoto is also where you’ll find the famed Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Spot Geisha in Kyoto on our 9 day Japan Express tour.

4. Kanazawa

A great place to see a slice of old Japan, with classic sculpted gardens, a restored Old Town, and well-preserved architecture from a variety of eras. Explore Kanazawa on our 11 day Cycle Japan tour or on our 10 day Essential Japan adventure.

5. Hiroshima

Most travelers visit Hiroshima to see the Peace Memorial Park, constructed around the hypocentre of the atomic bomb that destroyed the city in 1945. Follow this up with nearby Miyajima, a tranquil island where tame deer roam the streets. 

6. Yudanaka

This quaint resort town is best experienced in the winter, when snow coats the normally evergreen trees and Japanese macaques come down from the mountains to bathe and groom each other in the steaming natural hot springs of Jigokudani (Hell Valley).

Geography and environment

Japan is an archipelago of more than 6000 islands located in the Pacific Ocean in Asia . The main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. Lying on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan is prone to destructive earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. The most famous volcano, Mount Fuji , is also Japan's highest peak and only 100km from Tokyo.

Japan has plenty of forested, mountainous terrain that is unsuitable for agriculture and development, so much of the population lives in the coastal cities. This has led Japan to become one of the most densely populated countries in the world and the majority of its inhabitants are used to living in very small spaces, with a heavy reliance on public transport.

Although life is fast-paced and crowded in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, rural areas typically feature low-density, traditional housing and a slower pace of life surrounded by greenery such as lush forests and plenty of moss-covered boulders. 

Traverse mountains, cycle coastlines, and meander through forests on a 12 day Japan: Hike, Bike and Kayak tour.

Shopping in Japan is fun but expensive, so be sure to have a budget for souvenirs planned in advance! In cities like Tokyo, there are loads of quirky stores and funky galleries showcasing the works of independent fashion designers and gadget creators. From the outlandish to the kitsch, you're guaranteed to find loads of colorful clothing and edgy art that you won't be able to find elsewhere. 

If you’re planning to bring back leaf tea or any other perishable or edible items, it's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand, in particular, have strict quarantine laws.

What to buy

• Kimonos This quintessential Japanese souvenir looks great hung on the wall as an interesting decorative piece. If you plan on wearing one, make sure you do so respectfully and learn the correct way to fold the garment.
• Paper lanterns, kites and fans Japanese paper goods make great, relatively inexpensive souvenirs. Choose from high-quality, traditionally-made kites or delicate rice paper lanterns.
• Electronics Shops in Japan are bursting with the latest tech gadgets. Just be sure to check that they are compatible for use at home.
• Fashion Have fun with the amazing diversity of popular street culture fashion available in Japan. Vibrant, brash and sometimes bizarre – find something that no one back at home will be wearing.
• Anime and manga paraphernalia Another inexpensive gift option, even for people who can’t read Japanese. Pick up a book, magazine, t-shirt or print from one of Japan’s many anime and manga stores.

Festivals and events

If you want an adventure with a point of difference, consider planning your travels to coincide with these popular festive events in Japan. 

Sapporo Winter Festival

Held every February since 1950, this festival features hundreds of statues and ice sculptures, snow slides and mazes, regional food and artistic performances. Winter in Japan is truly amazing, and the Sapporo Winter Festival is a magical way to celebrate.

Hadaka Matsuri

Head to Okayama to watch thousands of men wearing nothing but loincloths vie to touch the chosen 'naked man'. It may look like a bizarre male-bonding exercise but it's actually a historic cleansing ritual dating back thousands of years. Dates change yearly.

Fuji Rock Festival

Held annually in the stunning surroundings of the Naeba Ski Resort, this outdoor music festival is huge and draws in big-name acts and local bands Thousands of music lovers flock to Naeba for three days of camping, music and partying in the summer months. 

Read more about festivals in Japan

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Japan adventure, check out these books:

• The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle – Haruki Murakami
• Sembazuru – Yasunari Kawabata
• Moshi Moshi – Banana Yoshimoto
• Goodnight Punpun – Inio Asano
• Okinawa Notes – Kenzaburo Oe
•  A History of Japan – George Sansom
• Embracing Defeat – John W Dower

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Japan travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

Under current restrictions, a visa is required to enter Japan as a tourist. We recommend you apply for your visa no later than one month before your departure date. Please contact your local consulate or embassy for more information.

This page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 15 June, 2023 

Is tipping customary in Japan?

Tipping isn't customary in Japan and is not expected – in fact, it will sometimes be considered impolite. Some inns or ryokans may leave a small envelope in your room where a small gratuity can be left for housekeeping staff.

What is the internet access like in Japan?

Internet access is excellent in Japan, with one of the most developed high-speed internet networks in the world. Internet cafes and wi-fi hotspots are easily found in most cities and major towns.

Can I use my cell while in Japan?

Cell phone coverage is excellent in Japan but be aware that talking loudly on your phone in public places (like in train carriages) is frowned upon. You will be expected to hide your mouth behind your hand if you must take a call in public. If you want to use your cell phone, ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive (but be aware of the fees this may incur).

What are the toilets like in Japan?

In Japan, toilets range from high-tech bidets to standard western-style flushable toilets to squat toilets, which are still common outside the city. Sometimes you may need to pay for toilet paper, which can usually be purchased from a vending machine nearby.

What will it cost for a...?

Japan's unit of currency is the yen:

• Bento box = YEN 550
• Bowl of ramen = YEN 650-1,200
• Can of beer = YEN 250
• Coffee = YEN 100-600
• Convenience store snack = YEN 200-500

Can I drink the water in Japan?

Drinking water from taps in Japan is considered safe. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Major cities often have water fountains in train stations.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Japan?

Major credit cards are accepted by some stores; however, Japan is still very much a cash culture and as such, some places may not accept credit cards. Ensure you carry enough cash to cover purchases.

What is ATM access like in Japan?

ATMs are common in Japan but unfortunately many of them don't accept foreign-issued cards. However, you can access cash from non-Japanese bank accounts via the Cirrus and Maestro systems at all post office ATMs around the country, as well as ATMs at 7-Eleven convenience stores.

What public holidays are celebrated in Japan?

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• *Coming of Age Day
• 11 Feb: National Foundation Day
• 23 Feb: Emperor's Birthday
• *20 Mar: Vernal/Spring Equinox Day
• 29 Apr: Showa Day
• 3 May: Constitution Day
• 4 May: Greenery Day
• 5 May: Children's Day
• *Jul: Marine Day, also known as Sea or Ocean Day
• 11 Aug: Mountain Day
• *Sep: Respect-for-the-Aged Day
• *23 Sep: Autumnal Equinox Day
• *Oct: Health and Sports Day
• 3 Nov: Culture Day
• 23 Nov: Labour Thanksgiving Day

* Please note, Japan public holidays may vary.

When is the best time to travel to Japan?

There’s never a bad time to travel to Japan but the months that see the most travelers are March, April, and May as the weather is mild and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The warm weather (with low humidity levels) of September, October, and November are also suitable months to visit Japan – you’ll even be treated to landscapes colored with oranges, reds, and browns for autumn. While winter can be cold, this is the best time for snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snow festivals. On the other hand, the summer months see high humidity levels that can leave some travelers uncomfortable.

What is the weather like in Japan?

• Spring (March to May): temperatures range from 50 to 68°F, with conditions getting sunnier and clearer towards the end of the season.
• Summer (June to August): temperatures range from 70 to 90°F depending on where you are. It’s warmer in the south than in the north. You can expect some rain in June, and it can get quite humid towards the end of the season.
• Fall (September to November): temperatures range from 45 to 68°F. The humidity starts to calm down in September, but days stay warm until October. Nights can be chilly.  
• Winter (December to February): break out the coats, temperatures during winter range from 32 to 59°F. The mountains and the north experience snowfall .

How safe is Japan?

Japan is generally safe and is rated among the safest countries in the world. Reports of crime such as theft are very low and travelers are often stunned by the fact that locals leave belongings unaccompanied in cafes and bars (though we certainly don’t recommend it!). 

Is Japan safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

LGBTQIA+ travelers shouldn’t have any issues visiting Japan with violence, outright hostility or overt discrimination extremely rare. However, Japan’s older generation still holds conservative values when it comes to LGBTQIA+ sexuality and non-binary gender expression, especially those that live in regional areas.

Same-sex relationships are considered legal in some districts (such as Tokyo); however, same-sex marriage hasn’t been legalized yet. Public displays of affection are often frowned upon, regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation so keep that in mind when you’re out in public. 

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

Is Japan accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

The needs of travelers with mobility issues, including wheelchair users, are considered in the infrastructure in major cities. Train stations have lifts (elevators), wide turnstiles and (for the most part) raised platforms so that wheelchair users can glide onto the train without being assisted.  Sidewalks in Japanese cities are sometimes sloped towards the road, which can make traveling a straight line difficult for wheelchair users or people with vision impairment.

It is common practice in Japan to remove shoes when entering a home. Wheelchair users should carry something to wipe down their wheels in respect of this custom. Apply the same logic for other mobility aids such as canes.

Ryokans and other traditional accommodation can be difficult to navigate for people with limited mobility, but accessible hotel options are plentiful in the major cities.

Travelers with vision impairment may find the tactile yellow strips that guide the way to various places in train stations helpful, though please note that there is no barrier between the train tracks and platforms.

If you have a battery-operated hearing aid, it’s a good idea to bring extra batteries or familiarise yourself with the Japanese equivalent of the batteries it takes.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What should I wear in Japan?

Summer months can be incredibly hot and sticky, so loose, lightweight and breathable clothing is essential.

Spring and autumn can be crisp and cold, so you might want to pack thermal layers in addition to your coat and boots. 

Outside of Hokkaido and the mountains, the winter temperatures in Japan are manageable as long as you have regular cold-weather clothes like a good coat, pair of gloves, a winter hat and a scarf. 

The style of dress common for women in Japan may be a little more covered up than you are used to, particularly outside the major cities.

Packing comfortable trousers is essential as you may find yourself sitting cross-legged on the floor during your stay. 

What are some common phrases/words I should learn before my trip to Japan?

Having a basic understanding of the language and culture of the country you're visiting can go a long way when it comes to, not only communicating efficiently but your overall trip experience as well. Some common phrases you need to learn are: 

• 'hello' - Konnichiwa
• 'good morning' - Ohayō 
• 'thank you' - Arigatou Gozaimasu
• 'please' - Onegaishimasu

What religions do they practice in Japan?

There are two dominant religions in Japan - Shinto and Buddhism. The majority of Japanese people practice both simultaneously, however, there is a small number of the population that practise other religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam. 

What are the best places to visit in Japan?

From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the peaceful nature of the Japanese Alps, there are plenty of bucket-list destinations to include on your itinerary of Japan. We know it's hard to see everything but here are a few of our favourite places to visit in Japan: 

What are the best things to see in Japan?

Japan isn't short of spectacular attractions to wander through and fascinating historical landmarks to marvel at but it's pretty hard to do it all on your trip to Japan. So you don't miss the things you simply have to see, we've put together a short list of parks, temples, and monuments worth visiting. Happy exploring! 

• Hiroshima Peace Park 
• Cherry blossom trees
• Osaka Castle
• Himeji Castle

What should I eat in Japan?

Food lovers, including  vegetarians and vegans , will be more than satisfied with the variety and quality of Japanese cuisine. With a focus on fresh, seasonal produce that is prepared meticulously and presented beautifully, dining in Japan is a memorable experience.

What drinks should I try in Japan?

From craft beer to sake, Japan has plenty of tasty liquids to keep you hydrated throughout your travels.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

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Food Tours Japan

Eat, Drink & Cook in Japan

15 Best Osaka Food Tours [2024 Update]

Osaka is a city obsessed with food, and there’s no better place to experience Japanese food and local specialities. Enjoying an Osaka food tour is the best way to savour the fantastic food and soulful vibes of this gourmet city fondly known as ‘Japan’s Kitchen’.

I’ve hand-picked the best Osaka food and drink experiences by comparing each tour and highlighting what’s important. Why should you trust me?

Living in Osaka for nine years, I’ve taken many tours and discovered the most delicious dishes and best culinary neighbourhoods. After reading this, you’ll find an experience right for you.

Here are the 15 best Osaka food tours.

If you’re in a hurry, jump down to my at a glance comparison guide .

Osaka Food Tours: Quick Links

• Osaka Food Tour at Shinsekai with 10 Dishes
• Ura Namba Food Tour: Eat Like a True Osakan
• Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Dotonbori and Namba
• Osaka Night Bites Foodie Walking Tour
• Osaka Street Food Tour

Compare Osaka Food Tours: Quick Comparison Guide

• Kuromon Market Food Tours – eat your way through Osaka’s gourmet market

Osaka Food Tour: Best of the Best Experiences

‘  Savour deliciously addictive Osakan soul food around the famous Dotonbori and Namba area on tour 1 . Wash it down with sake and craft beer in backstreet bars on an Osaka street food tour.

Explore Osaka’s vibrant food scene and nightlife culture on fascinating tour 2 . Enjoy local and Japanese dishes at standing bars in off-the-beaten-track hipster hangout Temma.

Eat authentic Osaka food until you drop in Shinsekai’s secret spots on highly-acclaimed tour 3 . Ten dishes, two drinks and fun and friendly guides make it excellent value.

Discover trendy Ura Namba, one of Osaka’s best-kept culinary secrets, on tour 4 —an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars in a maze of narrow streets away from the tourist crowds.

Experience magical neon lights and hidden alleys bar hopping on this Namba and Dotonbori food tour. Get a taste of Osaka’s food and drink culture and meet the locals on tour 5 .  ’

Price per person based on two people attending a tour: $ = up to $89; $$ = between $90 & $129; $$$ = over $129. Some experiences offer discounted rates for groups of more people.

1. Osaka Street Food Tour

Discover the city’s best cuisine on this unforgettable private and personalised Osaka street food tour.

• Savour Osaka’s delicious soul and street foods, like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes)
• Explore the lantern-lit narrow streets and alleys of Namba in the heart of Osaka’s food scene
• Eat and drink like a local and learn about Osaka cuisine
• Sample different places to eat, like izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), street stalls and liquor stores
• Includes: A private and personalised tour, 6-8 dishes of Japanese and Osakan food, 2 drinks (alcoholic or soft), a walking experience and hotel meet-up (on request)
• Location: Dotonbori and Namba
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, flexible start time

Book Osaka Street Food Tour >>

2. Osaka Night Bites Foodie Walking Tour

Enjoy a fun and memorable night on this highly-rated small-group Osaka night food tour.

• Savour local delicacies like tonpeiyaki (pork omelette) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), and dote nikomi (slow-cooked beef in miso)
• Hang out with and chat with the locals over drinks at three tachinomiya (standing bars)
• Get off the beaten track and discover two distinct neighbourhoods
• Learn about food culture on one of the best food tours in Osaka
• Optional upgrade: 100g (around 3.5 ounces) of premium Kobe wagyu beef
• Includes: A whole dinner’s worth of food tastings from 3 restaurants, 3 drinks, a cultural walking tour and a train ticket
• Location: Kyobashi and Tenma
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 6pm

3. Osaka Food Tour at Shinsekai with 10 Dishes

Enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic journey with passionate and fun-loving locals.

• Savour 10 delicious Osaka specialities like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and takoyaki (octopus balls), plus karaage (fried spiced chicken), gyoza, dessert and more
• Experience retro Shinksekai’s neon-lit streets and hidden alleyways.
• Visit five local places to eat: Izakaya (Japanese-style pub), tachinomiya (standing bar), restaurant, market and backstreet stall
• Choose from Japanese drinks like sake, beer, chuhai (shochu and lemon) and highball (whisky and soda)
• Includes: 10 dishes from 5 places, 2 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and a guided walking tour
• Location: Shinsekai and Nishinari
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 5.30pm

4. Ura Namba Food Tour: Eat Like a True Osakan

Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover Osaka’s delicious food culture on a private and personalised tour.

• Discover local specialities like okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) and Osakan udon noodles, and fusion cuisine in this lively neighbourhood
• Explore this super-cool and buzzing area of Osaka to see how the locals entertain themselves
• Visit izakayas (Japanese-style pubs), tachinomiya (standing bars) and quirky bars
• Choose places to eat or leave it to your guide’s recommendations
• Includes: Private and personalised experience, 6-8 dishes of local food, 2 drinks (alcoholic or soft), walking tour and hotel meet-up (on request)
• Location: Ura Namba (area between Osaka-Namba and Nippombashi stations)

Book Ura Namba Food Tour >>

5. Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba

Discover izakaya (Japanese-style pub) food and drink culture with a local guide.

• Enjoy tasty food and drinks among Dotonbori’s bright neon lights and less-visited Ura Namba
• Try local specialities like kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and takoyaki (octopus balls), and classic Japanese drinking snacks
• Visit three different izakayas with a knowledgeable local guide
• Meet fellow travellers on this fun food and bar crawl
• Includes: 8 deep-fried skewers, 1-2 dishes, 3-4 alcoholic or soft drinks, 3 izakayas and a walking tour
• Location: Dotonbori and Shinsekai
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 6pm and 7pm

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Now you’ve seen my top recommendations, let’s continue the best Osaka food tours, including Kuromon Market.

To help you decide the right tour for you, here’s a quick comparison of what’s included, where you’ll go and the price.

All Osaka food and drink experiences include walking tours with English-speaking guides.

6. Osaka Deep Backstreets Tour with Dinner

Discover Osaka, off-limits to tourists, learn about local history and enjoy a post-tour meal.

• Explore parts unseen, including a red-light district, gambling dens, yakuza strongholds, a fishing restaurant, dimly lit gritty Osaka backstreets and more
• Devour delicious Osaka soul food like nikudofu (slow-cooked beef) and tonpeiyaki (pork omelette), plus karaage (deep-fried chicken) and yakitori (chicken skewers) — with dinner option
• Taste local snacks, takoyaki (octopus balls), and gyoza from street food stalls
• Select the ‘Tour with Dinner’ option for an authentic meal
• Includes: A full dinner of 5-6 dishes, 2 snacks and a deep Osaka walking tour with a professional guide
• Duration and start time: 3-3.5 hours, 5.30pm
• Location: Shinseakai and nearby South Osaka neighbourhoods

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7. Osaka Night Food Tour

Enjoy a perfect adventure for food lovers to see Osaka at night.

• Savour Osaka’s tasty kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) and takoyaki (octopus balls) from a Michelin-rated street food stall
• See Dotonbori’s dazzling neon lights and the Glico running man sign
• Visit an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) for regional and Japanese cuisine
• Meet the friendly locals for a beer or nihonshu (sake)
• Includes: Multiple dishes from four food stops, one drink and a guided walking tour
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 5pm

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8. Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

Savour Osaka’s soul foods on this great-value culinary journey.

• Eat delicious kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) in their birthplace – Shinsekai
• See the shimmering neon lights and narrow streets on the Dotonbori food tour leg
• Tuck into takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (Osaka-style savoury pancake)
• Visit a Buddhist temple and Shinto shrine and get insights into Japanese culture
• Includes: 6 skewers and two dishes (vegan menu available), 1 drink and a guided tour
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 4.30pm and 5.30pm

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

Enjoy the thrill of cycling and a food trip on the road less travelled.

• Savour melt-in-your-mouth grilled wagyu beef in Osaka’s ‘Korean Town’
• Sample delectable dishes like sushi, skewers, udon and chijimi (spicy pancakes)
• Learn about Osaka’s knife-making history and treat yourself to a chef’s knife souvenir
• Enjoy the serenity at one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples
• Includes: Lunch (multiple food stops), 1 bottled water, cycle hire and a guided bike tour
• Location: Shinsekai, Tennoji and Tsurushashi
• Duration and start time: 3-4 hours (approx.), 9.30am

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10. Osaka Backstreet Night Tour

Enjoy a fun-packed evening and the raucous atmosphere of Osaka nightlife.

• Eat dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese-style pub) and get to know your group
• Savour Japanese food like fresh sushi, grilled yakitori (chicken skewers) and takoyaki (octopus balls)
• See Dotonbori’s neon lights before heading off to some backstreet bars
• Meet friendly locals and have more drinks (not included) until late
• Includes: Dinner, 1 drink, introductions to more bars and a guided tour
• Location: Namba and Dotonbori
• Duration and start time: 3 hours (approx.), 6pm

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11. Ultimate Kansai Region Food Experience

Experience Kansai’s food and drink specialities from the regional gourmet hub of Osaka.

• Try Osaka cuisine like fugu (pufferfish) prepared by professionally trained chefs
• Sample Kyoto culinary delights such as wagashi (confectionery), sake, and green tea
• Savour the mouth-watering taste of marbled Kobe wagyu beef
• Discover the origins and cultures of the dishes you eat and the local drinks
• Includes: Private and personalised experience, 6-8 dishes, 2 beverages, walking tour and hotel meet-up (on request)
• Duration and start time:   3 hours, flexible start time

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Kuromon Market Food Tours

‘  Known as ‘Osaka’s kitchen’, Kuromon Market is a lively place full of delicious food stalls and restaurants. You’ll find all manner of seafood, meat and vegetables along its 580 metres length.

Experience Kuromon Market and eat local and Japanese dishes until you drop on great-value tour 12 . Discover Osaka’s extraordinary food culture and see six different food markets on unique tour 13 .

On tour 14 , you’ll explore the market and sample tasty food before visiting a shopping street for kitchenware. Enjoy Kuromon Market and its delicious dishes on budget-friendly guided tour 15 .  ’

12. Kuromon Market Food Tour

Sample 10-12 Kuromon Ichiba (Market) foods on an excellent-value experience.

• Savour Osaka delicacy fugu (pufferfish) and soul food classics okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) and takoyaki (octopus balls)
• Try Japanese food favourites like sashimi, sushi, scallops, wasabi cheese and sakura mochi (rice and red bean confectionary)
• Learn about the market’s history and culture on this Osaka food market tour
• Experience a working Japanese food market and see foods you didn’t know existed
• Includes: 10-12 food tastings (lunch), coffee or tea, unique traditional chopsticks and a guided walking tour
• Location: Kuromon Market (meet at Nippombashi Station)
• Duration and start time: 1.5 hours (approx), 2pm

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13. Osaka Food Markets from Local to Luxurious

Osakans say ‘ kuidaore ’, which means ‘to ruin oneself by extravagance in food’, and you’ll see why during this fascinating experience.

• Explore six diverse food markets where people shop and eat
• Visit the famous Kuromon Market and the locals alternative Tenjinbashi-suji
• Savour wagyu beef yakiniku (grilled meat) at ‘Korean Town’
• Sample dishes and whatever takes your fancy on this unique Osaka food tour
• Included: 6 Osaka food markets guided English-speaking tour and food recommendations
• Location: Namba, Temma, Tenjinbashi-suji, Tsuruhashi, Kuromon Market and Doguyasuji
• Duration and start time: 4 hours (approx.), 9am or 2pm

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14. Osaka Kuromon Market Food Tour with Tastings

Experience Kuromon Market like a local on this engaging tour.

• Enjoy various dishes from five market food stops
• Sample fresh sushi, wagyu beef skewers and local treats
• Learn about Osaka’s food culture and way of life from a local guide
• Visit Osaka’s ‘Kitchen Town’, Sennichimae Doguyasuji, an ideal place to pick up a Japanese knife
• Includes: Various dishes from 5 food stops, 1 drink and an English-speaking guided tour
• Location: Kuromon Market and Doguyasuji
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 9am

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15. Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka

Explore Osaka’s culinary culture and discover unusual dishes you’ve never seen before.

• Sample tasty treats like fresh seafood, hotpot and street food
• Try Osaka’s most renowned soul food, takoyaki (octopus balls)
• Learn about the history, culture and cuisine of Kuromon Ichiba (Market)
• Uncover Japanese kitchenware and tableware for a souvenir to bring home at Doguyasuji
• Includes: 4-5 food samplings and a walking tour
• Duration and start time: 2 hours, 11 am

Book Kuromon Market Street Food Tour >>

Well, that’s a wrap! Please, don’t miss out on an opportunity to take an Osaka food tour. Its rich gourmet heritage makes it the perfect place to experience local, seasonal, and Japanese cuisine.

Images: kimishowota ,  Alexander Smagin

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2025 Food Tour of Hokkaido Japan

Top tour highlights.

Great nature of Hokkaido

Absorb the nature, culture and history of Hokkaido

Variety of restaurant style

Enjoy from sophisticated Michelin star restaurant to street food and izakaya restaurants

Cooking lesson from local ladies

Learn the secrets of dashi stock at konbu village of Shikabe

Farm visits and outdoor lunches

Visit dairy and vegetable farms and enjoy BBQ lunches in Hokkaido's great outdoor

Sapporo ramen

Check out Sapporo ramen at the famous Sapporo Ramen Alley

Japanese whisky

Try limited edition Nikka Whisky at the distillery

Tour Overview

The 2025 Food Tour of Hokkaido Japan is the latest in the range of our frequently commended Food Tours. This 13-day Japan Food Tour is staged on an island of Hokkaido. Hokkaido is becoming very popular among serious Japan lovers as the next ‘it’ destination and you will visit many of the untapped gems.

Early pioneers began farming in Hokkaido in the 16th century. However, it was a government policy to develop Hokkaido as a source of primary production in the 19th century when broadacre rice production, cattle grazing, dairy farming and vegetable horticulture started on a large scale. Hokkaido also has abundant high-quality seafood being surrounded by the rich arctic and subarctic waters of the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean. The indigenous people of Hokkaido, the Ainu, add a fascinating and distinct culture to the island.

*The group size of our Hokkaido tours is a maximum of 10, instead of our usual 8, because we use a comfortable larger size minibus throughout the tour to zip around Hokkaido. Due to this we do also require a minimum of 6 guests for this tour to be guaranteed to operate.

On your arrival in Sapporo's New Chitose Airport or JR Sapporo Station, you will meet a Journey to the East guide who will escort you to your hotel, which is located inside the airport terminal.  No need to worry about being stuck in the airport even if you arrive early.  The New Chitose Airport is an amazing airport and a destination in itself. It has a ramen ally, chocolate factory, theme parks, great shops and restaurants and even onsen!

After a good night’s sleep, you will be ready to start the first full day of your 2025 Food Tour of Hokkaido Japan tomorrow.

Although Hokkaido is known for its abundant snow, great skiing, and freezing winters, our food tour travels in early summer, the best season in Hokkaido. On average, the temperatures range from approximately 12°C (54°F) overnight to a maximum of approximately 22°C (72°F) during the day.

After breakfast at hotel, your first stop is an asparagus farm to try the fresh and high quality Hokkaido vegetables.

The next visit is one of the highlights of Hokkaido this time of the year, Yubari Melon . You might have seen precious melons wrapped in delicate paper and own box in fruit shops in Tokyo, selling at tens of thousands of yen per piece. They come from here. You will visit a fruit grading facility in Yubari and witness how this most sought-after fruit in Japan is grown and shipped. After a light lunch, you can try picking your own fruit (and tasting of course!).

Our final destination today is the city of Obihiro , located right in the middle of Hokkaido island. Tonight you will have a "welcome Japan" dinner at the hotel.

Today you will get insight of another Hokkaido's food industry, dairy . More than half of Japan's dairy products come from Hokkaido. You will look around the farm, and enjoy a BBQ lunch at the farm's restaurant .

In the afternoon, your minibus will take you through the vast Naitai Highland, experiencing the differences in landscape in Hokkaido compared to other parts of Japan. We will stop at a local food outlet that displays everything this area produces from meat, dairy, sweets, beer and homeware.

Tonight, we will take you to a local popular izakaya for dinner. Enjoy some unique local dishes and interaction with locals.

Today you will travel in a private minibus from Obihiro to Shiraoi . On this tour, you don't wait long before you get to try one of Japan's most popular foods, wagyu beef . Today you  will have the premium wagyu beef brand called Shiraoi Beef on BBQ at a farm restaurant in Shiraoi.

The next stop is the superb National Ainu Museum which will create a grand foundation about Hokkaido's history.

In the afternoon, you head for Noboribetsu hot springs which generate some 10,000 tons of hot water a day. Here your guide will take you on the Jigokudani (Hell Valley) Nature Walk, an interesting walk where you can observe intermittently erupting geysers along the path.

Tonight's accommodation is a high-class traditional ryokan (Japanese-style inn), where you will sleep on futon bedding in a tatami mat room, and enjoy a kaiseki dinner. The Japanese hospitality at its best!

This morning is all about scallops, one of Hokkaido's seafood specialties.

Your group stop at a little fishing village called Toyoura . A local guide will explain the fascinating story of how scallops grow from a minute egg to the delicious scallop. The morning is complete with a visit to strawberry farm and taste test the Hokkaido's juicy fruit.

After lunch, more beautiful Hokkaido scenery as you travel further south and stop at picturesque Onuma Park for a bit of relaxation. It is a quasi national park with a lake dotted with little islands connected by bridges. Relax among lovely walking tracks, bike trails and sightseeing boats.

Tonight's accommodation, an exquisite western style auberge will contrast with last night's stay. The hotel offers superb French style dinner called "Onuma 50 miles" which uses local vegetables and seafood.

Another of Hokkaido's famous seafoods, konbu (kelp) is on display today. Hokkaido is the biggest producer of konbu which is used in most dashi soup stock.

After visiting a local shrine and konbu grower's cottage to get the background of this seaweed, you join the fishermen's wives for a cooking lesson . The cooking class is held in a purpose-built modern facility where you will get stuck right into hands-on techniques.  The main feature of the cooking lesson is to learn how to make your own konbu dashi together with other typical Japanese dishes like miso soup.

Tonight you will travel to the city of Hakodate . This evening is free for you to have some rest after the action-packed few days. But before breaking up, your guide will take you to the top of Mt. Hakodate by gondola for a magnificent view of the port, which is considered to be one of the top three night-views of the world!

Hakodate is packed with history, a melting pot of cultures and a wonderful place to explore.

The first stop is Fort Goryokaku , a massive, star shaped, Western-style citadel, which was built in the last years of the Edo Period. It was constructed to defend Hokkaido against the Western powers. Hakodate has a unique history as it was one of the first ports that opened to the outside world after the isolation policy of the Edo period, and there has been great influence from western cultures. Then it is time for Hakodate's famous seafood market , you will be amazed by the range of fresh seafood available.

Your next activity, a walking guided tour of Motomachi area will continue the theme. You will see the multi-cultural aspect of Hakodate in this walk. The last program this afternoon is a visit to a green tea merchant founded in 1937, where you can hear all about how Japanese green tea is produced, processed and brewed.

Tonight's dinner is sublime Japanese cuisine at a Michelin-starred restaurant . Enjoy one of the freshest, tastiest and prettiest meals on earth!

You travel north today in the private minibus to the town of Kuromatsunai . Here we take the focus off food temporarily and enjoy the nature of Hokkaido. This small town is known as the northern limit for the beech forest in Japan. This natural treasure has been valued and fiercely protected by locals who have saved it twice from being cut down. You have a guided walk of the forest this morning (about 40 minutes).

The lunch today is a BBQ right on the beach looking over the Sea of Japan. In the afternoon, you head towards Niseko (1 hour drive), well-known for its winter ski fields, where you stay for the night. It is also a prime agricultural region, in particular the dairy industry. An ice cream stop is called for at this point, and you make a brief stop at Takanashi Dairy Farm and try its famous ice cream!

Dinner, Niseko style, is at one of the most popular restaurants among our past guests.

You continue travelling north to the town of Yoichi . Yoichi's biggest claim to fame is perhaps whisky . Today you can taste a special whiskey at Nikka Distillery that is only available at this venue.

The next activity is a fruit-picking of Hokkaido's unique fruits . This farmer's orchard must be the most wonderful 'office' in the world; beautiful sea views in one direction, outstanding mountain views in the other and surrounded by some of the best fruit you ever tasted! You will have a light lunch at the orchard overlooking this breathtaking scenery.

This afternoon, you transfer to a perhaps Hokkaido's most photographed port town of Otaru . The first visit at Otaru is the Former Aoyama Villa, once the residence of wealthy herring fisherman when Otaru prospered with its herring fishery industry in the 19th century up to the 1950's. The houses built by successful fishermen are called Nishin Goten (herring mansions) and the Former Aoyama Villa is a great specimen of them. The well-preserved Aoyama Villa which spared no expense in the materials and construction, is a great place to reminisce how much wealth was made by the herring fishery in its heyday.

Tonight, you will finally reach a base for the next two nights. After settling into your hotel and having an orientation walk with guide, dinner tonight is at Naruto, Otaru's famous fried chicken restaurant. People travel from all over Japan to Otaru to experience this crispy chicken. You will wash it down with some local craft beer.

This morning you have free time to explore the canal city of Otaru. You may like to walk along the canal and take photographs or pop into many craft galleries and sweet shops lining the streets of Otaru.

In the afternoon, you will meet again and visit a local sake brewer to witness first-hand how this prized alcohol is produced. Otaru is well-known for its sweets and an afternoon guided tour will include some cake shops and Japanese sweet shops. You will finish a day at a top sushi restaurant in Otaru, which offers another of Otaru's food specialties.

Today you finally reach Sapporo , the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture. On the way, you drop by Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium . It was one of the competition venues for the 1972 Sapporo Winter Olympic Games. From the Okurayama Observation Lounge at 307 m above ground, you enjoy breathtaking panoramas expanding from Sapporo’s city center, including the iconic Odori Park.

After having ramen, arguably the most famous dish of Hokkaido, for lunch at the famous Sapporo Ramen Yokocho (the Sapporo Ramen Alley ), you have a walking guided tour of historic sites in central Sapporo, which include the former Hokkaido Government Office, the Clock Tower of the former Hokkaido Agricultural College and Odori Park.

This evening is free for you to try any of the endless choice of restaurants in Sapporo to suit your personal taste. Your guide will help you with the selection.

It is the last day of the tour. This morning you will visit one of the iconic sites of Sapporo, Hokkaido Shrine . After walking around the vast shrine grounds and having a rest at the nearby tea house for typical Hokkaido sweets, this afternoon is set aside for you to cover off your personal interests. There are many cultural and historical museums and theme parks to learn more about this unique region, peaceful parks and gardens to stroll, and one of the best shopping in Japan! Let us know what your interests are and we will make suggestions.

In the evening, you will come together for the one last time for a group dinner at a restaurant offers contemporary dishes using sustainably grown ingredients. Through their meals you will feel the passion, care and pride of the producers and chefs, well fitting the theme of this tour.

This morning after breakfast, the 2025 Food Tour of Hokkaido Japan will conclude. You can head back to your country by air via the New Chitose Airport , but alternatively, why not linger longer in Hokkaido and Japan? We will be delighted to plan your personal post-tour extension to show you a different part of Japan. Please see our Extension Model Itineraries on Private Tour page for inspirations!

Dates & Prices

Per person twin share:, single supplement.

Each guest is personally looked after with one-on-one interactions with our hand-picked, expert tour guides. As part of your investment, this tour includes:

• First-class wisdom and higher standard of individual care and attention
• 12 nights’ accommodation (including traditional Japanese inns)
• All breakfasts
• 8 lunches (3 free choice lunches)
• 9 dinners (2 free choice dinners)
• Meet and greet on arrival at New Chitose Airport (Sapporo)
• All local transport (private minibus)
• Expert English speaking tour guides (locally licensed)
• Cultural activities and entry fees included in itinerary

DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise stated, this tour does not include the costs of international and domestic airfares, transfers on the last day, travel insurance, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, transport during free time, personal expenses (laundry, internet, telephone, coin lockers etc.) and Visa (if required).

Who this Japan tour is for...

This is a perfect tour for people who:

• Want to visit Hokkaido , away from the major tourist destinations of Japan and enjoy its vast nature and unique history
• Wish to deepen the knowledge of Japanese food while enjoying the sightseeing and cultural experiences
• Are interested in food production and visiting farms and fishing villages
• Enjoy the professionally organised small group tour with professional tour guides
• Like extra small group tours designed with healthy 55+  travelers in mind
• Experience a  variety in style , and typically 4 star  boutique accommodation  with private bathroom

The Journey to the East Food Tour of Hokkaido was an exceptional trip. Well worth doing. This is the second JttE tour I have been on, the previous Food Tour of Kyushu was similarly outstanding. These small group tours are a must for those who like Japanese food and want to get a more informed insight into the life of ordinary Japanese people. I thoroughly recommend them to all.

Graeme Seaton

Journey to the East has put a huge amount of research into providing a true ‘holiday of a lifetime’ experience with no stone unturned to ensure their clients dreams are fulfilled. A 11 out 10.

Peter Canham

New zealand.

What a phenomenal tour of the northern Japan countryside, where we enjoyed exceptional food and meeting the local people who are passionate about what they do. We got a true flavor of country living and the farm-to-table foods of the area. Thank you, JttE!!!!

Teresa & Curt Flory

Fantastic Foodie Tour! A great trip with a variety of tastes, cuisine experiences and restaurant styles. Everything from a beach BBQ to a Michelin Star restaurant. Visits to primary producers, distillers and brewers showcase the history and culture of food and beverage production. These included short presentations, Q&A, hands on activities and opportunities to taste and purchase. I thoroughly recommend this abundant tour but my advice is “pace yourself”.

Robyn Stargatt

Have a question about this tour get in touch with our staff directly., privacy overview.

APRIL SALE:   Discover and book at   up to 60% off!

Japan Tours in October 2024

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250+ japan trips in october 2024.

• Christmas & New Year

Japan One Life Adventures - 10 Days

Great tour with beautiful excursions; fast paced but fun! Highly recommend.

• In-depth Cultural

Stunning Japan with Shirakawa-go (private 3 star hotel rooms)

Without doubt a 5-star service. Stunning Tours are a game-changer when it came to overseeing our family holiday itinerary suggestions and the final plans. Their so helpful and responsive throughout the entire process, and a joy to coordinate with. Full of great ideas and little tips and pointers that made our holiday run like clockwork. The organisation on the ground in Japan couldn’t have done any smoother. We would 100% use Stunning Tours again. Amazing value!

Essential Japan

I was a solo traveller and was exclusively focused on the must-see sights of Southern Japan. Europamundo offered the exact states and locations for me. They also offered the flexibility to join or leave the tour depending on individual travel plans. The tour was operationally excellent. The guide was the best tour guide I have ever had. The hotels were centrally located or had transfer services. Wonderful trip.

Japan Highlights

Loved seeing Japan. Very busy itinerary - 55 miles walked in 8 days but really enjoyable.

• Train & Rail

Japan Express: Osaka to Tokyo

We had a wonderful trip and LOVED the other travelers in our group! (We are just amazed and relieved that we managed to avoid the big typhoon that came through just two days after we left...). Our leader Fuji was great. We had difficulty understanding his accent--especially at first--but we grew to really appreciate his quirky sense of humor and amazing navigation skills! Aside from the language difficulty, our only critique of him was that he readily admitted he did not know very much about some of the temples and shrines that we visited, so we did not gain as deep of an understanding as we might have with a different guide. There were times when the itinerary felt a bit rushed, but we are so glad to have had so many amazing adventures along the way, and in hindsight I wouldn't have skipped anything. We were also in Hiroshima on the anniversary of the bombing, which made the visit a bit more crowded, but also more meaningful. I will highly recommend this trip to all of my friends!

Epic Japan: Speed Trains & Street Food

My tour guide and group was awesome! My only issue was the itinerary not being very clear before meeting up with the tour.

Japan Express

Really enjoyed the fact that this was a very 'authentic' tour with traditional Ryokans and using the public transport used by the locals. Also loved that there was so much flexibility and I could opt to join the group or go off on my own. Really enjoyed it.

Japan Adventure

Has been a great experience. I have enjoyed the activites very much and our guide Zoë did a good job.

9D Splendid Japan with Nagoya (private 3 star hotel rooms)

We had a great experience with Stunning Tours Japan - Nice comfortable hotels, good food, everything was organized perfectly, our guide Henry was fantastic! Highly recommended!!!

• Coach / Bus

Wonders of Japan End Osaka

We are a family of four from Alaska. We are married with kids age 13 and 15. Ken (he prefers to be called Rei) our tour guide was very knowledgable on the history and culture of Japan. He was entertaining and took special care to guide and talk with our kids and answer their questions. He even gave my son a t-shirt for his birthday, as we celebrated his birthday during the tour. Rei was fluent in both Spanish and English and was very well versed at giving tours in both languages. He was very fair and impartial to both Spanish and English speakers. We had Paulo for one day when Rei was off duty and we highly preferred Rei and were grateful he led most of the tour. Rei will give his opinions about the culture and country when asked which we found very helpful and enlightening, as we wanted to know more than the politically correct or canned tour jargon. We appreciated his candid remarks. We were nervous going into the tour, as we chose it based solely on the on-line reviews and descriptions. We are use to 4-5 star accommodations. I am happy to report that the hotels and food and bus accommodations exceeded our expectations. The only drawback of the tour is that they were not able to accomodate anything outside of the already-planned itinerary. We wanted to extend a night to go to the monastery and that was not possible, as they said it was too close to the end of the trip (6 days before the end). We also booked the hotel fora night before the tour and asked if we could reschedule the shuttle from the airport for earlier. But they said that if we booked our own hotel, even the same one, that the shuttle service was not provided. So while the tour itself was wonderful, changes or add-ons to the itinerary is very limiting. That and our communication with the company before hand was not with one consistent person so we had to ask many people the same questions, as tour receptionists were always different.

Discover Japan

the tour was good. I thought the hotels could of been better

Japan One Life Adventures - 14 Days

This is a backpackers value for money tour. The success of Tour mostly depend on Tour guide and Dale has done a wonderful job both professionally and personally. Coordinating with 22 persons from different parts of the world, taking them through public transport, arranging stay in multi sharing hostels and included dinners at various places is a Herculean task. I enjoyed the trip.

Japan Delight with Hiroshima(private 3 star hotel rooms)

It was delightful experience

Premium Highlights of Japan

Epic 13-Day Japan Budget Tour: Odyssey Across the Land of the Rising Sun

I'm really glad I did this tour. The itinerary is excelent. It covers a lot and it was very well planned. It might feel that we need to rush sometimes but we always had some free time to explore most places we visited or free time in the end of the the day. Our tourguide, Ricardo, was very nice and funny. He would always provide several recommentations of things to see or were to eat in the places we visited and was always available to answer questions or te help. It was a big group (17 in total) but we got along pretty well. People were nice and very respectful. Most of them solo travelers. I would recommend this tour. Be prepared to carry your luggage between places so it's better to travel light (but some had big suitcases or more than one bag). We stayed in dorms in most lodgings (females separated from males), but people can choose to have private rooms (al least in most places). I loved the sushi class, using an onsen, sleeping in a ryokan and the meditation session in a temple. There's also some optional activities.

• 5% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

What people love about Japan Tours in October

We did the 10 day tour and it was a great way to see a variety of the sights of Japan. Brad was a fun guide with great recommendations for places to eat and things to see. It is definitely a lot of walking but the sights and experiences are well worth it!

It was a very nice trip, with little, insignificant hiccup with accommodation in Osaka, which was resolved quite quickly. Yoyo, our guide, was funny and very patient with all of us. Definitely will recommend the tour to first time visitors to Japan.

We had great tour guides for this tour. It was a perfect amount of time at each location. The tour guides were very professional and educational! We learned so much and we got to relax the most during this tour because we didn't need to plan or worry about logistics! Appreciated our tour guides, very punctual and to-the-schedule! There was also a good balance of free-time with the scheduled times! Highly recommend for anyone that doesn't want to stress over the planning, wants an appetizer palette of Japan and loves to learn about history & culture!

Destinations

• Southern Japan October 2024 (257)
• Central Japan October 2024 (252)
• Kansai October 2024 (17)
• Kanto October 2024 (10)
• Northern Japan October 2024 (10)
• Honshu October 2024 (250)
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• Mount Fuji October 2024 (13)

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Here's what's new at Dodger Stadium for the 2024 Season

A s the 2024 Major League Baseball season unfolds, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been the talk of the sport since the World Series concluded last October.

The new darlings of baseball, the Dodgers dominated the offseason by signing star players Shohei Ohtani , Yoshinobu Yamamoto , and Teoscar Hernandez . They made moves to improve along the margins as well.

As the Dodgers have made improvements to their personnel and product on the field, they have also done so off the field. Especially, when it comes to stadium renovations and fan experiences.

With the eyes of the world---and especially Japan--upon them, the organization has made a wave of new enhancements to the third oldest stadium in MLB , turning it into a vibrant hub that rolls out the red carpet for fans from all corners of the world, especially those that flow from the Land of the Rising Sun .

From cultural tributes to technological innovations and new culinary delights, the Dodgers have something for everyone who walks through the front door of what the organization affectionately calls "Blue Heaven on Earth."

Here's a closer look at what's in store for fans at the majestic, historic, and culturally diverse destination spot:

Japanese Stone Lantern: A Symbol of Friendship and History

March 26 marked a significant moment as the Dodgers unveiled a treasured relic from their past, the Japanese stone lantern gifted in 1965. Positioned prominently on the Top Deck, this eight-foot, 3,921-pound Kasuga-style lantern carries a rich narrative. Presented by Japanese sports columnist Sotaro Suzuki, a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame, the lantern embodies the enduring bond between the Dodgers and Japanese baseball culture. Fans can now admire and capture the essence of this historical artifact, adding a touch of cultural depth to their stadium experience.

Cultural Inclusivity: Welcoming Fans from Across the Globe

Acknowledging the global appeal of the Dodgers, the team has taken steps to ensure a welcoming environment for fans traveling from overseas. Fan Services stations throughout the stadium now offer translator devices, facilitating seamless communication and enhancing the overall fan experience. Additionally, multi-lingual signage adorns fan-facing areas, embracing diversity and inclusivity at Dodger Stadium.

Throughout the year, the stadium has always offered expansive tours of the historical venue, including additional options on game days. Dodger Stadium offers both pregame tours and VIP tours but as a bonus this year, as part of their catering to diverse fan interests and providing insights into the rich history and architecture of Dodger Stadium, they now offer tours in Spanish and Japanese, which run four days per week with two different time slots.

Dodgers 365: Year-Round Engagement Beyond Baseball

In a bid to engage fans year-round, the Dodgers introduced Dodgers 365, a dedicated department focusing on non-baseball event initiatives. Consolidating tours, stadium rentals, and ticketed experiences, Dodgers 365 presents a plethora of opportunities for fans to immerse themselves in the Dodger spirit beyond game days.

Drone Shows and Enhanced Fan Comfort: Elevating the Game-Day Experience

Building on the success of last year's drone shows, the Dodgers have upped the ante with 10 spectacular drone shows scheduled for this season. These Friday post-game displays, featuring themed performances and captivating music, showcase the fusion of technology and entertainment at Dodger Stadium. Additionally, fan comfort has been prioritized with refreshed pavilion seats and the introduction of UberEats for convenient concession orders, minimizing wait times and maximizing enjoyment.

Tech-Savvy Solutions: QR Codes, Culinary Delights , Specialty Offerings and Unique Flavors

Embracing sustainability and convenience, Dodger Stadium has integrated QR codes in premium seating areas, allowing fans to access menus directly from their smartphones. This eco-friendly approach reduces paper usage while streamlining the dining experience. Speaking of dining, the stadium boasts a tantalizing array of new food items, ranging from traditional favorites to innovative delights. From the indulgent Fried PBB&J to the savory Pulled Pork Mac n' Cheese, the exotic Original Takoyaki, delicious Tiger Milk Boba, Birria Burger, Loaded Carne Asada Potato, Chicken Katsu Sando, Miso Ginger Salad, Kurobuta Pork Sausage, Fried Pickles, Korean Fried Bucket, and the new Home Plate Sampler, featuring veggie spring rolls, veggie tempura, veggie gyoza, and teriyaki chicken skewers.

The array of new food choices means there's something for everyone and allows fans to embark on a culinary journey from across the globe while simultaneously cheering on their beloved Boys in Blue.

The Dodgers have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on stadium upgrades, fan experiences, and renovations. The newly remodeled Centerfield Plaza is a haven for both young and old alike. In every upgrade and improvement, the team has made sure to incorporate the rich history of the franchise and celebrate its achievements.

As beautiful as the upgrades and renovations are, there is still plenty of room for improvement.

Traffic and transportation to and from the stadium is still a work in progress, and several fans have taken to social media to complain about the condition of the restrooms behind the outfield bleachers. Outdated escalators and elevators have also been a point of consternation among fans .

The press box, located on the suite level behind home plate, is in desperate need of repair and upgrades. It's one of the smallest and most outdated in all of baseball. Following the signings of Ohtani and Yamamoto this offseason, an influx of media members from across the globe has descended upon Dodger Stadium, forcing the press to squeeze together shoulder-to-shoulder in extremely tight spaces.

Additionally, with the increased rain in Los Angeles this year, weather-related damage and leaks have been revealed in the 62-year-old stadium that still requires repairs in certain parts.

These are all easy fixes of course. As welcome and inclusive the organization has been towards the players and fans, they can continue to do the same for everyone entering Dodger Stadium by making upgrades that more properly accommodate fans, media, and employees.

None of this takes away from the improvements, upgrades, and renovations the organization has made to other parts of the stadium. As the Dodgers continue to embrace tradition, innovation, and inclusivity, Dodger Stadium transforms into more than a venue—it becomes a dynamic tapestry of history, culture, and unparalleled fan experiences.

Whether witnessing the grandeur of a drone show, exploring the stadium's architectural marvels during a guided tour, or savoring the diverse flavors of its culinary offerings, fans will continue to immerse themselves in the timeless magic that is Dodgers' baseball.