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Food Tours Japan
Food Tours Japan is written and produced by me, Chris P King, drawing on over a decade of living, travelling, eating, and drinking throughout Japan. The site brings together my first-hand experience from food tours, cooking classes, and culinary and travel adventures.
Much of the site focuses on the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo, the food-obsessed Osaka, and the historic city of Kyoto.
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Recommended Food & Drink Experiences
From personally enjoying over 50 food and drink experiences across Japan, these are some of my favourites and top recommendations.
🗼 Tokyo food tours
Explore Tokyo from its big-city entertainment districts to local neighbourhoods and backstreets. Japan’s capital has something for every food and drink lover, whatever your style or budget.
Discover: Izakayas | Seafood markets | Ueno’s local scene | Shinjuku nightlife | Premium wagyu dining | Ramen
🐙 Osaka food tours
Osaka was my home for a decade, and I loved living in Japan’s #1 culinary destination. It’s a city obsessed with having a good time over food and drink, and you’ll enjoy the locals’ warm hospitality.
Discover: Izakayas | Standing bars| Namba’s neon lights | Local neighbourhoods | Osaka’s soul foods | Hidden alleys
⛩️ Kyoto food tours
Explore Kyoto’s atmospheric streets around Gion and Pontocho, savouring food and drink along the way. Learn about Kyoto’s nightlife and entertainment culture and immerse yourself in the city’s true spirit.
Discover: Izakayas | Standing bars | Seasonal food | Local sake | Nightlife districts | Yasaka Shrine
🐟 Tokyo’s Toyosu Market tuna auction
Find out how to experience the world’s biggest tuna auction at Toyosu Market in Tokyo with my comprehensive guide. From planning your visit to where to watch it from, it covers everything you need to know.
Discover: Bluefin tuna auction | Early-morning market action | How to see it | Viewing options | Toyosu tuna auction lottery | Guided tours
🍣 Tokyo sushi-making classes
Tokyo, the birthplace of modern nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), is an ideal place to learn how to make it. Hands-on classes cover traditional techniques and sushi styles, with plenty of sushi to enjoy yourself.
Discover: How to make sushi | Nigiri | Maki rolls | Fish cutting | Techniques & ingredients | Sushi culture
Maiko Dinner in a Traditional Restaurant and Tour - Kyoto
Enjoy a guided walk through Kyoto's geisha district before an intimate maiko encounter in a traditional townhouse. The highlight is the graceful maiko dance, conversation, photos, and a full-course kaiseki dinner with unlimited drinks.
I've taken part in three maiko dinner experiences in Kyoto, and this is the one I most confidently recommend.
Finest Sake and Paired Bites in Roppongi - Tokyo
Indulge in an exquisite fine sake tasting paired with delectable bites in the heart of Tokyo's Roppongi. You'll enjoy the remarkable attention to detail, from premium, rare sake served in individual, specially designed cups to delicious seasonal cuisine.
It's an extraordinary sensory experience, and a level of Japanese hospitality I've never received before.
Two Types of Ramen, Gyoza and More Cooking Class – Osaka
If you love ramen, this cooking class is a must, as you'll make Japan's two most famous broths, soy sauce and miso, from scratch. You'll finish your bowls with noodles and toppings, and try your hand at making gyoza, mochi, and matcha.
I loved this home-cooking experience: the miso ramen is out of this world, the host is warm and friendly, and it's unbeatable value.
Nishiki Market Tour with Local Food Tasting – Kyoto
Explore Nishiki Market and its fascinating 400-year history while sampling locally sourced produce and authentic Kyoto dishes. Along the way, you'll try a special type of tofu, omelette, Kyoto's favourite fish, wagyu, sake, and more tasty morsels.
I enjoyed this tour immensely for its focus on Kyoto's culinary culture, led by an exceptional local guide.
