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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.
Shinsekai Food Tour with 13 Dishes at 5 Eateries - Osaka
Osaka was my home for a decade, and I consistently recommend this excellent Shinsekai food tour. Expect great food, drink, and hospitality from different places, including standing bars, izakaya and street food stalls.
Experience the warm, generous and good-humoured Osakans that I'll always love.
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.
Sushi Making with an Experienced Sushi Chef - Tokyo
Learn to make authentic sushi with a chef who has over 40 years of experience in the relaxed setting of his restaurant. You'll practise core techniques, including preparing three classic sushi dishes, fish cutting, and cooking a Japanese omelette.
This class stands head and shoulders above other sushi-making experiences I've tried in Japan.
All Inclusive Eats and Streets in Gion and Beyond - Kyoto
Explore serene Gion and Pontocho while learning about geisha traditions and modern entertainment. I love the izakaya for its tasty bites, sake, and wonderful hosts, and it’s a place I still drop into when I’m in Kyoto.
It’s a fascinating culinary culture experience, from the sacred Yasaka Shrine to a discreet bar at the end.
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.
Shinjuku Food Tour with 15 Dishes at 4 Places - Tokyo
Discover signature izakaya plates, regional bites, sweets, and classic Japanese drinks on this Shinjuku food tour. From neon-lit Kabukicho to backstreet alleys, you'll have fun exploring Tokyo's premier entertainment district.
Come hungry—I was pleasantly surprised by the sheer variety of dishes served along the way.
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.
