Nagoya cuisine (known locally as Nagoya Meshi) has a distinct style from other regional Japanese food. Located on a fertile plain, Nagoya and its surrounding area have developed a culinary tradition renowned for its hearty and rich flavoured dishes.
As Japan’s fourth-largest city and a major port, Nagoya has a vibrant gourmet culture which mixes the old and new, and foreign influences. Situated between Tokyo and the Kansai region (Kyoto and Osaka), makes it an ideal stop off to experience its restaurant, cafe and bar scene.
Here are Nagoya’s five best food tours!
1. Eat Like a Local in Nagoya
Eat like a local as you discover Nagoya Meshi (Nagoya cuisine) on a food walking tour. Sample tasty bites as you learn about Nagoya’s historic and modern cuisine.
Explore the cities thriving food and drink scene on a Nagoya eating tour.
- Savour local specialities like Hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice), Tebasaki (deep-fried) chicken wings and Miso Nikomi (udon noodles in a rich miso broth)
- Try Nagoya’s Taiwan-influenced spicy ramen
- Drop-in an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) for a selection of small plates
- Choose what you’re like to eat or allow your host to guide you
- Includes 6-8 food tastings, one drink, personalised experience and walking tour
- Price: $$
- Location: Nagoya
- Duration and start time: 3 hours, flexible
Nagoya Eat Like a Local Tour >>
2. Nagoya Food Tour at Night
Enjoy an authentic evening out with the locals on a Nagoya night food tour. Step into the world of Japan’s tachinomiya (standing bars with food), a favourite haunt after dark.
Savour delicious bites of food and drinks as you walk around Nagoya’s entertainment district.
- Eat a belly full of Nagoya’s delicious cuisine throughout the night
- Meet the locals as they relax after work with a drink
- Visit three tachinomiya and get an insider’s view into Japan’s nighttime scene
- Learn about the cities history and culture with sightseeing along the route
- Includes dinner (various food tastings), three alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks and walking tour.
- Price: $$
- Location: Sakae and Fushimi (central), Nagoya
- Duration and start time: 3 hours, 6.30pm
3. Fish Market Tour in Nagoya
Explore Yanagibashi Fish Market in Nagoya with a private and experienced seafood guide. Get a fascinating and rare insight into how a Japanese fish market operates.
Enjoy a tour of Nagoya’s fish market with over 400 shops and restaurants.
- See the freshly-caught catch being sold and prepared for local restaurants and shops
- Watch market-workers cut big tuna with special long knives
- Discover how to select the market’s best fish and shellfish
- Savour a special sushi breakfast with the freshest seafood (not included in price)
- Optional sushi-making class with fish market
- Includes guided fish market tour
- Price: $
- Location: Nagoya
- Duration and start time: 7am, 2 hours (2.5 hours with sushi-making class)
Are you interested in discovering Japan’s unique and tasty seafood culture?
In Tokyo, don’t miss an opportunity to take a tour of Tsukiji Outer Market. I highly recommend it. With hundreds of restaurants, stalls and shops, Tsukiji is Tokyo’s premier seafood experience for visitors. Also, to see the world-famous tuna auction, the new wholesale markets, and eat more tasty sushi, go on a Toyosu Fish Market tour.
In Japan, Hokkaido is renowned for the best seafood. If you’re heading that way, eat the best local catch on a Sapporo Fish Market tour.
4. Try Local Dishes on a Nagoya Meshi Food Tour
Explore Nagoya’s downtown Sakae district on a food walking tour with a local. Try local favourites as you feast your way around Nagoya meshi (Nagoya cuisine).
Discover Nagoya’s gourmet scene with a friendly and knowledgeable guide.
- Savour Nagoya specialities like Hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice), Ebi Senbei (whole prawn crackers) and Oni Manju (steamed sweet potato cakes)
- Learn about Nagoya’s cuisine, culinary culture and history
- Visit various types of restaurants, food stalls and eateries
- Includes tasting eight different Nagoya foods and snacks and walking tour
- Price: $$
- Location: Sakae, Nagoya
- Duration and start time: 3 hours, 2.30pm
5. Geisha Banquet Experience at a Former Samurai’s Residence with Kaiseki-Ryori
Celebrate Japanese high-culture with a geisha banquet and show in a former samurai warrior’s house. Immerse yourself in Japan’s most extravagant gourmet entertainment.
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the company of two geisha.
- Savour Japan’s famous Kaiseki-ryori multi-course banquet meal
- Taste delicious seasonal and local Nagoya cuisine
- Discover the hidden world of geisha and maiko as you speak to them over dinner
- Play games and watch the geisha perform traditional and regional dances with music
- Includes luxury Kaiseki-ryori multi-course meal (lunch or dinner), geisha and maiko show and professional guide and interpreter
- Price: $$$
- Location: Nagoya
- Duration and start time: 3 hours, 11am or 5pm