2. Tokyo After 5 Food Tour: Culinary Adventure
Tokyo’s vibrant food culture is legendary, and is one of the many reasons why people flock to the Japanese capital. On this 3-hour Tokyo tour you’ll join a local guide to dive into the city’s food scene, tasting some of the city’s best dishes. Get a truly local perspective as your local guide explains the history of the food you’re tasting and the places you visit, sharing personal experiences and food related family traditions and customs during the tour.
Begin in Yakitori Alley, near Yurakucho, an area with many casual bar-style restaurants and the birthplace of yakitori, one of many Japanese people’s favourite appetizers. Enjoy a drink of sake or a local beer, then sample yakitori at one of the many local restaurants, each with their own “tare” (sauce) mixed with their secret ingredients.
Travel to Tsukishima to visit “Monja” Street, where “Monja-Yaki” is said to have originated, a type of Japanese pan-fried batter with various ingredients. You’ll have the chance to watch your food being cooked, chat with the cook, and devour your Monja-yaki fresh from the hot plate.
Take a quick stroll through Ginza, where you can find great confectionery shops and learn about the rich variety of traditional Japanese sweets — and, best of all, choose one to try! Usually made of rice and red beans, these sweets change based on the ingredients available at each time of year, and even their shapes are inspired by what you can find in nature during that season.
Your tour ends here but don’t forget to ask for tips on what else to see do and eat during your stay. Fancy a cool local bar or a karaoke place? Your guide is happy to recommend favourite spots so that your night can continue. Equally, your guide can help with directions back to your accommodation, or you can return to the start point with them.