Food tours in Tokyo
A food tour is the quickest way to eat your way around Tokyo. The most comfortable months are April–May and October–November, with highs around 69°F (20°C) and about 11 rainy days a month.
Photo: Jmho, CC0
Top food tours in Tokyo
Shinjuku Food Tour in Tokyo Local EateriesFrom $84View 
Tokyo: Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Walking tourFrom $32View 
Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food Walking Tour with 5 TastingsFrom $97View 
Tokyo: Shibuya Food Tour (13 dishes and 3 Eateries)From $84View 
Tokyo: Food Tour in Ueno with 10+ Tastings of Japanese ClassicsFrom $108View 
Tsukiji Fish Market Private Food Tour in TokyoFrom $81View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
What to eat and drink in Tokyo
Expect to taste the local staples. Ones to look for:
- Sushi
- Vinegared rice with raw fish or other toppings; counter seats let you watch the chef.
- Ramen
- Wheat noodles in a rich broth (pork, soy, miso or salt) with toppings such as pork and egg.
- Tempura
- Seafood and vegetables in a very light, crisp batter.
- Yakitori
- Chicken skewers grilled over charcoal, from thigh to skin and hearts.
- Monjayaki
- A runny batter griddled at your table with fillings and eaten straight off the hotplate.
- Soba
- Thin buckwheat noodles served cold with a dipping sauce or hot in broth.
- Izakaya
- A Japanese pub serving small plates such as skewers, sashimi and fried snacks with drinks.
How to pick a good food tour
- Skip a big meal beforehand: most tours serve the equivalent of lunch or dinner across six to ten stops.
- Small groups of 12 or fewer get served faster and fit into tiny counters and bars.
- Check what's included. Some tours count drinks as stops, others charge for them on the day.
- Ask about dietary swaps before you book. Many tours can replace meat or gluten dishes if they know ahead.
Tokyo month by month
Averages for Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda, Tokyo, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 50 (10) | 52 (11) | 58 (14) | 67 (19) | 74 (24) | 79 (26) | 86 (30) | 88 (31) | 82 (28) | 72 (22) | 62 (17) | 54 (12) |
| Low °F (°C) | 34 (1) | 36 (2) | 41 (5) | 50 (10) | 58 (15) | 65 (19) | 72 (22) | 74 (24) | 69 (20) | 59 (15) | 48 (9) | 39 (4) |
| Rainy days | 5 | 6 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 12 | 12 | 8 | 6 |
| Sunset (15th) | 4:51 pm | 5:22 pm | 5:48 pm | 6:14 pm | 6:39 pm | 6:59 pm | 6:58 pm | 6:31 pm | 5:49 pm | 5:06 pm | 4:35 pm | 4:29 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for food tours in Tokyo?
April–May and October–November. Expect highs around 69°F (20°C) and about 11 rainy days a month. The least comfortable months are January and February.
What food is Tokyo known for?
Sushi: vinegared rice with raw fish or other toppings; counter seats let you watch the chef. Ramen: wheat noodles in a rich broth (pork, soy, miso or salt) with toppings such as pork and egg. Tempura: seafood and vegetables in a very light, crisp batter.
Where can I book food tours in Tokyo?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
