Itinerary
- Nihonbashi: Starting in Nihonbashi, in the past, we will look at key ingredients and flavours that underpin Japanese food. We will learn about Dashi, the stock that forms the base of many Japanese dishes. We will focus in on two key ingredients; Katsuobushi and Kelp. From there we will enjoy some traditional Japanese snacks that have been eaten for generations. Satsuma-age (fried fish cake), Amazake (a healthy fermented rice drink), Imo Kenpi (sweet potato chips) and Daifuku (glutinous rice mochi with a sweet filling). All of the shops that we have chosen have been carefully curated. All are over 100 years old, several date back to the Edo period itself!
- Nihonbashi Bridge: Nihonbashi Bridge
- Fukutoku Shrine: Fukutoku Shrine: Discover the differences between Shrines and Temples. Learn how to cleanse your spirit and pray at a shrine.
- Ginza: Arriving into Ginza / Yurakucho we learn about how Japan industrialised after the war. With industrialisation came Salarymen and with Salarymen came Gado Shita’s (small bars and restaurants built under the railway tracks) to serve the working men before their commute home. We will eat and drink like Salarymen at an Izakaya (Japanese style pub) and noodle stall under the tracks. On our menu we have Yakitori (grilled meat on skewers), a Sour (an alcoholic drink which is unique to Japan) and tempura soba or curry udon ( noodle soup dishes).
- Arriving into Ginza / Yurakucho we learn about how Japan industrialised after the war. With industrialisation came Salarymen and with Salarymen came Gado Shita’s (small bars and restaurants built under the railway tracks) to serve the working men before their commute home. We will eat and drink like Salarymen at an Izakaya (Japanese style pub) and noodle stall under the tracks. On our menu we have Yakitori (grilled meat on skewers), a Sour (an alcoholic drink which is unique to Japan) and tempura soba or curry udon ( noodle soup dishes).
- Tokyo International Forum: From the railway tracks of Ginza and Yurakcho, we stroll to Tokyo Station calling in at the impressive International Forum Building on the route.
- Kitte Marunouchi: Kitte Building
- Tokyo Station Marunouchi Ekimae Hiroba: At Tokyo Station we will try some foods popularly eaten on a commute home; Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) and a Fruits Sando (Japanese milk bread sandwich filled with fresh fruits and whipped cream).
- Daimaru Tokyo: At Tokyo Station we will try some foods popularly eaten on a commute home; Tamagoyaki (Japanese omelette) and a Fruits Sando (Japanese milk bread sandwich filled with fresh fruits and whipped cream).
- Akihabara: Arriving in Akihabara, an area famous for its many electronics shops, Maid Cafes and Anime culture, we consider the future of food in Japan. We will be trying a selection of desserts which combine traditional foods or flavours with a modern fusion twist. In addition to our three fusion desserts, we will discuss Akihabara’s prominence in bringing new technology, ideas and subcultures to Japan.
Includes
- Yakitori. Tempura Soba. Tamagoyaki. Fruits Sando
- Dashi. Katsuobushi. Kombu. Satsuma-age. Amazake. Imo Kenpi. Daifuku or Dorayaki. Pokemon Taiyaki. Matcha (green tea) bubble tea or ice-cream
- Lemon Sour (Japanese alcoholic drink)
- The costs of transport used during the tour are payable by yourself. We take two short subway rides.
Details
This 5.5 hours tour takes you on a journey through time, through food! Spanning three geographical districts of Tokyo and three periods of time this food tour covers the foundation of Japanese food and cooking (the Edo period), the most popular present-day foods in Japan and finishes in the future with some fusion twists on traditional flavours. Visit Nihonbashi, Ginza / Tokyo Station and Akihabara. Enjoy 14 Japanese food tastings. Come hungry!
You will need to be able to walk at a reasonable pace in a group environment and should expect to walk about 6.5 km or 4 miles in total over the 5.5 hours. You will also need to be able to walk up and down a large of number of stairs at subway stations. If you are not able to meet the walking requirement, the small group tour is not suitable for you, please contact us to change to a private tour.
You will need to be able to walk at a reasonable pace in a group environment and should expect to walk about 6.5 km or 4 miles in total over the 5.5 hours. You will also need to be able to walk up and down a large of number of stairs at subway stations. If you are not able to meet the walking requirement, the small group tour is not suitable for you, please contact us to change to a private tour.
Know Before You Go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- You will be granted a full refund (excluding booking and administration charges) if you cancel more than one week (more than 168 hours) in advance of your tour. You will be granted a 50% refund (excluding booking and administration charges) if you cancel between 7 days and 2 days (167 and 49 hours) in advance of your tour. There are no refunds if you cancel with 48 hours or less notice. There are no refunds if you do not turn up for the tour or if you are late for the tour.
- You will need to be able to walk at a reasonable pace in a group environment and should expect to walk about 6.5 km or 4 miles in total over the 5.5 hours. You will also need to be able to walk up and down a large of number of stairs at subway stations. If you are not able to meet the walking requirement, the small group tour is not suitable for you, please contact us to change to a private tour.
