Private Tokyo Food Tour - A Journey Through Time Through Food

Experience the culinary evolution of Japanese cuisine on a private Tokyo food tour that will take you on a journey through time and flavors! Spanning three districts of Tokyo and three periods of time, this tour is designed to showcase the best of Japanese food from past to present and future.

Explore the foundation of Japanese food and cooking during the Edo period, indulge in the most popular present-day foods in Japan, and discover some fun fusion twists on traditional flavors in the future. With 14 delicious Japanese food tastings, you'll come hungry and leave satisfied.

Itinerary

Stop at: Nihonbashi
Our tour starts in Nihonbashi, where we'll explore the foundation of Japanese food and cooking during the Edo period (1603 to 1868).
Learn about Dashi, the stock that forms the base of many Japanese dishes. Discover two key ingredients, Katsuobushi and Kelp, that underpin Japanese food. Indulge in traditional Japanese snacks that have been eaten for generations, such as 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). Visit carefully curated shops that are over 100 years old, and some even date back to the Edo period itself!

Stop at: Ginza/Tokyo Station

Next, we'll take a short subway ride to Ginza, where we'll learn about how Japan industrialized after the war. Enjoy authentic Salarymen food and drink at an Izakaya and noodle stall under the railway tracks. Sample several common chicken dishes, a Sour (an alcoholic drink unique to Japan), and tempura soba or curry udon (noodle soup dishes). Explore the history of Gado Shita's (small bars and restaurants built under the railway tracks) and their role in serving the working men before their commute home. Take a stroll to Tokyo Station and visit the impressive International Forum Building on the way. Learn about gift-giving cultures and explore some foods eaten on bullet trains, such as a Fruits Sando (Japanese milk bread sandwich filled with fresh fruits and whipped cream)

Stop at: Akihabara
‍Our final destination is Akihabara, an area famous for its electronics shops, maid cafes, and anime culture. Sample a selection of desserts that combine traditional foods or flavors with a modern fusion twist. Discuss Akihabara's prominence in bringing new technology, ideas, and subcultures to Japan. Explore the future of food in Japan and enjoy a culinary adventure that blends past, present, and future flavors.

Key Takeaways

This text is about a private Tokyo food tour that showcases the best of Japanese food from the past to the present and future.

The tour spans three districts of Tokyo and three periods of time.

In the first district, Nihonbashi, the tour focuses on the foundation of Japanese food and cooking during the Edo period.

In the second district, Ginza/Tokyo Station, the focus is on present-day flavors, exploring the history of small bars and restaurants built under the railway tracks and gift-giving cultures.

In the final district, Akihabara, the tour focuses on future flavors, combining traditional foods or flavors with a modern fusion twist.

The tour lasts 5.5 hours (or 6.5 hours with a pick-up), covers approximately 6.5 km or 4 miles of walking, and includes 14 delicious Japanese food tastings.

The tour is not suitable for vegans or vegetarians, but pescatarians are accommodated.

Children are welcome on the tour, but it is a fully packed day, which might be tiring for them if they're suffering from jet lag.

Related Read: Tokyo Food Safari: Exploring Street Food and Iconic Dishes