This Tokyo tour offers a diverse and engaging experience, blending culinary delights with cultural exploration in the lively neighborhoods of Shimokitazawa and Shibuya. From enjoying traditional sushi or ramen for lunch, tasting Japanese sweets and takoyaki, the day offers a taste of Japan's rich food culture. The tour concludes with a sake-tasting adventure in Shibuya.
At your hotel in Tokyo
Your day begins with a hotel pick-up.
Head to Shimokitazawa for lunch. You can choose between a sushi restaurant or a ramen restaurant, depending on your budget and preference. Some popular options include:
・Ganso Sushi: Savor fresh sushi at Ganso Sushi, known for its high-quality seafood and traditional sushi preparations.
・Uoshin Shimokitazawa: Explore the seafood offerings at Uoshin Shimokitazawa, a popular izakaya (Japanese pub) specializing in seafood dishes and sushi.
・Oreryu Shio Ramen Shimokitazawa: Enjoy a delicious bowl of their signature shio (salt-based) ramen known for its flavorful broth and tender noodles.
・Ishii Shimokitazawa: Experience their renowned ramen, which is loved for its rich and savory flavors.
After your satisfying lunch, treat yourself to traditional Japanese sweets
・Kanmidokoro.:Try their wagashi (Japanese confectionery) and savor a cup of matcha tea.
Make your way to Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most iconic districts. You can take the train to get there.
Once you arrive in Shibuya, enjoy a snack of takoyaki (octopus balls) at Gindako, a popular chain known for its delicious takoyaki.
Spend some time shopping for souvenirs in Shibuya. Consider visiting these stores:
・Discover, Japan Labo:unique Japanese gifts and traditional crafts.
・Kuroda Toen:high-quality Japanese teas and ceramics.
End your day with a sake-tasting experience in Shibuya. Visit some local sake bars to sample a variety of Japanese sake.
Options:
・Sonotouri :a wide selection of sake with delicious Oden( a type of Japanese one-pot dishes consisting of several ingredients such as boiled eggs, daikon or konjac, and processed fishcakes stewed in a light, soy-flavored dashi broth)
・Kaku-uchi Base:a cozy atmosphere and local sake.
・Umebachi:more traditional sake experience with a body-friendly Japanese cuisine centered around vegetables.
Shibuya Station
You can enjoy an amazing Tokyo food culture through this tour. Exploring neighborhoods like Shibuya and Shimokitazawa, delicious ramen or sushi,
sampling Japanese sweets, visiting the iconic Shibuya Crossing, trying local snacks like takoyaki, shopping for souvenirs, and experiencing a sake-tasting adventure.
This tour offers a blend of Tokyo's delights, food culture, and memorable moments.
guide fee, hotel pick-up, etc...
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, entrance fee, etc... ,
If your hotel is located in 23 wards of Tokyo, pick-up fee to the hotel is free.
Tours are basically done by using public transportation like trains and subways.
It's advisable to wear comfortable footwear, and be prepared for moderate walking.
Taro was a great guide for us and showed us many vintage and trendy clothes shops. He also took us to vinyl (record) stores which we enjoyed. It was so helpful to have him with us to help guide us. We also enjoyed a delicious lunch together. Great guide !
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review. I had such a great time talking with you about various aspects of our culture. I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the ramen. I hope you have an amazing time in Japan. Take care, and I hope to see you again sometime soon in the future!
Travelled with husband and two adult daughters (English speaking Canadians) and wanted a fun, modern tour that would interest all of us. Taro worked with us in advance to get just the kind of custom tour we’d all like. His English is outstanding and manner is gentle, patient and accommodating, and he’s truly just a lovely guy. He took us to the Tokyo Sky Tree (mostly for the old folks) then to Akihabara for arcades and an anime scene, then for some cool shopping, including vintage stores in Shimokitazawa and music stores in Shibuya. He picked awesome spots for lunch and dinner that were authentically Japanese but which satisfied even our pickiest eaters. Dinner at his awesome Oden restaurant in Shibuya was complete with a serenade from the lovely owner who doubles as a folk singer. We had such an awesome, memorable day with Taro. Highly, highly recommend!
Thank you so much for your heartwarming review! It was such a pleasure to be part of your trip to Tokyo. Your family is incredible, and I had a blast chatting with all of you. From the sightseeing spots to the hidden bars, I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour. I look forward to seeing you again! Thank you!
Taro is the ultimate tour guide. Kind, insightful, knowledgeable and flexible, Taro made our (family of 5) tour of Tokyo simply amazing. Taro knows Tokyo inside and out, and he took us to the most amazing sights in the city. He knows all of the vintage areas as well as the major destinations and provided us with historical context as well. Vintage shopping is super cool in Japan and Taro has insider knowledge and knows where to go. He is also very flexible as we had to modify our tour due to a typhoon hitting Japan which delayed our arrival. But it was no problem for Taro, and he made the necessary adjustments. He took us to the most incredible Wagyu beef restaurant for lunch—a meal we will not forget. He is interesting to talk to and knows the music industry thoroughly. Taro responded quickly to my questions when I was initially setting up the tour and made great itinerary suggestions. Anyone looking for an insightful, fun and dynamic tour, Taro is your guy! I highly recommend him.
I truly appreciate your wonderful review. Unfortunately, we experienced a typhoon during your visit, but I’m so happy to hear that you still enjoyed the tour. It was a pleasure to see your interest in our culture, and I had such a great time discussing our history and traditions with you. As a tour guide, it’s an honor to be a part of your travel experience. You and your family are amazing—so kind and heartwarming. Thank you so much again. I look forward to seeing you again sometime soon!
Taro was very organized and fun to be with. Spent two days and wandered all over Tokyo! Was a total blast. Enjoyed a cool underground restaurant that we all enjoyed! We would book Taro again for sure!
Thank you so much for your warm review! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour. I'm especially happy to hear that you enjoyed the DJ bar. I really appreciate that you booked me, and I'm so happy to have been a part of your first visit to Japan. Thank you again, and I look forward to welcoming you back soon!