Tokyo After 5

This is more than a typical food tour. It is a chance to explore Tokyo's rich local food culture and step into places that many visitors never find, from cozy yakitori spots tucked in narrow streets to small restaurants where the chef knows every regular by name. You will feel like part of the neighborhood within minutes.

We will experience Tokyo the way its residents do by grazing our way through the city, tasting, chatting, laughing, and learning. Along the way, you will meet the people behind the counters, hear their stories, and see firsthand how these everyday dishes are prepared.

Your tour starts at the Depachika, the vibrant basement level of a department store filled with beautifully arranged foods. Here you can explore a wide selection of prepared dishes, from simple sides to special delicacies, as well as Japanese, Western, and Chinese sweets. You will learn about Wagashi, traditional seasonal treats made from rice and red beans, and pick one to sample. If time allows, we may also stop by Itoya, a long-standing stationery shop that highlights Japan's continuing love of fine paper.

Next, we head to Monja Street in Tsukishima, known as the birthplace of Monja-yaki, a savory batter dish cooked on a hot grill with a variety of ingredients. Watch as your meal is prepared right in front of you, chat with the cook, and try eating it directly from the grill with a small metal spatula, just as the locals do.

After that, we will return to the Yurakucho area, where narrow alleyways are lined with casual bars and eateries specializing in yakitori. Here you can enjoy a glass of local sake or beer and sample grilled skewers, each shop offering its own unique sauce and grilling style. You will have the chance to meet the chefs and see how carefully sourced ingredients and expert cooking combine to create the perfect smoky flavor.

The tour concludes here, but don't forget to ask for recommendations on additional sights, activities, and meals to enjoy while you're here, or you can return with your guide to the meeting spot.

Please Note: Legal age for drinking alcohol in Japan is 20 years old. Out of respect for the other passengers, we won't be able to accommodate late arrivals. Due to heavy traffic in Tokyo, please plan your journey, ensuring you arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time of your tour. The itinerary and locations that are included in the tour are subject to change. Vegetarian, Vegan, or gluten-free options are not available on this tour. The food contents are subject to change, depending on what is available that day.