Flavors of Japan Daytime Tour

Let’s explore Nihombashi, the heart of Tokyo’s culinary heritage, where the essence of Japan’s food culture has been nurtured for centuries. In this barrier-free, all-weather adventure—perfect for all ages—you’ll embark on a delicious journey through time, unlocking the secrets behind the flavors that define Japanese cuisine.

Follow the fragrant steam rising from simmering dashi, the soul of Japanese cooking, as you learn how kombu, bonito, and shiitake mushrooms create the perfect umami balance. Taste delicate, golden tamagoyaki, enjoy the subtle sweetness that has made it a local favorite for generations. Feel the crisp snap of perfectly roasted nori, harvested from Japan’s rich coastal waters, adding the finishing touch to onigiri and sushi.

Wander through historic shops, re-imagined in a modern setting. Some are over 300 years old. Time-honored techniques bring out the depth of soy sauce, miso, and rice vinegar, each regional variety telling a unique story of climate and craftsmanship. Discover flavors from across the country, savoring specialty bites that highlight the diversity of Japan’s culinary landscape.

To complete your journey, experience the artistry of wagashi, Japan’s exquisite traditional sweets. A master confectioner will craft these delicate seasonal treats before your eyes, shaping them with precision and beauty. Paired with a perfectly whisked bowl of vibrant matcha green tea, this final moment is a celebration of harmony, balance, and the deep cultural connection between food and art in Japan. A sweet and serene ending to an unforgettable culinary adventure.

This immersive experience will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the flavors that have shaped Japan’s cuisine for centuries. Let Nihombashi’s history, warmth, and flavors captivate you—one bite at a time.

Family-friendly pricing: If you are traveling with children and need a price adjustment- please email our team at Bookings@ArigatoJapan.co.jp.

Inclusions:

• Explore the Nihonbashi area on this 3 -hour tour of flavors and food of Japan
• Understand what makes Japanese food unique and exquisitely delicious
• Visit a regional food store and try some local delicacies
• Visit 7 food stops showing the different flavors, regions, and traditions of Japanese cuisine and tea.
• Food samplings include dashi (soup stock), regional snacks, egg roll (Tamagoyaki), eel sushi, wagashi, and green teas.
• See a traditional stationary shop with 100 years of history
• Visit Japan’s oldest and most expensive fruit shop
• Have a delicious local meal for lunch
• Enjoy an authentic Wagashi Experience with a Wagashi master

Private Tours:  For a more customized experience, make your tour private for an additional ¥19,500. (min. 2 people). Please click the add-on button on your cart when you check out.

Strict start time policy:  We are sorry to say that if you are not able to arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, we will need to start the tour regardless and no refund can be provided. We are also unable to accommodate meeting up at any of the food stops. This is to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests and also to respect our relationships with restaurants.

5-minute grace period: We can only wait an additional five minutes after the starting time and then the tour will depart. In addition, please note that we cannot give directions or contact the guides on the phone once the tour begins.

Tour Schedule:

Changes on tours: Applicable substitutions may be made due to public holidays, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.

For Vegetarians: 

Some food that we serve may have dashi, a soup stock made from kelp (seaweed) and bonito (skipjack tuna) as well as other ingredients. Dashi is the cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and is used in many/most Japanese dishes. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your dietary needs if you cannot consume dashi. Additionally, please inform us if you can eat eggs and dairy products.

If you cannot consume Dashi, we recommend booking a private tour with us and we can offer some alternatives. Again, be aware, it will still be a challenge to 100% avoid fish stock.

Single travelers: please email us directly and let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.

For this tour, it is possible (with advanced notice at the time of booking) to make adjustments to support the following dietary restrictions:

Please keep in mind, however, that we cannot make an allergy-free or dietary restriction food guarantee since food is prepared in kitchens that do not belong to Arigato Japan. Also, some stops may not have a viable substitution but we will make every effort to compensate at different stops throughout the tour.

TRAVEL BLOGGER Tested and Approved!

Stuart attends our Flavors of Japan food tour with her family and samples a wide variety of food. Watch a video of her adventure here.

The meeting point is in front of Starbucks close to the famous Nihonbashi Bridge. (make sure you come to the one closest to the bridge as there are others in the area)

The nearest stations are Mitsukoshimae Station which is just under the COREDO buildings. You can either use Ginza Line or Hanzomon Line to get there. Once you get to the Mitsukoshimae Station. Please follow guidance to Nihonbashi Bridge

Or Nihonbashi Station on the other side of the bridge. about 8 mins walk.

1 Chome-7-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chūō-ku, Tōkyō-to 103-0022

“what3words has given every 3 meter square in the world a unique combination of three words. We use what3words to specify the exact location of our tour meeting points to ensure you don’t get lost and

enjoy your tour with us. Simply click on the what3words address below to see the exact 3 meter square of our meeting spot”

///rapid.frost.choppy

Meeting Point Flavors of Japan

WEATHER REMINDER: 
On rainy days, we recommend bringing an umbrella. They can be easily purchased at any convenience store.