Japans Cultural Curiosities Private Experience Including Food Samplings
5
Japans Cultural Curiosities Private Experience Including Food Samplings
By Intrepid Urban Adventures - Tokyo
About
Ages 6-99
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Join Local English-speaking guide
- Time travel back to old-world Tokyo
- Wander through back alleys and uncover hidden shops
- Snack on tasty traditional treats, from candies to crackers
- Shop for the perfect handmade souvenirs to take back home
- Get tips on what else to see, do and eat during your stay
What's not included- Additional food and drink
- Tips and gratuities for the guide.
- Departure details
- McDonald's Ningyōchō, 2-chōme-3-1 Nihonbashiningyōchō, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0013, Japan Mechanical clock tower near McDonald's in Ningyocho (note there are 2 clocks — meet by the one on the same side as McDonald's). In Japanese: Ningyocho Karakuri Yagura Edo Rakugo.
Return details- Returns to original departure point
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5263P12- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Please note that this itinerary is subject to change. As most of the shops we visit are small, family-owned businesses, they sometimes unexpectedly close or alter their hours for the day. In such a case, we'll visit other nearby shops or attractions that still keep with the theme and essence of the tour.
- This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
- The tour includes a brief visit to a small shrine. Modest dress is highly recommended — shoulders covered, and pants or a skirt that covers the knees.
- Some food allergies can be accommodated. While this tour is not physically exerting, it is a walking tour, and you will be on your feet and walking for all of the three hours.
- This tour includes visits to independent, family-run businesses, which may sometimes unexpectedly close or alter their hours for the day. In such a case, we'll visit other nearby shops or attractions that still keep with the theme and essence of the tour.
- This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6.
- While this tour is not physically demanding, it is a walking tour, and you will be on your feet and walking for all of the three hours.
- While we strongly recommend that all travellers are vaccinated against COVID-19 to reduce the risk of transmission and avoid putting undue strain on healthcare services, vaccinations are not a requirement to join an Intrepid Urban Adventures tour.
- Most travellers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 5263P12
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Itinerary
- You'll start atMcDonald's Ningyōchō2-chōme-3-1 Nihonbashiningyōchō, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0013, JapanMechanical clock tower near McDonald's in Ningyocho (note there are 2 clocks — meet by the one on the same side as McDonald's). In Japanese: Ningyocho Karakuri Yagura Edo Rakugo.See address & details
- 1Ningyocho Mechanical Clock Tower - Rakugo PerformerStop: 10 minutesSee details
- 2NihonbashiningyochoStop: 10 minutesSee details
- 3NihonbashiningyochoStop: 60 minutesSee details
- 4Koami ShrineStop: 40 minutesSee details
- 5NihonbashiStop: 60 minutesSee details
- You'll return to the starting point
+
–
About the operator
- Jane and Bob B00Come hungry!The food choices were excellent and the guide was very friendly and informative. Great introduction to the city on our second day.
- LeeGalvin00Intimate and deliciousReally enjoyed this evening tour - a lot more food and drink than we were expecting (all delicious and not necessarily what we’d have been brave enough to try on our own). The small group size made for a really intimate experience, made extra special by our lovely guide Mizuki.
- Friedbrishain00Don’t GoDon’t go on this tour. It is a waste of time. I accidentally booked this thinking it was a food tour. All the tour guide did was take me to places to shop. I don’t need to know where to shop. I wanted to experience Tokyo food culture.
- Y7944PNalexandrak00Incredible morning tourWe had the best morning tour with Miho! Walked around the market and general neighborhood, saw a shrine and a temple, and had some delicious food ranging from Japanese omelets and fish cakes to oysters, sushi, and mochi. Would highly recommend!
- N1157LVtomt00Cancelled no refund so farGot cancelled without a reason given and now struggling to get a refund. Hope I can get a refund but no success so far
- DM88600Average food experienceI did five tours in two weeks, in both Tokyo and Bangkok, unfortunately this was my least favourite one, it was average but not terrible. Firstly, the tour meet up location was at a busy train station, this is a bad idea and it caused confusion for the guests at the start. The tour seem disorganized and rushed. Considering this supposed to be a food experience, the experience was average. The tour guides didn’t really explain the food which I was kind of expecting. Not a culinary Food experience that’s for sure.
- Wildchild48100Bad, no showTour guide didn’t show up. Waited at the meet area for half an hour and rode a bus home, reached out to tour operator to see what was going on and requested a refund
- mhr m00the sun because of the sunSun The cause of the sun The roaring flood of tourists from all over the world to see the cities of Japan is a very clear reason for the very rich culture of the intelligent and original people of this country. Tokyo Osaka Shibuya Kyoto Shinjuku Other city is full of warm and hospitable people who welcome tourists during the trip. Streets The shops and ancient sites of these cities are visited daily by eager and motivated travelers. Japan has its own beauties in every season The incredible high mountains of wildlife and the beautiful flowers are some of the strange attractions of this beautiful country.
- V1287TXadriant00Wow, we love Akiko :)Wow, what an amazing tour we went on with our guide Akiko. She was very informative and showed us some amazing places to get the absolute freshest sushi ever. Would highly recommend this if travelling to Japan
- nzconnell00Meeting a new friend as a solo travellerAs a solo traveller I cannot recommend these tours more! I was lucky to have Yuko as my guide around Shinjuku on my first ever night in Tokyo, and it was like meeting up with an old friend. I happened to be the only tour participant but Yuko ensured I had a fantastic time and offered to take photos of me at all night. Her recommendations kept me busy seeing the sights around Tokyo for my whole trip.
- palestino8800Great TourAyaka was very knowledgeable and the tour was quite fun. Be prepared to taste a lot of fish related snacks. I was expecting to see fish auctions in large refrigerated rooms. Apparently this was discontinued and moved to a new market and you will need reservations to watch from a different floor. Would def recommend in your first trip to Tokyo.
- Laura K00Aya-san thank you!We were lucky to have a private tour with Aya-san and she gave us lots of really interesting information, not just about the food we ate but some history and fun facts we would never have known. Really friendly and showed a genuine interest too, so it felt like having dinner with a friend. Would easily recommend this tour, plus the food was delicious!!
- 357jemmag00Amazing market tour with AkikoWe visited the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo last week and had the most amazing guide, Akiko. She was very attentive and informative, and gave great tips on all the delicious food options to try. I highly recommend this tour for all foodies. She made it personalized to our needs and we all had an amazing day!
- tiz-metal00Authentic Food TourFirts I want to thank our tour guide Yuko. She was great, really fun to be around. Easy to chat with as we made our way around. We went to restaurants where locals actually go to eat. Along the way we also visited a few historic and trendy locations like Ginza SIX. Overall an easy tour to jusy relax and sample local dishes (don't forget to try some sake).
- O7491FCnickj00February 2020 visit to TokyoI have done a few of these food tours and Yuko was the best guide that I have had. She shared a lot of history of the areas and was a great cook at the last restaurant! I would recommend this tour for your next visit to Tokyo!
More to explore in Chuo
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
5.0
45 reviews
Excellent
41
Very good
4
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Lucy Luck
5 contributions
Jan. 2020 • Family
This tour was amazing! With so many samples to taste and places to see, our guide Yoshi really made us feel at home. He was so knowledgeable and able to answer all our questions. I really recommend this tour!
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for choosing to join the tour for taking the time to post a review!
There are many snacks and sweets we would like to share with you in the area. We are very delighted to hear Yoshi delivered you enjoyable tour. Thank you so much for your warm review.
Best regards,
Tokyo Team
Written 12 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aurelio nocerino
Mezzocammino, Italy43 contributions
Yosi-San took us visiting nice and historical shops in Nynghioco and Shimbashi district telling nice facts and anedocts regarding the shops and Tokyo history.
The food samples we tasted was delicious and most probably we wouldn’t have the chance to eat them during our three weeks in Tokyo without yoshi-San.
Kids were interested and engaged during the tour (they are 17 and 15), so we would recommend this experience to see something in Tokyo that you would not see otherwise as a tourist.
Thanks Yoshi-San for the experience.
Aurelio and family
The food samples we tasted was delicious and most probably we wouldn’t have the chance to eat them during our three weeks in Tokyo without yoshi-San.
Kids were interested and engaged during the tour (they are 17 and 15), so we would recommend this experience to see something in Tokyo that you would not see otherwise as a tourist.
Thanks Yoshi-San for the experience.
Aurelio and family
Written 2 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Aurelio family Thank you so much for choosing us for taking time to post a review! We are very pleased to read that all of you had lovely time with Yoshi. Ningyocho area is family runs business, good and old atmosphere, lovely to know you had new Japanese taste. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Best regards,
Tokyo team
Written 12 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leslie B
San Diego, CA34 contributions
May 2019 • Family
We had an afternoon guided experience exploring Tokyo's Ningyocho area - called "Cultural Curiosities". When you don't speak the language it's not as easy to grasp the culture and we thought that a local's knowledge in an off-the-beaten path area would give us some context for our visit to Tokyo. We generally look for places to visit that are "not" in the top 10 mandated by travel books written for Americans. We love food and we are interested in artisans and craft unique to any culture. We normally do not take tours. This felt a lot more like an intimate experience getting a look at a culture with someone who could translate what it all means, rather than a "tour". We would normally rather wander, use google translate, research areas not featured in guidebooks, read and map out our journeys in the evening and explore persistently. BUT, this was a completely wonderful afternoon and made me realize that these kinds of experiences with the right guide, are very special and worth every single penny and time on certain kinds of trips. Yoshi made our afternoon into a unique experience. There were only 7 of us. Everyone was interested in Japanese culture, Tokyo's food and the area we were exploring. Yoshi led us through Ningyocho tasting foods, visiting 300 year old family businesses that create everything from incense to artisan Tofu and hand made fans. Yoshi was open about his view of the Japanese culture and happy to answer any questions. He was very down to earth and authentic, intelligent, articulate and candid about his thoughts which we really loved. Yoshi made the experience and though we would have enjoyed Ningyocho on our own, (had we even known about it), we'd never have really understood what we were seeing and probably not found half the shops we visited. If you want to open a window into the Japanese culture without being on a big "tour", this is great for all ages and people who really love to travel and try to understand the culture wherever they are. I cannot say enough about Yoshi. People make the experience. To further prove this, his assistant guide, Akiko came along and she was equally open, interested, intelligent, welcoming and another completely lovely human being. Thank you both for sharing your country and culture with us.
Written 31 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you Leslie for your great review. Akiko and I are pleased to see you could have fully enjoyed the area’s history, culture and also interactions with local people.
Best regards,
Yoshi
Written 16 June 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cameron Y
Austin, TX5 contributions
We did this tour on 9-November, and Kiri was our guide. We loved the whole tour, from the yakitori and beers to the teppanyaki, all of the food was wonderful and Kiri was a lot of fun. Would highly recommend.
Written 15 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for giving Kiri a great review! It is very nice to hear that you loved the tour and Yakitori. Beers taste great with Yakitori as you recommend. Thank you again!
Kind regards,
Tokyo Team
Written 8 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie S
9 contributions
Sep. 2019
This was the second tour I joined with Urban Adventures and it did not disappoint! The tour guide was very informative, friendly and answered everyone's questions.
We were spoiled with many treats along the way including traditional buddhist cookies which were delicious!
We also got to experience many traditional stores that were over 100 years old and were packed full of authentic Japanese gifts - perfect if you're looking to buy souvenirs.
We also got to explore some shrines which contributed to an overall great sightseeing experience!
We were spoiled with many treats along the way including traditional buddhist cookies which were delicious!
We also got to experience many traditional stores that were over 100 years old and were packed full of authentic Japanese gifts - perfect if you're looking to buy souvenirs.
We also got to explore some shrines which contributed to an overall great sightseeing experience!
Written 27 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for choosing to join the tour for taking the time to post a review! We are pleased to hear you got some treats and our guide delivered you enjoyable. We hope you got some good souvenirs through the tour. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future.
Best regards,
Tokyo Team
Written 27 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
judgeopinion
Antigua and Barbuda14 contributions
Mar. 2019 • Friends
I booked a private all day tour with Silvia through Urban Adventures Tokyo. She was so much fun!! It felt like going around Tokyo with a friend. She was right on time and promptly responded to all my requests. We saw so much and had lots of tasty food. I think she added a lot of joy to the day with her positive attitude. In addition, we covered all the major sights and also got to see a fire ceremony at a Temple. I would highly recommend her as a tour guide. Her english was also excellent and she was easy to understand.
Written 18 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for choosing us for taking time to post a review! We are very pleased to read that you have had fun time the private tour with Silvia and her character too! The fire ceremony is very spiritual moment, I believe you got the power from there. Thank you so much again for giving her big compliment.
Best Regards,
Tokyo Team
Written 20 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Helen B
1 contribution
Nov. 2019
Aki was a wonderful tour guide. We visited so many different shops and small cafes, all with a fascinating history. In every one, Aki shared insights and stories about those places and the area itself. It really felt that we had a privileged insight into life in this area of Tokyo. I would advise any traveller in Tokyo to book it at once!
Written 30 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your good comment on Aki. She is one of the most friendly guide of us, and has good passion to introduce the local place in Tokyo! We are so glad to hear that you had good time with her on the tour.
Thank you again!
Kind regards,
Tokyo Team
Written 8 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stephanie M
7 contributions
Jul. 2019 • Couples
Our experience with Ayaka was fantastic! She has a great personality and perfect English - making our tour entertaining and super enjoyable! I highly recommend this tour and Ayaka if you want to have a great time in Tokyo, get to know hidden gems and connect to interesting people!
Written 28 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write reviews 5 stars!
We are very glad to heard you enjoyed the time with Ayaka. She will be happy to hear you gave her big compliment!
Thank you so much for helping spread Ayaka and us:)
Best regards,
Tokyo Team
Written 2 August 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wanderer516187
15 contributions
Jun. 2019 • Family
Our tour with Aya was a wonderful way to begin our family holiday. Aya introduced us to the basics of Japanese culture and their way of life, providing invaluable insights that served us well for the rest of our holiday. It was fulfilling to understand the importance of Temples and Shrines in their lives, and important to learn the difference. The neighbourhoods we toured, Nignyocho and Nihonbashi, were fascinating. The traditions and generations, that have been involved in some of these trades were incredible, such skill, from baking or stationery, to tooth picks and basket making. The toothpick store was beautiful, and in operation since the early 1700's, hard to truly appreciate how so many generations remain with a single craft.
Aya was also very helpful, answering a lot of our basic questions around Japan, its people, and general tips on traveling around. She was great. She also gave us some ideas on where to take the kids after the tour, she new the area very well.
By the way, the sukiyaki croquettes were delicious!
Aya was also very helpful, answering a lot of our basic questions around Japan, its people, and general tips on traveling around. She was great. She also gave us some ideas on where to take the kids after the tour, she new the area very well.
By the way, the sukiyaki croquettes were delicious!
Written 11 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write reviews 5 stars!
I am greatly happy to heard you and your family liked the tour. I was happy to showing you around one of my favorite area, good and old. It was nice to experience special event, “lottery”! I hope I can see you all in Japan some day. Thank you so much for cooperating to make great tour!
By the way, I like the Sukiyaki croquette too!
Best regards,
Aya
Written 15 July 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Laura
2 contributions
Nov. 2019 • Couples
Our tour with Aki was awesome! We got to taste several different Japanese foods and learned all about this history of different shops that have been doing business for decades. Aki had all kinds of interesting information and was really friendly and easy to be with. Tour was well-organized. Would definitely recommend!
Written 29 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for giving us 5 star review and recommending our tour! Aki will appreciate your nice comment also. Thank you again!
Kind regards,
Tokyo Team
Written 8 December 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience