Explore Tokyo’s Ueno neighborhood with an immersive culinary tour that introduces authentic Japanese dining. Participants embark on a 3-hour journey, tasting sashimi, grilled fish, skewered meats, and over five unique alcoholic beverages. Guided by a local expert, the experience includes a welcome drink and a souvenir porcelain cup, creating a memorable cultural encounter. Beyond the typical tourist spots, this tour promises to satisfy both the palate and the desire for a genuine local experience.

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Key Points

A 3-hour food and drink experience in the less crowded Ueno neighborhood, offering a more authentic taste of Tokyo’s culinary culture.
Includes sampling of local dishes like sashimi, grilled fish, and skewered meats, along with a selection of unique Japanese alcoholic drinks.
Guided by Aki, who provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and participants receive a small porcelain cup as a souvenir.
The tour visits three different restaurants and taverns, culminating in a popular local ramen shop.
Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with prior notification, but the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to accessibility limitations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 3-hour food and drink experience is called "Eat/Drink like a LOCAL-Taverns & Ramen".

Priced from $118.04 per person, it’s available for reservations with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Participants meet at a Starbucks near Ueno station. The tour focuses on the less crowded Ueno neighborhood, known for its local dining.

Guests will sample sashimi, grilled fish, skewered chicken, and pork, along with 5 or more unique Japanese alcoholic drinks.

The experience ends at a popular local ramen shop. An engaging guide, Aki, leads the way, providing a fun and immersive experience.

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Focus Area

The tour focuses on the Ueno neighborhood, known for its local dining scene that is less crowded than the popular areas of Shibuya and Shinjuku. This area offers a more authentic experience, allowing participants to enjoy the culinary culture of Tokyo. The tour includes a visit to three different restaurants and taverns, where guests can sample a variety of local dishes and unique Japanese alcoholic beverages. The experience culminates at a popular ramen shop, ensuring a well-rounded gastronomic journey through the heart of Tokyo’s vibrant food scene.

Ueno	Local Dining	Less Crowded
Authentic Experience	Immerse in Culinary Culture	Vibrant Food Scene
3 Restaurants/Taverns	Local Dishes	Unique Drinks

Welcome Drink and Souvenir

What better way to kick off the Eat/Drink like a LOCAL-Taverns & Ramen tour than with a welcome drink and a special souvenir?

Participants are greeted with a refreshing Japanese beverage, setting the mood for the delectable food and drink experiences to come.

As the tour begins, each guest also receives a small porcelain cup, a charming memento to take home and remember the journey.

These thoughtful touches, combined with the guide’s warm welcome, ensure a delightful start to an authentic local culinary adventure in Ueno.

Dining Experiences

As participants embark on the Eat/Drink like a LOCAL-Taverns & Ramen tour, they’ll have the opportunity to visit three distinct restaurants and taverns, each offering a unique culinary experience.

The tour includes tastings of sashimi, grilled fish, skewered chicken, and pork, showcasing the diverse flavors of Japanese cuisine.

Plus, you will sample five or more types of unique Japanese alcoholic drinks, seeing the local beverage culture.

The tour culminates at a popular local ramen shop, providing a fitting finale to the evening’s gastronomic adventure.

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Alcoholic Beverage Sampling

Imbibing in unique Japanese alcoholic beverages is a captivating aspect of the Eat/Drink like a LOCAL-Taverns & Ramen tour.

During the experience, participants can expect to sample:

Nihonshu (sake), Japan’s traditional rice wine
Shochu, a distilled spirit made from rice, barley, or sweet potatoes
Umeshu, a plum wine liqueur
Craft beers, showcasing Japan’s burgeoning microbrewery scene

These diverse and often surprising libations provide a glimpse into Japan’s vibrant drinking culture, complementing the savory meals shared throughout the tour.

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Ramen Finale

After sampling an array of Japanese alcoholic beverages, the Eat/Drink like a LOCAL-Taverns & Ramen tour culminates at a popular local ramen shop.

Participants savor a steaming bowl of authentic ramen, prepared with care by skilled chefs. The rich, umami-packed broth and perfectly al dente noodles delight the senses.

This final stop provides a quintessential taste of Japanese cuisine, capping off a comprehensive culinary journey through Ueno’s lively dining scene.

Guests leave with full stomachs and a deeper appreciation for the complexity and nuance of Japanese food and drink.

Guide and Traveler Feedback

The tour’s guide, Aki, is praised by travelers for her engaging storytelling and ability to create a fun atmosphere.

Feedback on the tour highlights several key aspects:

Opportunities to try local food and drinks are a major draw.
Aki’s entertaining guidance is a highlight of the experience.
The overall tour rating is an impressive 4.9 out of 5 based on 19 reviews.
Participants appreciate the chance to explore Ueno’s dining scene, which is less crowded than popular areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Important Considerations

Participants should keep a few important considerations in mind when joining this tour.

Dietary restrictions are accommodated, but participants should notify the tour operator in advance. Plus, participants should arrive hungry, as the tour includes a full meal experience.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to accessibility limitations.

Small porcelain cups are provided as souvenirs during the tour, and the guide will ensure participants have a convenient route to their next destination after the tour concludes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Drinks?

No, bringing your own alcoholic drinks is not permitted on this tour. The experience includes a curated selection of Japanese beverages for participants to sample, so guests are expected to consume the provided drinks during the experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour does not have a formal dress code. Participants should wear comfortable, casual clothing suitable for walking around the Ueno neighborhood and enjoying food and drinks. Dressing in layers is recommended to adapt to any weather conditions.

Is Photography Allowed Throughout the Experience?

Photography is generally allowed during the experience. However, guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting the local establishments or other participants. It’s best to check with the guide at the start of the tour for any specific photography guidelines.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?

The tour can be customized for private groups. Organizers can coordinate with the guide to tailor the experience, such as adjusting the food and drink selections or prioritizing certain activities based on the group’s preferences and needs.

Are There Any Discounts or Promotions Available?

The tour company sometimes offers discounts or promotions, such as group rates for private tours. To inquire about current offers, it’s best to contact the company directly or check their website for any applicable deals.

The Sum Up

This Ueno neighborhood culinary tour offers a unique chance to discover authentic Japanese dining and drinking away from typical tourist spots. Guests are welcomed with a refreshing beverage and receive a souvenir cup, while exploring sashimi, grilled fish, skewered meats, and over five Japanese alcoholic drinks. The experience culminates in a ramen finale, providing an immersive look into Japan’s rich food culture guided by a local expert.

You can check availability for your dates here: