Restaurants in Tokyo Where You Can Eat Exotic Food

If you’re craving an adventure beyond sushi and ramen, this tour offers something truly different. It’s a curated experience designed for the curious eater, eager to explore Japan’s boldest culinary offerings. While it covers some of the most unusual ingredients from around the world, it also promises a visually striking meal that will surely be a conversation starter.

We like how this experience balances shock factor with culinary curiosity, offering a chance to try everything from fried sparrows to whole grilled crocodile wings. The two stops—at Rice & Circus Takadanobaba and Shibuya PARCO—are conveniently located in central Tokyo, making it easy to combine with a day of sightseeing. The price of around $67 is quite reasonable given the sheer uniqueness of the ingredients, especially when you consider your included admission tickets.

One point to keep in mind: this tour may not be for everyone, especially those with dietary restrictions or squeamish tendencies. It’s designed for adventurous diners who are open to trying unfamiliar ingredients prepared simply by grilling or frying. If you’re a meat-loving, open-minded traveler looking for a memorable, if unconventional, food experience, this tour could be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Unique culinary adventure with ingredients from around the globe
• Visually impressive dishes that make for great photos and conversation
• Affordable price considering the unusual offerings and included tickets
• Two conveniently located stops in Tokyo’s vibrant districts
• Highly suitable for curious, open-minded travelers
• Potential for squeamishness if you’re uncomfortable with whole animals or insects

Exploring Tokyo’s Exotic Food Tour

This tour promises a journey through Japan’s and the world’s most daring foods, but it’s also about appreciating the simplicity of preparation—mainly grilling and frying—allowing the ingredients’ natural flavors and shapes to shine. It’s not a gourmet tasting session but a visual, tactile, and taste-bud-testing experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at Rice & Circus Takadanobaba, a venue that specializes in serving unusual ingredients from all over the world. The setup is casual, with a focus on simply prepared foods that highlight their natural weirdness and appeal. Expect a lineup that includes deep-fried sparrows, giant isopods, Tokay geckos, whole grilled frogs, crows, and crocodile wings. Alongside these, you’ll encounter mixed insects—six types, often a favorite among the brave—plus a miso sukiyaki hot pot with mole, adding a warm, savory finish to the adventurous lineup.

The menu is intentionally provocative, and reviewers have noted that the visual impact is impressive. One reviewer mentioned how “the dishes not only taste great but also are attention-grabbing,” making this a perfect tour for social media enthusiasts or those keen to share something different.

The second stop at Shibuya PARCO mirrors the first in offerings, emphasizing the same selection of unusual ingredients. The convenience of having both stops close together means you get to sample a variety of ingredients without long travel times.

What to Expect at Each Stop

At each location, you’ll be served similar dishes, giving you repeated opportunities to observe the different textures and flavors. The deep-fried sparrows might evoke a sense of curiosity, while the whole grilled frog offers a chance to appreciate a completely different approach to poultry. If you’re worried about the unfamiliar, know that these are prepared simply, with no elaborate sauces or spices that could mask the ingredients’ character.

The mixed insects are often a highlight—or a challenge—for travelers. They are prepared in a way that aims to make them appealing and snackable, but they still offer a crunchy, unusual experience.

Authenticity and Practicalities

The tour is straightforward: about 1 to 2 hours of guided tasting, with all service charges and tax included. You won’t have to worry about additional costs on the day unless you choose to order extra items. The mobile ticket system ensures easy access, and most travelers can participate, making it accessible for a wide audience.

The tours are designed without complicated logistics, and the small group size means you get personal attention, along with the chance to ask questions about each ingredient. The timing is flexible, and the experience is suitable for those with an adventurous palate.

The Value of the Experience

At $67.62 per person, this tour offers a memorable value proposition—especially considering the array of ingredients and the visual spectacle. It’s less about a fine dining experience and more about cultural curiosity and adventure. For travelers who want stories to tell and photos to boast, this is a prime opportunity.

What Reviewers Have Noted

While there are no formal reviews yet, the description hints at enthusiastic reactions among brave eaters. The emphasis on visual impact and simple preparation suggests that the appeal lies in the shock, awe, and curiosity these dishes evoke. The inclusion of hot pot options adds a comforting element amidst the wild ingredients, balancing the experience.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for adventurous food lovers who want to push their culinary boundaries. It appeals to those interested in exotic ingredients and cultural curiosity rather than gourmet finesse. It’s also a fun choice for travelers eager to share striking photos and stories, especially on social media.

However, it may not suit vegetarians, vegans, or squeamish eaters, as the menu features whole animals and insects. It’s also worth considering your comfort with whole, uncut animals and insects—the dishes are prepared simply but are visually, if not texturally, striking.

The Sum Up

This Tokyo exotic food tour offers a genuinely different way to experience the city’s culinary scene. While it focuses on the shock value of bizarre ingredients, it’s also about appreciating the simplicity of grilling and frying—techniques that keep the ingredients recognizable and fun. The two stops provide a convenient, engaging way to explore some of the most unusual foods the city has to offer, all within a modest budget.

If you’re the type of traveler who relishes the chance to try something totally new, this tour provides an excellent mix of visual impact, cultural insight, and culinary curiosity. It’s a memorable addition to any Tokyo itinerary, especially for those who like stories and photos as much as the food itself.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, the menu features whole animals like frogs, crows, crocodile wings, and insects, so it’s not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for approximately 1 to 2 hours, making it a quick but intense experience.

Are the ingredients prepared simply?
Yes, most dishes are grilled or fried, highlighting their natural shapes and textures without complex sauces.

Is this experience good for social media sharing?
Absolutely. The dishes’ unusual appearance and visual impact are perfect for photos and stories.

What’s included in the price?
The price includes all service charges, consumption tax, and admission tickets for both stops.

Can I order extra items on the day?
Yes, but extra orders are not included in the ticket price and will incur an additional cost.

Is the tour accessible for most travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as it doesn’t require special physical activity beyond attending and tasting.

Are there any dietary restrictions I should know?
Given the menu, it’s best suited for those with no allergies or restrictions related to insects or whole animals.

Will I get to see the ingredients before eating?
Yes, you’ll observe the dishes being prepared and can decide what to try based on your comfort level.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, with full refunds. Less notice may result in no refund.

This tour isn’t for everyone, but for those curious about the daring side of Tokyo’s food scene, it delivers a memorable, photo-worthy adventure that’s worth the slightly unconventional route.