Experience the Taste of Old Tokyo in Backstreet Yanesen
Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Step back into the Tokyo of another era in Yanesen, the historic trio of the Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi neighborhoods. Among temples, shrines, and winding backstreets, you’ll discover a neighborhood where daily life still hums to an older rhythm. This full-day walk blends history and flavor: from handmade onigiri and fresh unagi to nostalgic sweets, retro kissaten coffee, and sake. Along the way, you’ll slip into century-old shops, sip drinks in a converted bathhouse, and meet the craftspeople keeping Tokyo’s culinary traditions alive.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Yanaka District
Step back into the Tokyo of another era in Yanesen, the historic trio of the Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi neighborhoods. Among temples, shrines, and winding backstreets, we’ll discover a neighborhood where daily life still hums to an older rhythm. This full-day walk blends history and flavor: from handmade onigiri and fresh unagi to nostalgic sweets, retro kissaten coffee, and sake. Along the way, we’ll slip into century-old shops, sip drinks in a converted bathhouse, and meet the craftspeople keeping Tokyo’s culinary traditions alive.
Nezu Shrine
Nezu shrine is considered one of the oldest Shinto Shrines in Japan, and while it’s current main structures were built in the early 18th century the shrines' origins are said to date back 1900 years.
What‘s Included
Alcoholic Beverages
Snacks
Lunch
Breakfast
Coffee and/or Tea
Meals
Private transportation
Options
Experience the Taste of Old Tokyo in Backstreet Yanesen
Reviews
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Highlight of our trip to Tokyo!!!
ajh7gf,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the absolute best tour with our extremely knowledgeable tour guide, Mairi! We spent approximately seven hours eating incredible food, learning about the history of Tokyo and Japan, and meeting local vendors. We visited places that we never would have found on our own and enjoyed every minute of the tour! Mairi was attentive to our needs and took great care of us. We ate so much food I could barely eat another bite! The tour far exceeded all expectations and we look forward to doing more tours on future trips. We were a little nervous about our daughters (12 and 16) on the tour, but they were just as enthusiastic about it as we were and had fun trying so many new things. I would recommend this to anyone visiting Tokyo.
BEST tour EVER!!!
915janid,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00OMGosh, this was the BEST tour EVER!!!! Not only did we taste AMAZING foods along the way, but Mairi gave us SO MUCH interesting information as we meandered the streets of Yanesen! Truly, a MUST DO if in Tokyo! And be sure to ask for Mairi as your guide!!!!
Experiencing local culture, learning history, all while eating delicious foods
JimBCalgary,Mar 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I joined an interesting small group of people to explore Tokyo’s old neighborhoods and enjoy lots of tasty food along the way. Mairi was a lovely, enthusiastic guide and host for this adventure. Lots of wonderful memories.
Excellent food tour
192washingtondc,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our family did this on our first day in Japan. Michelle was an outstanding guide! We learned a lot and Michelle was a true pro at crafting the food stops and providing an interesting mix of history, culture, and information. Highly recommend!
Excellent tour of Old Tokyo with Michelle!
KimofOz,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Michelle was an excellent guide with whom we explored the Yanesen area. Starting with the breakfast onigiri, Michelle introduced us to local eateries with unique aspects we certainly wouldn't have found on our own. She introduced us to speciality foods including creampuffs, traditional candy (from a 90 year old candy maker) and red bean pastries. The eel over rice was excellent as was everything we sampled. It was a lot of fun wandering from spot to spot as she patiently explained life in Japan. I loved the cultural aspects of the neighbourhoods: visiting the Nezu Shrine and the passing by the numerous temples Yanaka is known for. Finishing the day with beers in Yanaka Ginza was a treat.
Perfect Tour
Z7211FBjoannag,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our tour guide was amazing and very knowledgeable! Our tour went on for an additional extra hour, which was honestly great to be able to experience a few more delicious items! I liked that we visited more quiet parts of Tokyo and especially loved visiting and supporting multiple shops that had been in business for 100+ years!
A unique experience and a great day in parts of the city that might not be on your 'to see' list, but really should be!
AndyLaRayah,Mar 23, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was such a wonderful experience. Not only did we taste a lot of amazing food, we got to experience parts of Tokyo we wouldn't have seen on our own and got an incredible insight into the culture, history and flavors of the past.
A very interesting tour for the information of the region and of course the yummy food. Strongly recommend Maira.
O4691NUmichelles,Mar 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Maira was very enjoyable and knowledgeable.. She had lots of tastings and tours planned for us. She gave us a good compromise of history and present day information.. All of the tastings were wonderful. Our tour was worth our time and $.
Best day in Japan!
X7222LNjohnd,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had the best time touring with Mairi! She was the best! She took us to the 3 sisters of the Sendagi area. The food was amazing. Her choices took us to the entire gambit from a typical Japanese breakfast through a fantastic lunch with was very enlightening, to the final touches of dessert and a small local bar to finish the day. We would all highly recommend Mairi and Culinary Backstreets!! Thank you!!!
Tokyo Yanesen tour with Mairi
LoveTravel736608,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did the tour on March 16th with Mairi. It was a fantastic day. Mairi was fantastic. She is so knowledgeable of Japanese and Tokyo history and did a great job explaining everything. All the food stops were incredible. Visiting 3 neighborhoods, including the temples, shrines and temple town we much more than expected. We came away tired, and with a great memory of Tokyo. Go hungry!
From US$195.00
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