Private Tour
(Private car)Fake It Then Taste It:Japan’s Quirky Cuisine Journey
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Start your journey at Sagamihara’s quirky “Used Tire Market,” a hidden gem loved by vending machine fans. Rows of retro machines from the Showa era still operate, serving hot udon, toast, capsule toys, and bottled drinks. Nostalgic, surreal, and irresistibly charming—your guide will help you capture photos. Stay about 30–60 minutes.
Next, get hands-on at “Atelier Stella,” a food sample workshop where you’ll craft realistic fake food seen in Japanese restaurants. Choose from sushi, takoyaki, rice crackers, or the popular toast-shaped clock. With guidance from a skilled artisan and English support, beginners and kids (age 6+) can enjoy making their own unique souvenir. Sessions are 1 or 2 hours.
Finish with a local dinner in Machida. Whether it’s izakaya, traditional washoku, or sizzling monjayaki, your guide will help you choose and order the perfect meal to end the day.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
This is a private tour, so you(and your friend, family, and so on) will be the only ones in the vehicle.
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter
Food sample making experience fee
1,000 yen food and drink charge: If you want to buy more, you can buy it yourself
Parking Fees
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Used Tire Market Sagamihara Vending Machines Corner
Experience a unique retro adventure at the Sagamihara Used Tire Market. Discover a quirky and unexpected location with a hidden vending machine hideout in a tire market. Step back in time with a visit to the vending machine section, where nostalgic vending machines are still in operation. Purchase hot meals such as ramen, burgers, and toasted sandwiches, giving you a glimpse into Japan's Showa (1926-1989) culture. Not only the food, but the venue itself offers a quirky and unexpected location - a hidden vending machine hideout in a tire market. This unexpected combination has brought a sense of surprise and humor to many foreign tourists. It's not just a meal, it's an adventure full of discoveries, laughs, and unique photo opportunities. The nostalgic yet fresh contrast creates an unforgettable impression. The retro design and functionality make it the perfect place for Instagramable photos and sharing on social media.
Let's actually make "ultra-realistic fake food" that you often see in Japanese restaurants! You can choose to make sushi, takoyaki, rice crackers, or the super popular "bread clock". With the guidance of a craftsman and the support of an English guide, even beginners can feel at ease. Children (elementary school age and above) are also welcome. You can take home the creation you made as a souvenir. The duration is either 1 or 2 hours.
Options
(Private car)Fake It Then Taste It:Japan’s Quirky Cuisine Journey
Pickup included
Reviews
7 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Thanks by Aoi
Aoi O,
Sep 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was my first experience to try sample food making. The best workshop ever for me! All the vending machines were the ones I had never seen before. So interesting to stroll around. I could even try the old game machines, too. Thank you, Yuga-kun.
Yucky
Aoi O,
Sep 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00That was unpredictable experience! During the tour, I cannot stop being excited. A long-held wish came true and I could make sample food at last! The instructor and guide (Yuga) taught us how to make hand by hand gently, so that I and my son could be related to do that. We made bread clock and takoyaki. Those were very charming and too similar to distinguish them from the real ones. And the retro unique vending machines' place was like another world. I could travel back to Showa-era instantly. It was amazing to hear the story of the owner who collects the old vending machines all over Japan, fixes and maintains them, orders specially to the local venders to make the items to sell. We had soba and ramen noodles. Those were so well made I couldn't believe that they come out as ready to eat in bowls in just 27 seconds from the vending machine! And also it was convenient to travel from spot to spot by private car. Thank you so much, Yuga.
This was an absolutely...
Akiko M,
Sep 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was an absolutely wonderful experience that I highly recommend! Traveling alone, it might take a little courage to step into the places, but having a kind and knowledgeable host made me feel completely comfortable and able to enjoy every moment. The food sample making was surprisingly easy, even for a beginner like me, thanks to the instructor's careful and detailed guidance. The atelier itself felt like a museum, which was incredibly exciting! I got to take my creations home as souvenirs, and my family is already so fascinated by them. The vending machine experience offered a taste of both Japanese technology and subculture. Since our host knew everything about how to use the machines, their history, and the flavors of the snacks, we had a delightful and relaxing snack time!
unforgettable day
Hironao S,
Sep 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Thank you for such an unforgettable day! I got to see so many traditional Japanese vending machines and felt the history behind them. Some of the machines were so rare and I even got to play some fun games. I tried a hamburger and fried noodles, and honestly, they tasted even better than what you’d get at a regular shop. For the food sample workshop, I made Takoyaki . The staff explained everything so kindly that I was able to make something that looked almost like real Japanese food. Even though I had already eaten lunch, it made me hungry ! Yuga was amazing.he taught us about the history of vending machines, the local area, and Japanese food culture. I’d love to join again!
Unique, Fun & Delicious — A Must-Do in Japan
Naomi M,
Sep 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Stepping into the retro vending machine space felt like traveling back in time — it was so nostalgic and exciting! Even though the machines look old, they are perfectly maintained, and the food that comes out is surprisingly delicious. The yakisoba was absolutely the highlight — hot, flavorful, and much better than I ever expected from a vending machine. Our guide Yuga made the experience even more fascinating by explaining the unique features and history behind each machine. It wasn’t just about eating — it was about discovering a hidden side of Japanese culture in such a fun and engaging way. The food sample workshop was another unforgettable highlight. I found myself completely absorbed, crafting a sushi replica under the patient guidance of the teacher. The small group setting made it friendly and relaxed, and chatting together while working on our creations made it even more enjoyable. The finished sushi sample turned out to be a one-of-a-kind souvenir — a special memory I’ll treasure from this trip. This tour is perfect for anyone looking for a truly unique and authentic experience in Japan that you could never find on your own. Highly recommended!
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