Small Town in the Big City: Tasting Tokyo’s Kichijoji
Overview
6 hours
Mobile ticket
The food tour of Tokyo — the world’s biggest city, and perhaps its most delicious — explores the exquisite culinary heritage of a single neighborhood, Kichijoji, sampling our way through old school yakitori joints, gleaming department stores, avant grade taverns, hopping street food stands and much more.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
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
Kichijoji
Our food tour of Tokyo — the world’s biggest city, and perhaps its most delicious — explores the exquisite culinary heritage of a single neighborhood, Kichijoji, sampling our way through old school yakitori joints, gleaming department stores, avant grade taverns, hopping street food stands and much more.
Inokashira Onshi Park
Our food tour in Tokyo neighborhood begins at a depachika to experience one of Tokyo’s incredible department store food halls, where food pays tribute to both tradition and the newest trends. Making our way past highly prized pickles, fruit fit for a king and the aisle of Japanese junk food, we arrive at the sushi bar of choice among locals. Along Kichijoji’s bustling shotengai shopping street, we’ll rub elbows with locals as they shop for daily needs, learning about the basics of Japanese cuisine and tasting some of them, such as skewers of yakitori and octopus balls prepared and served street-side. We’ll meet three generations of a family of artisanal senbei makers working side by side in their tiny shop and atelier and, further down the road, we’ll visit a restaurant dedicated entirely to miso. We’ll sample unusual food rarely served outside Japan, such as sake infused with the fin of fugu, the famous puffer fish, plus expertly-crafted old standbys like tea and sweets.
What‘s Included
Alcoholic Beverages
Snacks
Lunch
Coffee and/or Tea
Meals
Private transportation
Options
Small Town in the Big City: Tasting Tokyo’s Kichijoji
Reviews
18 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Small Town - Great Food!
V2950TTalang,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From the start of the tour until the end we had a great time in the company of our guide, Ken, who took us on a tour of the local food scene with a couple of hidden gems that the ordinary visitor to Tokyo would not be aware of. Ken gave us an interesting commentary about the different foods we tasted and because of the small number in the group (only four of us) it felt very close and personal. From sushi to fugu to tempura, sashimi, miso - we enjoyed a variety of flavours and textures and got to experience the genuine side of Japanes cuisine away from the tourist centre of Tokyo. Unfortunately, Mrs G and I had to leave the tour early as we had booked something in town and it was going to be a close call getting to it on time. This was a great pity as I would love to know what we missed out on (Ken had two other venues lined up). To pick out a favourite venue is difficult. The miso tasting with "Mr Miso" was definitely an eye opener as to the different flavours available. The chicken wings I sampled at Toriyoshi were absolutely divine. The fugu was certainly... interesting and the venue we started at in the morning (sushi and sushimi) was excellent. Overall I would thoroughly recommend this tour.
An enriching introduction to the people and cuisine in an artisanal neighborhood of Japan
Travelnow7777,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ken was an engaged and interesting guide who had developed deep connections with restaurant owners in the neighborhood. He gave us a range of experiences that gave us a real feel for life in Kichijōji.
Great tour!
JeffreyS2441,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic tour. Our guide, Elly, was terrific — excellent English. We walked, talked and especially ate! The highlight of our trip!
Inconsistent booking and repeated cancellations made it difficult to rely on their service.
535dv,,Nov 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00They have cancelled multiple attempts to book in an untimely manner, which made planning very inconvenient and frustrating. I would not recommend relying on them for timely reservations.
Michelle is Amazing - This is a 10/10 Tour!
erinfD4434UU,,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was hands down the best food tour I have ever been on. The choices were unique and the city was authentic and charming. Michelle was the absolute best host, she was knowledgeable, engaging, and fun. She knew everyone and cared deeply about their stories which really added to how genuine she/this tour was. Thank you and I really hope I can enjoy this tour again with more friends.
A true highlight of our week in Tokyo
gbevan,,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Everything about our tour was perfect. Ken, our guide, was engaged and engaging. We ate wonderfully and, thankfully, not excessively. And seeing a lovely , fascinating neighborhood we never would have gone to on our own was great. I can't recommend this tour too highly.
Another great tour by Culinary Backstreets.
navodhis,,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Small group nearly and all day tour - knowledgeable guide and brilliant food. Found hidden gems off the beaten path.
So much deliciousness!
V8446NWrobertal,,Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour was absolutely awesome! We went with 3 couples and they are still raving about it. It was a highlight of our trip to Japan.
Outstanding tour.
F6639TMwhitneyb,,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Outstanding tour. Ken was engaging, prepared, and always checking in to ensure everyone was happy. The stops were all great. The food was excellent and really enjoyed seeing some longstanding experts in their craft. It was a great day. Loved seeing the neighborhood and a small slice of Tokyo life.
Love kichjoji!!
A8172XAjessiec,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The your was amazing. We got to experience a wonderful neighborhood that really felt like a neighborhood - the real Japan. We visited small family restaurants and vendors learning as we went. Michelle was wonderful.
From US$195.00
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Operated by Culinary Backstreets