Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Description
Enjoy an efficient, one-day tour inside Tokyo’s two famous fish markets, Toyosu and Tsukiji, as well as other local areas, on this food and cultural shopping themed trip accompanied by a government-licensed and experienced multilingual guide! Your guide will meet you at your hotel to start the day, then take you to visit famous sites such as Toyosu and the outer Tsukiji fish market; Asakusa shopping street, filled with authentic Tokyo street food; and Ueno's Ameyoko and Kappabashi, Japan's kitchenware wonderland. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Toyosu Market (豊洲市場, Toyosu Shijō) opened on October 11, 2018 on the man-made island of Toyosu in the Bay of Tokyo. It took over the wholesale business from the aging Tsukiji Market and provides tourists with an opportunity to observe the market action and to dine at restaurants across its large, modern premises. The huge wholesale market consists of three main buildings: two buildings for seafood and one for fruits and vegetables. All buildings are connected with each other and Shijo-mae Station via walkways. This tour is available at 8AM onwards. If you are interested to see the Tuna auction, please book Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour which can be booked at 5AM.
Meet up with your guide at Tsukiji Honganji Temple, just outside the market’s main gate, in the morning. As you navigate your way through this labyrinth of all things seafood, learn from your guide about the market’s history and why many Japan’s top chefs visit here daily to pick up the freshest-quality ingredients. You never know what you might find as you stroll past the stalls of this amazing food center. You might see piles of sea urchin (uni) stacked neatly in boxes, watch as vendors carve massive Bluefin tuna or spot puffer fish floating in tanks. Many shops in Tsukiji are closed due to the closure of Toyosu. ※closed on Wednesdays, Sundays, national holidays, new years and occasionally on other irregular days.
One of the favorite pastimes of many a visitor to Japan is going on a souvenir shopping spree, hauling in as many amazing goods and deals as possible. In Ginza, people shop for high-end and trendy fashion in its many department stores and high-class duty free shops, while Shinjuku is known for its abundance of massive electronics retailers – Tokyo offers many a shopping spree hot spot.
Sensoji Temple is one of the most famous temples in Japan. It looks back on a 1,300 year-long history and is also famous for its entrance gate called Kaminarimon which stands out through its large red lantern. Sensoji itself is not the only reason why you should visit the area. The oldest shopping street in Japan, called Nakamise Dori is located beyond Kaminarimon and leads to the temple's main hall. On Nakamise Dori you can buy traditional Japanese craft items as well as delicious snacks such as fried mochi (glutinous rice cakes).
Nakamise is the most famous shopping street in Asakusa. The street runs for 250 meters on the main approach to Sensoji Temple and is lined on both sides with shops selling traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets. This street is actually on temple property and so it starts and ends with a temple gate: at the southern end is the outer gate of Kaminarimon, and at the northern end is the inner gate of Hozomon. Between these two gates are 89 shops, with 54 shops on the east side, and 35 shops on the west. “Nakamise” is a traditional name given to shopping streets on the grounds of temples or shrines, so this is not the only “Nakamise” in Japan, but it is one of the oldest and most famous.
Kappabashi Street (かっぱ橋道具街, Kappabashi Dōgugai) is a shopping street between Ueno and Asakusa, which is lined with several dozens of stores selling everything needed by restaurant operators, with the exception of fresh food. You will find specialized stores for dishes, pots, pans, cooking utensils, stoves, tables, chairs, signs, lanterns and more. There are also a few stores which sell plastic and wax food samples, used by many restaurants in their show windows.
Monjayaki is a liquid-y, hot, admittedly unattractive dish—but, once you get over looks and into substance, you’ll forgive its appearance and dive in. A thin batter made with flour and dashi (Japanese stock) forms the base, and with myriad combinations of toppings there’s something for everyone. If you’ve never tried it—either intentionally like me, or through not knowing it existed—there’s only one place to go in Tokyo, and it’s literally called Monja Street.
One of best shopping streets in Tokyo, with the well-remained old town “Shitamachi” atmosphere. Explore the nostalgic side of Tokyo through Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street! Yanaka (谷中) is a quiet neighbourhood in Taito ward, east Tokyo. The area is known as old-town district (Shitamachi in Japanese) where nostalgic and rustic vibes are well remained. Yanaka can be accessed from Ueno easily and it’s in a walking distance from Ueno Park. Yanaka is a residential and low-key commercial district where many locals live, and old shops and buildings gather. Yanaka Ginza (谷中銀座) is locals’ favourite place to shop, eat and hang out with neighbours. It’s the most lively part of the district where visitors can feel the true vibes of local activities.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Reviews(25)
On our first full day in Tokyo, we had a 6 hour food and culture tour with “Show” as our guide. Even before we met him, his advice was great. We set up our Suica cards and were ready. We loved the food and cultural route we took with Show. He was informative without simply spewing facts. We wandered around, learned to navigate the trains and people. Learned cultural expectations, and tasted a variety of foods. We highly recommend this tour (especially on day 1 of your trip), the company, and Show as a guide.
A fascinating, enjoyable tour thanks to our wonderful and personable guide, Michio. Calling it a “tour” is somewhat of an understatement, as Michio was a wealth of information spanning Japanese history, language and culture. We especially appreciated having the tour tailored to our interests, not inhibited by a pre-determined itinerary. All in all, it was time well spent and will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of our travels in Japan. Thank you, Michio!
Oh, what a wonderful review on the tour and tour guide. Very happy to know you had a good time with me in Japan. We have a lot more for you to explore, so please come visit Japan again. Best Michio.
Goreilo (Hayama-San) did an excellent job. He customized the day for my daughter and I. He was very knowledgeable, we had a particular request for a top sushi restaurant and he did a great job in picking one of the best. Thank you so much for a memorable day. We would definitely come back.
Thank you very much for your warm review. I also enjoyed the tour with you two. You were very enthusiastic even though it's early in the morning and rainy day. I believe that you two fully enjoyed the fresh Sushi at Toyosu. I hope you could come to Japan again in another season! Best regards, Goreilo
Amazing experience during our trip! We strongly recommend for all who Wish to visit Tokyo in all kind of points of views!
My son and I had Minnie as a guide and really enjoyed the trip. Minnie emailed in advanced, texted on WhatsApp in days prior and met us hotel lobby for a six hour food and cultural tour during which we visited temples, both food markets (we ate excellent sushi at second one as auction closed early in morning), Buddhist fire ritual, sake tasting, cultural museum and urban garden. Minnie was flexible with itinerary both with means of travel (we preferred subway, though also took one bus and one taxi), and really seemed to be a good fit for us. I found the cost of tour to be very reasonable - ours did not include entrance fees, meals and transportation which worked out well for us. One suggestion is to do something like this early during visit as the food education helps for the rest of holiday.
It was a very hot day, but thanks to the experienced traveler, we were able to visit many spots efficiently. I like tours that are not monotonous and introduce hidden spots. This time, while avoiding the strong sunlight, we were able to visit Tsukiji Market, delicious sushi, a foot bath, public transportation, a small but interesting museum, and one of Tokyo's most famous gardens. I am very grateful to the two gentlemen and their cooperation. There are still many hidden spots. Please come to Japan again. From Minnie.
Thank you so much, Michio Akutsu san! Our family of 4 (teenage son and his younger sister) had a wonderful time exploring the hidden gems of Tokyo. Michio san walked us through the high level overview of Japan history to understand the places we plan to visit. His sushi lunch recommendation was delicious! We loved it so much! Michio was very patient and accommodating with various activities during the day. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants to experience Japan with local guide!
Thank you so much for your positive review on the tour and tour guide. I could feel you are enjoying the tour, and that made me enjoyable and happy. Japan has a lot more for you to explore, so please plan your next trip to us. Michio
From the very beginning, Japan Guide Agency was very professional and prompt in answering my emails and questions. Therefore, we booked 2 tours with the company and have no regrets. Guide: Shozo Nitta “Show” We booked a 6 hour tour to Tsukiji Fish Market. Show met us in our hotel lobby, and we started our tour by walking across to the Shibuya train station. We were able to purchase different types of tea, taste sashimi and other snacks at the market. We visited a knife store where my husband purchased a knife and requested it be mailed home. We also went to a very large electronics store. At the end of the tour, Show took us back to the Shibuya train station where we had a light snack before walking back to our hotel. A month after we return home, we realized we did not receive the knife we purchased. We decided to wait a bit longer knowing that international shipping and customs can be tricky with certain items. However, when it was clear that the knife was not coming, I attempted to reach out to the store via their website that is all in the Japanese language. I reached out via email to Show and asked for his assistance in contacting the store and following up on the purchase. Show contacted the store and sent emails translating their response. Apparently, the knife was never sent. The store advised that they would send out another immediately and within 2 weeks of my first email to Show we received the knife. We are so grateful for Show’s professionalism and help and would highly recommend Japan Guide Agency and Show for Tokyo private tours.
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave a review. I was very sorry that the knife you purchased in Japan did not arrive, and as the guide for the tour, I felt responsible. I am relieved to hear that the knife has arrived. I hope you will come again and enjoy Japan in the future. Show
Goreilo’s San was our guide for a visit to the old fish market in Tokyo. He was in touch with me before I arrived in Japan and messsged me and kept us informed with regard to his arrival at our hotel. Ge was very friendly and very informative and we had a really pleasant day with him. We enjoyed spending time with him and highly recommend him.
Thank you very much for your warm review. I also enjoyed the tour with you two. I believe that you two fully enjoyed the fresh Sushi and Kappabashi Dougugai shopping tour. I hope that you enjoy the Japan during the rest of your trip with your proudful son. It's been a pleasure meeting your two. Best regards, goreilo
Naoko was a great tour guide! She was very attentive and was able to accommodate to the things I had asked for. She was also able to adjust the schedule based on the weather. She was also very responsive and created an itinerary that was based on what I had suggested. Would highly recommend
Thank you for your kind review and taking your time. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour. Unfortunately, the weather was bad, but I appreciate that you accepted the change of itinerary. It was my pleasure to guide you. I hope you can enjoy the cherry blossoms (sakura) in full bloom when you come to Japan again someday! Thank you, Arigatou! Naoko
March 7, 2024 my wife and me met Mr Ken Takahashi at our Tokyo hotel. We reviewed our tour and opted to see Toyo’s Market, Tsukiji Fish Market and Senso-ji Temple and added Idemitsu Museum of Arts instead of the shopping areas. It was a cold wintery day. Ken is an excellent navigator getting through Tokyo’s maze of trains, buses and subways to our spots of interest. We had a nice introduction to Tokyo and its history with Ken’s knowledge. I would go with Ken again because He was well prepared for our journey and answered our questions plus gave us insight into the Japanese way. Frank&Norma
Thank you very much for sending an encouraging review. It was my pleasure to have the opportunity to show you around this wonderful city, Tokyo. Yes, the long history of the city makes it so attractive for tourists with its layers of culture. There are many other places off the beaten path, so please come back! Ken Takahashi