Best of Tokyo Food Tour with Arigato Japan Food Tours
On my first day in Tokyo, I decided to go on a food tour of the Asakusa area. This is one of the most popular places in Tokyo with Sensō-Ji Buddhist temple, beautiful small streets and of course delicious food.
I was searching on the internet for the perfect tour and I found the company called Arigato Japan Food Tours.
Arigato Japan Food Tours
Beginning January 20, 2016, Arigato Japan Food Tours started as a 1-woman show. Anne Kyle, the Founder of Arigato Japan Food Tours, performed the first 300 tours herself. Arigato Japan has been featured at the New York Times Travel Show, on the U.S. News & World Report, Travel Weekly, by British Airways, the popular TV show Travels with Darley, and most recently on CNN Travel as one of the top 7 most authentic experience companies in Japan.
Our Guide Asami
Our guide for the day was Asami. She was knowledgable, funny, helpful and she told us so many useful things that helped us to understand the culture, the people and of course the food better. Asami is a true food and drink lover having spent her entire professional career in the restaurant industry. She is originally from Japan but lived in the United States for nearly 10 years. Asami has worked in multiple high-end restaurants on the famed Las Vegas Strip. Her true passion in life is sharing her knowledge of both food and beverage with those around her. She has a special interest in sake through countless years of studying, which allows her to pair sake and food together much like a wine sommelier would pair food and wine together thus creating a memorable experience like no other.
The Tour
Our tour started in Asakusa, so we learned a bit of history of the area while trying snacks and local food. We went off the beaten track to discover hidden spots with delicious restaurants and small izakayas (Japanese pub). We also learned about food customs and ordering tips that we used throughout our time in Japan.
Our first stop was to try a famous Japanese snack, then we went to different small shops, where we tried some spices and side dishes, our lunch spot was at the authentic Japanese restaurant where we tried different fish dishes. On the second part of the tour, we went through a store that has local Japanese food from all over Japan. And our last stop was a dessert shop that has been making a famous pastry since 1945. We enjoyed it with a cup of Matcha (green tea).
Tour Highlights
Approximately three to four-hour tour of Asakusa area with famous Sensō-Ji temple.
An afternoon of great food with authentic Japanese lunch (with sashimi option).
Experience different regional flavors from all over Japan including Japanese plums, pickles, rice crackers and more.
A visit to a classic candy shop where a traditional candy making method has been preserved.
Have a taste of melon bread, one of Japan’s best-kept secrets with a cup of Matcha tea.
There will be at least five food stops with lunch (which includes five to seven dishes and one drink).
Conclusion
I found the tour with Arigato very useful and our tour guide Asami was incredible. I learned about the food, manners, culture and insider’s tips of the unique places that we visit. I also met fellow travelers and we had a great time together. So, we agreed that at the end of the tour, we really understand and appreciate food more and also know a bit more about Japanese table manners. Which always comes helpful.
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OurWorldTravelSelfies would like to thank Arigato Japan Food Tours for welcoming this review. The opinion is as always, our own. Photos are courtesy of Our World Travel Selfies.
