This article is an honest review of the Allstar Food Tour in Tokyo from Arigato Tours. This tour focused mainly on the Ginza area, but the company also runs tours in other parts of Tokyo including Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa.
Are Food Tours Worth It in Tokyo?
Tokyo is a paradise for food lovers, but most tourists make at least one of the following mistakes during their first time in Japan:
- Choosing restaurants they found on Tripadvisor which turn out to be overpriced or tourist traps (no Japanese reviews = bad sign)
- Choosing restaurants that have gone ‘viral’ on Tiktok where you wait in line for hours for food that may look pretty but tastes mediocre
- Not planning meals at all and just randomly wandering around the streets of Tokyo
- Getting intimidated by the language barrier and ending up eating at fast food chains like McDonalds (this is the worst in my opinion!)
I always recommend booking at least one guided food tour in any new city you visit. Everyone knows that the best places are not the ones found online or in guidebooks, but those recommended by locals. A food tour is like having a local friend help you discover another side to a destination without any of the hassles of language barriers or trying to figure out where to eat by yourself.
Arigato Tours – Ginza All Star Food Tour Review
I have to admit, as someone who used to live in Tokyo and spent many weekends shopping in Ginza, I never really saw it as a top evening dining destination. Aside from the lively Ginza Corridor dining street, I always thought areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku had far more to offer when it came to night-time food options. So when I heard about a food tour showcasing Ginza’s hidden culinary gems, I was more than a little intrigued. Could this upscale district, known for its luxury boutiques and designer stores, really have enough to justify an Allstar Food Tour?
Beneath Ginza’s polished surface lies a rich and fascinating history. Originally home to a silver coin mint during Japan’s Edo period, the area became a key financial hub. However, much of it was destroyed in a fire in 1872. When Ginza was rebuilt, it became one of Tokyo’s first modern districts, featuring Western-style brick buildings that set it apart from the rest of the city.
By the early 20th century, Ginza had cemented its status as a fashion and cultural hub, with the openings of department stores like Mitsukoshi (which you can still visit today) and classic cafés like Café Tricolore, which has been serving coffee since 1936. Stepping inside feels like a journey back in time to an old-world European café, offering a glimpse of Ginza’s past amid its modern glitz.
This food tour by Arigato Tours promised to uncover the district’s hidden stories and history through a carefully curated series of food stops. I was excited to see if it would change my perception of Ginza as a dining destination!
Ginza Food Tour First Impressions
Booking the tour was seamless, with clear instructions and a helpful team available to answer questions. There are even special options for families traveling with children and solo travelers, making it a flexible experience for different groups. One thing to note is the strict start time policy—arriving late means missing out, so punctuality is key.
Upon arriving at the meeting point in Ginza, our guide Sandra greeted our group warmly, instantly making a bunch of strangers feel at ease!
The Food Stops
This tour isn’t just about eating, it’s about experiencing Tokyo’s culture through food. As we wandered through the lively streets, we found ourselves exploring backstreets, browsing in an expensive fruit shop, and discovering neon-lit alleyways transporting us to a nostalgic Showa-era Japan. Here is a quick round-up of the stops included on the day I took the tour:
Stop 1: Classic Izakaya Bites
The first stop introduced us to yakitori, a classic izakaya specialty. With a complimentary drink in hand, we sampled a mix of grilled skewers and small plates packed with umami flavors. The lively atmosphere made it easy to feel like a local, even if just for the night.
Stop 2: The Hidden Tea Shop
Next, we visited a beautiful Japanese tea specialty shop. The knowledgeable staff guided us through a tasting experience, carefully preparing several varieties of green tea for us to sample. Sipping these exquisite teas was a calm and reflective pause in our food journey before heading to our next culinary adventure.
Stop 3: A Quick Snack
After our tea stop, it was time for a quick snack at a small shop where we picked up custom-made senbei – traditional Japanese rice crackers.
Stop 4: Regional Delights
After enjoying tea and senbei, it was time to settle in at another cozy izakaya, this one specializing in regional cuisine from Okinawa. It was my first time experiencing Okinawan food, and I loved the opportunity to explore a unique side of Japanese cuisine that isn’t always easy to find. Each dish brought new flavors, offering a delicious glimpse into the distinct culinary traditions of Japan’s southernmost islands.
Stop 5: A Sweet Ending
No meal is complete without dessert, and our final stop delivered the perfect finish to the night. A traditional Japanese sweet, beautifully presented, wrapped up the experience.
Beyond the Food: The Experience
Our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide gave insights into Tokyo’s food culture, local customs, and even restaurant etiquette, which are all super useful for first-time visitors to Japan.
The group dynamic was another pleasant surprise. With a mix of fellow travelers and food enthusiasts, the shared experience of discovering hidden food gems created an enjoyable and engaging atmosphere.
Who Should Take This Tour?
If you’re a food lover looking for an authentic Tokyo experience, this Ginza food tour is perfect for you. However, if you have strict dietary restrictions or struggle with walking for a long time, you might want to consider booking a private tour for a more tailored experience.
Other Japan Food Tour Recommendations
If you’re interested in experiencing other food tours in Japan, then I also recommend the following options by Arigato Tours as a great introduction to each city:
Kyoto: Casual Pontocho Evening Food Tour
Osaka: Absolute Osaka Food Tour
Hiroshima: Best of Hiroshima Food Tour
Planning a trip to Japan? Check out my popular 5-day Tokyo itinerary for beginners, Osaka itineraries, and 3-day Kyoto itinerary.
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