Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour-Taverns&Ramen

Tokyo , Japan

Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour-Taverns&Ramen

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(881 reviews)

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About this experience

LET'S GET OUT OF THE TOURIST AREA where it's overpriced and crowded with tourists!

I’ll discuss not only Japanese food and drinks but also culture, traditions and history, which will be beneficial for the rest of your stay in Japan for sure!

This tour focuses on Ueno, which is not as crowded as Shibuya, Shinjuku and is less touristy. I'm going to take you to popular taverns and restaurants for ONLY LOCALS (NO TOURISTS!!) where the staff speaks NO ENGLISH.
We will visit several taverns where you will have sashimi, grilled fish and ramen, etc. You will also have the opportunity to try UNIQUE Japanese alcoholic drinks, so you'll be able to experience what Japanese taverns are like. I'll order signature dishes and feel free to ask me any questions.

At the end of tour, I will explain which train station you need to go to, depending on your destination.

Available options

Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour-Taverns&Ramen

What's included

You have 5 drinks on the tour.

You are going to have a small souvenir porcelain cup, using one on the tour.

ALL DRINKS and FOOD are INCLUDED in the fee. You will have 5 dishes included RAMEN in total.

Detailed itinerary

We will meet up in Tokyo, capital of Japan, explaining about history in Tokyo.

Stop 2 Pass by

I will talk about Ueno park about what's going on during introduction.

Stop 3 Pass by

I will talk about Ueno zoo when I do introduction of the tour. After that, we are off to the first stop of the tour.

Serving 4 dishes at the first spot of the restaurant, explaining about Japanese dishes.

We are going though Ameya Yokocho when we move to the next to Japanese style restaurants on the tour.

I will expalin about dishes here also drinking culture in the Izkaya, Okachimachi area

Stop 7 Pass by

I will explain about train system in Tokyo

Stop 8

I am going to teach you about Japanese alcoholic drinks and food you'll be able to experience what Japanese taverns are like.

I'll explain all dishes I order and you can pepper me with questions - ask me anything you want to know about the food and drinks on the menus of the places we visit!

Afrer we have fun in a couple or three of my favourite and the most outstanding taverns, we will head to a ramen shop.

I will take you to a ramen store near Okachimachi panda park at the last stop, expalining how to order and eat ramen.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

299 reviews

5★

279

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

582 reviews

5★

563

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

In front of Starbucks atré beside Ueno station Hirokōji exit, Tokyo.

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.