Tokyo Izakaya & Bar Hopping Tour in Nakano – Food and Sake tour

Tokyo , Japan

Tokyo Izakaya & Bar Hopping Tour in Nakano – Food and Sake tour

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About this experience

Nakano is one of the most fascinating neighborhoods in Tokyo.
It feels cinematic and deeply Japanese, with colorful streets, small bars, and hidden local restaurants that make you feel like you have stepped into a movie set.

This experience includes visits to specialized shochu and sake bars, places that locals truly love. With gentle guidance from your host, you will learn how people in Japan casually enjoy these traditional drinks in everyday life.

Food is a big part of the night. You will enjoy a generous amount of delicious Japanese food across several stops, making this more than a tasting and closer to a full dinner.

This experience is not only about eating and drinking. It is about discovering a neighborhood you will want to return to, sharing moments with fellow travelers, and leaving with memories that feel personal and real.

Available options

Tokyo Izakaya & Bar Hopping Tour in Nakano – Food and Sake tour

What's included

Admission fee

All food and drinks at 1 bar, 2 izakayas, and 2 street food stops are included

Detailed itinerary

Japanese Sake & Shochu Bar

First, we will visit a Japanese sake and shochu bar.
This is where the tour begins and the atmosphere starts to open up.

Your guide will introduce the difference between sake and shochu in a simple way and help everyone choose a drink that suits their taste. This stop is about relaxing, breaking the ice, and enjoying the first “Kanpai” together.

Non-alcoholic options are available, and drinking is never required. The goal here is not education, but comfort and connection.

Yakitori Izakaya

Next, we head to a local yakitori izakaya. This is a very traditional Japanese setting, popular with neighborhood regulars.

You will enjoy freshly grilled skewers along with drinks, experiencing the lively but casual side of everyday Japanese nightlife. Your guide will support ordering and help explain simple dining manners.

This stop gives guests a strong feeling of being somewhere locals actually go, not a tourist restaurant.

Street Snack Stop (Nikuman)

After the izakaya, we take a short walk to enjoy street food, starting with nikuman, a warm Japanese meat bun.

This stop is light and casual. Guests can eat while standing or walking, which naturally creates relaxed conversations and a change of pace from sitting indoors.

It is also a good moment to enjoy the streets of Nakano and feel the rhythm of the neighborhood at night.

Izakaya Restaurant

We then visit another local izakaya, where the atmosphere is slightly calmer.

Here, guests enjoy more Japanese dishes and drinks while sitting together.
This stop allows time to slow down, talk more deeply, and enjoy the feeling of sharing a meal in Japan.

Your guide will make sure everyone is comfortable, check energy levels, and adjust the pace if needed.

Taiyaki (Japanese Sweet)

The final stop is taiyaki, a traditional Japanese sweet.

This is a gentle and warm ending to the evening. While enjoying taiyaki, guests often reflect on the night, exchange contacts, and talk about places they want to revisit.

The tour ends with a relaxed walk, leaving guests with a pleasant aftertaste and the feeling that they have discovered a neighborhood they can return to on their own.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Please meet your guide at the open plaza located just outside the North Exit of Nakano Station.

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.