Japan · MARKETS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 market tours worth the yen, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Taste wagyu skewers, sushi, and seafood bowl samples at Tsukiji’s outer markets, with real market culture and helpful guides in 3 hours.
“I would not recommend this tour. It was more of a look at and talk about the food vs eating food tour. At a minimum I would not show up hungry because the tour does not provide much food. It is really not worth the money, you would be Read more”
Small-group Tsukiji Fish Market walk with a temple stop and food tastings. Learn sushi ingredients and where to buy smart for $30.
“Fun introduction to fish market food stalls along with a visit to a beautiful local shrine. Really enjoyed Shino’s guidance”
A 2-hour Tsukiji Fish Market guided walk with temple highlights, easy navigation, and tasty street food stops in a small group.
“Yayoi was a fantastic guide and knowledgeable in the different types of sushi and foods in the market! Definitely recommend 5/5!”
Small-group Nishiki Market brunch walk with 7 tastings, key Kyoto sights, and photos provided, priced for a guided food plan.
“Great food tour with great guide. Yutaka was as good as a guide can get. He shared a lot about Japanese culture and introduced the group to many new foods. It was a most enjoyable afternoon.”
Outer Tsukiji walk plus a pro-chef sushi class. Learn 5 nigiri types and a roll, then eat your lunch for about $104.
“Tad gave us a great tour through Tsukiji Market and we really enjoyed the whole experience of learning how to make sushi as well. Would highly recommend. We did this tour with our 12 and 16 year old sons and they enjoyed it too.”
A guided 3-hour Tsukiji Outer Market food walk with wagyu skewers, sushi or a seafood bowl, and hands-on culture tips in a small group.
“Our tour guide Chi Haru gave us such a great tour! She first took us through the inside fish market where people buy wholesale fish then we went outside to the food market where we had the BEST wagyu skewers. They were so good we actually went back after the tour to buy another. Our last stop on the tour was in a restaurant where a sushi chef cut and prepared fish for a sashimi bowl for all of us to enjoy. Everything we ate was delicious and I'm so happy we booked this experience. If you can, request Chi Haru/Sunny for yours!”
Walk Tsukiji with a local guide, sample street food, watch a traditional fish-cutting show, then visit Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple.
“It was just alright. There was a lot of stopping and waiting around and honestly not that much history explained. Mostly it was visiting different food stands and encouraging people to try food. What kind of irked me is I was talking to other peoRead more”
Small-group Tsukiji Outer Market food tour with seafood lunch, temple and shrine visits, and helpful local guidance near central Tokyo.
“Our tour was great! Our guide was knowledgeable, fun and introduced us to new places, good food and areas we wouldn’t have otherwise seen.”
Osaka’s Kuromon Market to Dotonbori in 2 hours. 6 stops and 6 tastes with a small-group guide and local food culture.
“Peco was absolutely great. Her knowledge along with her passion for the area and her personality made a a very fun tour”
Hands-on Tsukiji sushi making with an English guide and pro chef. Fresh market ingredients, real utensils, and a full sushi meal from $63.
“Mr Tanaka was an amazing teacher, and Ms. Soteko was always super nice and patient”
Small-group Tsukiji Outer Market food tour with 5 to 8 tastings, expert guidance, and fresh seafood stops. About 2.5 hours, $90.
“Our tour was fantastic! Keiko did a great job sharing information , anwering questions and making it fun.”
Sample Kyoto bites at Nishiki Market and nearby shrines on a small-group 3-hour walk, with culture stops and a mobile ticket.
“This tour went longer than I had anticipated but it was a great way to see the markets and departo. We got to sample different foods that we wouldn’t have tried if on our own. If unsure on the meeting point as the maps showed two different locations message the tour operator.”
A small-group Tsukiji Outer Fish Market walk plus a hands-on washoku lesson at ABC Cooking Travel, ending with lunch and drinks.
“Fantastic trip.... and guide was very good and friendly. Loved the sushi making class.. very well organised knowledgeable.”
Central Kyoto matcha tea ceremony near Nishiki Market, with live koto music and optional kimono photos, in a small group.
“I liked everything. This is cultural experience that worth trying. The Guide is amazing with a great presentation”
2-hour Kuromon Market food walk in Osaka with 5-6 tastings, a local English guide, and photo stops from kitchens to Dotonbori.
“Nina was amazing! Ended up a private tour which was a bonus! Got a locals view of Namba and Dotonburi and tasted lots of different foods, Takoyaki, roast chestnut, dried fruits, tuna belly sashimi, fresh watermelon, ice cream sandwich and red bean paste taiyaki. Plenty of options to suit different tastes and preferences though. Got to see a shrine and museum, local supermarkets and secret shops for souvenirs. Was a perfect introduction to a beautiful city. Thank you so much Nina, and can’t wait for the photos!! :)”
Every kind of day out, and the best of each.
