Ueno Walk, Exactly 10 Tastings

Tokyo: Authentic Japanese Food Walking Tour with 10 Tastings

★ 4.8 38 reviews

3 hours 30 minutes, free cancellation.

from $107.98 per person

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Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Meeting point: Hard Rock Cafe Tokyo Ueno Station, Ueno
Cancellation: Free cancellation
Meal: Included in the fare
Run by: Secret Food Tours

Overview

Ten tastings in three and a half hours, moving on foot through Ueno with a local guide who picks the stops. The food runs from delicate sushi made with locally sourced fish to smoky yakitori skewers, with either pan-fried gyoza or beef croquettes in between. Seasonal fresh fruit, a scoop of matcha ice cream, a draft beer, water and two types of tea round out the lineup, plus one dish the operator keeps secret until the day itself.

The walk is not just eating. Guides talk through Japanese etiquette, seasonal ingredients and the rituals around dining, and reviewers describe visits to local shops they would never have found alone. One traveller mentioned the route even took in a shrine, so there is sightseeing between the bites.

It suits first-time visitors wanting an introduction to Japanese food, and people who already know the cuisine but want local knowledge on where and why it is eaten. Families have taken it with an eight-year-old who enjoyed it. Come hungry: several reviewers warned that the amount of food is more than expected, enough to leave a young adult stuffed.

What's Included

Included

Japanese sushi
Taste the best gyoza or beef croquettes
Yakitori
Local seasonal fresh fruits
Matcha ice cream
A secret dish
Water
Two types of tea
One draft beer

Not Included

Pickup and drop-off
Tips

Itinerary

Meet at Hard Rock Cafe UenoThe group meets at the Hard Rock Cafe at Atre Ueno, first floor, beside Ueno Station. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off.
Neighborhood food walkThe guide leads the group on foot through the surrounding streets, stopping at local eateries chosen for the tour.
Sushi stopDelicate sushi prepared with fresh, locally sourced fish.
Gyoza or croquettesEither pan-fried gyoza, crisp outside and juicy inside, or beef croquettes.
Yakitori and fruitSkewered chicken grilled to a smoky finish, followed by seasonal fresh fruits.
Secret dishOne dish is revealed only on the day, a signature of this operator's tours.
Sweets, tea and beerThe tour closes with matcha ice cream, two types of tea, water and one draft beer.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking this walk.

Come hungry. Multiple reviewers said the quantity of food surprised them and advised not eating beforehand. One described being stuffed by the end, in a good way. Treat this as a meal, not a snack.
Wear good shoes. The listing notes the tour involves a fair amount of walking and recommends comfortable shoes. Reviews confirm it is a walking tour through the neighborhood, with stops on foot throughout.
Group format. One reviewer appreciated the limited group size, though exact numbers are not stated, so check the booking page if this matters to you.
Guides vary. Different reviewers name different guides, all described warmly in the reviews. Whoever leads your walk, expect local insight into etiquette, ingredients and the food culture.
Dietary needs. Tell the operator about any dietary requirements in advance so they can cater to them as best they can. The menu and itinerary can change based on venue availability, weather and other circumstances.
Drinks on the tour. One draft beer, water and two types of tea are included. A reviewer who took a drink upgrade said the flavor combinations enhanced the experience, so ask the operator what options exist if you want more.

Common issues. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off; you make your own way to the meeting point at Atre Ueno. Tips are not included. One reviewer suggested a later start time, since the first restaurant on their visit opened at 11:00 am, though the schedule is set by the operator. The itinerary and menu can shift depending on availability and weather, so specific stops are never guaranteed in advance.

Common Questions

Is Food Included In The Price?

Yes. The tour covers sushi, gyoza or beef croquettes, yakitori, seasonal fruit, matcha ice cream, a secret dish, water, two types of tea and one draft beer. Tips are not included, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not provided.

Where Does The Tour Meet?

At the Hard Rock Cafe at Atre Ueno, first floor, near Ueno Station in Taito City. The exact address is on the booking page. You need to make your own way there, as there is no pickup service.

How Long Is The Tour?

Three and a half hours, running in English. One reviewer noted the tour could start slightly later to match the first restaurant's opening, so confirm the start time on the booking page.

Is It Suitable For Children?

Reviews mention a family whose eight-year-old daughter enjoyed the tour. It involves a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended for anyone joining.

Can I Cancel If My Plans Change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Beyond that, the booking page carries the full cancellation terms.

Can Dietary Requirements Be Catered For?

The operator asks that you contact them in advance with any dietary requirement so they can cater for it as best they can. Also note the menu can change based on venue availability and weather.

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