Lonely Planet Experiences: A Tour Through Tokyo’s Kitchen (with World's Most Famous Fish Market)
Tokyo, Japan
From USD 73.50
Office phone number: +81 (0) 803 012 9269
Lonely Planet Experiences: A Tour Through Tokyo’s Kitchen (with World's Most Famous Fish Market)
Tokyo, Japan
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Stroll through Tokyo’s kitchen and delight in the tastes, smells and sights of the world’s most famous fish market. Discover new flavour sensations and find out more about the people that work here. Round off the morning with an introduction to sake and a spirited tasting to whet your appetite.
Experience the best travel stories for yourself. Join a local expert and uncover hidden gems on this city adventure hand-picked by the world's leading travel publisher. Lonely Planet Experiences powered by Urban Adventures bring stories to life in the best-loved cities around the globe.
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Highlights
- Cross the most famous fish market in the world off your bucket list with a local on hand to guide you
- Sample a couple of fresh, tasty snacks in Tsukiji’s pulsing outer markets
- Discover the best craft and souvenir shops and meet the vendors behind the counter
- Enjoy a Japanese sake tasting and learn why sake is still the classic go-to drink for locals
- Each Lonely Planet Experience comes with six-months free access to Lonely Planet’s Guides App which includes over 8,000 destinations guides and unbeatable discounts to Lonely Planet Guidebooks
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Schedule details
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Meeting point:
Higashi-ginza Station, Exit 3, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line and Toei Asakusa Line, at top of escalator on street level, in front of the little shrine at the Kabukiza Theatre.
View on Google Maps.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 8.00 AM
- Ending point:
Tsukiji Fish Market, accessible on Tsukiji Station, Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, tour of outer market, 2 popular snacks, sake tasting.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide. Note this tour does not include the inner market, as guided groups are not permitted. However, your tour leader will give you tips for exploring on your own after the tour has finished.
Spend your morning with us exploring the famous Tsukiji Fish Market
We will start by wandering through Tsukiji’s outer market, which is brimming with vibrant food stalls and retail shops. This is the place to be if you’re looking for the freshest and dare we say, most delicious sushi breakfast one could ever hope for!
The wholesale portion of the market where the famous tuna auction takes place has moved from the original Tsukiji site, a few kilometers across the water to Toyosu but Tsukiji still is the best place to check and try all the products sold in Toyosu.
With over 2,500 tons and 450 types of fish coming through the wholesale market every day, you’re bound to come across some foods and fish you’ve never seen before. Squid jerky, anyone? Or perhaps scrambled eggs on a stick? No matter what kind of unusual snacks you may encounter, Tsukiji promises to be an experience for all five senses.
Along the way, your tour guide will explain about the history of the market, all the different seafoods on offer, the legendary tuna auction (not included in the tour) and what a typical day is like for all the vendors who work inside the inner markets. We’ll stop to sample a couple of fresh foods, and you’re free to try any additional snacks at your own expense that may catch your eye or make you drool. Of course, it can be difficult to know where to start so your guide can point out some recommendations as well.
Once we’re finished snacking, we’ll make our way to a nearby sake shop for a tasting and introduce you to Japan’s beloved beverage of choice. Learn how to taste the difference between different sakes and about the role it has played in Japanese culture. Be sure to tell us your favourite!
Before you go off on your own, don’t forget to ask your local guide for additional tips on where else to visit during your stay in Tokyo.
A visit to the new wholesale market is not included on this tour, but if you are interested in visiting, you guide will give you directions on how to get there.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, tour of outer market, 2 popular snacks, sake tasting.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips/gratuities for your guide. Note this tour does not include the inner market, as guided groups are not permitted. However, your tour leader will give you tips for exploring on your own after the tour has finished.
Dress standard: Please wear closed-toe shoes, due to wet floors in the inner market. We recommend sneakers.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 8 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: Since this tour starts early morning, to tackle with the crowds during rush hour on the trains and subways, please start early to get to the meeting point on time. The wholesale portion of the market where the famous tuna auction takes place has moved from the original Tsukiji site, a few kilometers across the water to Toyosu but Tsukiji still is the best place to check and try all the products sold in Toyosu. A visit to the new wholesale market is not included on this tour, but if you are interested in visiting, your guide will give you directions on how to get there.
Child Policy: This is a child-friendly tour. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. You can do so in the special request box on the checkout page.
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Dietary Notes
The snacks on this tour are not vegan or vegetarian but can be substituted upon request. All snacks are lactose- and gluten-free, but please bring your own gluten-free soy sauce. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions; you can do so in the 'Additional information' box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@tokyourbanadventures.com. Please also let your guide know at the beginning of the tour of any dietary needs.
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Local contact
Office phone number: +81 (0) 803 012 9269
Email address: info@tokyourbanadventures.com
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