10 Best Ueno Food Tours with Locals
Ueno, located in Taito ward of Tokyo, is a popular area known for its retro atmosphere and often referred to as "downtown" (shitamachi). With numerous tourist attractions like Ueno Zoo, the National Museum, and Ameyoko, it's bustling with both tourists and locals daily.
Ameyoko is one of Tokyo's premier dining districts, home to nationally famous restaurants as well as hidden gems known only to locals.
In this article, we'll introduce food tours where you can fully enjoy Ameyoko with locals. Additionally, we'll showcase tours that allow you to savor exquisite cuisine in nearby tourist spots like Tsukiji and Asakusa.
We hope you'll find a tour that interests you and enjoy a fulfilling Ueno experience.
5 Recommended Food Tours to Enjoy Ueno and Ameyoko with Locals
Secret Food Tours Tokyo w/ Private Tour Option
Source:Viator
This 3 to 3.5-hour tour visits 9 locations and includes 6 different food tastings. The tour allows you to enjoy both famous Ueno tourist spots like Ueno Park, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, and Kiyomizu Kannon Temple, as well as delicious Japanese cuisine.
The tour is guided by locals who are well-versed in Ueno and Ameyoko, offering interesting historical and cultural perspectives while sightseeing.
This tour is perfect for experiencing the essence of Ueno and Ameyoko in a short time. It's recommended for those with limited time or who have many other places to visit.
Tour Details:
-Meeting point: Ueno Station (7 Chome-1 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0005, Japan)
-Tour area: Ameyoko, Ueno Park, Ueno Toshogu Shrine, Kiyomizu Kannon Temple
-Start time: 11:00
Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour
Source:Viator
In the "Eat and Drink Like a Local: Tokyo Ueno Food Tour," you can enjoy a total of five Japanese dishes and five alcoholic drinks.
The charm of this tour lies in experiencing Ueno's Ameya-Yokocho (Ameyoko) from a local perspective. While Ueno offers many touristy spots with higher prices, your local guide, who knows all the hidden gems, will take you to authentic izakayas and standing bars. One of Japan’s traditions is ending a night out with ramen, and this tour embraces that custom as well—you’ll finish with a delicious bowl of ramen.
The tour focuses on pairing Japanese alcohol with complementary dishes, making it a perfect fit for those who love food and drink. With so much food and drink included, make sure to come hungry!
Tour Details:
Meeting point: Starbucks Coffee - atré Ueno, Tokyo, Ueno, 7-chōme−1−1, atré Ueno 1F
Tour Area: Ueno District
Start time: 19:00, 15:00
All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno
On the "All-You-Can-Drink Bar Hopping Tour in Ueno," you’ll join a local guide to explore hidden spots in Ameyoko that only locals know. Wander through Tokyo’s quieter backstreets, and enjoy a relaxing time filled with great food and drinks.
With over 30 dishes to choose from, including options for people with allergies or dietary restrictions, everyone can join in the fun. One of the highlights of this tour is the "all-you-can-drink" feature, allowing you to sample a wide range of beverages. I personally loved discovering my favorite sake during this experience.
Tour Details:
Meeting point: In front of Ueno Object near Hirokoji Exit of Ueno station
Tour Area: Food Alley in Ueno
Start time: 17:00, 18:00
Japanese Food Experience Night Tour in Ueno
Source:Tripadvisor
The "Japanese Food Experience Night Tour in Ueno" allows you to dine at restaurants beloved by locals rather than tourist traps. On this tour, you’ll visit 3–4 restaurants and savor well-known Japanese dishes like ramen, sashimi, and yakitori. Each restaurant has a unique atmosphere, offering a broad introduction to Japan's diverse food culture.
Ameyoko is one of Tokyo’s top dining destinations, and by walking through it, you’ll get a real taste of the city’s culinary scene. If you’re curious about Japanese food culture, this tour is a must. The local guide will answer any questions you have about Japanese cuisine from an authentic, local perspective.
Tour Details:
Meeting point: hotel MONday Premium Ueno Okachimachi, 3-chōme-41-7 Taitō, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0016, Japan
Tour Area: Ueno Area
Start time: 18:00, 18:30
Ueno Bar Hopping & Food Crawl Local Shopping Street Walking Tour!
Source:Tripadvisor
On the "Ueno Bar Hopping & Food Crawl Local Shopping Street Walking Tour," you'll stroll through Ameyoko while sampling four different types of Japanese dishes. This tour offers an authentic experience of walking around Ueno’s drinking spots with a friendly local guide, making it feel as if you're a regular in the neighborhood.
This tour is perfect for everyone, especially solo female travelers. A female guide accompanies all female guests, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience. The guide is also extremely friendly and easy to talk to, making for a fun and relaxed tour.
I love solo travel, but this tour gave me a few hours of lively companionship and left me with wonderful memories.
Tour Details:
Meeting point: In front of Starbucks Atre Ueno
Tour Area: Ueno, Ameyoko
Start time: 11:30, 12:00, 13:00
Three Popular Tours to Enjoy the Best Gourmet Spots in Tokyo
Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour
Source:Viator
The "Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour" takes you on a 3-hour exploration of Tsukiji, Japan's largest fish market.
Tsukiji is a hub where Michelin-starred restaurant chefs shop for fresh, high-quality seafood. During this tour, you'll stroll through the bustling market and savor Japanese dishes made from the freshest ingredients.
The unique aspect of this tour is that it offers a chance to experience Japan's food culture not only through the final dishes but also by soaking in the sights, sounds, and atmosphere of the market itself. It’s a rare opportunity that provides a truly immersive experience.
This tour is perfect for seafood lovers and those interested in Japanese culinary culture. Since the market floors can be wet and slippery, be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Tour Details:
Meeting point: Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple, 3-chōme-15-1 Tsukiji, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-8435, Japan
Tour Area: Tsukiji
Start time: 8:30, 11:00
Tokyo 6-Hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Source:Viator
The "Tokyo 6-Hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide" is a customizable private tour that takes you to the destinations of your choice. You can select 3 to 4 spots to visit from popular attractions such as Asakusa, Tsukiji, and Meiji Shrine.
One of the key appeals of this tour is its flexibility. You can choose the meeting point, and the start time can be selected from morning until late afternoon. This allows you to tailor the tour to your preferences, visiting only the places that interest you.
In addition to being a guide to Tokyo’s top attractions, your guide is knowledgeable about the city's food scene. If you share your culinary interests, they can introduce you to the best gourmet spots in Tokyo.
Tour Details:
Meeting point: Any preferred pick-up location
Tour Area: Anywhere in Tokyo
Start time: Every 30 minutes from 8:00 to 15:00
Secret Food Tours: Tokyo
Source:Secret Food Tours
In "Secret Food Tours: Tokyo," you will explore Ueno, one of Tokyo’s best-known gourmet areas, sampling a variety of dishes. The tour offers an incredible range of foods, including sushi, gyoza, yakitori, croquettes, and matcha ice cream. It’s rare to find a single restaurant offering all of these dishes, making this tour a unique opportunity to taste a wide array of Tokyo’s culinary delights in one day.
If you’re looking to experience a broad spectrum of Tokyo’s gourmet cuisine, this tour is a must.
Additionally, you can purchase the “Upgraded Drinks Package,” which includes extra treats like umeshu (plum wine) and sake. I opted for this package and found that the combination of these traditional drinks and Japanese cuisine enhanced my overall experience. I highly recommend adding it to your tour!
Tour Details:
Meeting point: Inside Ueno Station, near the Hard Rock Café entrance, across from the bakery "ANDERSEN"
Tour Area: Ueno
Start time: 10:40, 15:00
Two Recommended Private Tours You Can Customize to Suit Your Tastes
Private Tokyo Local Food and Drink Tour with a Bar Hopping Master
Source:Viator
On the "Private Tokyo Local Food and Drink Tour with a Bar Hopping Master," you'll visit three izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) in the area of your choice, enjoying one dish and one drink at each stop. One of the tour’s highlights is that it takes you to places loved by locals rather than tourist hotspots featured in guidebooks, giving you a more authentic taste of Japan’s izakaya culture.
You’ll have the freedom to select dishes that suit your taste, as the English-speaking guide will translate the menu for you. This makes it perfect for those with specific dietary preferences or restrictions.
Please note that according to Japanese law, individuals under 20 are not permitted to consume alcohol. Therefore, this tour is only available to participants 20 years and older.
Tour Details:
Meeting point: Okachimachi station, Ikebukuro station, Shimbashi station
Tour Area: Ueno or Shimbashi
Start time: 18:00
Tokyo Private Guided Customized Tour with a Casual Guide
Source:Tripadvisor
The "Tokyo Private Guided Customized Tour with a Casual Guide" offers a tailor-made experience where you can explore Tokyo’s vibrant districts based on your interests.
This tour is perfect for those who want to dive deep into Tokyo’s diverse landscapes and learn more about the city’s various faces. Tokyo is often perceived as a crowded, bustling metropolis, represented by landmarks such as the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing. However, Tokyo also offers tranquil natural spaces, shrines, temples, and hidden gems.
During this tour, you’ll get a chance to experience both the bustling energy and the peaceful, traditional sides of Tokyo. Enjoy the contrast and immerse yourself in the different atmospheres of this unique city.
Tour Details:
Meeting point: Anywhere of your choice
Tour Area: Anywhere in Tokyo
Start time: 9:00, 10:00
For Matcha Lovers: The Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour
On the "Asakusa Cultural Walk & Matcha Making Tour," you’ll stroll through the historic streets of Asakusa, taking in the area’s traditional atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll also have opportunities to experience Japan’s food culture, such as making monjayaki or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) and enjoying a matcha (green tea) experience.
This tour allows you to visit Japan’s oldest temple and learn about its history and customs from the guide. There are numerous chances to immerse yourself in Japan’s traditional culture, making it a great option for those interested in the country’s heritage.
My favorite part of this tour was the matcha experience. I’ve always loved matcha, but the matcha I had during this tour was the best I’ve ever tasted. It was a highlight of the trip, and I left the tour with an even deeper appreciation for matcha.
If you’re curious about matcha or want to experience a premium version, this tour is highly recommended!
Tour Details:
Meeting point: In front of Kaminarimon Police Box, Senso-ji Temple
Tour Area: Asakusa
Start time: 11:00