12 Dinner Experiences in Japan to Build a Day Around

1.Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour in Shinjuku (All-You-Can-Drink + Dinner)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,587 reviews · from $106Our pick

Explore Shinjuku nightlife through three izakaya stops, local dishes, all-you-can-drink options, and backstreet guidance in a small group.

“We booked this trip with Nao who was an amazing tour guide. He was very friendly and gave us amazing recommendations from food, to places to go, and other activities. He was also very informative about the history of all the areas and places we visited. The food and drinks we had were delicious as well!!”

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2.Sumo Show and Dining Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,742 reviews · 90 minutes - 2 hours · from $79

See former sumo wrestlers up close, learn the sport’s rules, join the fun, and enjoy Japanese food at Tokyo Sumo Room.

“The host had very good English and was very personable. We were fortunate to have 3 former sumo wrestlers participate in the activity who were great to watch and very engaging. Hotpot was delicious.”

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3.Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,290 reviews · from $53

Explore Osaka’s backstreets, red light district, local food stalls, and overlooked history on a thoughtful three-hour evening walk.

“This tour was so interesting - you get to find some cool spots you’d never find on your own, and hear all about some of the less talked about parts of the city. This tour really helped me see another side of Japan that I didn’t know about. Big thanks to our guide, Mari, who has a wealth of knowledge about Osaka and is so excited to share it.”

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4.Deep Backstreets Walking Tour with Dinner Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 902 reviews · 3 hours - 210 minutes · from $40Best value

Explore Osaka’s gritty backstreets, retro arcades, abandoned buildings, historic red-light district, local snacks, and optional dinner.

“Awesome Tour with Bennet. Very recommended to get a good feeling of the other side of japan and Osaka. Very informative and entertaining. We enjoyed the Tour a lot and recommend it to everyone who want to get to know the whole side of this magnificent country”

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5.Sumida River: Japanese Traditional Yakatabune Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 779 reviews · 2h 30m · from $103

Review of Tokyo’s 150-minute yakatabune dinner cruise, with a 14-course Japanese meal, free-flow drinks, Tokyo Bay views, and Skytree photo stops.

“Better signage at the pier would help as it is not obvious when you arrive if the boat is not there. Unable to preorder 1st drinks by QR code when asked if you have no data. Staff got us on wifi after boarding. The food was excellent and plentiful. The staff were lovely, friendly and worked hard to keep everyone well stocked with food and drink. Drink was free flowing, good quality and ordered by QR code at the table. Toilets nice and clean. All in all felt like really good value for money and an ideal way to see the city at night (fantastic view of skytree tower) and…”

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6.Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 518 reviews · 3 hours - 210 minutes · from $108

Walk Gion, learn geiko traditions, meet a maiko, watch her dance, and choose Japanese lunch, tea, or dinner in Kyoto.

“Kenta was fantastic and so informative. The maiko that we met was an utter delight. Food was fantastic also!”

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7.Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 483 reviews · from $121

Walk Kyoto’s Gion with a local guide, then meet a maiko for dance, tea, questions, and optional dining in a small group.

“Great experience!! Ken was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and open to questions! The dinner was served family style with lots of options and considerate of dietary restrictions. Lovely Geisha performance and Q&A - highly recommend”

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8.Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 473 reviews · from $65

Tokyo Bay yakatabune cruise review with sukiyaki, shamisen music, city lights, open-air views, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“Wonderful…… wonderful…. A very delight experience…. Would recommend to anyone I know…. Food was excellent”

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9.Shinjuku Bar Hopping with All-You-Can-Drink & Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 440 reviews · 3 hours · from $108

Explore Shinjuku’s izakaya alleys with a local guide, dinner, three bars, and included drinks on a lively three-hour Tokyo night tour.

“Absolutely awesome experience! Our guide Uma was super friendly and knowledgeable, she was so helpful with all of our questions. The food and drinks were amazing, plenty of both and well worth the price :) I would highly recommend this experience!”

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10.Tokyo Dinner Cruise & Tradition Show & Drinks & Tokyo Tower

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 315 reviews · 1h 40m · from $95

Sail Tokyo Bay on a yakatabune with shamisen music, sukiyaki, soft drinks, and Tokyo Tower views for a memorable cultural evening.

“Karen is kind, polite and an angel and the food was very delicious and the performance was very interesting & I’ll definitely recommend a friend to come here”

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11.Tokyo Bay: Traditional Japanese Yakatabune Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 243 reviews · 3 hours · from $108

Review of Tokyo’s 3-hour Yakatabune dinner cruise, with Japanese dishes, unlimited drinks, Skytree and Rainbow Bridge views, and practical booking tips.

“It was great. You sit on tables in the floor. Beautiful view”

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12.Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 212 reviews · 3 hours · from $94

Eat across three Hiroshima tachinomi restaurants, sample 10 or more dishes, and explore Hondori and Nagarekawa with a local guide.

“Ken was the consummate host. Leading a fabulous friendly group to several fantastic venues introducing us to fascinating, varied and enjoyable dishes. Places and food we would not have discovered without him. Book this tour it is well worth it!!”

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