Japan · DINNER EXPERIENCES
12 reviewed
Good dinner experiences in Japan fill up weeks ahead and the best of them fill up first. Below are the 12 to look at, what they cost today, and what makes each one different from the next.
Three secret Shinjuku izakaya stops with included all-you-can-drink and snack plates, guided by locals, plus photos.
“Excellent way to see multiple bars and restaurants in Shinjuku with a local host. Good way to spend a few hours.”
Watch sumo up close at Tokyo Sumo Room in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, then enjoy Japanese food and ring-side training led by former wrestlers.
“This was such a fun experience. my whole family really enjoyed it.”
Walk Osaka backstreets, taste street food, and hear real stories from a local guide. Optional izakaya dinner included, vegetarian-friendly.
“Our guide was superb! Great sense of humor along with knowledge of the local “off the beaten path” areas and history. This was certainly one of the more interesting tours I’ve been on and well worth the time and cost!”
Backstreet Osaka after dark: retro lanes, alley snacks, Taisho red light district option, plus dinner for $40, in English.
“The tour was extremely enlightening, Bennet is such a superb host taking care of everyone of us and that he gave so many insights of the streets of the old Osaka! It was a pleasant evening thank you!”
Sumida River yakatabune dinner cruise from Asakusa: 14-dish Japanese meal and free-flow drinks, night views of Tokyo Bay and Skytree.
“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…”
Walk Gion with a guide, meet a Maiko for Q&A and songs, then choose lunch, tea, or dinner. Small group, English.
“The tour was great, with very good explanations about the history of geisha culture, and a respectful tour of multiple geisha districts. Dinner with the maiko was very cool. She was engaging and delightful. The food and drink were good as well. Thanks Kenta for a great overall experience.”
Small-group Gion walk with Kabuki, shrines and Zen, ending in a 45-minute maiko dance show and Q&A, with optional dining.
“Akari was the sweetest and she made it a great experience! I wasn’t expecting to be the only solo traveler in the group but despite this, she made a lot of effort to make sure I feel included. It was really nice to see the maiko’s performance as well - it was so beautiful and nice to learn about their traditions.”
Tokyo Bay yakatabune dinner cruise with sukiyaki, live music, and views of Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower, plus unlimited soft drinks.
“Beautiful at night! Fun evening with traditional Japanese music. The hot pot was very good(beef). We added the Tokyo tower which was a lot of fun but not necessary to add to the boat trip”
Shinjuku izakaya bar hopping with dinner and drinks, including all-you-can-drink at one stop, guided in English for first-timers.
“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!”
Cruise Tokyo Bay on a yakatabune with shamisen show and sukiyaki hot pot, then head up Tokyo Tower for 150m panoramic views.
“What a great activity! Delicious dinner, sunset cruise, the sights of Tokyo Bay, and Japanese music! Yoyo was wonderful!”
Tokyo Bay night cruise on a traditional Yakatabune, with 3-hour course dinner, unlimited drinks, and Skytree photo stops.
“This was an excellent activity! The food was great ( for example they cook the tempura in stages so that the waiters constantly run back and forth delivering each guest another fresh item) and of course all the beverages you need are included. The boat staff is super friendly, always smiling. The views of the bridges and buildings lit up are super.”
3-hour Hiroshima food and culture walk with three tachinomi stops, up to three drinks, and at least ten dishes across local nights.
“Ken was a wonderful guide and contributed insights into the culture of Japan. He took us to local places where the people were amazing along with the food and Sake. Thank you Ken!!!”
