Beyond the Neon: Unveiling Ueno & Okachimachi’s Elevated Food Scene
Beyond the Neon: Unveiling Ueno & Okachimachi's Elevated Food Scene
Ueno & Okachimachi! Explore Ueno & Okachimachi, a historic district buzzing with life. Discover temples, railway history, and savor 3 unique restaurants on this exclusive VIP food tour.
From ¥19,290 /person
Includes Dinner and Drinks
3 Hours (approx.)
Up to 6 people (9 for private tours)
Elevated Tokyo Food Tour
Step beyond the tourist hotspots and delve into the culinary heart of Tokyo. Our exclusive food tour takes you on an unforgettable gastronomical exploration of Ueno and Okachimachi – a district steeped in history and brimming with delicious secrets.Ueno and Okachimachi boast a rich history, predating the rise of Shinjuku and Shibuya. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere as we explore festive streets and bustling markets. But worry not, our adventure doesn’t end there. We’ll expertly guide you through the quieter backlanes, where a hidden world of culinary delights awaits.
We’re bringing you three restaurants, and three unique experiences. Prepare to tantalize your palate at these meticulously chosen restaurants, each offering a distinct dining experience. From the rich history of the district to the innovative culinary techniques employed by local chefs, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Tokyo’s varied food scene.
Our journey isn’t just about food. As we navigate this fascinating area, we’ll uncover hidden gems like a serene Buddhist temple nestled amidst the bustling streets. Learn about the historical significance of Ueno as the southern terminus of Japan’s great northern railway lines, and explore the area that witnessed the birth of the first Asian subway system.
Each restaurant on our tour promises a unique perspective. Expect to experience a diverse range of flavors and cooking styles, from traditional Japanese fare to innovative interpretations of classic dishes. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply appreciate the finer things in life, this tour caters to the your palate. This exclusive VIP food tour goes beyond the typical tourist experience. We’ll delve into the heart of Ueno and Okachimachi, revealing the district’s fascinating past and introducing you to its hidden culinary treasures. Join us on this delectable adventure and unlock the secrets of Tokyo’s food scene – one delicious discovery at a time.
🌟✨ Celebrating Your Feedback, Crafting Memorable Journeys! ✨🌟
Greetings from Pinpoint Traveler! 🌍✈️ We’re proud of the fantastic reviews our guests have left for us, graced by an impressive 4.8+ ⭐ average rating across more than 1000 reviews spanning multiple platforms
🌐 Your trust fuels our passion for excellence!
Historic Landmarks
These very old parts of Tokyo are overflowing with history, some from very long ago, and some from the post-war era.
Professional Guide
Real English, real skills, and great personalities. Our guides have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with interesting, fun, and memorable tours.
Fully-Narrated Tour
Our tours never leave you to wander about on your own. Your guide stays with you the whole time to answer questions, offer insights, and share plenty of laughs.
Easy Access
This tour starts just outside a rail or subway station, making meeting up an anxiety-free experience.
Does this look like fun? Book tickets today!
Brief Stop at a Classic Izakaya
Our first stop dives right into the heart of Tokyo’s food scene – a no-nonsense izakaya pub. Get ready for an energetic atmosphere and delicious bites! Imagine a casual Japanese hangout where locals unwind, clinking glasses and sharing plates. We find these kinds of establishments capture so much of what day to day Japanese culture is, and want to share it with you.Think “Japanese tapas bar” with sizzling skewers (“kushiyaki”) stacked high. Grilled meats and veggies tempt your taste buds, while smaller side dishes like pickled onions and bamboo shoots offer a taste of classic flavors. Grab a seat or stand with the friendly crowd – this is a true Tokyo experience! It’s the perfect way to start our tour, soaking up the energy and whetting your appetite for more.
Restaurant #2 – Introducing you to the “Kappo”
Next up, we shift gears from the lively izakaya to a more refined experience – a “kappo” restaurant (often referred to as a high-end izakaya). Think traditional Japanese dining with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Here, the chef takes center stage. Imagine homemade miso paired with crisp, farm-fresh vegetables, sashimi so fresh it practically jumps off the plate, and slow-cooked dishes that melt in your mouth. Tempura, a classic Japanese dish of lightly battered and fried seafood and vegetables, might also be on the menu.The key to kappo is the daily market finds. The chef acts as your guide, crafting a personalized tasting menu based on the freshest seasonal ingredients available that day. No pressure to try anything outlandish – this is about expanding your culinary comfort zone in an approachable way. Get ready for top-quality ingredients, expertly prepared, in a special setting.
Final Stop – a Tokyo Institution
Our final stop whisks you back in time to a legendary Ueno/Okachimachi institution – serving up delights since the 1850s! This restaurant is a living testament to Tokyo’s rich culinary heritage.Prepare for a feast for the senses, with dishes that showcase the changing seasons. In colder months, we might savor a steaming “nabe” hot pot, perfect for warming you up. Spring could bring seared “katsuo” (bonito), while fall offers buttery “buri” yellowtail sashimi. Summer boasts dishes celebrating the season’s fresh harvest.The menu is a delightful surprise: expect expertly baked fish in classic Japanese style, comforting noodle dishes, sizzling grilled options, and even a touch of 1980s Western influence! This incredible variety ensures a truly memorable experience.To complete the experience, we’ll include a selection of beverages throughout the tour, featuring both sake and shochu, allowing you to explore the world of Japanese alcohol alongside the delicious food. Get ready for a final stop that’s a true celebration of Tokyo’s culinary journey, past and present!
Does this look like fun? Book tickets today!
Itinerary for Our Elevated Evening Food Tour in Tokyo
A classic Japanese Izakaya where you can indulge in small bites, and wet your whistle in preparation for the rest of the evening.
Here we will really kick things off with beautiful seasonal dishes.
Classic seasonal Japanese cooking with something for everyone.
Quick Tips for Our Tokyo Foodie Tour
There are a few things we’d like you to take note of before joining us.
- The legal drinking age in Japan is 20
All participants must be 18+ to participate in this experience
- Please come wearing comfortable shoes, and dress for some time both indoors and outdoors
- Unfortunately, we cannot wait for late-comers, so do plan on arriving a bit early
Inclusions:
- A dinner’s worth of food across three different restaurants
- Up to three alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks (one at each stop).
- Train fare between our two neighborhoods
Exclusions:
- Drinks beyond the three provided (you can purchase more directly from the restaurant if you wish)
Easy Access
We start our tour at Andersen Atre bakery in Ueno.Our Tour Guides
We've got around a dozen guides at your service. Here we showcase a few of our most active ones.
Kevin
We think it's important that everyone who works for Pinpoint Traveler is an active guide too, even the owner. Kevin's been in Japan thirteen years, but spent the first ten in the corporate world. Now he shares his love for Japan outside the confines of the office.
Shoji
Born in Japan, but moved to Canada when he was still quite young, Shoji is back and ready to share is passion for Japan with you. His main dominion is Osaka and on down to Koya-san and Wakayama, but he's such a popular guy that we often send him even further afield by request.
Mardi
Mardi's our Kyoto guide-in-chief, and her love for the city is infectious. She's got an uncanny ability for giving people just the right amount of information while still ensuring the tour stays light and fun. Be it temples and shrines, gardens, or nightlife, Mardi's your gal.
Dan
Dan is a Spaniard, so of course his Spanish is native level, but his English is fantastic as well. He's got a warm personality and consistently makes our guests feel like they've made a new friend within minutes of meeting him. He also knows Osaka and Kyoto like no one's business!
Levy
With nearly twenty years in Osaka, Levy's got this place WIRED. He's a major samurai and history aficionado, and in addition to knowing all the top sights like a true pro, he knows Osaka's nightlife better than (dare we say it!) the vast majority of Japanese who call Osaka home. Levy's originally from Israel, and runs tours in Hebrew too.
Suzie
Suzie is Japan born and raised, and we can't recommend her enough for tours in Tokyo and Yokohama. Our prior guests frequently say nicer things about Suzie than any of our own mothers have said about us! The consummate pro, she's not just got all the info, but also an uncanny knack for knowing what to show our guests.
Not profiled here are guides who speak Spanish (Kyoto, in addition to Dan in Osaka), French (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo), and German (Kyoto and Tokyo).
Pickup Point
Andersen Atre bakery at Ueno station
Comments are closed.