Tokyo’s best-known spots are worth a visit but getting away from the touristy areas is the best way to really experience local culture. On our Super Sugamo Foodie Adventure, you can explore a truly hidden gem neighborhood with a 100-year history of food and flavors. Meet some of Tokyo’s friendliest shop owners. Taste special snacks, and enjoy a delicious local lunch. Those with a sweet tooth can also have fun trying a few things only available here. This Tour is extremely Family Friendly, kids and adults will find so many things to enjoy together!
This friendly town is not far by train from famous areas like Shibuya but it is a world away in terms of atmosphere. Sugamo is often dubbed “Harajuku for the Older Generation,” for its bustling shopping streets favored by the 60+ crowd. Because of this, the neighborhood is one of the best places to really connect with locals and soak up Tokyo’s downtown atmosphere of old. Of course, you don’t have to be a grandma or grandpa to enjoy the unique snacks and browse shops with traditional crafts for sale. Don’t forget to ask your guide the story behind the Sugamo “lucky red underwear” and visit Kouganji Temple for its healing reputation!
This is a must-do activity and tour, especially for people looking for a local connection, interesting stories and sightseeing, and of course, delicious food!
We will begin the tour with a local sweet treat from a shop that has been in the area for about 100 years! This charming location has a great friendly atmosphere and creates original snacks and classics with a twist found nowhere else in Tokyo. Next head on to Jizo Dori the famous local shopping arcade where you will have a chance to visit regional shops celebrating prefectures across Japan, stop at a famous temple, and learn about this haven for older Tokyo residents who are still quite young a heart! As we mentioned, the district’s popular, 800-meter-long street is also affectionately known as the “Old People’s Harajuku” in a fun comparison to the Harajuku district’s status as one of Japan’s foremost youthful shopping and fashion destinations.
Browse pickle stores, snack stalls, interesting shops, and take in the local vibe on your way to a favorite spot for a delicious lunch set! After lunch, we will do a bit more browsing and finish off with more regional sweets and snacks.
Tour Highlights:
Family-friendly pricing: If you are traveling with children and need a price adjustment- please email our team at Bookings@ArigatoJapan.co.jp.
Single travelers: please email us directly and let us know if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies.
Private Tours: For a more customized experience, make your tour private for an additional ¥19,500+ TAX. (min. 2 people). Please click the add-on button on your cart when you check out.
Strict start time policy: We are sorry to say that if you are not able to arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, we will need to start the tour regardless and no refund can be provided. We are also unable to accommodate meeting up at any of the food stops. This is to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests and also to respect our relationships with restaurants.
5-minute grace period: We can only wait an additional five minutes after the starting time and then the tour will depart. In addition, please note that we cannot give directions or contact the guides on the phone once the tour begins.
Tour Schedule:
Every day | |
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Meeting Time Frame | 11:15 – 11:30 am |
Start Time | 11:30 am |
End Time | 2:30 pm |
Changes on tours: Applicable substitutions may be made due to public holidays, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.
For Vegetarians:
Some food that we serve may have dashi, a soup stock made from kelp (seaweed) and bonito (skipjack tuna) as well as other ingredients. Dashi is the cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and is used in many/most Japanese dishes. Please note that we may not be able to accommodate your dietary needs if you cannot consume dashi. Additionally, please inform us if you can eat eggs and dairy products.
If you cannot consume Dashi, we recommend booking a private tour with us and we can offer some alternatives. Again, be aware, it will still be a challenge to 100% avoid fish stock.
“what3words has given every 3 meter square in the world a unique combination of three words. We use what3words to specify the exact location of our tour meeting points to ensure you don’t get lost and enjoy your tour with us. Simply click on the what3words address below to see the exact 3 meter square of our meeting spot”
The front of Aoyama Flower Market shop inside Sugamo Station entrance area
this address:
〒170-0002 Tōkyō-to, Toshima City, Sugamo, 1-chōme−16−8 アトレヴィ巣鴨 1F
〒170-0002 東京都豊島区巣鴨1丁目16−8 アトレヴィ巣鴨 1F
There are two train lines you can take to get to the meeting place.
Our guide will be in front of the flower shop holding an “Arigato Travel” sign.
We suggest wearing comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved.