As a traveler, coming to a new country can sometimes be overwhelming. It is particularly true in the case of Japan, where each Prefecture, each city, and each area within those cities, have their own specialties and interesting places and eateries to discover. You feel amazed, yet it feels stressful to try and decide which ones are worth your while and which aren’t. Guidebooks can help, but they are not very customizable and just don’t feel personal. Well, I may have a solution for you. Why not join one of our food tours?
Matcha specialties – Photo Credit: Madhuri
A Food Tour? What’s that?
As the lovely Julie Andrews would say, “Let’s start at the very beginning.” What is a Food Tour, you may ask? An excellent question, but an even more important one would be: What is a Food Tour with Arigato Travel, and what added value may it bring to your trip?
Okay, so technically those are two questions, but my point still stands.
A food tour with Arigato Travel promises you a memorable 3-hour guided tour, including: walking around with a local, strolling off the beaten paths (even in touristy areas there are always hidden streets and shops you won’t find on your own), and exploring hidden passageways. All while discovering their secrets and stories that you would otherwise have missed. Learning about the fundamentals of the neighborhood through its rich history and culture, with a fun and expert guide. But more importantly, it guarantees you a selection of unique unsuspected deliciousness that the area has to offer! Because at Arigato Travel, we use the food as a gateway to introduce you to Japan’s amazing culture and traditions!
Takeshita Street, Harajuku – Photo Credit: Madhuri
A friendly tour with awesome guides!
Today I will talk about our Crazy, Cute, Kawaii Tour, which I highly recommend as you will be able to discover the hidden gems of Harajuku and Omotesando.
I joined this tour when I started my internship at Arigato Travel and one of the best parts was the friendliness and knowledgeableness of the guide. She was smiling the entire time and answering any requests or questions that we had. She made sure that everyone was comfortable and at ease, so the overall ambiance was similar to hanging out with your own friend circle.
But one thing is for sure, I can personally guarantee you that all the guides at Arigato Travel are very welcoming and friendly, as well as being amazing at their jobs!
Omotesando – Photo Credit: Madhuri
Making new friends
One of the other highlights of taking this tour was that it allowed me to meet fellow travelers and listen to their stories. We all have a reason why we chose Japan as a destination, but have you ever wondered if theirs were similar to yours? When we travel, we tend to prioritize the places we want to visit and focus on ticking them off our bucket list. But don’t forget the human touch of traveling!
While traveling solo or with a partner is fun, it is also refreshing to meet new people from different horizons than yours. From faraway lands to neighboring countries, or perhaps even from your own homeland, you never know all the positive impacts a spontaneous interaction could bring you.
A food tour is a great way to meet and start new friendships that otherwise wouldn’t have been made possible. After all, doesn’t it remind you of the legend of the red string? You chose this tour for a reason, the other person also did, but nothing forewarned the two of you that you would meet this way, right? Destiny, maybe?
Make your own Okonomiyaki like a real local – Photo Credit: Madhuri
Meeting with the locals
A bonus point is that friendship is limitless, not only will you get to meet other travelers, but you will also get a chance to connect with the locals. All the places we went to, during the tour, were also frequented by native residents, so it was easy to strike up a conversation with them and the staff. Even with a mixture of Japanese and English, it was very agreeable to learn about their view of the area and of its evolution.
The Back of an Alleyway in Harajuku – Photo Credit: Madhuri
Secret Alleyways and delightful snacks all the way
At the heart of this tour, and what made it so unique, was the guide showing us the core of the area while avoiding overcrowded tourist spots. Instead, she took us through lesser-known passages, to shops and restaurants! These places are adored by the locals, but unfamiliar to the rest of the world – and not even listed on the most popular guidebooks.
If you want to discover Japan through the lens of a local, I would sincerely recommend joining one of our tours.
Harajuku shopping street – Photo Credit: Madhuri
Learn the history behind the spots
Not only will you get to discover new trendy spots, but you will also get to know the evolution of the places you are going to visit. Learn more about the history of the locations and see for yourself the before and after. Our lovely guides come prepared with an amazing presentation about each spot. Let yourself be immersed in the past and travel back in time to find the origins of what is known today. Embark on a journey full of fun facts and anecdotes and unravel the secrets behind them.
Strawberry Cream Custard Dorayaki – Photo Credit: Madhuri
Personalized to your needs
Whether you want to meet new people and join a group or if you would rather prefer to have a private excursion, anything is possible with us. Our tours have been created with the idea that each one of them should be personalized to cater to your needs. If you have any dietary restrictions, we make sure to find a replacement and accommodate your needs. So please feel free to let us know beforehand!
Our wide selection of tours ensures that you get to experience the real Japan and discover its nooks and crannies. May you join us as a couple, as a whole family, or as friends, we want to welcome you for who you are and with welcome arms! We don’t tolerate any discrimination and are 2SLGBTQAI+ friendly and accessible to all. Be your true self, be proud of it, and enjoy every bit of the tour! That’s all we ask for!
Featured Photo Credit: Jessica Iragne
