Eat like a local in Nagoya
Eat like a local in Nagoya
Eat like a local in Nagoya
Eat like a local in Nagoya
Eat like a local in Nagoya
Eat like a local in Nagoya
Eat like a local in Nagoya
Eat like a local in Nagoya
Eat like a local in Nagoya
Eat like a local in Nagoya
Eat like a local in Nagoya

What you'll do

Nagoya’s style of miso paste is rich, salty, and extra-umami, so miso soup and miso katsu  (deep-fried pork cutlets served with earthy miso sauce) are must-tries. Chow down on hitsumbushi, a local delicacy of grilled eel, or try on-the-go tenmusu – chewy rice balls with a dollop of tasty shrimp tempura in the center. At one of the city’s cozy, wood-built izakayas, you could sample small plates of takoyaki – fried octopus balls under a blanket of unfurling bonito flakes – or test an old Nagoya trick: ask the chef for “today’s best”, and that’s what you’ll get! And don’t miss grilled cochin – a local breed of chicken so superb, locals will tell you to set aside your sake and drink the eggs raw with a pinch of salt!

Where you’ll go

In central Nagoya, all roads lead to food – and with a local insider as your own personal GPS, all roads will only lead to the very best! You’ll stroll the high-rise-lined streets of shopping and entertainment district Sakae at the heart of the city, where restaurants are as common as convenience stores, and all of Nagoya’s specialties can be found. Swivel your head between the neon lights, noodle bars, karaoke bars and izakaya, but not so fast! Don’t get too carried away, because 12 minutes north, the secret Fushimi Underground Shopping Mall is overflowing with cozy izakayas and tiny, traditional serving quality Kuheiji sake and authentic eats. 

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 3 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking tour (may use public transport)

  • Hosted in English (On request: Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • Go on a tasty three-hour tour of Nagoya’s foodie hotspots with a knowledgeable host to lead the way.
  • Explore the famous Sakae district, and a popular local haunt – Fushimi Underground Shopping Mall.
  • Taste several of the city’s specialties, like grilled eel (hitsumbishi) and shrimp tempura rice balls (tenmusu)
  • Try Nagoya’s Kuheiji sake at an intimate izakaya or an underground bar (or both!)
  • Have a local host on hand to tell you about Nagoya’s food history and answer all your questions

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 3 hours with a host
  • 6-8 tastings of various local food specialties
  • A glass of wine, beer or soft drink
  • Walking experience (other transport can be arranged at an additional cost)

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks other than the ones included in the experience
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Reviews

    Koharu was able to tailor our tour perfectly to meant out needs so that we saw as much as possible while here in Nagoya. The theme of the lunch experience was to "eat like a local" and that is just what we did at a small and characterful seafood restaurant at the Fish Market. Not only did we eat like locals, but we also ate with locals! That's always a good sign that the experience is both genuine and worthwhile. We highly recommend this tour and Koharu as a guide. Greg & Kym

    May 2023

    Greg D

    Marco was a great guide had such a good time a and getting to experience what’s it’s like eating and drinking with locals

    May 2023

    Matthew S

    “My host was incredibly flexible with me as I got lost and was very late! We shared great conversation, and I learned so much about the local food and culture. She’s definitely an expert and incredibly helpful! This was a great way to get to know Nagoya.”

    March 2023

    Perri P

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Nagoya. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

Other experiences you may be interested in

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

See all experiences in Nagoya

When in Osaka
make sure to try
“kushikatsu”!

Other experiences you may be interested in

Sunrise to sunset: the ultimate Nagoya experience
Nagoya

Sunrise to sunset: the ultimate Nagoya experience

Whether ancient shrines, culinary discoveries, or otaku hubs top your to-do list, Nagoya delivers

$237.16 per person

8 hours

Half a day in Nagoya with a local
Nagoya

Half a day in Nagoya with a local

Neon-lit cityscapes, the regional style of sushi, and funky cosplay costumes

$129.36 per person

4 hours

Top 10 Nagoya in a day
Nagoya

Top 10 Nagoya in a day

From a 1900 year old shrine to futuristic architecture, tick the must-sees in this delightful city

$237.16 per person

8 hours

See all experiences in Nagoya