Tokyo

Eat Like a Tokyoite: Your 3-Hour Izakaya Crawl in Nakano

City Unscripted experience hero image 10

City Unscripted experience hero image 11

Local Food & Drink Tastings • 3 hours 5.0

(224)

Eat Like a Tokyoite: Your 3-Hour Izakaya Crawl in Nakano

Explore Nakano's lively backstreets and hidden izakayas on a tailored food adventure that reveals Tokyo's authentic culinary soul.

Don't forget to carry your passport with you to enjoy tax free shopping at many participating establishments!

What makes this experience special

Explore Nakano’s lively backstreets and hidden izakayas on a food experience shaped around your tastes—connecting you to Tokyo’s soul, one bite at a time.

Key highlights

Experience Tokyo’s culinary culture in an area beloved by locals, far from tourist-heavy hotspots.
Explore Nakano’s iconic backstreets and “Sun Mall” with a local host.
Savor 8-10 distinct dishes, from comforting oden to crispy karaage.
Enjoy expertly paired drinks, including sake, plum wine, and draft beer.
Uncover local secrets in family-run izakayas and yatai-style alleys.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

At a glance What’s included Things to know

3 hours

Fully tailored to your preferences

English Other languages may be requested

Walking experience may use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences

A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems

8-10 food & drink tastings, tailored to your dietary preferences

Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Additional food, drinks and shopping expenses

Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

JR Nakano Station, JR Nakano Station, 5-chōme Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001, Japan

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

JR Nakano Station, JR Nakano Station, 5-chōme Nakano, Nakano City, Tokyo 164-0001, Japan

A Cozy Start in Nakano Sun Mall

Discover hidden gems in Nakano’s bustling covered arcade.

Eat Like a Tokyoite: Your 3-Hour Izakaya Crawl in Nakano

Begin your adventure in the lively Sun Mall, where your host will guide you to an intimate spot. Savor comforting oden—a mix of simmered daikon, fish cakes, and egg—paired with seasonal sashimi. Enjoy a cold draft beer or shochu as you take in the local charm of this iconic area.

Tucked-Away Backstreet Gem

Dive deeper into Nakano’s retro-style backstreets.

Venture into the quieter alleys of Nakano, where your host will choose a spot known for its grilled skewers and local specialties. Relish smoky yakitori or sweet miso-glazed eggplant, perfectly paired with a whisky highball or sake. Enjoy the warmth of local hospitality.

A Vibrant Alleyway Finale

Finish the evening in Nakano’s lively yokocho alleys.

Wrap up your journey in Nakano’s bustling alleys, alive with chatter and sizzling grills. Your host will guide you to a cozy, family-run spot offering crunchy kushikatsu or crispy karaage. Pair it with refreshing yuzu sour or plum wine as you soak in the lively atmosphere and uncover local secrets.

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

Late-Night Eats & New Friends!

A Night of Laughter, Sake & Unforgettable Memories!

Savoring Sushi & Sake in an Authentic Tokyo Izakaya!

The Best Nights Start in a Tiny Izakaya!

Discovering Tokyo’s Izakaya Culture!

Authentic Izakaya Dining in the Heart of the City!

Sharing Drinks, Stories & Local Favorites!

Cozy Corners, Cold Drinks & Great Company in a Hidden Izakaya!

See what happens when you travel unscripted!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google

recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor

We don’t make deals with businesses - giving you unbiased and authentic local experiences.

David Oct 2025

Amazing guide!!

David Oct 2025

Our guide, Apy, was amazing. We had a wonderful day eating wonderful food!

Philip Oct 2025

Apy was a terrific guide for our first day in Tokyo, orientating us to the city, its cuisine, customs and district. She was a great conversationalist and kindly orientated us to transport/railway system. I'd recommend the experience to other Aussies coming to Japan.

David Oct 2025

Hiroko was fabulous, really helpful before and during our tour. Lovely evening

Miguel Sep 2025

Love Ayaka! she is an excellent guide!

Eric Sep 2025

Sheiiji was the best guide we had in Japan. We went on a food tour with him and he contacted us a week before to ask what we wanted to try. This made the day of the tour much better as he already knew what we wanted to try and had a plan for us.

SEE ALL REVIEWS

FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour or something different?

This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..

Can I mix different themes in one experience?

Yes! You can blend food, culture, history, neighborhoods, or even a bit of nightlife if time allows. Just share your interests in the questionnaire, and your host will build the day around them.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Can my experience accommodate dietary restrictions?

Yes! You'll receive a questionnaire right after booking where you can note any dietary requirements, and your host will tailor the experience accordingly.

Can I request specific places or types of stops?

Yes! After booking, you will receive a questionnaire where you can highlight must-visit spots and anything else you’d like to include, and your host will craft your experience around them.

Can I adjust the plan on the day?

Absolutely. Your host can adjust the itinerary on the day based on your pace, energy, or any new ideas you have. It’s a flexible experience from start to finish.

Do you have deals with restaurants or set food stops?

No, unlike traditional food tours, our hosts are free to take you to their personal favorite spots rather than fixed locations. This means your food experience will always be unique, with authentic and unbiased recommendations from someone who knows the local food scene best.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.