5. Tokyo Food Tour: The Past, Present and Future 11+ Tastings
Embark on a flavorful journey through Tokyo's culinary past, present, and future! Explore three geographical districts of Tokyo and enjoy 11+ foodie tastings. Starting in the past you will discover historical flavors in Nihonbashi, then moving to the present day you will dine like Japan's famed Salarymen at an Izakaya and noodle stall. Finally heading into the future in Akihabara you will see how innovative marketing brings traditional snacks to Tokyo's younger generations. Nihonbashi: The Historical Foundation Your adventure begins in Nihonbashi, where the essence of Japanese food culture takes root. Dive into the past as you explore key ingredients like Dashi—the flavorful base of many dishes. Delve into the world of Katsuobushi and Kelp, two essential components of traditional Japanese cuisine. Savor timeless delights such as Simmered Kelp (Kombu Tsukudani), a healthy fermented rice drink (Amazake), sweet potato chips (Imo Kenpi), and glutinous rice mochi with a sweet filling (Daifuku). These delectable treats have been savored for generations, curated from meticulously selected shops, some of which date back over a century. Ginza: Industrial Flavors and Salarymen Secrets Step into the vibrant atmosphere of Ginza and Yurakucho. Eat like Salarymen, Japan's iconic white-collar workers, and dine as they do at Izakayas and noodle stalls tucked beneath the railway tracks. Savor common chicken dishes, an exclusive Japanese alcoholic drink called a Sour, and curry udon—a noodle soup dish that represents the contemporary palate shaped by Japan's post-war industrialization. Tokyo Station: Gift-Giving Culture and High-Speed Bites At Tokyo Station, unlock the intricacies of Japanese gift-giving culture while savoring a delightful Fruits Sando—a Japanese milk bread sandwich filled with fresh fruits and whipped cream. As you explore you'll uncover the link between food and Japan's iconic bullet trains, adding another layer to your understanding of the nation's culinary evolution. Akihabara: Futuristic Fusion and Innovative Marketing Take a short subway ride into the future with a visit to Akihabara, renowned for electronics, Anime culture, and technological innovation. Delve into the future of Japanese cuisine while tasting a selection of traditional snacks that use innovative marketing strategies to attract Tokyo's younger generations. Discuss Akihabara's role in introducing new technology, ideas, and subcultures to Japan, providing a dynamic backdrop to your culinary exploration. Throughout this 5.5-hour tour, you'll not only indulge in delicious bites but also unravel the stories behind each dish and the eateries that host them. Please note that this walking tour requires a moderate walking pace and is not wheelchair friendly. You will walk about 6.5 km. Join us to truly 'eat like a local' in Japan and experience the rich tapestry of flavors that shape its culinary heritage.