Japan · DINNER EXPERIENCES

The 15 Dinner Experiences in Japan That Need Booking Ahead

23 tours  ·  from $32 a head

One country, a rail pass and never quite enough days. These 15 dinner experiences earn their slot, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you commit.

Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour in Shinjuku (All-You-Can-Drink + Dinner) - Kabukicho: louder rooms and a faster nightlife pulse
Bar Hopping & Izakaya Tours, Bar Hopping Tours in Tokyo, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Drinking Tours, Nightlife, Nightlife Tours in Tokyo, Pub Crawls, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour in Shinjuku (All-You-Can-Drink + Dinner)

Tokyo: Sumo Show and Dining Experience - A short lesson before the wrestling begins
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Show, Sumo Experiences, Sumo Experiences in Tokyo, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo: Sumo Show and Dining Experience

Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner) - Osaka’s Retro Zone and Narrow Back Alleys
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Osaka Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner)

3.Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (Option to add Dinner)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,290 reviews · from $53

Explore Osaka’s backstreets, street food, temples, red-light district, and hidden social history on a small-group evening walk.

“An interesting tour of the other side of Osaka that most tourist do not see. Mark was excellent with his knowledge and ability to deliver it in a fun way. It is evident that he truly appreciates all aspects of Japanese culture. Even as a frequent traveller to Japan this tour is a must.”

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Osaka: Deep Backstreets Walking Tour with Dinner Option - Retro arcades and old Osaka entertainment
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Osaka Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Osaka

Osaka: Deep Backstreets Walking Tour with Dinner Option

4.Deep Backstreets Walking Tour with Dinner Option

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 902 reviews · 3 hours - 210 minutes · from $40Best value

Explore Osaka’s gritty backstreets, retro arcades, historic red light district, local snacks, and optional dinner on this candid 3-hour walk.

“Brian was an amazing tour guide! He had so much expertise in Japanese culture and guided us around very well. It was a very interesting tour not touching the typical touristic hot spots. Definitely recommended if you want a deeper understanding of Osaka.”

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Sumida River: Japanese Traditional Yakatabune Dinner Cruise - A 14-dish introduction to Japanese cooking
Boat Tours in Tokyo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Sumida River: Japanese Traditional Yakatabune Dinner Cruise

5.Sumida River: Japanese Traditional Yakatabune Dinner Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 779 reviews · 2h 30m · from $103

Review of Tokyo’s 150-minute Yakatabune dinner cruise, with Japanese food, unlimited drinks, Tokyo Bay views, and Skytree photo stops.

“An amazing evening on the Sumida River! 🌙✨ The dinner cruise was the perfect mix of relaxation, delicious food, and breathtaking views of Tokyo by night. The boat itself was comfortable and cozy, and the staff took great care of us. Me and my wife had two stops along the way for photo opportunities – and wow, what a view! Tokyo Skytree lit up against the night sky, reflections dancing on the water… just magical. 📸 The pictures turned out incredible, but honestly, being there in person was even better. The dinner was tasty and beautifully presented, with just the right atmosphere to make it feel special. Floating along the…”

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Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options - Meeting the maiko in Miyagawasuji
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Geisha & Gion District Tours, Kyoto Tours, Show, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options - Meeting the maiko in Miyagawasuji
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Geisha & Gion District Tours, Kyoto Tours, Show, Tour Reviews, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Kyoto

Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

7.Kyoto Gion Cultural Walk & Geisha Show with Dining Options

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 483 reviews · from $121

Explore Kyoto’s Gion, learn geiko traditions, meet an apprentice maiko, enjoy a dance and dining option in a small group.

“Akari was the sweetest and she made it a great experience! I wasn’t expecting to be the only solo traveler in the group but despite this, she made a lot of effort to make sure I feel included. It was really nice to see the maiko’s performance as well - it was so beautiful and nice to learn about their traditions.”

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Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks - Boarding, Shoes, and Seating
Boat Tours in Tokyo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Show, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks

8.Tokyo Bay Yakatabune Dinner/Day Cruise with Japan Show and Drinks

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 473 reviews · from $65

Review of Tokyo Bay’s yakatabune cruise with sukiyaki, shamisen music, soft drinks, Rainbow Bridge views, and practical booking tips.

“Ok, if you have time and want to do something different. It was not that impressive. The boat goes out to the edge of the bay and comes back. About 1 hr ride. In the boat there were two ladies playing the shimasen. Unlimited soft drinks and paid alcoholic drinks.”

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Tokyo: Shinjuku Bar Hopping with All-You-Can-Drink & Dinner - Omoide Yokocho: smoky lanes and a full first meal
Bar Hopping & Izakaya Tours, Bar Hopping Tours in Tokyo, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Drinking Tours, Nightlife, Nightlife Tours in Tokyo, Pub Crawls, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo: Shinjuku Bar Hopping with All-You-Can-Drink & Dinner

Tokyo Dinner Cruise & Tradition Show & Drinks & Tokyo Tower - Boarding at Etchūjima Pier
Boat Tours in Tokyo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Show, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo Dinner Cruise & Tradition Show & Drinks & Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Bay: Traditional Japanese Yakatabune Dinner Cruise - Finding the Funasei pier in Shinagawa
Boat Tours in Tokyo, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo Bay: Traditional Japanese Yakatabune Dinner Cruise

Hiroshima: Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner - Meeting at Don Quijote in central Hiroshima
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Food, Food & Drink, Food Tours in Hiroshima, Guided, Hiroshima Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Hiroshima

Hiroshima: Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner

12.Food and Culture Guided Walking Tour with Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 212 reviews · 3 hours · from $94

Taste Hiroshima specialties at three local tachinomi restaurants, with drinks, nightlife walks, and an English-speaking guide for $94.

“Ken was a wonderful guide and contributed insights into the culture of Japan. He took us to local places where the people were amazing along with the food and Sake. Thank you Ken!!!”

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Dinner with Maiko in a Traditional Kyoto Style Restaurant Tour - Starting near the Izumo-no-Okuni statue
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Geisha & Gion District Tours, Kyoto Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Dinner with Maiko in a Traditional Kyoto Style Restaurant Tour

13.Dinner with Maiko in a Traditional Kyoto Style Restaurant Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 175 reviews · from $300

Review of Kyoto’s Gion maiko dinner tour, with a traditional meal, dance, questions, walking tour, pricing, and practical booking advice.

“Our tour guide Hikari brought her wonderful positive energy despite the heavy rain. We learned a lot from her and the maiko-san that joined us. At first my friends and I didn’t know if we would have any questions but Hikaru made us feel comfortable to ask our questions about geishas. Did I mention that the dinner was delicious? It was an excellent experience and I highly recommend this tour!”

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Authentic Geisha Performance with Dinner in Tokyo - A Kaiseki Dinner With Some Surprises
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Geisha & Gion District Tours, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Authentic Geisha Performance with Dinner in Tokyo

14.Authentic Geisha Performance with Dinner in Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 101 reviews · from $240

Review of Tokyo’s geisha dinner in Asakusa, with kaiseki food, traditional arts, interpreter, games, practical tips, and honest value advice.

“Traditional Japanese dinner with a Geisha to entertain you was on my bucket list. Decided to book this experience and it did not disappoint. My husband and I had a wonderful time. There was plenty of delicious food and entertainment. My favorite moment was playing traditional Geisha drinking games, though I lost every round. It was a lot of fun. Our Geisha, Yukimi, and our translator were wonderful. Both were knowledgeable and provided excellent service. I would highly recommend booking this experience, it will not disappoint.”

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Tokyo: Traditional Japanese Performing Arts Show and Dinner - A restaurant designed like a small theater
Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Show, Tokyo Tours, Tour Reviews

Tokyo: Traditional Japanese Performing Arts Show and Dinner

15.Traditional Japanese Performing Arts Show and Dinner

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 99 reviews · 2 - 3 hours

Enjoy a Japanese dinner, kagura or nihon-buyo, and an intimate cultural show at SUIGIAN beneath Fukutoku Shrine in central Tokyo.

“All of the staff were kind and attentive, and the performance was very satisfying. I enjoyed the thoughtfully prepared food at a relaxed pace, and the close proximity to the stage allowed me to see everything clearly.”

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