Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour With Izakaya and Taverns

Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, and the Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour offers a unique opportunity to take in this dynamic scene. Exploring a curated selection of izakaya and taverns, participants can savor authentic Japanese delicacies, indulge in sake tasting, and discover the casual dining culture that has long been a beloved aspect of the city’s social fabric. With an intimate group size and an experienced guide, this tour promises an engaging and insightful journey through the heart of Tokyo’s after-dark allure.

Key Points

• A guided tour that takes participants to explore various traditional Japanese drinking establishments, including izakaya and tachinomi bars, in Tokyo.
• Includes a Japanese sake tasting, as well as food sampling at an izakaya, providing an immersive cultural experience.
• Designed for adults 20 and older, with non-alcoholic options available for minors, and a flexible booking policy.
• Starts at Shimbashi Station and ends at a different location, with convenient access to public transportation.
• Offers a seamless experience of Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife, allowing participants to continue exploring the city after the tour.

Tour Overview

The Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour offers travelers an immersive experience in the vibrant nightlife of Japan’s capital. Priced at $111.02 per person, this tour takes a maximum of 8 participants on a journey through Tokyo’s bustling izakaya and taverns.

The tour departs from Shimbashi Station’s West Entrance Square and ends at a different location, details of which are provided upon booking. The experience includes a Japanese sake tasting, food at an izakaya, and ramen.

Travelers 20 and older can enjoy alcoholic beverages, while non-alcoholic options are available for minors. Participants can reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour is at SL Square, which is located at the West Entrance of Shimbashi Station in Minato City, Tokyo.

From there, the tour group will explore various izakaya and taverns in the area.

At the end of the tour, the group will disembark at a different location, the details of which will be provided upon booking.

This ensures that participants can continue exploring the nightlife or return to their starting point conveniently.

The tour is designed to provide a seamless and immersive experience of Tokyo’s vibrant bar scene.

Schedule and Availability

When does the Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour run? The tour kicks off at 6:30 PM and is available daily.

Travelers can book with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Tour operators offer a flexible booking policy, allowing guests to reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers.

As for age restrictions, alcoholic drinks are served for adults 20 and older, while non-alcoholic options are available for minors.

Inclusions

The Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour includes a Japanese sake tasting, allowing participants to sample various types of this traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage. Guests will also enjoy food at local izakaya, or Japanese-style pubs, seeing the lively atmosphere. Plus, the tour provides a ramen meeting and pickup, ensuring travelers start the experience on the right foot.

Inclusions	Details
Japanese Sake Tasting	Sample traditional Japanese alcoholic drinks
Food at Izakaya	Enjoy local pub cuisine
Ramen Meeting and Pickup	Begin the tour experience with a meal

Travelers 20 and older can indulge in alcoholic drinks, while non-alcoholic options are available for minors.

Exploring Izakaya and Taverns

A central aspect of the Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour is the exploration of izakaya and taverns.

These traditional Japanese drinking establishments offer a unique cultural experience, where patrons can sample a variety of alcoholic beverages and local cuisine.

Izakaya are casual, lively establishments, often serving small plates of food alongside drinks.

Taverns, or tachinomi, are standing-only bars where guests can quickly enjoy a drink and conversation.

Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit several of these establishments, seeing the vibrant Tokyo nightlife and local customs.

Sake Tasting Experience

Sake tasting is a highlight of the Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour, allowing participants to sample a variety of delectable Japanese rice wines.

Expert guides lead the tasting, providing insights into the history, production, and flavor profiles of each sake. Guests may try premium junmai, ginjo, and daiginjo styles, exploring how factors like rice polishing, brewing methods, and regional terroir influence the taste.

The sake tasting complements the tour’s exploration of traditional izakaya and taverns, offering a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rich drinking culture.

With knowledgeable hosts and carefully curated selections, the sake tasting elevates the overall bar hopping experience.

Ramen Meeting and Pickup

After exploring the rich cultural tradition of sake tasting, the Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour now turns its attention to the meeting and pickup for ramen.

Participants will convene at a designated location to enjoy a delicious bowl of authentic Japanese ramen. This includes transportation to the ramen restaurant, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the experience without the hassle of navigating the city alone.

The ramen meeting and pickup is a seamless addition to the tour, ensuring a well-rounded exploration of Tokyo’s vibrant food and drink scene.

What to Expect

Though the tour begins with the rich cultural tradition of sake tasting, travelers can expect an equally immersive experience when it comes to ramen. As part of the tour, guests will be guided to a local ramen shop, where they can enjoy a delicious bowl of the iconic Japanese noodle dish. The ramen experience is thoughtfully integrated into the overall bar hopping adventure, providing a well-rounded cultural exploration.

Ramen Experience	What to Expect
Guided Visit	Explore a local ramen shop
Ramen Tasting	Savor a traditional bowl of ramen
Cultural Immersion	Gain insights into Japanese cuisine

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Conducted in English?

This bar hopping tour is conducted in English, as it is designed for international travelers. The tour guides are fluent in English and can provide explanations and recommendations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Are Vegetarian/Dietary Options Available?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention vegetarian or dietary options. It’s best to contact the tour provider to inquire about accommodating any specific dietary needs prior to booking, as they may be able to make arrangements.

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own alcohol on the tour. The tour includes Japanese sake tasting and food at izakaya restaurants, so the company provides the alcoholic beverages as part of the experience. Outside alcohol is not permitted.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but participants should dress comfortably and casually. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves walking between different bars and izakayas in the city.

Can I Leave the Tour at Any Time?

Participants can typically leave the tour at any time, though it’s recommended to inform the tour guide beforehand. The itinerary and logistics may be disrupted if a traveler departs early without notice.

The Sum Up

The Tokyo Bar Hopping Tour offers an immersive experience of the city’s vibrant nightlife. Guests will explore traditional izakaya and taverns, sample authentic Japanese sake, indulge in delicious izakaya dishes, and enjoy a ramen meal. With a max of 8 participants, the tour provides an intimate setting to discover local customs and casual dining culture. It’s a must-try for those aged 20 and older seeking to experience the best of Tokyo’s drinking establishments.