Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience
Tokyo, Japan

Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience

Outty Ranking 59 4.9 · 17 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom ¥36,800
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience worth booking?

Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience is a 4-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from ¥36,800 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (17)
Duration
4 hours
From
¥36,800 per person

• Private, all inclusive, customizable tour. • 4 hours • Soak up Akabane’s retro charm and explore its lantern lit streets. • Experience a night out the real Japanese way. • Off the beaten path area. • Visit 3 traditional Izakayas. • Try delicious food such as sashimi, yakitori, oden, and seafood BBQ. • Chat with friendly locals in a raucous standing bar. • Charcoal grill your own seafood. • Try a minimum of 10 delicious Japanese delicacies recommended by your guide. • Enjoy Japanese drinks such as sake, shochu or hoppy. • No hidden costs. • Flexible start time (day time is fine too).

What you get

    About this experience

    • Private, all inclusive, customizable tour. • 4 hours • Soak up Akabane’s retro charm and explore its lantern lit streets. • Experience a night out the real Japanese way. • Off the beaten path area. • Visit 3 traditional Izakayas. • Try delicious food such as sashimi, yakitori, oden, and seafood BBQ. • Chat with friendly locals in a raucous standing bar. • Charcoal grill your own seafood. • Try a minimum of 10 delicious Japanese delicacies recommended by your guide. • Enjoy Japanese drinks such as sake, shochu or hoppy. • No hidden costs. • Flexible start time (day time is fine too).

    What's included

    Included

    • Try more than 10 local delicacies (you will be full).
    • Visit to three izakayas where you'll experience local Japanese food culture.
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Dinner
    • Guided tour of Retro Akabane's food scene.

    Not included

    • Transport to and from Akabane
    • Gratuities (optional)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Spend the night enjoying the laid back charms of Akabane's retro food and drink scene. Stop by a raucous local standing bar to enjoy a selection of tasty Japanese bar snacks and drinks. Enjoy traditional 'oden' at an Akabane institution washed down with the local speciality of sake mixed with broth. Brush shoulders with the locals at a traditional izakaya before grilling seafood at a speciality seafood grill. Experience traditional food and drink in this down to earth and of the beaten track neighborhood.

      240 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Tokyo

    The meeting point is in front of the ticket gates of the north exit of JR Akabane station. Akabane is located 14 minutes from Shinjuku on the JR Saikyo line, 9 minutes from Ikebukuro on the JR Saikyo line, 9 minutes from Ueno on the JR Takasaki line or 15 minutes from Tokyo station on the JR Takasaki line.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The meeting point is in front of the ticket gates of the north exit of JR Akabane station. Akabane is located 14 minutes from Shinjuku on the JR Saikyo line, 9 minutes from Ikebukuro on the JR Saikyo line, 9 minutes from Ueno on the JR Takasaki line or 15 minutes from Tokyo station on the JR Takasaki line.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    ja, en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Tokyo Memories

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. Soft drinks will be served to those under the age of 20
    • Dietary Requirements. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements and we will do our best to make sure you are catered to.
    • We will be experiencing izakaya the Japanese way and so sharing plates between the group. (Dont worry you will be full!)
    • Smoking is permitted in most Japanese bars and restaurants so we don't recommend this tour for pregnant travelers.
    • We will be doing some mild walking so comfortable footwear is advisable.

    Photos

    Yakitori (charcoal grilled chicken) and beer, Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya ExperienceA retro hoppy (beer flavoured soda with shochu) with some tasty sashimi and stew, Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya ExperienceBusiness men enjoying a night out, Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya ExperienceLemon sours and a selection of nibbles at a local standing bar, Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya ExperienceOden at the famous Marusuisen, Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya ExperienceAkabane standing bar, Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    7 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    6 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    17 verified traveler reviews for Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    16
    4 star
    1
    3 star
    0
    2 star
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    1 star
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    Sort
    Noel_S · May 2026

    What a great experience. ...

    What a great experience. Guide was fun and knowledgeable and good conversationalist. Got to try some excellent food in authentic settings we never would have found on our ownp

    via Viator

    hanahE3783XN · March 2026

    If You Want the Real Tokyo Food Scene, Do This Tour

    Simon’s Akabane Underground Food Tour was absolutely incredible. Even after visiting Tokyo a few times I would never have found these places on my own. The authenticity of the experience was amazing — tiny local spots full of character that truly show the real side of Tokyo. Simon’s knowledge of the area, the food, and the culture is outstanding, and his passion makes the whole night unforgettable. It feels much more like exploring with a well-connected local friend than being on a tour. Easily one of the best experiences I’ve had in Tokyo. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    via Tripadvisor

    pz4pete · December 2025

    Coolest back street diamonds in the rough!

    This tour was amazing! Once in a lifetime type of experience. Our guide took us to the most delicious izakayas I could have imagined, places I could never have found even if I spoke Japanese. Such an adventure. I promise you will have a great time. And say hi to Chuck for us. Such a good night.

    Response from the operator: Thanks you!

    via Tripadvisor

    Kellie B · November 2025

    Retro Akabane win—great guide, great bites

    This was a blast. Simon kept it light and informative, guided us through classic izakaya dishes, and somehow steered us toward things we didn’t know we’d love. The neighborhood is a gem—retro, lively, and way off our usual path. Perfect tour: we tried lots, learned plenty, and rolled out happy.

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed the retro charm of Akabane!

    via Tripadvisor

    Kellie_B · November 2025

    Retro Akabane win—great guide, great bites

    This was a blast. Simon kept it light and informative, guided us through classic izakaya dishes, and somehow steered us toward things we didn’t know we’d love. The neighborhood is a gem—retro, lively, and way off our usual path. Perfect tour: we tried lots, learned plenty, and rolled out happy.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    ¥36,800 to ¥68,000
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    6
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Tokyo Memories, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 68.1.

    See everything Tokyo Memories runs

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
    Review evidence (18% weight)41
    Booking momentum (14% weight)32
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)81
    Local standing (8% weight)54
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.

    How much does Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience cost?

    +

    Prices start at ¥36,800 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tokyo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience take?

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    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tokyo is not rushed.

    Is Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 17 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience?

    +

    Around 6 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tokyo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tokyo and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tokyo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Tokyo?

    +

    Tokyo is less a city than a stack of neighborhoods with completely different opening hours. A guided food crawl through Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho gets you past the no-tourist curtains, while the day trips west to Hakone and Fuji need an early start to be worth the fare. Our ranking weighs guide quality heavily here, because in Tokyo the guide is the product. On Outty we rank every Tokyo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Best of Shinjuku: Izakaya Food Tour (3-4 Stops, 14+ Tastings), Matcha Making Class in Tokyo with Authentic Japanese Sweets Set, Sushi Making Tokyo Roll and Authentic Japanese Sushi Class. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

    +

    Late March to May for blossom, October to November for clear Fuji views. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Tokyo?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience?

    +

    Included: Try more than 10 local delicacies (you will be full); Visit to three izakayas where you'll experience local Japanese food culture; Alcoholic beverages; Dinner; and Guided tour of Retro Akabane's food scene. Not included: Transport to and from Akabane; and Gratuities (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience?

    +

    The meeting point is in front of the ticket gates of the north exit of JR Akabane station. Akabane is located 14 minutes from Shinjuku on the JR Saikyo line, 9 minutes from Ikebukuro on the JR Saikyo line. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience offered in?

    +

    It is offered in Japanese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Smoking is permitted in most Japanese bars and restaurants so we don't recommend this tour. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Private Tokyo Food Tour - Retro Akabane Izakaya Experience?

    +

    Across 17 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

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