15 Lunch Experiences in Tokyo for a First Trip

1.Mt.Fuji & Lake Kawaguchiko 1-Day Bus Tour w/Optional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 839 reviews · from $77Our pick

Ride from Shinjuku to Mt. Fuji’s best-known viewpoints, Lake Kawaguchiko, and Saiko Iyashi no Sato Nenba, a village of thatched-roof houses. The day includes live guide commentary, free time at several stops, and an optional lunch. Guides such as Mitsuko, Chen, Eric, and Omar have earned praise for their warmth and clear explanations.

“I went on the Fuji tour late December, and it was nothing short of an amazing experience . I travelled solo, but the tour guide Mitsuki took her time to show me around the various villages and areas during the bus stops. She even took my photos in front of the mountain. I’m always grateful for the people I meet along the way, and Mitsuki is certainly one of them. Thanks again Mitsuki ! Arigatooooo”

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2.Sumo Experience and Chanko Nabe Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 257 reviews · from $95

Learn sumo’s rules, rituals, training, and competition from former professional wrestlers who explain in English and demonstrate the sport. You can volunteer for a playful bout, then sit down to chanko nabe prepared by the wrestlers. The two-hour activity runs in Asakusa on Mondays and Ryogoku on Thursdays.

“Such a fun family experience! The athletes were incredible - in their strength and skills but also engagement with crowd and the kids. We took our three boys, ages 10, 8 and 6. We highly recommend!”

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3.Tsukiji Fish Market Tour with 6 Stops & Seafood Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 165 reviews · 3 hours · from $94

Join an English-speaking guide for a three-hour walk from Tsukiji Hongan-ji through market stalls and Namiyoke Inari Shrine, with at least five tastings and a seafood donburi lunch. Groups are limited to seven. Guides such as Mai, Meg and Ken have led the route, which ends with a city view from a Shiodome tower.

“Tour was great very informative and Max even went out his way to show us other areas.”

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4.1 Day Bus Tour with Meiji-Jingu,Odaiba,lunch&Skytree

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 156 reviews · 9 hours - 570 minutes · from $83

Ride Hato Bus with an English-speaking guide from Tokyo or Shinjuku to Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace Plaza, Odaiba, Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree. The day includes a Western-style buffet at Haneda Airport and entry to Skytree’s 350-meter Tembo Deck. Guides such as Mina, Aki and Junko have been praised for their clear explanations and good humor, though your guide will vary.

“Get you guide give very good instructions on where the pick up Point is. They communicate with you directly. Would use anyone else. The trip was great as always.”

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5.Mt. Fuji, Oishi Park & Arakurayama Pagoda Bus Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 128 reviews · from $99Top rated

This nine-hour coach trip from Shinjuku visits Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, Oishi Park, Lake Kawaguchi and Chureito Pagoda, with lunch and a licensed English-speaking guide. Guide names on individual departures have included Makoto, Atsushi and Saiki-san. Expect scenic stops, a busy day on the road and 398 steps at the pagoda.

“The Mt Fuji Tour Was Thee Best Experience Here In Japan Ever! The Lunch Was Phenomenal And The Views Of Mt Fuji Were Jaw dropping Atsushi Is So Good At What He Does And Has The Greatest Personality Mind He Is Hilarious And Has A Great Voice His Show Is Part Of The Tour Which Is An Extra Bonus Dont Hesitate Book This Tour You Wont Regret It!”

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6.Nagano Snow Monkey 1 Day Tour with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch from Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 123 reviews · from $151

Meet at Shinjuku’s LOVE sculpture at 8 a.m. for a full-day bus trip to Jigokudani Monkey Park. Walk at least 30 minutes from the parking area to watch wild macaques around the hot springs, then warm up with beef sukiyaki, with vegetarian and vegan meals available by request. English-speaking guides have included Yoshi, Harry, Shin, Mary and Chee, Jay, and Thomas; your guide may differ.

“If you are in Japan during the wintertime the Snow Monkeys of Nagano should be at the top of your list. It was a unique and memorable experience. Our guide was knowledgeable and professional. She made a long trip enjoyable.”

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7.Family Sumo Workshop & Live Wrestling Show with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 99 reviews · 1h 45m · from $60Best value

In Ryogoku, former pro wrestlers lead you through sumo rituals, shiko stomps, teppo strikes, and sliding suri-ashi footwork before a live demonstration and optional ring challenge. An English-speaking host explains the sport, then you sit down to mini chanko hotpot. Veg, vegan, and allergy-friendly meals can be requested in advance.

“It was simply amazing! I arrived late because I took the wrong train, but they still waited for us outside (I was with a Japanese woman). The show was so interesting and educational. You learn exactly how sumo wrestlers train, what's important, and what's allowed and what's not. It was a great atmosphere, and above all, it was an unforgettable experience and a lot of fun for all the participants! I would like to thank the whole team and the two great sumo wrestlers that I was allowed to fight against them 🙏🏼 I had absolutely no chance against such a powerhouse but it was an honor for me to…”

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8.Authentic Sumo Wrestling Experience with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 88 reviews · 4 hours · from $166

Meet an English-speaking guide at Shin-Kawasaki Station and visit a real sumo stable used until 2022. Watch practice up close, learn the rules and customs, try basic moves, and opt for a friendly bout with a rikishi. Then make chicken dumplings for chanko-nabe and eat with the wrestlers.

“We had a unique experience with our guide and two sumo wrestlers. A lot was explained about sumo, its history and practices. Then we could also join the training and even try a match. The joint lunch and autograph session was really nice and offered the opportunity to also talk with the sumo wrestlers, amazing!”

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9.Nikko Toshogu Day tour with Traditional Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 72 reviews · 1 day · from $90

Leave from Tokyo Mode Gakuen for a full day in Nikko, with a guided visit to Toshogu Shrine, a Japanese lunch, the 48 curves of Irohazaka, Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. Transport, shrine admission and lunch are included. The guide speaks English and Mandarin; the menu changes with the season.

“Giornata molto bella. Il tour a Nikko è sicuramente qualcosa da fare quando si và a Tokyo. Guida socievole e molto disponibile. Consigliato :)”

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10.Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 30 reviews · from $96

Ride with an English-speaking local guide from Asakusabashi through Asakusa, sumo country in Ryogoku, and Fukagawa. You’ll stop at the BANDAI headquarters, Sensō-ji, Fukagawa Fudo-son temple, and the Fukagawa Edo Museum. Bike rental, lunch, museum admission, and insurance are included. Shogun is one guide praised for a brisk pace and strong historical commentary.

“It was a great tour Shogun was excellent, he was knowledgeable, he showed me plenty of interesting places in Tokyo. Highly recommend”

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11.Guided Walking Tour of Tsukiji Market with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 24 reviews · 2h 45m · from $113

In 165 minutes, an English-speaking guide leads you from Tsukiji Hongwanji Temple into Tsukiji Outer Market for nine tastings, from tuna sushi and dashi to grilled seafood or beef. Guides such as Hide, Tomoko, and Yumiko have led tours here, sharing market history and helping visitors find their way among the stalls.

“The tour was perfect. Tomoko showed us around the market in a relaxed, informative, and fuss-free manner. She was even happy to queue for us at food stalls while we explored the market, and brought food boxes / cleaning wipes to help us stay organized and tidy through the tour. Even though I've been to Tsukiji before, Tomoko helped me see a different side of it with her explanations on the culture and history of the market. In sum, a throughly enjoyable tour.”

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12.Mount Fuji Private Tour with Scenic Lunch Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 16 reviews · 10 hours

Travel from Tokyo by private vehicle to Mount Fuji’s lakes, shrines and rural villages, with a countryside lunch and time for photos. Your English-speaking guide, including guides named Ali, Sarfy and Rana in recent accounts, can adjust stops to suit your group. The route is flexible, so agree on priorities before setting out.

“Sarfi was the best guide and super friendly. I had an idea of what I wanted and he honestly told me his thoughts and his recommendations. This is my first time at Mt Fuji, and so I greatly appreciated his recommendations given the weather and season. Today was a perfect day to see Mt. Fuji. The sky was clear. We went to the Pagoda (best view but 400 stairs, don't forget to bring cash for exclusive gacha), Oishi park (best ice cream made with Hokkaido milk), scenic stops at the Lakes, and Oshino village (very nice area to walk and shop but it's crowded). We skipped other options due to…”

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13.Ryogoku: Sumo Town Guided Walking Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 9 reviews · 3h 30m · from $122

Spend 3.5 hours exploring Ryogoku, Tokyo’s sumo district, with an English-speaking guide and a group capped at eight. Visit sumo landmarks and see stables from outside while learning about the sport’s history and wrestlers’ daily lives. Guides have included Jeff, Taka, Sue, Yoko, and Jean. Finish with chanko-nabe, the hot pot associated with sumo wrestlers.

“We enjoyed the knowledge and thoughtfulness of our guide, Sue. She had selected a variety of sights and had many fascinating details about each. It revealed life even behind closed doors and lunch was as if we were her guests and not just tourists.”

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14.Fuji,Hakone Ropeway/Cruise/Shinkansen Ride w/lunch frm Tokyo

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 7 reviews · 10 hours · from $129

Spend a full day with an English-speaking guide visiting Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station, eating a Sukiyaki Gozen lunch, cruising Lake Ashi and riding the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway. The return leg is on the Shinkansen. Guide names mentioned by past participants include Mitsi, Mitty and Mitsuko, though your assigned guide may differ.

“Mt Fugi and lunch were great! Traffic was terrible and kept us from the lake cruise and rope way. Felt a little cheated but knew ahead of time traffic could upset the schedule. Guide and driver were awesome, Mitsuko and Harumi. They were full of inspiration and information and worked well together. Thank you. …………..”

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15.Japanese anime stores with ramen lunch in Shibuya

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 2h 30m · from $92

Spend 150 minutes exploring Shibuya stores for Japanese anime, manga, Mario, and Pokémon goods with an English-speaking guide. You’ll have time to look for character souvenirs, then enjoy pork ramen with the meal cost included. The group is limited to four, and the meeting point is in front of SHIBU HACHI BOX.

“Our tour guide was knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating! I would recommend this tour!”

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