Tokyo: Shibuya Food Tour with Izakaya & 13 Local Dishes

Summary

Shibuya flavors from izakaya tables to neon alleys with locals

You’ll walk Shibuya’s buzzing streets with a local guide, tasting your way through 13 dishes at four izakayas and bars. Hear stories behind spots like Hachiko’s statue, share laughter over new flavors, and get advice for your next Tokyo adventure. The city feels different when you see it from an izakaya table—warmth, noise, and real connection linger long after.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Shibuya really tastes like when you’re not just grabbing a quick konbini snack? I did, so I joined this Shibuya food tour — and honestly, it felt more like tagging along with a friend who knows every shortcut and secret menu. We started right at the famous crossing (yeah, that one), but instead of just snapping photos, our guide Yuka waved us through the crowd like she was parting the sea. The noise is wild there — voices bouncing off glass, shoes on wet pavement (it had rained earlier), and somewhere in all that chaos you catch the smell of grilled chicken skewers drifting from an alley. I still think about that first whiff.

I didn’t expect to eat so much. Thirteen dishes sounds like a number you’d only hit if you were counting every little garnish, but nope — we sat elbow-to-elbow in tiny izakayas on Dogenzaka, passing plates of yakitori and sizzling tofu while Yuka explained why locals order certain things in a certain order (it’s apparently bad luck to start with fried stuff? She laughed when I tried to say “otsumami” properly). At one point someone behind us belted out karaoke so off-key it made everyone in our group grin. There’s something about sharing food with strangers that makes you relax faster than you’d think.

We stopped by Hachiko’s statue too — Yuka told us the real story, not just the movie version. It was surprisingly moving standing there in the drizzle, people hurrying past while she described how everyone in Tokyo knows Hachiko’s loyalty. Then back into Center Gai where neon signs flicker over heads and the air smells like sweet soy sauce and cigarette smoke mixed together. Honestly, by the end I couldn’t remember half the street names but I knew which bar had the best gyoza. If you’re looking for a day trip in Tokyo that actually feels local (and includes pickup at Shibuya Station), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shibuya's iconic spots and eateries

• Visit Shibuya Crossing
• See Shibuya Hachiko statue
• Explore Dogenzaka izakayas and shops
• Walk through Shibuya Center Gai street

Top questions

How many dishes are included in the Shibuya food tour?

The tour includes 13 different dishes across four eateries.

Is alcohol served during the Shibuya food tour?

Yes, alcoholic beverages are included but only for travelers aged 20 or older.

Where does the Shibuya food tour start?

The tour begins near Shibuya Crossing in central Tokyo.

Are public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation is available close to all meeting points.

Is this walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels as described.

Does the tour include admission to izakayas or bars?

Admission to local bars and izakayas is included in your booking.

Will we have an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your guide will speak English and share local insights throughout the tour.

What’s included

Your evening includes entry to local bars and izakayas around Shibuya, a walking tour led by an English-speaking local guide who shares advice for your Tokyo stay, plus all food and drinks—just meet up at Shibuya Station and everything else is taken care of along the way.