Tokyo Ueno Food Tour: Ameyoko Market & 10+ Tastings

Summary

Ueno’s food stalls, old temples and Ameyoko’s lively flavors

You’ll wander Tokyo’s Ueno district with a local guide who knows every shortcut for snacks — from sizzling gyoza to matcha ice cream and fresh sushi at Ameyoko Market. Pause in peaceful Ueno Park after the bustle, hear stories of old shrines, and taste tea where locals linger. It’s not just about food — it’s about feeling part of Tokyo for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me in Ueno was the smell — grilled chicken skewers drifting over the chatter of the market. We’d barely left the station when our guide, Emi, waved us down a narrow alley packed with neon signs and little stalls. She handed us steaming gyoza from a place so tiny I almost missed it. The wrapper was crisp, and I burned my tongue a bit but didn’t care. People around us were slurping noodles or laughing over beers at noon. It felt like everyone here knew each other.

Ameyoko Market is loud in that friendly way — vendors shouting prices for strawberries or dried fish, old men playing cards under the train tracks. Emi pointed out a shop selling matcha ice cream and told us how it’s different here (less sweet, more grassy). I tried to say thank you in Japanese; she smiled but I probably messed it up. We tasted sushi next — just standing at the counter while trains rattled overhead. There was this moment where I stopped thinking about what was next and just watched people go by with their shopping bags and umbrellas.

I didn’t expect Ueno Park to feel so peaceful after all that bustle. The trees were still bare (not cherry blossom season yet), but you could tell how loved this place is — couples picnicking on faded blankets, kids chasing pigeons near the shrine. Emi explained some history about Tokugawa Ieyasu and the old temple grounds, but honestly I was still thinking about that yakitori we had earlier (so salty and smoky). We finished with tea somewhere quiet; I remember the cup felt warm in my hands even though my feet were tired from walking.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ueno's food and cultural spots

• Visit Ameyoko Shopping Street
• Walk under elevated train tracks
• Stroll through Ueno Park
• Pass by Tokugawa Shogunate shrine
• See Buddhist worship center

Top questions

How many tastings are included on this Tokyo food tour?

The tour includes more than 10 tastings of Japanese classics like sushi, gyoza, yakitori, fruits, tea, beer, and matcha ice cream.

Does this Ueno food tour include Ameyoko Market?

Yes, you’ll explore Ameyoko Shopping Street (Ameya-Yokocho) as part of the experience.

Is lunch provided during the Tokyo food tour?

The tour includes multiple tastings that together make up a full meal rather than a single sit-down lunch.

Are drinks included on this Ueno food tour?

Yes, you get two types of tea, one draft beer, water, and matcha ice cream as part of your tastings.

How much walking is involved in this day trip?

The tour involves a fair amount of walking around Ueno and Ameyoko; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Is pickup included for this Tokyo food tour?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are nearby for easy access to the meeting point.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated on this food tour?

You should contact the organizer in advance to discuss any dietary requirements so they can try to accommodate them.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes guided walks through Ueno Park and Ameyoko Market with an English-speaking local guide; tastings of fresh sushi, crispy gyoza, yakitori skewers, seasonal fruits; creamy matcha ice cream; two kinds of tea; one draft beer; water; plus one surprise “secret dish” along the way before you finish back near public transport for your return.