Wakayama Bar Hopping Tour: Two Izakayas with Local Guide

Taste Wakayama's seafood and sake through two stops in the city's lively izakaya scene

A guided bar-hopping tour in Wakayama where you visit two izakayas with a professional local guide who speaks English, sampling freshly caught fish, handmade tofu and local sake with a ¥1,500 food and drink allowance at each venue. You pick your starting point: Arochi District, Wakayama-shi Station or JR Wakayama Station, each with its own local vibe and character.

Step-by-step itinerary

Guided bar hopping in Wakayama

• Meet guide at chosen meeting point
• Visit first unique izakaya
• Enjoy food and drink allowance ¥1,500
• Learn about Wakayama’s culinary heritage
• Visit second unique izakaya
• Enjoy food and drink allowance ¥1,500
• Experience local nightlife and culture

The experience

Wakayama's nightlife centers on izakayas tucked into the lively streets near the train stations and the Arochi District, where cozy bars serve grilled seafood and seasonal vegetables alongside smooth local sake brewed from mountain water. Your guide leads you through two of these venues over roughly two hours, introducing you to the city's culinary traditions and the locals who keep them alive. The ¥1,500 allowance per stop covers what you order at each izakaya: enough to try several dishes and drinks without worrying about the bill.

Wakayama's food story is rooted in its geography: a historic port town between the mountains and the Pacific that shaped a cuisine around fishermen, farmers and merchants. You'll taste that history in Kishu soy sauce with its deep umami, in freshly caught fish grilled over charcoal, and in the city's signature ramen combining soy and pork broth. The guide shares how these flavors connect to the place and its people, turning each meal into a conversation rather than just a meal.

The tour starts from one of three neighborhoods, so you can pick the district that fits your evening. Arochi, Wakayama-shi Station and JR Wakayama Station each have their own local character and cluster of izakayas, letting you choose the vibe that appeals to you. If you want to order beyond the allowance at either venue, you can pay out of pocket for anything extra.

What’s included

• Professional local guide who speaks English.
• food and drink allowance of ¥1,500 at each of the two izakayas.
• guided introduction to Wakayama's culinary traditions and local sake.

Options for this experience

3 options

Starting from JR Wakayama StationGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 17:00, the last at 20:00Starting from JR Wakayama Station. Starting point: Wakayama Higashi Police Station, Wakayama Ekimae Police Box, Japan, 640-8331 Wakayama, Misonochō, 5-chōme−13−2

From Arochi DistrictGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 17:00, the last at 20:00Starting from Arochi District. Starting point: Lawson Wakayama Arochi, Japan, 640-8359 Wakayama Prefecture, Wakayama City, Kitanoshinchi Tamachi 7

From Wakayama-shi StationGuide in English · 7 departure times: the first at 17:00, the last at 20:00Starting from Wakayama-shi Station. Starting point: 7-ELEVEN Wakayamashi Station Store, 1-chōme-48 Suginobaba, Wakayama, 640-8212, Japan

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 17:00, the last at 20:00

Book up to8h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by DeepExperience

Is this one for you?Pick your starting neighborhood based on which district appeals to you (Arochi for one vibe, Wakayama-shi Station or JR Wakayama Station for another), so the tour fits the part of the city you want to explore after dark.

Top questions

What kind of food will I eat at the two izakayas?

The izakayas serve freshly caught seafood grilled to order, handmade tofu, seasonal vegetables and local specialties like Wakayama ramen. Your guide picks venues known for their signature dishes and their connection to the city's culinary heritage.

How much can I spend on food and drinks at each stop?

You receive ¥1,500 per venue to spend on whatever you order: appetizers, mains, sake and other drinks. If you want to order more, you can pay the difference yourself at checkout or during the tour.

Can I choose which neighborhood the tour starts from?

Yes. You pick one of three starting points when you book: Arochi District, Wakayama-shi Station or JR Wakayama Station. Each area has its own local izakayas and atmosphere.

What is Kishu soy sauce and why is it special to Wakayama?

Kishu soy sauce is a local specialty with deep umami flavor, developed over centuries by merchants and producers in the region. It's a signature ingredient in Wakayama cooking and appears in many of the dishes you'll taste on the tour.

Is the tour accessible if I use a wheelchair or have mobility concerns?

All areas and surfaces on the tour are wheelchair accessible, and public transportation options are available near each starting point. If you have specific accessibility needs, mention them when you book.