Shibuya is an area centered around Shibuya Station that is undergoing major redevelopment and is at the forefront of trends in Japan.
It's the most visited place in Tokyo by foreign tourists, especially the famous "Scramble Crossing”. This is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, where vehicles are stopped from entering the intersection to allow pedestrians to cross in any direction, with around 3,000 people crossing during each green light cycle.
Shibuya has also developed as the center of entertainment, music, and fashion for Japan's youth. With a thriving music scene and lively clubs at night, it's an artistic city with many art museums.
Known as the setting for the popular anime "Jujutsu Kaisen," it's also fun for fans to go on a pilgrimage to locations featured in the show. With construction constantly ongoing everywhere, Shibuya has continued to evolve into a more adult-oriented city in recent years. With many izakaya pubs and bars, it maintains an energetic nightlife late into the night.
Since there are many restaurants in Shibuya, I, a local who loves exploring the area and going on izakaya pub crawls, will introduce some recommended food tours to efficiently explore the dining options!
Recommended Food Tours
Best of Shibuya Food Tour
Source: Viator
This tour is recommended for those who want to visit back-alley shops frequented by locals rather than pricier tourist-oriented places.
The main area visited is Shibuya Center Gai, the busiest entertainment district in Shibuya located right after crossing the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The tour efficiently takes you to restaurants serving traditional Japanese cuisine that would be difficult for tourists to find on their own.
The approximately 3-hour tour starts at 4 PM and is open to adults aged 0-80. The minimum group size is 2 people, with a maximum of 10. It costs from 37,346 yen per person and includes one drink and dessert, visiting 5 dining spots.
Tour details: https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Walking-Food-Tour-of-Shibuya-at-Night/d334-31383P5
Shibuya All You Can Eat Food Tour Best Experience in Tokyo
Source: Viator
Recommended for those who want to enjoy a variety of traditional Japanese foods in the vibrant Shibuya area.
This tour includes Japanese staples like sushi, yakiniku (grilled meat), karaage (Japanese fried chicken), takoyaki (octopus balls), and Japanese sweets for dessert, as well as 2 soft drinks and water, making it great for families who want to try authentic flavors. You'll also get to experience how locals spend time in hidden back alleys like Nonbei Yokocho.
You'll also visit the popular 24-hour MEGA Don Quijote store, where you can find unique souvenirs amid the wide range of items for sale.
The approximately 4-hour tour is open to ages 3-99, with a maximum group size of 10. Adults can join individually, with start times at 11:00 or 17:00, costing around 32,858 yen per person.
Tour details: https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Night-course-Sibuya-City-and-Food-tour/d334-100234P9
Retro Shibuya Food Tour
Source: TripAdvisor
Recommended for adults looking to try something adventurous with Japanese cuisine. This tour includes 3 alcoholic drinks and visits 4 local eateries you likely wouldn't find on your own.
In addition to traditional dishes like ramen, sushi, and wagyu beef, you'll visit unique spots like a dagashi (cheap snack) bar that doubles as an izakaya, where you can enjoy nostalgic Japanese snacks and cuisine that incorporates them.
As alcohol is only legal for ages 20 and up in Japan, this tour has a minimum age of 20. It can be joined by groups of 2 or more adults, with a maximum of 10 per group. The 3-hour tour starts at 4 PM.
A minimum number of participants is required. It costs 37,827 yen per person.
The tour accommodates vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free diets, but is not recommended for vegans.
Tours for Enjoying Vegetables and Alcohol
Modern Vegan Night Foodie Tour in Tokyo
Source: TripAdvisor
Recommended for vegans who want to enjoy dining in Shibuya, as vegetarian and vegan cuisine is still not widespread in Japan, making it difficult to find suitable options at typical restaurants. However, as a trendsetting area, Shibuya does have eateries that cater to vegans, which this tour visits.
For example, sushi that traditionally uses fish is reimagined using plant-based ingredients to make it vegan-friendly. Japanese sake can also be enjoyed.
In addition to vegans, this tour accommodates vegetarians and those on gluten-free diets, allowing participants to dine worry-free without dietary restrictions.
The 3.5-hour tour starts at 5 PM and is open to individuals aged 0-100, with a maximum group size of 7. It costs 16,650 yen per person and includes a full vegan dinner (sushi set, one plant-based dish, and 3-4 drinks).
Izakaya Pub and Bar Crawl Tours
Shibuya Night Bar Hopping Walking Tour in Tokyo
Source: Magical Trip
Recommended for those who want to visit hidden izakaya pubs and bars serving delicious drinks and traditional Japanese cuisine. An English-speaking local guide will introduce you to Tokyo's authentic nightlife.
A highlight is the world-famous Shibuya Niku Yokocho (Shibuya Meat Alley), where you can enjoy high-quality meats like the renowned wagyu beef, as well as delicious Japanese dishes you may have never tried before. Japanese sake and beer pair perfectly with the meat dishes! The guide will also take photos for you at places like the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and email them to you after the tour as a nice memento.
The 3-hour tour starts at either 6 PM or 7 PM and costs $98.75 USD, which includes a filling 3-4 dish dinner and 3-4 alcoholic drinks, so you can participate empty-handed.
Vegan, vegetarian, and food allergy accommodations are possible but with limited menu options. The tour is open to those 15 and older, but be aware that the legal drinking age in Japan is 20.
Tour details: https://www.magical-trip.com/product/e97da2a4-a99c-4ec8-b2c2-e5e9ae25a8f6
3-Hour Shibuya Local Bar and Izakaya Crawl Tour
Source: Viator
If you want to visit local izakaya pubs for about 3 hours, this tour is recommended. It starts at 8 PM and visits 3 izakaya.
Highlights include experiencing different vibes at spots like a local izakaya near the Shibuya Scramble Crossing (about 1 hour), a bar inside Shibuya's Miyashita Park (about 1 hour), and a local bar in Shibuya Center Gai (about 1 hour). Enjoying drinks and karaoke has received good reviews.
The cost is 5,300 yen per person, which only covers the entry fees and guide, so drinks and food are extra, please note. It's open to ages 20-80, with solo participants welcome and a maximum group size of 16.
Tour details: https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/3-Hours-Tokyo-Local-Bar-and-Izakaya-Crawl-in-Shibuya-Area/d334-383992P2
【Contemporary Culture】food tour I Always Visit in Shibuya
Source: TripAdvisor
This 3.5-hour tour visits izakaya pubs in Shibuya and also allows you to do some sightseeing of places like the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and modern buildings from the outside. The meetup point is in front of the famous Hachiko dog statue, a bronze statue of the dog that waited loyally for its deceased owner at Shibuya Station, which has become an iconic symbol of Shibuya and a popular meeting spot since before mobile phones existed.
In the main Shibuya Center Gai area, you can enjoy various traditional Japanese dishes and a wide variety of alcoholic beverages.
The tour starts at 7:30 PM, and food/drink costs are not included, so you can order what you like at the recommended izakaya. It's open to ages 20-100, with a maximum group size of 10 per tour. Pregnant women are not recommended to join.
The cost is $97.84 USD per person, but be aware that pricing may vary based on group size.
Private Tours
Join the Ultimate Private Shibuya food tour with a master guide
Source: TripAdvisor
For those who want to enjoy the tour without other participants, this private tour is recommended. Unlike some other tours that may not allow children or pregnant women, this private option accommodates most people aged 0-90 and can also cater to food allergies.
The approximately 4-hour tour includes Japanese staples like sushi, yakiniku grilled meat, takoyaki, 2 soft drinks, water, and dessert/snacks. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the price but can be ordered separately. If you have a sweet tooth, you can even experience making a chocolate bar.
You can visit a bar in an alley full of drinking establishments and have a beer with locals, or shop for souvenirs at the famous MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya store.
The cost starts at $250 USD per adult. Due to the narrow alleys, wheelchair access is not possible.
Shibuya Private Half Day Walking Tour with Food Tastings
Source: Klook
For those looking for a private tour that provides personalized recommendations, this tour is recommended.
In addition to enjoying traditional Japanese cuisine and learning about the culture, the private nature allows for accommodations like suggesting child-friendly cafes for families with young kids or catering to food allergies - benefits you don't get with a group tour. You can even stop by places like bookstores without worrying about others.
Of course, you'll also be able to try Japanese staples like sushi and ramen.
The 4-hour tour runs from 11 AM to 3 PM. All meals, desserts, and soft drinks are included, so you can participate worry-free. The cost is US$214.55 per adult.
Tour details: https://www.klook.com/activity/98933-tokyo-private-4-hr-walking-tour-solo-traveler-food-tour/
Shibuya is a very lively area where you can enjoy izakaya pubs, shopping, and more late into the night. Exploring places like The Nonbei Yokocho alley and Shibuya Center Gai provides a fascinating glimpse into how locals spend their nightlife, so I highly recommend taking the opportunity. Be sure to savor the local cuisine unique to Japan and enjoy the regional alcoholic beverages to create wonderful memories!
Karaoke is also a popular activity, so it could be fun to go with family, friends, or others you meet on a tour group.
While known as a youthful area, Shibuya has become more adult-friendly too, so I hope you'll thoroughly indulge in everything it has to offer!