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Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano
Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano
Step into Nagano’s nightlife like a local on this small-group izakaya crawl.
Enjoy grilled yakitori, handmade soba or ramen, and crispy gyoza — paired with overflowing sake or local craft beer.
Led by a friendly local guide, you’ll explore three unique izakayas, discover hidden spots, and experience Japan’s casual food culture at its tastiest.
✅ Visit 3 local izakayas, each hand-picked for flavor, vibe, and authenticity
✅ Taste 5+ dishes, including grilled yakitori, handmade soba or ramen, and crispy gyoza
✅ Enjoy 2 drinks — start with a toast and finish with your favorite (beer, sake, highball, or soft drink)
✅ Experience classic izakaya culture, like overfilled sake glasses and casual counter seating
✅ Explore Nagano’s nightlife with a local guide who knows the hidden spots
📅 What to Expect
1️⃣ Meet Your Guide
- Starting Point: In front of Starbucks at Nagano Station.
- Your friendly guide will give you a brief introduction to the evening’s adventure. They’ll explain the tour flow and share fun local insights.
2️⃣ Stop 1: Classic Izakaya Experience
- What to Eat: Freshly grilled yakitori (chicken skewers), handmade tofu, and other local small dishes.
- What to Drink: Your first drink is on us! Choose from beer, sake, highball, or lemon sour.
- Experience a traditional “Otooshi” (Japanese starter dish) that welcomes you to the izakaya experience.
- Insider Tip: Learn how Japanese locals unwind after work with tasty bites and refreshing drinks.
3️⃣ Stop 2: Noodle Haven
- What to Eat: Taste the heart of Japanese cuisine — hand-cut soba noodles or authentic ramen (depending on guest preferences).
- Enjoy a warm, satisfying dish that represents the soul of Nagano’s food culture.
4️⃣ Stop 3: Gyoza & Drinks to End the Night
- What to Eat: Crispy, juicy gyoza (Japanese dumplings) and other small dishes.
- What to Drink: Enjoy a final toast with your choice of drink.
- End the night with a full stomach, a happy heart, and new friends from around the world.
🍽️ What’s Included
- 3 Food Stops: Taste a variety of local dishes at 3 distinct izakayas.
- 2 Drinks: Choose from beer, sake, highball, or non-alcoholic options.
- Local Guide: Your guide will share stories, cultural insights, and local history.
- Photo Memories: We’ll snap photos during the tour and send them to you afterward!
📍 Where We Go
- Hidden Izakayas: Explore places that most tourists miss!
- Local Favorites: Eat where the locals eat and experience Japan like an insider.
- Historic Landmarks: Visit key spots like the 1998 Winter Olympic site for a quick photo break.
🍸 Hidden Bar Experience — Keep the Night Going!
If you’re not ready to call it a night, your guide can introduce you to a unique hidden bar where you can continue your night. Discover secret spots where locals gather, enjoy creative cocktails, and experience Nagano’s nightlife like never before. This optional experience is the perfect way to end your unforgettable night in Nagano.
🕒 Duration & Schedule
- Tour Length: 3 hours
- Start Times: 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, or 7:00 PM (depending on the day)
- Meeting Spot: In front of Starbucks at Nagano Station
💡 Why Join This Tour?
- Authentic Experience: Skip the tourist traps and explore true local izakayas.
- Cultural Insights: Learn Japanese dining etiquette, how to say “kanpai” (cheers), and more!
- Small Group Setting: Enjoy an intimate, friendly atmosphere perfect for couples, solo travelers, and small groups.
- Support Local Business: Each restaurant is a family-run, locally loved establishment.
- Exclusive Hidden Bar Access: Discover Nagano’s unique nightlife at a secret local bar after the tour.
Curious about who we are?
Meet our local guides and the people behind o8Experience HERE.
🌟 Book Your Izakaya Adventure Today!
Ready to experience the heart of Nagano’s food and drink culture?
Reserve Your Spot Here!
Eat, drink, and discover Nagano like a local — with unforgettable flavors, unforgettable experiences, and a chance to continue the night at a hidden bar. 🍶🍢🍜🍸
*If you have fever/persistent cough/runny nose, you may be refused at check-in. Self-cancel up to 24h. If refused, full refund via platform (no cash on site).*
- Photo Friendly
- 3 Hours
- 1 to 8 people
- All weather
Trip Itinerary
Meet in front of Starbucks Coffee MIDORI Nagano Station
Meet with our guide in front of Starbucks Nagano station. If you don’t find where it is, please let us know. We will send you the map by email.
1st Izakaya restaurant
Let’s have a first drink and Izakaya food here. You will enjoy the atmosphere of real local residents for a night of drinking.
2nd Izakaya restaurant
We will go to have noodles(such as Soba or Ramen) to enjoy another local restaurant !
3rd Izakaya restaurant
Then, we will visit the 3rd Izakaya to have another dishes and a drink
Explore hidden bars
Enjoy walking back street in Nagano, you will see real local places. Your guide will take you to some local hidden nice bars such as Live Jazz bar, Whiskey bar and another Japanese izakaya bar if you would like to go !
Tour conclude
The duration of this tour is about 3 hours. Tour concludes at Nagano Gondo area, where is just 15 min from Nagano Station by walking. If you still want to wonder around back street, you can still continue your adventure by yourself !! or if you have enough experience and want to go back to the starting point, your guide will take you there and say good-bye to you.
Have a Question?
Contact us via email or WhatsApp. Please note that WhatsApp is only used for simple availability checks and post-booking communication.
¥15,800 / person (10+)
✅ Free cancellation until 24h (local time)*
* A small processing fee may apply.
🔍 Exclusive to direct bookings
Booking directly with us means supporting a local business and receiving the most personalized experience possible.
Solo travelers welcome!
Our website is the only place where solo travelers can join this tour. Enjoy Nagano’s nightlife with a friendly local guide and discover spots you wouldn’t find on your own.
Depending on the evening, your tour may include unique local experiences
— like slipping into a nostalgic standing bar tucked in a quiet alley, singing karaoke at a hidden snack bar, or relaxing at a retro-themed bar filled with vintage signs and pop culture treasures. These quirky, character-rich places aren’t part of our standard route and are exclusive to direct bookings — offering a more personal and unforgettable night out.
ℹ️ Info
🕒 Duration: 3 hours
👥 Group size: 1–8 guests
💴 Price: ¥15,800 (Ages 10+), ¥13,500 (ages 3–9)
🍽️ Includes: 3 izakaya visits, 5+ shared dishes, 2 drinks, English-speaking guide
🚫 Excludes: Extra food/drinks (available for purchase), transportation fees
📍 Meeting point: In front of Starbucks MIDORI Nagano Station
🔞 Note: You must be at least 20 years old to consume alcohol
Why This Izakaya Tour is One of the Best Things to Do in Nagano
This isn’t a touristy bar crawl — it’s a genuine local night out. We take you to three real izakayas that locals actually eat and drink at, not spots made for visitors.
Each place has its own flavor and atmosphere. You’ll enjoy juicy yakitori, regional noodle dishes like soba or ramen, and crispy gyoza — paired with drinks and stories.
Along the way, your guide will share insights into Japanese food culture, izakaya etiquette, and life in Nagano. It’s a relaxed, fun way to explore the city after dark.
If you’re looking for a night that’s more meaningful than just eating and drinking, this tour gives you that — with a local touch you won’t find anywhere else.
Is This the Right Night Experience for You?
- You don’t need to be a foodie or a drinker to enjoy this tour — just bring your curiosity and appetite. It’s for anyone who wants to experience Japan like a local.
- This is not fine dining or a rowdy pub night. It’s a cozy, casual experience where you’ll try new dishes, learn something cultural, and enjoy real conversation.
- Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or as a group of friends, the vibe is friendly and welcoming. It’s perfect for travelers in their 20s to 60s looking for an authentic night out.
- Just be open to a little adventure and some unexpected flavors — we’ll handle the rest.
What Makes This Tour Easy & Fun?
We’ve planned everything, so you don’t have to. No language barrier, no need to choose where to go — just follow your local guide and enjoy.
Each izakaya is hand-picked for quality, comfort, and character. From cozy counters to lively neighborhood spots, we keep it real and relaxed.
You’ll enjoy two drinks throughout the evening, with the freedom to choose your favorites — whether that’s sake, beer, highball, or something non-alcoholic.
There’s a short walk between each stop, just enough to reset your appetite and soak in Nagano’s quiet evening charm.
❓ What is included in the tour?
A:
The tour includes:
- Visits to three local izakayas — all hand-picked for quality, flavor, and atmosphere
- 5+ dishes shared across the group — such as yakitori, soba or ramen, and gyoza
- 2 drinks of your choice — including sake, beer, highball, or non-alcoholic options
- A friendly, English-speaking guide who introduces local food culture and helps you enjoy the experience smoothly
All food and drink listed above is included in the price.
Additional food or drinks can be purchased at your own expense if you wish.
❓ What if I’m the only guest that day? Will the tour still run?
A:
Yes — we warmly welcome solo travelers, and this tour will run even if you’re the only guest. Your guide will accompany you throughout the experience, creating a relaxed and personalized evening.
Please note: this tour is not designed as a group social or mixer-style event.
You may occasionally share the evening with other guests, but it’s also common for tours to run with just one booking group. If you’re specifically hoping to meet and connect with fellow travelers, this experience may not be the best fit.
❓ Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol?
A:
Absolutely. We offer a variety of non-alcoholic options at each stop — including soft drinks, teas, and sometimes even local fruit juices. You’ll still enjoy all the food and cultural experiences, even without alcohol.
Just let your guide know your preference at the start of the tour — no pressure at all.
❓ What kind of food is included? Can I choose?
A:
We’ll visit three different izakayas and share a variety of local dishes — usually including yakitori (grilled skewers), noodles (soba or ramen), and gyoza (dumplings). While dishes are mostly set, we do adjust portion sizes or spice levels when needed.
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please let us know in advance — we’ll do our best to accommodate.
❓ Is this tour vegetarian or vegan friendly?
A:
This tour is not suitable for strict vegetarians or vegans, as many izakaya dishes include meat, seafood, or broth-based sauces.
If you’re pescatarian or can be flexible, we may be able to adjust some items — but we recommend reaching out before booking so we can advise honestly.
❓ How much walking is involved?
A:
Not much! The izakayas are all within a short walking distance — usually less than 10 minutes between each stop.
Nagano is peaceful at night, and the walk is part of the experience.
Wear something comfortable, but no hiking shoes needed!
❓ What should I bring?
A:
Just yourself and an appetite!
We recommend bringing a small umbrella if rain is in the forecast, and some cash if you’d like to order extra drinks or food.
Everything else is taken care of by us — no need for Japanese, no planning, no stress.
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