Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano

Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano

🍶 Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano — Experience Japan's Local Nightlife & Flavors! 🍶

Join Us for an Unforgettable Journey Through Nagano’s Izakaya Culture!
Discover the authentic taste of Japan as we guide you through the hidden gems of Nagano’s bustling izakaya scene. From sizzling skewers to hand-crafted soba, this tour is a delicious adventure into Japanese food, drink, and culture.


📅 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.

🌟 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. 🍶🍢🍜🍸

Izakaya food tour

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is included in the Izakaya Food Tour?
A: The tour includes:
  • Food: 5+ izakaya dishes including noodles (like soba or ramen).
  • Drinks: 2 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic).
  • Visit: A hidden bar for a unique experience.
  • Photography: Pictures will be taken throughout the tour and shared with you after the experience.
  • Additional drinks or food outside the planned menu may require extra payment.
Q: Will I be the only participant on the tour?
A: We conduct this tour even for just one participant, so there is a possibility that you might be the only guest. If you are seeking a group experience or company during the tour, this may not be the best fit for you.
Q: Can I find out the group size in advance?
A: Unfortunately, we are unable to inform you of group sizes as bookings remain open until 4 hours before the tour starts.
Q: Where does the tour start and end?
A: The tour begins at Nagano Station and ends at the same place.
Q: How long does the tour last?
A: The tour lasts approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Q: How many izakayas will we visit?
A: You will visit 3 different izakayas, each offering a unique atmosphere and menu.
Q: Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
A: We will do our best to accommodate dietary restrictions, but please note that izakaya menus can be limited. Kindly inform us of any restrictions in advance so we can make appropriate arrangements.
Q: Is this tour suitable for children?
A: Yes, the tour is family-friendly, and children are welcome to join. Non-alcoholic beverages are available for younger guests, and the food menu includes options suitable for all ages. However, please keep in mind that izakayas typically have a lively, adult-oriented atmosphere.
Q: What should I wear?
A: The dress code is casual, but comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you’ll walk between izakayas.
Q: Can I skip the alcohol portion of the tour?
A: Yes, non-alcoholic beverages are available at all izakayas, so you can fully enjoy the food and experience without drinking alcohol.
Q: Do I need to know Japanese to participate?
A: No, the tour is conducted in English, and your guide will handle all ordering and communication with the izakaya staff.
Q: How can I book this tour?
A: You can book the tour directly through our website at o8experience.com.
Q: What happens if I need to cancel?
A:
  • 7+ days before the tour date: Full refund, minus a 10% processing fee.
  • 3 to 6 days before the tour date: 50% refund, minus a 10% processing fee.
  • Within 2 days of the tour date: No refunds.

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?

Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.

Izakaya Food Tour in Nagano
Hidden bar tour
Now ¥14,500/pp
  • Walking Tour
  • Includes: Izakaya Dinner and 1 drink
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Group: From 1 to 8 pp

Guaranteed lowest price, Exclusive on our website!


¥14,500 per person

Info

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Minimum: 1 people per tour
  • Maximum: 8 people per tour 
  • Price: 14,500 JPY (incl. tax) per person, Child (3-12) 12,500 JPY (incl. tax)
  • Includes: Izakaya Dinner and 2 drink, English-speaking guide
  • Excludes: Extra drinks and food (available to purchase), Bullet train tickets and other transportation fees.
  • Meeting location: Starbucks MIDORI Nagano station
  • You must be at least 20 years old to consume alcohol
Professional Guide

Local expert, personable English-speaking guides

Walking tour

This is an easy going walking tour. You can come just as you are.

Dinner & Drinks

You will have absolutely enough meal for your dinner.

Instagram

Take the photo of spots on back street in Nagano for your Instagram album.

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