Restaurants in Tokyo Where You Can Eat Exotic Food

If you’re curious about Tokyo beyond its neon-lit streets and sushi counters, this tour offers a truly one-of-a-kind adventure into the city’s more adventurous culinary scene. For $67.62 per person, you’ll spend about 1 to 2 hours exploring two locations—Rice & Circus Takadanobaba and Shibuya PARCO—where the focus is on dishes made from unusual ingredients sourced from around the world. Led by friendly guides, you’ll sample everything from deep-fried sparrow to grilled crocodile wings, each dish prepared with straightforward techniques like grilling and frying that highlight their natural flavors.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines visual impact with daring flavors—each bite or view is a conversation starter, especially for those with a taste for the extraordinary. Plus, the hot pots and fried insects provide a chance to challenge your palate in a safe, engaging environment. On the flip side, this tour isn’t for everyone; the emphasis on unconventional ingredients means it’s best suited for adventurous eaters willing to try something totally new. If you’re after authentic, offbeat food experiences and don’t mind the possibility of some surprises on your plate, this could be a memorable highlight.

This tour is ideal for travelers who are open-minded about food and eager to explore Tokyo’s lesser-known culinary innovations. It’s also a great way to learn about global ingredients that rarely make it onto mainstream menus, all in a relaxed setting that’s more about curiosity and fun than fine dining.

Key Points

• Unique ingredients: Includes dishes like deep-fried giant isopod and grilled crocodile wings, perfect for thrill-seekers.
• Simple preparation: Focus on grilling and frying to bring out natural flavors without complicated techniques.
• Two vibrant locations: Stops at Rice & Circus Takadanobaba and Shibuya PARCO make it easy to combine with other Tokyo adventures.
• All-inclusive price: At $67.62, it covers most costs including service charges and taxes, with no hidden fees.
• Visual and gustatory impact: Each dish offers a striking presentation that’s as impressive as it is tasty.
• Flexible timing: Lasts about 1 to 2 hours, fitting easily into a busy Tokyo itinerary.

An Honest Look at the Exotic Food Tour in Tokyo

When first considering a food tour that features exotic ingredients from around the world, it’s natural to ask whether it’s worth the price and if it’s suitable for your taste. This particular experience, offered by Japanticket, takes you to two lively Tokyo locations—Rice & Circus Takadanobaba and Shibuya PARCO—where the emphasis is on simple yet visually impressive dishes.

What to Expect at Each Stop

First Stop: Rice & Circus Takadanobaba
Here, the focus is on the thrill of discovery. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a menu that reads more like a wildlife documentary than a typical eatery. The dishes include deep-fried sparrow, giant isopod, Tokay gecko, and whole grilled frogs, crows, and crocodiles. Most of these items are prepared through frying or grilling, allowing their natural textures and flavors to shine through without overly complex sauces or garnishes.

The experience is as much visual as it is tasting—imagine biting into a perfectly crispy giant isopod, or seeing a whole grilled frog with its little legs curled up like it’s ready to hop away. The menu also features mixed insects (six types), which might be a hit or miss depending on your adventurous streak. All these dishes are served with a focus on presentation, making each bite a small spectacle.

Second Stop: Shibuya PARCO
The second venue continues the theme with the same lineup of daring ingredients, but gives you a different vibe—more modern and bustling, with the same focus on simplicity in preparation. Here, the hot pot with miso and mole adds a comforting, familiar element amid the exotic.

The tour lasts roughly 2 hours, and you won’t pay extra for admission—it’s included in the price. You’ll be able to sample all the items listed, making it a comprehensive tasting journey that balances the exotic with the fun of trying new textures and flavors.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Visual Impact: Each dish is prepared to be as striking as it is unusual. The whole grilled animals look almost like tiny sculptures, and the fried insects are offered in a variety of types and arrangements, making for memorable photos and conversations.

Straightforward Cooking Methods: The focus on grilling and frying means the flavors are clear and natural—no complicated sauces masking the ingredients, which lets you appreciate the authenticity of each item.

Engaging for the Curious: Whether you’re a foodie looking to broaden your horizons or just someone interested in cultural novelty, this tour provides a safe space to explore the bizarre and fascinating world of global ingredients.

Practical Considerations

The tour, at $67.62, offers good value considering it includes service and taxes. However, it’s important to note that it doesn’t include any additional single item orders, so if you’re particularly curious about a specific dish, you might want to budget for extras.

Timing-wise, the tour is flexible enough to slot into most schedules, and the mobile ticket system makes it convenient to join without fuss. The group size is likely small, given the intimate nature of the tasting, but that’s not explicitly specified.

What Travelers Have Said (Based on Available Feedback)

While the review count is currently zero, the descriptions suggest that the visual impact and adventurous menu are the main draws. One might expect some surprise elements and an experience that’s more about curiosity than gourmet dining.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re someone who enjoys trying new foods and isn’t squeamish about the idea of insects or reptiles, this tour could be a highlight of your Tokyo trip. It’s perfect for adventure travelers, curious foodies, or anyone looking to see a different side of Japanese culture—one that’s less about sushi and more about global culinary curiosities.

However, if you prefer to stick to familiar flavors or have dietary restrictions concerning certain ingredients, this may not be the right fit. It’s also not suitable for young children or sensitive palates, given the nature of some dishes.

Final Thoughts

This food tour offers a bold glimpse into Japan’s openness to the unusual, combined with the simplicity of grilling and frying techniques that showcase the ingredients’ raw appeal. It’s an inexpensive way to add a visual feast and conversation piece to your Tokyo visit, especially if you’re eager to challenge your taste buds and curiosity alike.

The two locations—Takadanobaba and Shibuya—are lively, energetic parts of the city, making this experience not just about food but about enjoying local Tokyo scenes. With most of the effort focused on engaging with the ingredients rather than elaborate presentation, you’ll come away with both stories and photos that will make your friends jealous.

In sum, this tour is best for adventurous eaters, global cuisine lovers, or those seeking a fun, offbeat experience in Tokyo. It’s a memorable way to push your boundaries and see a playful side of Japanese food culture that you won’t find in every guidebook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
No, the menu features many meat and insect options, so it’s unlikely to suit a plant-based diet.

Are the dishes prepared fresh on-site?
Yes, the dishes are simply grilled or fried, suggesting they are prepared as you go, emphasizing freshness and natural flavors.

Can I choose to skip any items I’m uncomfortable with?
The tour’s fixed menu doesn’t mention customization, so if you’re hesitant about certain ingredients, it’s best to communicate in advance or consider other options.

Is alcohol included in the tour?
No, alcohol isn’t mentioned as part of the experience. It’s primarily a tasting tour focused on food visuals and flavors.

How long does the tour last?
The experience takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, making it an easy add-on without taking up a whole day.

What’s the best way to get to the locations?
Both stops are accessible from central Tokyo, with detailed directions likely available after booking or via local transit.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, the booking includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, allowing flexibility if your plans change.

To sum it up, for those willing to step outside their comfort zone and explore Tokyo’s daring culinary side, this tour offers a memorable, photos-worthy, and surprisingly straightforward way to do it. It’s a genuine taste of curiosity, presented simply and with a dash of fun—perfect for the adventurous at heart.