The 15 Best Food Tours In Nagoya

Nagoya might not be as famous internationally as Tokyo or Kyoto, but it’s a city packed with culinary surprises that reward curious eaters. Its mix of traditional flavors like miso katsu, tebasaki chicken wings, and unagi sushi, combined with lively street scenes and historic landmarks, makes Nagoya a perfect destination for food tours. We particularly love tours that blend cultural insights with tasting authentic local dishes—like the Nagoya Endoji Food and Cultural Tour — which takes you through historic temples, small restaurants, and specialty shops loved by locals. Exploring Nagoya’s food scene this way helps you find hidden gems often missed when wandering solo.

This list covers a variety of options: guided walking explorations, street food adventures, private tastings, and even night tours focusing on local izakaya bars. Whether you’re after a quick snack, a deep dive into Nagoya’s culinary culture, or an evening of drinks and bites, there’s something for every taste and schedule.

1. Nagoya Endoji Food and Cultural Tour

At number one, the Nagoya Endoji Food and Cultural Tour offers a well-rounded look at the city’s flavors and history in just 2.5 hours. This guided walk takes you through historic temples, including the Sengen Shrine, and into the Endoji Historical District—where shops and warehouses date back over 80 years. You’ll visit a kimono shop, explore small eateries, and sample street foods like okonomiyaki, a savory pancake favored in Nagoya, plus Japanese sweets. The tour’s focus on local landmarks and authentic tastes makes it ideal for travelers short on time but eager to soak up Nagoya’s essence. Reviewers praise the tour for its engaging guide and the chance to taste local street food while learning about the city’s traditions. At $113.86 per person, it offers great value for those interested in culture and cuisine in a compact timeframe.

Bottom line: Perfect for history lovers who want a taste of Nagoya’s past and present in one walk.

2. Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour

For around $149, the Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour provides a 3.5-hour journey through the city’s most iconic dishes. This small-group experience, limited to six people, ensures personalized attention and insider tips. The guide takes care of ordering, so you can relax and focus on tasting pickles, rice balls, grilled eel, and spicy chicken wings—all part of Nagoya’s unique “Meshi” culture. Reviewers often mention how the guide’s insights extend beyond food, sharing stories that deepen your appreciation for Nagoya’s culinary identity. The included tastings and drinks mean no extra stops to pay, making it good value for those looking to maximize flavor and culture without fuss.

Bottom line: Best suited for foodies eager to discover Nagoya’s iconic flavors with expert guidance.

3. Nagoya Castle and Local Flavor Samurai Tales and Street Food Walk

At number three, this 2.5-hour tour combines a visit to the majestic Nagoya Castle with insights into samurai history, followed by a stroll through Kinshachi Yokocho, a lively street lined with food stalls. The castle visit includes its reconstructed palace halls, stone walls, and panoramic views from the main keep. Afterward, your guide introduces you to Nagoya’s culinary delights, allowing you to taste local dishes as you browse souvenir shops. The tour’s combination of cultural storytelling and street food tasting** makes it a lively, informative experience. Visitors appreciate the guide’s engaging storytelling and the chance to explore Nagoya’s samurai heritage alongside its flavors. For $41.82, it’s one of the most affordable options on this list, offering a lot of value in just a few hours.

Bottom line: Ideal for history buffs who want a taste of Nagoya’s samurai past and local eats.

4. Nagoya Street Food Walking Tour of Osu

Number four is a 2-hour private tour through Nagoya’s Osu shopping district—a lively area packed with shops, shrines, and delicious street food. The focus here is on hidden local spots and authentic snacks like gohei mochi and karaage. Your guide Patricia, praised for her knowledge, will show you the district’s history and introduce you to favorites you might never find alone. Tastings are included, so you won’t have to worry about paying at each stop. Reviewers highlight the personalized experience and the chance to try local specialties in a vibrant setting. At $100.29, this tour offers an intimate, flexible way to explore Nagoya’s street food scene with a local host.

Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a customized, behind-the-scenes look at Nagoya’s Osu district.

5. Nagoya Night Bar & Food Tour with Locals

For those who love nightlife, number five offers a 2.5-hour evening tour of Sakae’s izakaya bars and hidden pubs. Your local guide will lead you through Nagoya’s authentic bar scene, sampling delicious local dishes and drinks. The tour includes visits to cozy snack bars run by charismatic “Mama-san”, giving you a real feel for Japan’s nightlife culture. Reviewers describe the guides as friendly and informative, making it easy to relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. For just $60.62, it’s an affordable way to experience Nagoya’s after-hours culinary scene while enjoying local drinks.

Bottom line: Excellent for night owls wanting to explore Nagoya’s bar culture with a friendly guide.

6. Nagoya: Private and Personalized Eat Like a Local Tour

Number six features a customized 3-hour tour designed by a local host, perfect for those who want a tailored experience. The guide will help you explore historic alleyways, izakayas, and yokocho near Nagoya Castle, sampling everything from barbecued eel to Taiwan ramen. Guests praise this tour for its flexibility and depth of local knowledge. The private format means your experience is tailored to your tastes, whether you want to focus on sake tasting, street snacks, or local restaurants. At $197, it’s a good investment for travelers seeking a truly personalized culinary journey.

Bottom line: Best for those who want a flexible, in-depth exploration of Nagoya’s food scene with a local host.

7. Nagoya: Kannon Temple & Osu District Street Food Guided Tour

This 2-hour tour melds culture and cuisine in Nagoya’s Osu district. Starting at Osu Kannon Temple, you’ll enjoy its striking architecture and learn about its significance. Then, your guide leads you through the Osu shopping arcade, sampling local dishes like miso-katsu and tebasaki. The lively street scenes and vibrant markets give you a taste of Nagoya’s everyday life. Reviewers enjoy the mix of cultural insights and food tastings, especially the chance to explore both temple grounds and bustling street markets. At $80, this tour offers a balanced experience for those interested in culture and cuisine.

Bottom line: Great for travelers wanting a combined cultural and culinary experience in Nagoya.

8. Nagoya Historic Townscape Street Private Food Walking Adventure

Number eight offers a 2.5-hour private walk through Nagoya’s oldest neighborhoods like Shikemichi and Endoji. You’ll see traditional white row houses, visit ancient shrines, and learn about the city’s past. The tour includes a stop at a modern tea shop where you’ll learn to brew Japanese green tea properly. This experience combines cultural sightseeing with authentic food tasting—a good choice for history buffs craving a deeper understanding of Nagoya’s roots. With only one review praising it, it’s a niche but immersive experience for those wanting quiet authenticity.

Bottom line: Suited for travelers interested in Nagoya’s historic architecture and local flavors.

9. Osu Kannon Temple & Street Food Tour in Nagoya’s Osu District

Another highlight in the Osu district, this 2-hour tour begins at Osu Kannon and continues into the shopping streets. You’ll explore over 1,200 shops, sampling a variety of local delicacies such as miso-katsu, tebasaki, and other snacks. The guide points out iconic sights like the giant maneki-neko and colorful gates, making it a lively and photogenic experience. Reviewers love how it offers both cultural insights and street food in one go, with plenty of time for shopping afterward. Price at $98.22 makes it a good value for a comprehensive walk through Nagoya’s food and shopping scene.

Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a mix of culture, street food, and shopping.

10. Eat Like A Local In Nagoya: Private & Personalized

This private, tailored tour offers a flexible 3-hour experience focused on local dining hotspots. Your host will craft your route based on your preferences, from hitsumabushi eel rice bowls to spicy ramen and sake in historic alleyways. Guests praise how the guide’s knowledge and flexibility make this a highly personalized experience. It’s suitable for travelers who want a customized taste of Nagoya and don’t mind paying a premium ($200.77). It’s great for those who like direct interaction and want to explore off-the-beaten-path eateries.

Bottom line: Best for food travelers who value personalization and want an intimate, flexible experience.

11. 1-Day Tour: Eat Like a Local in Nagoya

Number eleven is a full-day adventure, ideal for travelers eager to cover a lot of ground. Starting at the Silver Clock, you’ll visit Yanagibashi Central Market and see Nagoya’s local fishmongers at work. The day includes castle visits at Nagoya Castle, exploring the Honmaru Palace, and sampling regional “Nagoya Meshi” dishes. The tour combines culinary experiences with sightseeing, making it perfect for those who want a rundown. Reviewers highlight how it offers a taste of Nagoya’s food, culture, and history all in one day. At $147, it’s a good value for a full itinerary.

Bottom line: Well-suited for travelers who want a deep dive into Nagoya’s food and sights in one day.

12. Nagoya Food & Nightlife Adventure | Local Cuisine & Hidden Bars

This evening tour offers a 2 hour 45-minute exploration of Nagoya’s after-hours scene. Starting in Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER, you’ll visit Gomitori, a classic Nagoya izakaya offering 35 types of drinks and local specialties like miso kushikatsu and seared Hida beef sushi. The tour continues to cozy snack bars, with an introduction to hidden local establishments. Although reviews are not yet available, the focus on authentic nightlife and local flavors makes it appealing for those seeking a lively, immersive experience. Price at $270.88 reflects its exclusive focus on nightlife.

Bottom line: Best for night owls eager to explore Nagoya’s hidden bar culture after dark.

13. Nagoya Highlights & Street Food Walking Tour [small group]

A full 8.5-hour day, this tour takes you through Nagoya’s major sights and its street food scene. Starting with the gilded Honmaru Palace and its golden screens, you’ll enjoy guided visits to key locations, ending in the Osu Shopping District. You’ll sample local specialties like miso-katsu and tebasaki, with plenty of time to explore on your own. This is ideal for travelers who want an extensive overview of Nagoya’s culture, food, and architecture in one go.

Bottom line: Excellent for travelers eager to enjoy Nagoya’s food, history, and sights over a long day.

14. 2 Day Tour Shimotsuki Festival with Traditional Food and Sake

This two-day experience is perfect for those wanting deep culture. Attending the Shimotsuki Festival and enjoying regional winter gibier dinners provides a rare look into local traditions and cuisine. While details about the itinerary are sparse, the combination of festival attendance and culinary excellence makes this a memorable experience for serious cultural and foodies willing to spend a couple of days in Nagoya.

Bottom line: For travelers looking for an authentic, multi-day cultural feast with food and festival highlights.

15. Nagoya Food Tofu Making and Dark Miso Dengaku Experience

Finally, number fifteen offers a hands-on workshop at a century-old tofu shop. You’ll learn to make fresh tofu and taste dark miso dengaku, a Nagoya specialty once enjoyed by shoguns. The 1 hour 15-minute experience is ideal for those interested in culinary crafts and local traditions. Guests rave about the artisan-led process and the chance to taste warm, fresh tofu on the spot. The experience’s focus on traditional techniques and interactive participation makes it stand out.

Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a participatory culinary experience rooted in Nagoya’s history.

How to Choose the Best Food Tour in Nagoya

Choosing among these wonderful options depends on your priorities. If you’re pressed for time but want culture and flavors combined, the Nagoya Endoji Food and Cultural Tour offers a compact, engaging experience. For food-focused exploration, the Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour is perfect, especially if you want small-group intimacy. If your goal is to immerse in Nagoya’s nightlife, the Nagoya Night Bar & Food Tour provides a lively, local atmosphere.

Budget-conscious travelers may prefer tours like the Nagoya Castle and Local Flavor walk or the Osu Street Food Tour, offering good value and rich experiences. For those seeking personalization, the private Eat Like A Local tour is ideal, although it costs more. Planning your trip around local festivals or workshops—like the Shimotsuki Festival or tofu making—can add meaningful depth to your visit.

Final Thoughts

Nagoya’s food scene is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in local tradition. Whether you want a quick bite while exploring historic sites, a leisurely small-group tasting, or an immersive night of cocktails and local dishes, this list offers plenty of options. For most travelers, the Nagoya Endoji Food and Cultural Tour and the Specialties of Nagoya Food Tour stand out as top picks for their balance of culture, food, and value. If you’re eager to dive fully into Nagoya’s culinary culture, booking early is advisable—these tours tend to fill quickly during peak travel seasons.

No matter your schedule or budget, these tours unlock the flavors and stories that make Nagoya a truly satisfying destination for any food lover.