We had limited time Tokyo, but we wanted to maximize tasting as much different things as possible while learning about the culture.
We met Amanda at a public location. She was easy to spot with the Ninjafoods bag.
The evening was fantastic. The food locations were hand selected and customized to the group by our group's personal guide, not a generic same fare that every group goes on. We learned that you can go on the same tour the next day, have a different guide and have a totally different experience!
It is true, there is a more than moderate amount of walking needed, at a fairly decent pace. As limiting factor the duration of the tour, the less time spent walking means more time in the izakayas. That said, EVERY moment of walking was a terrific learning experience. Amanda was a tourist's dream of a walking encyclopedia with immense knowledge and years of local experience about the culture and current social discourses. As we walked, we were either learning about history of that neighborhood, customs of the locals, or nuances about Japanese culture at large.
At each izakaya, our guide Amanda had reservations ready, and did all the ordering for us (which is key because many fantastic, non-touristy spots do not speak english). Again, she customized the ordering to the group's dietary restrictions. And everything we ate and drank is already included. We had some questions about Japan and asked for some recommendations from our guide for our next few days. We were very pleasantly surprised to receive a 2 page long email with restaurant recommendations, addresses and notes, just hours later!
This was truly one the highlights of our trip to Japan. Ninja Food tours knocked it out of the park. I've traveled all over the world, done food tours and local tours, and Ninja Food tours is possibly the best I've ever experienced. And our guide, Amanda is true gem not just to Ninja Food tours but to the Japanese tourism industry. I wish everyone visiting Japan can spend some time with her. She is very friendly, very accomodating and so knowledgeable.
I fly through Japan regularly and I am considering stopping for a day just to go on another tour!
A must do for ANYONE visiting Japan!!