Nagasaki Culinary Tour
There's no better way to experience a different culture than by exploring its food scene.
Nagasaki's food culture is unique in Japan with centuries of foreign influences that inspired its famous local fusion kitchen.
This tour combines tastings of the best Nagasaki delicacies and drinks with visits to interesting sites related to Nagasaki's food culture and its history, all customized to your taste, appetite and style.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Somewhere in the center of Nagasaki
- The most convenient place for you. Nagasaki Cruise Port, Nagasaki Station, the hotel you are staying at...
In this tour, the tasting of local delicacies is central.
Typically we will walk around town from one food or drink experience to the next and on our way we will see some city highlights, hidden gems, a market, the river, a temple, old sweets shops and things like that. I will tell stories about how the Portuguese, Dutch and Chinese came to Nagasaki and how they influenced Nagasaki's culinary tastes.
Example tour
Dejima
The Dutch trade post, through which many exotic food items were introduced into Japanese culture.
China Town
The Chinese merchants docking in Nagasaki brought with them a wealth of culinary delicacies as well, influencing Nagasaki's unique food culture.
In China Town we can sample Kakuni Manchu (Pork belly buns).
Maruyama town
The former courtesan quarters breathes history in every corner.
It is home to the famous 400 year old Castella cake shop Fukusaya and one of the most interesting restaurants in Japan: Kagetsu, where historical intrigue, Japanese culture and fusion cuisine come together. (Having lunch in this restaurant is not part of this tour but it can be arranged in certain cases and will typically cost about 200 USD pp.)
restaurant of choice
To get the best examples of Nagasaki's local delicacies we will visit 1 or 2 restaurants (depending on the time of day).
Hamanomachi
The oldest shopping district in Nagasaki is centered around a long arcade and houses many interesting shops and restaurants. Typically we will visit a market as well.
Spectacle Bridge and Nakagawa riverside
A nice stroll along the riverside with many historic bridges.
Matcha tea in Koufukuji Temple
One of the most beautiful temples in Nagasaki.
It is possible to enjoy matcha tea and a sweet in a serene temple room.
(alternatively) a sake tasting in a microbrewery
Nagasaki's finest sake brewery offers tastings of different kinds of unfiltered sake and amazake. A real treat for sake lovers
End of the tour
At your preferred location.
Ending Point
Anywhere in the center where you like to be dropped off
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
A typical budget for eating and drinking is about 7000 yen pp (about 45-50 USD) This also includes something to eat and drink for the appreciating guide.
Of course, it can be more if you have a great appetite or you like to have an exclusive premium culinary experience.
All costs for your personal experience will be communicated beforehand.
In principle we'll go around on foot but if you prefer, public transportation can be taken. (8-12 USD per taxi ride)
Tour Important Information
Mostly, reservations need to be made in advance. Before the tour it is important that we discuss the various options that fit your appetite, taste and budget as well as any food restrictions.
Between 14:00 and 17:00 the options for savory dishes are very limited in Nagasaki.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Armando V.
Hi there! I’m Armand. Living in Nagasaki since 2016. I am living a most relaxing life on my permaculture homestead in the hills of Nagasaki, where you get the best views in Japan. I love my town. As a dancer and actor I love telling stories too. And there are so many great stories to share about all the interesting people that once dwelled in this adventurous town full of historical intrigues.
Want to experience the rich Nagasaki culture? Eat the freshest fish of Japan? Make the most beautiful photos of hidden treasures and landscapes? Come and explore the town together with me.
I’ve made it my mission to get to know everything there is to know about this place.
Reviews
Kevin G.
“Incredibly Personable, flexible, & favorite”
Our day with Armando V was our favorite out of 6 days with other guides! He was so flexible as to schedule and taking us to location’s we wanted to see. He shared so much about Hiroshima that was personal to him and his family line which was impactful. And took us to special places like the Hawai’i ice cream shop. Overall, my family loved his tour the most and would highly recommend. We will use his services again!
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Armando V.
Thank you so much for coming to Nagasaki with the whole family. It was such a pleasure to get to know all of you lovable people and spend a great time together! I'm definitely looking forward to meeting you again to show you the rest of Nagasaki and its amazing history and hidden treasures. Have a wonderful time until then!
Ellen E.
“Nagasaki like I never Imagined!”
If you are looking for an amazing view of Nagasaki...not only the traditional sites but the backstreets, the people, the way of life, book a tour with Armando. His joy, grace and knowledge of Nagasaki of yesterday and today is unmatched. His humor and human touch was beautiful as Armando guided us through with personal stories which added an additional touch you won't find with larger tours. We asked for one of his favorites for lunch and he did not disappoint...topped off with a visit to his favorite ice cream shop. Armando...thank you for an unforgettable day.
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Armando V.
Wow, Ellen, Thank you so much! It was such a pleasure spending this wonderful day with you all. You are a special bunch! I really hope we'll meet again one day. I wish you all the very best and many more happy travels around the world!
Dan G.
“Nagasaki history walk and Atomic bomb museum”
Armando did a wonderful job giving us a walking tour of his city with personal stories that highlighted the determination of its people and its storied history as a major trade route city in the past. Guiding us through the Atomic Bomb museum, we left with an indelible impression of how fragile our world really is and that this event should never be repeated. He then took us through parts of Nagasaki that we expect most tourists never see, providing us with historical information through stories and a real sense of the culture and heritage of this city. We also stopped at his favorite coffee shop and walked through a colorful indoor shopping mall nearby. He is extremely personable and provides information that is educational and memorable. We were very appreciative of his guiding and, if we were in town longer, would have tried to find more time to spend with him.
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Armando V.
Dear Dan, Thank you for coming to Nagasaki. It was an honor to share my stories with you and have great conversations together. It was a pleasure to meet you. I hope the rest of your Japan tour will be memorable as well. I wish the two of you many more years with great and wonderful journeys to come!
$221/ per group
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