Arigato Travel

Arigato Travel, known to many visitors through its Arigato Japan Food Tours brand, began on 20 January 2016 as a one-woman operation founded by Anne Kyle, later joined by co-founder Matt Kyle. It has since grown into a land operator and travel agency registered with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, number 2-8620, with a team of more than 70 people running food and culture experiences in Tokyo and other parts of Japan, including the Kansai region.

The tours focus on local food and the culture around it. Guides lead small groups through neighbourhoods such as Shinjuku, introducing dishes, drinks and dining customs along the way, from izakaya snacks and yakitori to sweets and street food. Its Tokyo routes include an evening food tour through Shinjuku and the bars of Golden Gai, an area that can feel daunting to navigate alone, as well as daytime food walks in other districts. Guides explain how menus, ticket machines, counter seating and ordering etiquette work, which makes the rest of a trip easier.

A food tour is particularly useful early in a trip: you get to try dishes you might not order alone, and you learn enough to explore confidently on your own afterwards. Book online through the official website, where each tour lists its duration, inclusions, start time and meeting point. Mention allergies or dietary requirements when booking, since not every tour can accommodate every need, and come hungry, as the tastings add up over the course of the walk.

The tours suit first-time visitors, solo travellers who want company, couples and families with older children. Groups are kept small so that guides can fit into tiny restaurants and bars, which is part of what makes the experience feel personal. Wear comfortable shoes, as the routes involve walking between several stops, and check the weather, since some stops may be outdoors.

Meeting points vary by tour and are confirmed on booking, usually near a major station such as Shinjuku. Private tours can also be arranged for groups and special occasions. Because the company is registered as a travel agency, it can also help with wider itineraries, but its food tours remain the core of what it offers.