When it comes to discovering authentic Japanese experiences, few platforms match the warmth, cultural depth, and personalized service offered by Arigato Travel. In this Arigato Travel Review, we will dive deep into what makes this company one of the most trusted names in Japan’s travel industry. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Arigato Travel promises unique food tours, cultural activities, and immersive experiences designed to connect you with Japan’s soul.
With thousands of travelers served from all over the world, Arigato Travel has built a reputation for delivering curated, heartfelt, and unforgettable experiences. This review will cover everything from features and benefits, how it works, personal experiences, pricing, and the ultimate pros and cons to help you decide if this is the right travel service for your Japan journey.
Arigato Travel is not your typical travel company. Instead of focusing solely on sightseeing, it emphasizes local experiences, hidden gems, and culinary adventures that most tourists miss. Based in Tokyo and operating across major Japanese cities like Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and more, Arigato Travel curates tours that highlight Japanese hospitality, cuisine, and traditions.
What makes Arigato Travel truly stand out is its team of passionate local guides who don’t just guide tours but share stories, traditions, and insights that leave lasting impressions. Their focus is on authenticity — not just ticking off tourist attractions but giving travelers the chance to live like locals.
In short, Arigato Travel is about experiencing Japan with your heart, not just your eyes.
At its core, Arigato Travel is a Japan-based travel and tour company specializing in food tours, cultural workshops, and local immersive experiences. Founded with the mission to make visitors feel the true spirit of Japan, the company goes beyond traditional sightseeing.
Some of their most popular services include:
Food Tours: Guided walks through vibrant districts where you taste authentic Japanese dishes.
Cultural Experiences: Tea ceremonies, sake tastings, cooking classes, and calligraphy lessons.
Hidden Local Tours: Visits to neighborhoods and markets rarely seen by tourists.
Private Customized Tours: Tailored journeys that fit your preferences and travel goals.
With hundreds of 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and Google, Arigato Travel is considered one of the top-rated companies in Japan for travelers seeking depth, authenticity, and personal connections.
When we talk about Arigato Travel features, we are not just looking at itineraries but the intangible value of authentic experiences. Here’s what makes them unique:
From bustling markets to hidden izakayas, Arigato Travel takes you beyond sushi and ramen to taste regional specialties, family recipes, and seasonal delicacies.
Guides are not just employees — they are passionate locals eager to share their culture, language, and history. They speak multiple languages and adapt to your group’s needs.
Activities such as tea ceremonies, sake tasting, and Japanese cooking classes allow you to experience traditions hands-on.
Private tours can be designed based on your preferences — whether you love food, history, or modern pop culture.
Tours are available across Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, and more.
Safe, enjoyable, and educational for travelers of all ages.
Arigato Travel works with local businesses, ensuring your travel supports the community.
Booking with Arigato Travel is simple and stress-free.
Choose a Tour — Browse their official website to find food tours, cultural experiences, or custom journeys.
Book Online — Secure your spot with easy online booking and payment options.
Meet Your Guide — On the scheduled day, meet your local guide at the designated location.
Enjoy Your Experience — Immerse yourself in authentic Japanese culture with the guidance of an expert.
Take Home Memories — Beyond photos, you leave with stories, flavors, and knowledge you won’t find in guidebooks.
During my trip to Japan, I booked a Tokyo food tour with Arigato Travel. From the very first email, their team was responsive and friendly. On the tour, our guide not only explained the history of Japanese street food but also introduced us to hidden eateries that tourists never find.
Highlights of my experience:
Tasting takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and seasonal Japanese sweets.
Learning the etiquette of Japanese dining.
Visiting a sake bar where the owner personally explained the brewing process.
The guide’s storytelling made the entire experience engaging and unforgettable.
What stood out was the personal connection — it didn’t feel like a commercial tour but like walking with a friend who loves their city.
Unlike digital products, Arigato Travel does not follow a typical OTO (One-Time Offer) upsell structure, but it does offer:
Standard Tours: Fixed-price packages per person.
Private Tours: Higher-end customized options.
Special Seasonal Tours: Limited-time offers (e.g., cherry blossom food walks, New Year traditions).
They occasionally partner with local businesses to provide exclusive experiences available only through Arigato Travel.
Deep cultural immersion beyond tourist attractions.
Knowledgeable, multilingual local guides.
Highly rated by thousands of travelers.
Family-friendly and customizable.
Supports sustainable local tourism.
Slightly higher prices compared to generic tours.
Availability may be limited during peak seasons.
Requires advance booking to secure spots.
Arigato Travel is ideal for:
Food Lovers who want to explore Japan’s culinary traditions.
First-Time Visitors looking for authentic introductions to Japanese culture.
Families and Groups who need personalized and safe tours.
Cultural Enthusiasts who enjoy tea ceremonies, sake, and traditional arts.
Repeat Travelers wanting to go beyond the usual tourist paths.
If you want a deeper connection with Japan, Arigato Travel is the right choice.
Pricing varies depending on the tour and city. Generally:
Standard Food Tours: Around $100–$150 per person.
Private/Customized Tours: Starting from $250+ per group.
Cultural Workshops: Ranging from $50–$120 depending on activity.
Considering the quality of guides, exclusivity of experiences, and cultural insights, we find Arigato Travel to be excellent value for money. While cheaper tours exist, they lack the depth, personalization, and authenticity offered here.
After a comprehensive analysis, it is clear that Arigato Travel is one of the best travel companies in Japan for those seeking genuine experiences. From food tours to cultural immersion, it goes beyond sightseeing, offering memories that last a lifetime.
In this Arigato Travel Review, we highlighted its features, benefits, and real traveler experiences. If you’re planning a trip to Japan and want more than just a surface-level vacation, Arigato Travel is worth every penny.