Tsukiji in Two Hours for Three Guests, and Japan's Culture of Quality

Three people maximum, and a guide who has lived in Japan for a long time. The subject is less what to eat than why Japanese food culture is the way it is: how culture, history and social habits shaped it, and how Shinto and Buddhism feed into a culture of quality in which eating out can be a form of emotional nourishment.

The walk starts at Tsukiji Hongwanji, a Buddhist temple, where those two traditions come first. From there it goes to the Tsukiji outer market, Tokyo's former fish market, now a bazaar of food shops.

The tasting covers tender beef, grilled eel, shellfish, sushi and sweets, along with some of the freshest tuna in the world.

Snack samples are included; meals are not, so anything more substantial you buy yourself.

Guided in English. Wheelchair accessible throughout and suitable for all fitness levels. Meet across the street from Tsukiji Station exits 1 and 2, standing clear of the Starbucks entrance.