Downtown Yamagata Bar Hopping

Going out for a bite to eat or a few drinks in Japan can be perplexing (if not downright intimidating).

Traditional Japanese izakaya (drinking and eating establishments) can be especially difficult, considering such buildings are often windowless with nothing more than a vertical curtain letting you know they’re in business. However, this doesn’t mean you settle for fast food or chain restaurants.

After all, one of the best parts about visiting Yamagata Prefecture is the vibrant and delicious culinary arts found across this mountainous region.

That’s where this tour has got you covered. This fully guided course will take you through the streets of downtown Yamagata city to three specially selected bars and venues frequented by regulars with an emphasis on delicious local food and friendly local owners.

Experience Downtown Yamagata Bar Hopping

What's Included

・English-speaking interpreter-guide
・Set meals at three premises
・Two drinks at three premises (Non-alcoholic drinks available)
A self-guided option is also available- please inquire if interested.

Cost

Guided tour with drinks and meals: From 25,000 yen per person (with a minimum of 2 participants)

Experience Availability

All-year round, excluding Sundays

Average Duration

Approximately 3 hours

Meeting Location

Yamagata Station

Minimum number of participants

2 people

Maximum number of participants

6 people

Important notes

This experience is only available to guests aged 20 and over.
The set menu and drinks will be clearly outlined for guests at each place. Ordering additional food or drinks outside of the set course may incur additional fees.
The order in which the locations are visited may vary depending on the time of year and other external factors. The time spent at each location may vary depending on the person. The guide will adjust based on each situation.
Experience availability may vary. Reserve to confirm availability.

Experience Downtown Yamagata Bar Hopping

Starting from the front of Yamagata Station, your guide will walk you through the buzzing nightlife district and take you to three hand-selected eating and drinking establishments that represent the flavor of Yamagata city after dark. We’ll spend roughly an hour eating and drinking at each spot, so be assured that you’ll be stuffed by the end! From the cuisine to the establishments themselves this tour has been curated with foreign visitors in mind and showcases the best of Yamagata—from local specialties that change with the seasons to delectable hand-made specialty cocktails and locally brewed sake.

From an izakaya atmosphere to a high-end cocktail bar to a homey, traditional hole-in-the-wall, this tour covers a ton of ground and you’ll soon be navigating Japanese nightlife like a pro! Your guide can also instruct you on the nuances of Japanese drinking culture, from how to Kanpai like a local to avoiding minor faux pas sometimes made by foreigners. They will also take care of ordering additional food and drinks for you if needed, as all of these establishments do not speak English, nor include English menus.

Don’t miss out on this truly one-of-a-kind, authentic Yamagata dining experience! If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you. You will also have a drink menu (non-alcoholic drinks included as well) from which to choose.

Sample Schedule

7:00 PM Meet your guide at Yamagata Station
7:05 PM Depart Yamagata Station on foot, Bar Hopping Tour starts
7:10 PM – 8:10 PM Experience a Japanese izakaya famous in Yamagata City and have dinner
8:20 PM – 9:20 PM Enjoy Obanzai, a simple, traditional style of Japanese cuisine with multiple side dishes using seasonal
vegetables and seafood at an intimate Japanese establishment
9:25 PM – 10:25 PM Be served sophisticated cocktails and drinks at a modern, sleek bar
Tour ends

Bar hopping tour reservations

You can send a booking inquiry for your experience below. After we receive your inquiry, we will confirm the booking with our partners and send you a booking confirmation email at least 3 days before your desired date.
Please note this form does not confirm the availability of an experience or reserve an experience straightaway.

Cancelation policy

Our general cancelation policy for this experience is below. Cancelation fees may vary according to exceptional circumstances.

10 to 8 business days before date of experience

20% of total price

7 to 2 business days before date of experience

30% of total price

1 business day before date of experience

40% of total price

Date of experience before start date

50% of total price

After the tour start time or no-show

100% of total price