(Private car)Fake It Then Taste It:Japans Quirky Cuisine Journey

Planning a trip to Japan often involves the usual suspects: temples, sushi, and bustling cityscapes. But for those wanting a uniquely playful experience that combines nostalgia, craftsmanship, and delicious food, the “Fake It Then Taste It” tour in Tokyo Prefecture offers a refreshing twist. This private adventure, rated 5 out of 5 by past participants, promises a blend of quirky surprises and authentic insights into Japan’s fascinating culture.

What makes this tour stand out for us? First, the chance to explore an unexpected vintage vending machine corner in Sagamihara. Second, the hands-on food replica workshop, where you get to craft hyper-realistic fake food — a staple in Japanese restaurants but rarely experienced firsthand. Lastly, the local dinner, carefully chosen with guidance to ensure you end your day on a high note.

A single potential consideration is that it’s a five-hour commitment, which might feel a bit tight for travelers wanting a more relaxed pace or combining multiple tours. However, for those curious about Japan’s whimsical side and willing to indulge in a small, well-paced adventure, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s best suited for foodies, culture lovers, or anyone eager for a blend of fun and authentic experiences.

• Unique Vintage Vending Machines: Discover rare retro machines from the Showa era, offering nostalgic snacks and games.
• Hands-on Food Sample Making: Create your own hyper-realistic sushi, takoyaki, rice crackers, or a fun bread clock.
• Private, Guided Experience: Led by a knowledgeable English-speaking guide in a private vehicle for personalized attention.
• Authentic Local Dinner: End with a delicious meal in Machida, tailored to your preferences and budget.
• Excellent Reviews: Consistently high ratings driven by the guides’ enthusiasm, the novelty of vending machines, and the fun of food craft.
• Great Value: For approximately $82, you get an immersive, multi-sensory glimpse into Japan’s quirky culinary culture.

The Retro Vending Machine Corner at Sagamihara

Your day begins at the Sagamihara Used Tire Market, which might sound unassuming, but is actually a treasure trove for vending machine enthusiasts. According to reviewers, this spot is “a unique retro adventure” filled with vending machines from the Showa era that still operate today. Imagine rows of old-school machines serving hot udon, toast, capsule toys, and bottled drinks—all maintained meticulously despite their age.

Several visitors mention how surprisingly well-preserved these machines are, and some even got to play old game machines, adding layers of nostalgia. One reviewer, Aoi, described this stop as “so interesting to stroll around,” emphasizing that it’s a hidden gem not often featured in typical Tokyo tours. The guide, Yuga, apparently shares a lot of fun facts, making the visit engaging for both casual fans and hardcore collectors.

Making Ultra-Realistic Fake Food

Next, the tour shifts gears to the food sample workshop at Atelier Stella. This part is the highlight for many, offering a rare chance for hands-on creation. Participants pick from items like sushi, takoyaki, or rice crackers, as well as the popular bread clock—a novelty that looks like a giant bread-shaped clock.

As multiple reviews note, the process is gentle and guided by a skilled artisan, with English support making it accessible even for beginners. One reviewer, Yuka, shared that “the instructor taught us how to make the food gently,” which kept the experience approachable. Kids over six are welcome, making it a family-friendly activity too. The 1-2 hour sessions allow you to walk away with a custom souvenir—a fun, tactile reminder of your Japanese adventure that also sheds light on an essential aspect of restaurant decor.

Savoring a Local Dinner in Machida

The tour concludes with a dinner in Machida, where your guide helps you select a local spot, such as an izakaya or a place serving traditional washoku. The included budget of up to 5,000 yen per person means you can indulge without worry. Past participants rave about the guide’s ability to recommend delicious and authentic meals, with one saying, “Having a kind and knowledgeable host made me feel completely comfortable and able to enjoy the experience.”

Whether you prefer savory monjayaki or a classic Japanese set meal, this part of the tour ensures a satisfying end to your quirky journey. It’s also a chance to chat more about Japanese food culture and get personalized tips from your guide.

Knowledgeable Guides: Several reviews praise guides like Yuga for their friendliness and insightful commentary, making each stop more meaningful. Their passion about vending machines and food culture shines through, enriching the experience.

Nostalgic Atmosphere: The vintage vending machines are stunningly maintained, offering a glimpse into Japan’s Showa era. It’s a sensory trip back in time, with the added charm of playing old games and sampling nostalgic snacks.

Creative Hands-On Activity: Making realistic fake food is both educational and fun. It’s a rare opportunity to understand how Japanese restaurant displays are crafted, and you leave with a custom souvenir that’s more than just a photo.

Authentic Local Cuisine: The dinner spot offers genuine Japanese fare, tailored to your taste. It’s a relaxed, friendly way to finish the day, with the guide’s help ensuring a memorable meal.

High-Quality Reviews: Consistently rated 5 out of 5, the tour’s reviews focus on the enthusiasm of the guides, the fun of the activities, and the overall value for the price.

The $82.03 per person fee covers the entire experience, including the food sample workshop and private transportation. Considering the personalized guidance, private vehicle, and unique access to vintage vending machines and crafting classes, this is quite a good deal.

The five-hour duration makes it manageable even for those with tight schedules, and the private setting means you won’t be crowded or rushed. Pickup is offered, adding convenience, especially if you’re staying in central Tokyo or Machida.

The tour operates on a most travelers’ availability, with confirmation within 48 hours of booking, provided there’s availability. The fact that it’s a private tour means you can customize the experience to some extent—whether you want more time at the vending machines or a different dinner option.

This experience is perfect for foodies eager to understand Japanese food culture beyond sushi, those fascinated by vintage technology and nostalgia, or families looking for a fun, educational activity. It’s equally suited for solo travelers wanting a guided, intimate experience or small groups of friends who love quirky adventures.

If you’re someone who enjoys trying new hands-on activities and appreciates authentic local dining, this tour will tick many of your boxes.

The “Fake It Then Taste It” tour combines playful nostalgia, creative craftsmanship, and authentic cuisine—all within a well-paced, private setting. The guides’ enthusiasm and the curated stops make it more than just a sightseeing trip; it’s an immersive dive into some of Japan’s more unusual cultural facets.

While it’s a shorter experience, it packs in a lot: vintage vending machines, a food sample workshop that teaches you something new, and a cozy dinner to round off the day. The value is clear when you consider the knowledgeable guiding, exclusive access, and memorable activities all included for a fair price.

If you’re after an experience that’s both fun and meaningful, offering a rare peek into Japan’s playful and culinary traditions, this tour ticks all the right boxes.

What is included in the tour price?
The cost covers private transportation, the food sample making workshop, and a guided dinner in Machida up to 5,000 yen per person. Snacks and drinks are included in the tour fee, but additional purchases are optional.

How long does the tour last?
The whole experience takes about 5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that fits well into most travel plans.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 6 and above are welcome to join, especially for the food replica making session, which is simple enough for kids to enjoy.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is typically booked about 27 days ahead and requires confirmation within 48 hours of booking, depending on availability.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended since the tour involves walking around vending machines and participating in hands-on activities.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides air-conditioned private vehicle transport, adding convenience and comfort, especially after a day of exploring.

Can I customize the dinner choice?
Your guide will help select a suitable local restaurant, so there’s flexibility to choose between izakaya, washoku, or monjayaki, based on your preferences and budget.

This tour is a playful, insightful way to explore Japan’s love for vintage tech and food artistry, all wrapped into one engaging experience. Perfect for those seeking something different from the typical sightseeing routine, it offers both fun and authentic cultural insights in a relaxed, private setting.