Our Story
Curating the soul of Japan.
We believe that to truly know a culture, you must taste it. Oishii Tours was born from a passion for authentic culinary storytelling and the hidden gems of Tokyo.
Our Mission
"To connect the world to Japan's rich heritage through the intimate lens of local food culture."
More than just a tour.
Our founders, Meg and Naoko, envisioned a travel experience that goes beyond the surface. We don’t just show you where to eat; we introduce you to the artisans, the history, and the philosophy behind every bite.
150+
Local Partners
12k+
Happy Travelers
Meet the Oishii family.
Our diverse team of experts brings together decades of culinary knowledge and hospitality excellence.
Co-Owner & Co-Founder
Meg Sakuma
Co-founder of Oishii Co., Ltd. and a passionate foodie, Meg also owns three restaurants in Tokyo. She loves creating opportunities for people to connect through food, culture, and shared experiences.
Every Oishii tour goes beyond eating — guests discover the history behind dishes, local dining culture, and the stories that make each neighborhood unique. Meg is especially passionate about supporting small local restaurants and family-owned hidden gems travelers would never easily find.
“Food has the power to connect people beyond language and cultural differences.”
Co-Owner & Co-Founder
Naoko Ueno
Co-founded Oishii in 2015 after 15 years as a stay-at-home mom, followed by a career as a relocation consultant helping expats in Japan. She later expanded Oishii into corporate team-building in 2021, hosting groups of up to 100.
Today 95% of the team are women — Naoko’s mission is to create an empowering environment for Japanese women returning to the workforce after career breaks.
Guide — Osaka & Kyoto
Kaori
Born and raised in Osaka, Kaori spent over two decades in Los Angeles before returning to Japan in 2021. She loves meeting guests from around the world, sharing Japanese food culture, and learning from other cultures in return.
“My goal is to make every tour fun and unforgettable.”
Bookings
Aiko
Grew up in New York before returning to Japan. After working in insurance and living in Shanghai and Taiwan, she joined Oishii handling booking coordination — from initial inquiries to invoicing and guide support.
A mom of two, she spends her downtime with her dog, diving into Japanese history, or catching kabuki and Takarazuka performances.
Sales
Chikako
Bio coming soon.
Operations & Technology
Miho
Born and raised in Tokyo, studied foreign languages with time in Korea and Australia. A certified Japanese language teacher who started her career at an IT company, she now manages Oishii’s booking systems — GTMS and GzG — handling improvements, guide support, agent inquiries, staff onboarding, and payments.
Guide & Shop Manager
Ko
Ko works as a food tour guide with Oishii Food Tours and also serves as the manager of Oishii’s souvenir shop in Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Outer Market. Customer service has been at the heart of her career from the very beginning.
Before joining Oishii, Ko spent more than 20 years as a flight attendant for a U.S. airline, where she developed a deep appreciation for hospitality, effective communication, and creating exceptional experiences for people from all walks of life.
Whether leading a food tour through Tokyo’s vibrant neighborhoods or assisting customers in the shop, her goal is always the same: warm, attentive service and ensuring every guest leaves with a smile.
“I look forward to welcoming you and helping make your time in Japan a truly memorable experience.”
Guide
Masa Ueda
Bio coming soon.
Radical Authenticity
We never take shortcuts. Every recommendation is vetted by our team through months of "tasting research."
Omotenashi Spirit
The Japanese art of selfless hospitality. We anticipate your needs before you even realize them.
Cultural Education
We don't just feed the body; we feed the mind. Every tour is a masterclass in Japanese heritage.