"Japan is always so busy. Everyone I know is going or wanting to go."
"Japan is one of the few places I actually want to visit again."
"I'm obsessed with Japan."
Working at Abeno Okonomi-yaki Restaurant since 2013, I speak daily with guests who express the above sentiments as we cook a delicious meal in front of them. Perhaps it's the demographic of the kind of guests we attract. Perhaps it's our proximity to a cultural centre like the British Museum. Perhaps it's just my personal bias, being half Japanese (and having grown up in close contact with the country throughout my life) but it seems Japan has a particular uniqueness, even in this globalised, connected world.
Where does this "uniqueness" come from?
Is it geography? Climate? Religion? Is it from the nation's respect of its ancient history, or is it its willingness to embrace change and adapt. Maybe a mix of both?
Or maybe you just want to compare our okonomi-yaki to the ones in Osaka? Don't worry. We're pretty confident.
Let us show you the Japan that we know from spending time there as we grew up. The places that make us feel nostalgic, that remind us of bygone years. From the countless meals we've had with grandparents, family and friends. The late night conversations we've had about what it means to be "Japanese", or what it's actually like to work in Japan. Let us share little-known art spots within temple complexes that we went with family many years ago. Let us give you access to tours in the factories that produce the drinks you love at Abeno, or the tea plantations that supply the matcha for our award-winning ice-cream.
The Abeno family, naturally, is based in the Kansai region of Japan. That's our expertise. But let us use our extensive professional and personal networks across Japan to give you an insight into whichever part of the country you're interested in through the eyes of a native Japanese person.
ABENO OKONOMI-YAKI RESTAURANTS
Abeno Okonomi-yaki Restaurants have been operating in London since 1993. The first restaurants in Europe to specialise in Okonomi-yaki, the first Okonomi-yaki restaurant in the world to be Michelin-listed, a Great Taste Award winner for its Matcha Ice-cream and with multiple appearances on Japanese television. A second branch operated by Leicester Square station from 2004-2018.
Over the years, our customer base and our reputation for authentic, sincere food and service has taken full root within London's Japanese cuisine scene and abroad.
ABENO TOURS FOUNDER
Matthew (or Mashu in Japanese) is a Manager at Abeno and is one of the sons of the owners. He started at Abeno in 2013 after graduating from University College London with a Bachelor's in Environmental Engineering.
The first time Matthew went to Japan was in a cradle. He has been going back to see family in Osaka at least once a year for most of his life and has lived there for short periods of time.
Half Japanese (fluent) and half English (native). On request, he will guide you through the locations you want to see, or simply be a reassuring presence for those times when you need someone to translate, organise or change something on the fly during the trip.
He will draw from his personal experiences growing up with a dual identity, his experiences with the language and observations and understanding of Japanese culture. He has also read multiple books on Japanese history, has completed the online MiT course Visualising Japan (1850s-1930s) and will be completing Modern Japanese History at Tokyo University in summer 2026.
He currently does Japanese translation work, as well as work in Japanese as an actor, voiceover artist and as a Japanese guide for team VIPs in Formula One.
He loves history and connecting it with modern culture.
What we offer
Either
PLAN AND SUPPORT
Full itinerary creation, hotel bookings, support pre-trip and during.
Fees dependent upon duration of stay.
STARTING FROM: £450
Or
GUIDED
Fees include:
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Private tour guide and driver
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Private car where necessary
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Admission fees
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Accommodation
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Internal ground travel (trains, etc.)
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eSIMS for all guests
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Have a meal on us at Abeno! *up to the equivalent of £30 per head