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Map of Japan Real Food Adventure including Japan

Feast your way from Tokyo to Kyoto on a food lover’s adventure

Take your tastebuds on a 12-day culinary journey through Japan’s most delicious hotspots, relishing the contrasting flavours of the land of the rising sun. Uncover the secrets of sushi in Tokyo, experience the monastic cuisine of Koya-san, explore the tantalising takoyaki stalls that line Osaka’s vibrant streets and take part in a traditional obanzai cooking class in Kyoto. From temples to tempura, shrines to sashimi, seafood markets to sake breweries, join a local leader on a food-focused adventure that has all the best Japanese ingredients.

Start
Tokyo, Japan
Finish
Kyoto, Japan
Destination
Japan
Style
Original
Theme
Food
Code
CJZF
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Take part in a truly unique Obanzai cooking class in Kyoto. This ancient style of multi-course feast focuses on using locally grown seasonal produce and reducing waste.

  • Learn the tricks of the trade when you take part in a hands-on sushi making class in Tokyo and a super tasty okonomiyaki demonstration in Osaka.

  • Get a fresh perspective on Japanese cuisine when you explore the stalls of seafood and produce markets in Tokyo, Takayama, Kanazawa, Osaka and Kyoto.

  • When you’re not busy eating, enjoy iconic experiences like the shinkansen bullet train, Hida folk village, Kenroku-en garden and Kyoto’s Gion district.

  • Sip back and relax when you visit a sake brewery in the alpine town of Hida-Furukawa and learn about the importance of tea during a private ceremony in Kyoto.

Is this trip right for you?

  • The cuisine of Japan includes a lot of meat and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to Japan which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.

  • In some destinations you may be staying in a ryokan, which is a Japanese-style inn. It’s a great taste of tradition, however not everyone finds futon mattresses on the tatami mat floor, tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more western-style hotels and beds. Read more about ryokans in the ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information.

  • This trip involves a lot of walking, 10km/6mi or more each day. You’ll also be going up and down stairs frequently, particularly at train stations. Bring comfortable walking shoes and be prepared to spend a lot of time on your feet.

  • We recommend packing light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations and to hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs in crowded areas. There’s an optional luggage transfer offered on this trip so if you’d like to take up this option, bring a small backpack or overnight bag for one night.

japan street food cooking
japan traveler eating noodles
japan group dinner
japan tokyo man wok meat
japan kyoto food skewers
Enjoy the local culinary delights of Japan

Itinerary
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Konnichiwa, welcome to Japan! Between the freshest ingredients and generations of culinary know-how, this is a country that really celebrates the art of eating well. And as for Tokyo, where your adventure begins – it’s a food lover’s dream. A welcome meeting will take place at 6pm tonight where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you get to Tokyo with time to spare, you may like to head out to explore the different sides of the city, from fascinating museums to neighbourhood backstreets lined with izakaya and karaoke bars. After your meeting, it’s time to get acquainted with local cuisine over a welcome dinner with your group. Fancy some perfectly grilled yakitori skewers or super tasty soba noodles? You’re in the right place. Once dinner’s done and stomachs are full, perhaps head out to explore Shibuya's tiny backstreets in search of sake or local cocktails.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tokyo - Welcome dinner
Meals Included
  • Dinner
Special Information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

There isn't much free time in Tokyo once the trip begins, so consider booking an extra night or two before the trip starts if you wish to cover anything not included in the itinerary.

Kick off the day with a walk around the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, where seafood from Tokyo's largest wholesale fish market is delivered and ready to sample daily. Afterwards, learn the art of sushi making first-hand – it's the quintessential Edo-era specialty and possibly Japan's most famous culinary gift to the world. Hear about the history of sushi, how to choose the best fish, learn proper slicing and rice making techniques and sample some seriously fresh sushi. Then, enjoy free time to explore the historic Asakusa area. Stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, founded almost 1400 years ago. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then Asakusa is the place to get your sugar fix. Try fried sweet potatoes tossed in sugar and soy or sweet red bean paste sandwiched between baked pancake batter (yes, it’s as good as it sounds!). Tonight, why not head to Tsukishima to tuck into one of Tokyo's most traditional dishes, monjayaki (a type of savoury pancake).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tokyo - Asakusa guided walk & Sensoji Temple
  • Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market & Sushi Tasting
  • Tokyo - Art of Sushi-making class
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
Special Information
The wholesale fish market, previously located at Tsukiji, moved to a new location in Toyosu in late 2018. On this trip we continue to visit the old, atmospheric Tsukiji Outer Market, which still functions as a fresh fish and produce market for the public, but we do not visit the new wholesale market.

Leave Tokyo in your dust as you take a bullet train to the charming 17th-century Edo town of Takayama, located in the Japanese Alps. The region is famous for its traditional streetscapes, sake breweries and Hida-gyu (Hida wagyu beef), the beef from a black-haired cattle breed that has been raised in Gifu Prefecture for at least 14 months. On arrival, visit the nearby Hida Folk Village, an outdoor museum where the traditional thatched-roof architecture unique to the area has been put on display. With each house like its own self-contained museum, discover personal items, traditional tools, and learn the techniques used to build farmhouses that could withstand fierce winters. For the next two nights, you’ll stay in a traditional ryokan (Japanese inn), where you’ll also get to dine on regional Takayama delicacies. Popular local dishes include mitarashi dango (rice dumplings roasted in soy sauce), houba miso (miso vegetables cooked in magnolia leaf) and chuka soba (Hida's favourite noodle dish).
Accommodation
  • Ryokan (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Takayama - Hida Folk Village
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 5 hours.

Rooms are equipped with thin futon mattresses that are spread on tatami mats for a comfortable night's sleep and baths are in traditional Japanese communal style.

The Gifu Prefecture is known for its excellent high-altitude vegetables, which you’ll discover today on an exploration of the morning markets. Dating back 600 years, stalls of seasonal produce are set up by women from local farms early each morning. Look out for the unique local style of pickles, bags of miso wrapped in leaves, genkotsu ame (soybean candy), preserved fish, spices, and the delicious marshmallow treat of owara tamaten. Later, take a short local train ride to the neighbouring Hida-Furukawa, another alpine town known for its relaxed pace and tree-lined canals. Here, visit a local sake brewery where you’ll learn the secrets of this culturally significant alcoholic drink (and sample some yourself, if you fancy). Gifu's alpine climate and crystal-clear mountain waters are perfect for creating Japan's signature liquor. Back in Takayama for dinner, you'll be able to sample some more of the town's iconic dishes.
Accommodation
  • Ryokan (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Hida-Furukawa - Sake Brewery visit
  • Takayama - Morning Market visit
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Take the train towards Japan's northern coastline to the historic city of Kanazawa. Having avoided much of the destruction of World War 2, it's a place where modern and traditional Japan go hand in hand. On arrival, join your leader on an orientation walk before visiting 17th-century Kenroku-en Garden, a highly intricate landscaped acreage of bridges, ponds, waterfalls, fountains and tea houses that are beautiful no matter the season. Perhaps stop for a cup of freshly whisked matcha tea on your stroll through the extensive grounds. If time allows, you might get the chance to visit the Chaya gai district, with its well-preserved streets of old wooden tea houses, and where geisha continue to perform music and dance for small private functions. In the evening, join your leader for an optional dinner to sample local dishes bursting with regional flavour, particularly fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. The unique blend of warm and cold currents create the perfect conditions for a wide variety of fish and shellfish year round, including the famed Kano crabs and sweet prawns.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kanazawa - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Kanazawa - Kenroku-en Garden
  • Kanazawa – Chaya gai district walking tour (Day 5 or Day 6)
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 2 hours.

Hungry? Good! This morning you’ll pay a visit to Omicho Market, where the city's quality food producers gather. Seafood from Ishikawa Prefecture is brought in from the port every morning and, as well as sold fresh, there are a number of restaurants in the market which whip it up into rice bowls or sushi – almost 200 stalls to get lost in! Later, hop on an express train to Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city and unofficial culinary capital. There are sprawling shopping hubs and tiny backstreets full of restaurants and bars, serving up local delicacies as well as Japan's answer to fast food. Osaka is credited with the first kaiten-zushi (conveyer belt sushi) restaurants. The city is also renowned for its take on okonomiyaki (fried savoury pancakes), kushikatsu (deep fried meat and vegetables on skewers) and perhaps its most renowned dish, takoyaki (a hot snack of shredded octopus, pickled ginger and spring onion cooked into batter). After checking into the hotel, take a walk through Osaka’s unmissable Dotombori district, sampling some street food as you stroll along its neon-lit canals.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kanazawa - Omicho Market
  • Osaka - Dotombori Tour
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Visit Osaka’s lively Kuromon food market for a morning walk through the quirky Doguyasuji Arcade, where you can pick up some kitchen gadgets (or plastic food!) and all the Japanese bowls you’d ever need. Later, pop into a depachika – the food basement hall of one of Japan's department stores – which is a treasure trove for food lovers, given the endless range of products beautifully displayed. It’s one of the best ways to understand what locals eat on a daily basis. Today, you’ll also learn about one of Osaka’s signature dishes and try your hand at perfecting okonomiyaki. This evening, take a dive into Osaka’s twisting back alleys and experience one of the city’s typical tachinomi bars (drinking while standing), perhaps sharing a few drinks with your travel pals.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Osaka – Tour of Kuromon Market and Doguyasuji Arcade
  • Osaka – Depachika visit
  • Osaka – Okonomiyaki experience
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Rise early, hop on the train and venture into an important region for Shingon Buddhism. Founded in the 8th century by the revered Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi, Koya-san has been a centre for religious activities for over 1200 years. On arrival, visit Okuno-in, the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. Your unique accommodation tonight is in one of the many temples still operating here. You’ll stay alongside Buddhist monks and follow their routine of evening meditation and morning prayers. Temple lodgings, known as shukubo, have facilities similar to Japanese ryokans. Rooms are equipped with thin futon mattresses that are spread on tatami mats for a comfortable night's sleep. Tonight, enjoy an introduction to shojin ryori, or monastic cuisine, prepared by novice monks. Shojin ryori was popularised in Japan in the 13th century by Zen monks from China. Shojin ryori is plant-based, and prohibits inclusion of meat and fish, following the teaching that it is wrong to kill living animals. Instead, meals are prepared with seasonable vegetables and wild plants from the mountains.
Accommodation
  • Monastery (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Koya-san - Okuno-in Mausoleum
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 3 hours.

Temple lodgings, known as shukubo, have facilities similar to Japanese ryokans. Rooms have thin futon mattresses that are spread on tatami mats for your night's sleep.

There are no western bathing facilities at the monastery. Instead, bathing occurs in a traditional onsen. This two-step Japanese experience is quite unique but often a highlight for travellers. The first step is to thoroughly clean yourself, then to enjoy a soak in a communal bath. As bathing suits are not permitted, it may seem intimidating at first, but once you are used to it, you will come to appreciate this longstanding cultural tradition. For those who are more sensitive about public bathing, your leader can suggest times when you are likely to have more privacy.

Today you have the option to send your main luggage direct to Kyoto (at your own expense) and pack a smaller bag for your one night stay at Koya-san. This is recommended for travellers with larger baggage. Please speak

Today you’ll make your way by train to Kyoto, a city regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Before Tokyo, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years. On arrival, get acquainted with this beautiful city on an orientation walk with your leader, taking a stroll through the glass-covered walkway of Nishiki Market. It’s here that you’ll find a range of Kyoto's regional specialities like pickled vegetables hidden beneath layers of fermented rice, ornate Kyo-wagashi (Kyoto sweets), Uji green teas, as well as souvenirs and a renowned hand-crafted knife shop. Later in the afternoon, take a step back in time on a walk through the narrow streets of Kyoto's charming Gion district and learn about the city’s geisha culture. If you’re lucky you might spot geiko (geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) in their elaborate dress and makeup. Join your leader for an optional dinner to sample some of Kyoto's trademark cuisine.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kyoto - Gion District walk
  • Kyoto - Nishiki Market walk
  • Kyoto - Leader-led orientation walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s total travel time is approximately 4.5 hours.

Kyoto is a city that takes food seriously. Today, you’ll experience the simple pleasures of obanzai ryori in a cooking class. Perhaps not as well-known as kaiseki, this ancient style of a multi-course Japanese feast has strict rules that must be adhered to. It must be simple and follow a seasonal approach. At least half of the ingredients must be Kyo-yasai (Kyoto heirloom vegetables grown locally), and the meal should embody the spiritual elements of genuine things, such as balance. Obanzai is increasingly gaining popularity in Kyoto as people seek to ensure that this special culinary tradition is preserved. Once you’ve prepared your meal, you’ll get to enjoy the fruits of your labour at lunch. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. You could find a theatre putting on shows of Noh, Kabuki or Bunraku puppetry, or a traditional maiko dance. If you’re still hungry, why not try some yudofu hotpot, using Kyoto's smooth tofu perfected over centuries by Buddhist monks. With so many other options, your local leader is there to help you make the right choice.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kyoto - Obanzai cooking class
Optional Activities
  • Kyoto - Fushimi Inari Shrine - Free
  • Kyoto - Kinkakuji Temple Visit - JPY400
  • Kyoto - Nijō-jō - JPY1000
  • Kyoto - Sanjusangendo Temple - Free
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch

Today you’ll explore the traditions, culture and history behind tea, which plays a critical part in traditional Japanese society. Learn about the long-lived customs surrounding this brew, which is more than simply a drink, and discover the difference between the fine matcha powdered tea served in the tea ceremony and the other varieties of green tea commonly enjoyed in Japan, from everyday houjicha and genmaicha to premium gyokuro. The careful symbolism of Japanese society reaches its peak in the tea ceremony and today you’ll attend a private ceremony with a long-time practitioner of this art in Kyoto. Learn about the importance of the preparation and cleaning of tea utensils, the bow on receiving a cup of freshly whisked tea and the three clockwise turns before a sip is taken. After this experience, take some time to explore this ancient city yourself before rounding off your adventure with a celebratory dinner with your group leader and travel pals.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Kyoto - Private Tea Ceremony experience
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

With no activities planned for today, your Japanese food adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Want to tailor this itinerary?

Meals

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners

Transport

Bus, Train, Bullet Train

Accommodation

Hotel (8 nights), Ryokan (2 nights), Monastery (1 night)

Included activities

  • Tokyo - Welcome dinner
  • Tokyo - Asakusa guided walk & Sensoji Temple
  • Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market & Sushi Tasting
  • Tokyo - Art of Sushi-making class
  • Takayama - Hida Folk Village
  • Hida-Furukawa - Sake Brewery visit
  • Takayama - Morning Market visit
  • Kanazawa - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Kanazawa - Kenroku-en Garden
  • Kanazawa – Chaya gai district walking tour (Day 5 or Day 6)
  • Kanazawa - Omicho Market
  • Osaka - Dotombori Tour
  • Osaka – Tour of Kuromon Market and Doguyasuji Arcade
  • Osaka – Depachika visit
  • Osaka – Okonomiyaki experience
  • Koya-san - Okuno-in Mausoleum
  • Kyoto - Gion District walk
  • Kyoto - Nishiki Market walk
  • Kyoto - Leader-led orientation walk
  • Kyoto - Obanzai cooking class
  • Kyoto - Private Tea Ceremony experience

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Japan Real Food Adventure trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. A Single Supplement is currently not available for this trip due to limited rooms at many of our properties.
2. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip.
3. We are currently unable to book pre or post trip accommodation at our start and finish point hotels due to limited room availability. We recommend booking a hotel of your choice through your booking agent.
4. A 7 day Japan Rail Pass is included in the price of your trip (validated on Day 3). For those wishing to stay and travel longer in Japan after the trip, a Japan Rail Pass extension (total 14 days or 21 days) is available for purchase at time of booking. You can't purchase the rail pass or extension after arriving in Japan.
5. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains. Luggage from 160cm to 250cm may require an additional JPY1000 oversize luggage fee per train journey. Luggage over 251cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains at all. Please notify your tour leader at your Welcome Meeting if your luggage is from 160cm to 250cm so they can make the necessary arrangements.
6. We are not able to book airport shuttle service for Japan now. Japan has an extensive and efficient public transport system and the joining and finishing point instructions are listed in the Essential Trip Information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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