Japan Real Food Adventure





Feast your way from Tokyo to Osaka on a food lover’s adventure
Take your tastebuds on an 11-day culinary journey through Japan’s most delicious hotspots, relishing the flavours of the land of the rising sun. Uncover the secrets of sushi in Tokyo, pick local produce with an expert in Kanazawa, feast on plant-based monastic cuisine in Koya-san, meet local farmers in Uji and go on a food crawl in Osaka. Take part in cooking classes, cooking demonstrations and market visits, feasting on local delights along the way. From temples to tempura, shrines to sashimi, seafood markets to sake breweries, you’ll join a local leader on a food-focused adventure that has all the best Japanese ingredients.
4.7
53 reviewsStart: Tokyo, Japan
End: Osaka, Japan
- Duration
- 11 days
- Group size
- 1 to 12
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Food
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Learn the tricks of the trade when you take part in a hands-on sushi-making class in Tokyo, pick local produce from the market before a cooking class in Kanazawa and make your own okonomiyaki in Osaka.
- Meet local farmers during a daytrip from Kyoto to the Uji region, the home of green tea production. Tour the green tea and matcha farms, enjoy a hot cuppa, then walk the streets of Uji city, stopping on the way to see the Ujiami Shrine.
- Enjoy iconic experiences like wandering the streets of Tokyo, Kenroku-en garden in Kanazawa, the glowing signs of Osaka’s Dotonbori district, learning Buddhist history in Koya-san and walking through Kyoto’s Gion district.
- Feast on delicious Japanese cuisine, from street food to restaurant favourites – including ekiben, sushi, matcha, takoyaki, okonomiyaki and fresh seafood.
- Sip on sake, the national drink of Japan, during a visit to a local sake brewery in Kyoto. Learn how sake is made and maybe even pick up a bottle (or two) to take home.
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2026 - 31 December 2026
Itinerary
Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Between the freshest ingredients and generations of culinary know-how, this is a country that celebrates the art of eating well. Your adventure begins in Tokyo – a food lover’s dream. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm 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, maybe head out to explore Shibuya's backstreets in search of sake or a couple of local cocktails.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Dinner
- Tokyo - Welcome dinner
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. After, learn the art of sushi making firsthand – 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 fix. Try fried sweet potatoes tossed in sugar and soy or sweet red bean paste sandwiched between baked pancake batter. Tonight, why not head to Tsukishima to tuck into one of Tokyo's most traditional dishes, monjayaki (a type of savoury pancake).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Tokyo - Asakusa guided walk & Sensoji Temple
- Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market & Sushi Tasting
- Tokyo - Art of Sushi-making class
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.
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 the train, you’ll be treated to ekiben for lunch (a bento box popularly sold on trains). When you arrive, join your leader on an orientation walk around the city, followed by a visit to the Chaya Gai district. With its well-preserved streets and old wooden tea houses, this is where geisha 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 creates the perfect conditions for a wide variety of fish and shellfish year-round, including the famed Kano crabs and sweet prawns.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Kanazawa - Leader-led orientation walk
- Kanazawa – Chaya gai district walking tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
This morning after breakfast, visit the lush, 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. Then, take a walk around Omicho market – the hub of Kanazawa’s food culture. Explore the stalls and seek out the best seasonal ingredients, learning how to spot the freshest seafood and vegetables along the way. Then head to a local home for a cooking class with an expert foodie. Pick up some tips and tricks on how to cook local cuisine, learn the history of Kanazawa’s favourite foods and then enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. This afternoon, you’re free to explore Kanazawa at your leisure.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Kanazawa - Kenroku-en Garden
- Kanazawa - Home cooking class
- Kanazawa - Omicho market tour
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. When you arrive, get acquainted with this gorgeous city on an orientation walk with your leader, making your way to the narrow streets of Kyoto's charming Gion district. Here, you’ll 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, like nishin soba (soba noodles with dried herring) or gyu katsu (beef cutlet).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Kyoto - Leader-led orientation walk
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Today, gear up for a fun daytrip to Uji – this small city between Kyoto and Nara is a cultural hub famous for its green tea. The Ujigami Shrine is also the oldest extant shrine in Japan and was constructed here (along with the historic Byodoin Temple) during the height of the Fujiwara clan’s power, between 794 and 1192. Known for its superior quality since the 1100s, a hot cup of Uji’s green tea is a must-have while you’re here, so you’ll be taken to a local tea farm for an insight into the growing and harvesting process. Hear about the history of Japan's tea cultivation and production, then taste five different Japanese teas as you learn how to brew sencha and matcha using traditional utensils. After, you'll take a leader-led walk around Uji City, stopping along the way to visit the shrine. Then, enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Uji - Green Tea Farm Visit with tea tasting
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Tuck into some breakfast this morning, then head out for another day of exploration around Kyoto. You’ll first visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, where you’ll have some time to wander through the iconic torii gates. Snap a few pics, then refuel your energy at a local sake brewery, where you might like to pick up a bottle to take home. Continue on for a food crawl through the glass-covered Nishiki Market. This 400-year-old market is the perfect spot to pick up a few local street eats for lunch, so you’ll follow your local leader and pick out a few favourites – maybe try tako-tamago (translating to octopus egg, this must-try is a savoury surprise of baby octopus with a quails egg inserted into the head after cooking!), beef sushi, matcha sweets or tamagoyaki (an omelette filled with cabbage, carrots, green and white onions and pickled ginger). The rest of the day is free to enjoy Kyoto, whether that means walking off your food baby or heading to a local park for a rest in the sun.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Kyoto - Nishiki Market walk
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kyoto - Sake Brewery & tasting
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. When you arrive, 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 morning prayers. 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 the 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.
- Temple (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Koya-san - Okuno-in Mausoleum
Your travel time today will be 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 unique and 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 them, you will appreciate this longstanding cultural tradition. Your leader can suggest times when you are likely to have more privacy.
Today you have the option to send your main luggage directly to Osaka (Intrepid covers this service) and pack a smaller bag for your one-night stay at Koya-san. This is recommended for travellers with larger baggage. Please speak with your leader for more information.
Hop on public transport this morning to Osaka – Japan’s third-largest city and the unofficial culinary capital. Sprawling shopping hubs and tiny backstreets full of restaurants and bars serve up local delicacies here, as well as Japan's answer to fast food (Osaka is credited with the first kaiten-zushi, or conveyer belt sushi restaurants). When you arrive, visit the 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’ll ever need. You’ll also learn about one of Osaka’s signature dishes and try your hand at perfecting okonomiyaki. A tasty okonomiyaki lunch will be included afterwards. This evening, maybe dive into Osaka’s twisting back alleys and experience one of the city’s typical tachinomi bars (drinking while standing), maybe sharing a few drinks with your travel pals.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Osaka – Tour of Kuromon Market and Doguyasuji Arcade
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Have some breakfast this morning, then pop into a depachika – the food basement hall of one of Japan's department stores. This is a treasure trove for food lovers, given the endless range of products beautifully displayed. It’s also one of the best ways to understand what the locals eat on a daily basis. Wander the Dotonbori district with your group this afternoon at the heart of Osaka. This bustling district, known for the iconic glowing signs all over the canal, is the go-to destination for local nightlife, delicious cuisine and diverse shopping options. Enjoy a few included snacks along the way, then you’re free for the afternoon to continue exploring at your own pace. Regroup with your fellow travellers tonight for a farewell dinner of kushikatsu (skewered meat and vegetables, battered and deep fried).
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Osaka - Dotonbori Tour
- Osaka – Depachika visit
With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. You’re free to leave anytime after check-out, but your adventure doesn’t have to end here! Osaka has so much to explore, it’s recommended that you stay a few extra days and continue to feast on the city’s many foodie favourites.
- Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
10 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 3 dinners
Bus, Train, Bullet train
Hotel (9 nights), Temple (1 night)
- Tokyo - Welcome dinner
- Tokyo - Asakusa guided walk & Sensoji Temple
- Tokyo - Tsukiji Outer Market & Sushi Tasting
- Tokyo - Art of Sushi-making class
- Kanazawa - Leader-led orientation walk
- Kanazawa – Chaya gai district walking tour
- Kanazawa - Kenroku-en Garden
- Kanazawa - Home cooking class
- Kanazawa - Omicho market tour
- Kyoto - Leader-led orientation walk
- Kyoto - Gion District walk
- Uji - Green Tea Farm Visit with tea tasting
- Kyoto - Nishiki Market walk
- Kyoto - Fushimi Inari Shrine
- Kyoto - Sake Brewery & tasting
- Koya-san - Okuno-in Mausoleum
- Osaka – Tour of Kuromon Market and Doguyasuji Arcade
- Osaka - Dotonbori Tour
- Osaka – Depachika visit
This trip generates 41 kg of CO2-e per person per day
Learn more about our climate commitment.
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book you should know
- 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.
- Japan is best explored on foot and by public transport. You’ll need to be fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet and able to handle your luggage as you navigate busy train stations. We recommend comfortable shoes and packing light.
- During the monastery stay in Koya-san, you'll get to experience traditional Japanese accommodation. It’s a great cultural experience, but not everyone finds futon mattresses on tatami mat floors, tiny bathrooms and proximity to other guests as comfortable as more western-style hotels and beds. Read more in the ‘Accommodation’ section of the Essential Trip Information.
- Double rooms in Japanese hotels can be smaller than you may be used to (e.g. 20 sqm). Every effort will be made to accommodate double room requests. However, during busy periods, there may be occasions when we are unable to offer a double room, so a twin room will be provided.
RYOKANS & MINSHUKUS
Japanese-style accommodation - ryokans or minshukus (traditional inn/guesthouse) involve sleeping on futons or matresses on tatami mat floors, with bedding often packed away during the day. Attached bathrooms/toilets will usually be very small and many will only have shared bathing facilities with certain hours, or times available for booking at reception. Your leader will explain etiquette involved in using the shared facilities. As this style of accommodation will often not have furniture (ie. chairs or beds) in the rooms, please consider choosing a different trip style in Japan if you have difficulty getting up from the floor or have knee, hip or back issues. Some establishments may have a curfew when travellers need to be back in the accommodation - this is usually around midnight. Please also be aware that you would normally be required to change to slippers when entering into your room in such properties. Extra fees will be charged if dirty marks are left on their beddings or towels that require professional cleaning. Some of such properties will only give 1 key for each room so you can leave the key at the reception so that you and your roommate won't have to conform to the same schedule when you are out exploring.
ICI HOTEL Ueno Shin-Okachimachi
4-23 Taito, Taito 110-0016 Tokyo Prefecture
Tokyo
JAPAN
Description
ICI HOTEL Ueno Shin-Okachimachi is conveniently located for both business and sightseeing, about 15 minutes from Tokyo Station. It is also just 10-minutes walk from the nearest JR Okachimachi Station, and 3minutes walk from Shin-Okachimachi Station on the Toei Oedo Line. There are supermarkets, convenience stores and shopping streets around the hotel, making it very convenient.
It is within walking distance of Ueno Ameyoko and a 5-minute train ride to Asakusa.
Instructions
Japan has a very efficient public transport service and there are many ways to get from the two airports in the Tokyo region (Narita Airport or Haneda Airport) to your hotel. Narita is located approx. 65 km from Tokyo and taxi fares are expensive given the distance (around JPY25,000). Haneda Airport is closer to central Tokyo and a taxi fare will cost around JPY6,000-10,000.
Arrival at Narita Airport (NRT)
From the Narita Airport (NRT) you can reach Ueno Station via Express train or Limousine bus. The most direct way is to take the Keisei Skyliner express to Keisei Ueno Station (approx. JPY2,500 and 40 mins, though there are cheaper and slighly slower options on the same line) and walk to Ueno Okachimachi Station, which takes about 10 minutes. Once at Ueno Okachimachi Station, board the Toei Oedo Line (approximately 2 mins) and get off at Shin-okachimachi Station which is 3 minutes walk to the hotel. You can also take Hibiya Line from Ueno Station to Naka-Okachimachi Station (approximately 1 min) and walk 7 minutes to the hotel.
Arrival at Haneda Airport (HND)
The most direct option is to take Tokyo Monorail to Shinagawa Station and then take JR Yamanote Line to JR Okachimachi Station. From the Station, it takes approximately 10 minutes by walking to the hotel.
Please check the transport details on the hotel's website:https://hotel-monday.com/brand/ici/ueno/access/?wovn=en
If you're having any problems finding the hotel, ring the hotel directly (you can use one of Japan's green public phones with coins of JPY10 or JPY100).
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. We are currently unable to offer a single supplement, airport transfers or additional accommodation in Japan due to limited availability.
2. It is essential that you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. Luggage size restrictions apply. Please review the Packing section of the Essential Trip Information for more details.
3. 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.
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.
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