Japan Food Tour

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Osaka

  Your food adventure begins in Osaka, known as the "Kitchen of Japan".

  Touching down at Osaka airport, be welcomed by your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. Depending on your flight time, you may have some time free to acquaint yourself with the city and savor local delicacies. Treat yourself to a scrumptious meal of Kobe beef at the highly-rated Tsurugyu or other high-ending restaurants. Incredibly soft and almost squid-like, every cut of meat comes with a different set of dips until dissolving in your mouth.

  • Osaka

• Day 2: Osaka City Tour with Food Hunting

  Start off to visit the charming Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, which perfectly recreates the realistic townscape during the Edo Period. Here, you can roam the streets, peek inside the traditional houses, and experience the lifestyle that has gone away. Move forward to Osaka Castle in the city center to enjoy its scenic grounds, admire its traditional architecture, and drink in the country's rich history in the attached museum.

  This afternoon, follow the mouth-watering aroma to explore the local shops, stalls, and eateries at the lively covered Kuromon Market. You'll be spoiled for various tasty food, including Wagyu beef, fresh seafood, and Michelin-rated takoyaki (octopus balls).

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  • Osaka

• Day 3: Osaka - Kyoto, Sake Tasting

  Leave Osaka behind as you take the bullet train (about 30 minutes) on your own to Kyoto, commonly known as the cultural heart of Japan.

  Upon arriving, make your way to your hotel and relax. In the afternoon, take a visit to Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, situated in the famous Fushimi sake brewing district of Kyoto. Here, learn about the fascinating history of Japanese sake, witness traditional rice-based brewing processes, hear recordings of brewing songs sung by brewers of bygone days, and try multiple wines - from dry to sweet and fruity - at its tasting room.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 4: Kyoto Sightseeing Tour with Kaiseki Dinner

  After breakfast, head out with your guide to explore Kyoto's three UNESCO World Heritage sites: the iconic Buddhist temple of Kinkaku-ji lavishly covered in gold foil, the vast flatland Nijo Castle showing the shogun's power, and Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine highlighted by thousands of torii gates.

  In the late afternoon, you will put on a kimono and go to a real Japanese-style townhouse in the historic Gion district to try traditional green matcha tea. Following that, make your way to a fine restaurant and indulge in a delectable kaiseki dinner consisting of multiple courses and nicely decorated seasonal dishes.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 5: Kyoto - Tokyo, Ramen Cooking Class

  The savory Japanese style noodles, commonly known as ramen, consists of wheat noodles, broth, and various meat or vegetable toppings. At a local ramen factory, join a cooking class to try your hands at making noodles from scratch, mixing the boiled ones with the soup, and putting the toppings on. After that, enjoy your personalized bowl of ramen for lunch.

  The next leg of your journey sees you traveling by bullet train to the country's dazzling capital, Tokyo. Arriving in two to three hours, transfer to the hotel on your own, and enjoy the remainder of today at leisure.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 6: Tokyo City Exploration with Whisky Tasting

  Spend today on a tempting tour exploring some of the capital's essential sights: the famous Senso-ji Buddhist temple along with its surrounding neighborhood in Asakusa, the serene Meiji Shrine hides among a thickly forested area, and the funky, trendy Harajuku incorporating contemporary Japanese fashion, design, and architecture.

  As the tour concludes, indulge in a Japanese whisky-tasting experience at a locally-run bar. While sampling various whiskies, learn about the country's high-grade brands and soak up the hip atmosphere.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 7: Tokyo, Tsukiji Outer Market Walking and Hands-on Sushi Making

  Today, focus on a combined tour of Tsukiji Outer Market and Sushi Making workshop, with insights into seafood's impact on Japanese cuisine. While strolling around the lively market, browse kiosks selling fresh and processed produce. Then, follow a master to prepare and make traditional Sushi in a join-in cooking class. Finish your experience by enjoying the fruits of your labor for lunch.

  The rest of today is open for your adventure. You might like to enjoy fine dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or join a small group foodie tour to eat and drink like a Japanese local.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 8: Tokyo, Departure

  It is time to say sayonara to Japan you have been enjoying. After breakfast, make the way to the airport by yourself for the departure flight back home.

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