Japan Food Tour

4.9/5 337 Latest reviews

Tour Code: ODY-JP-2301

Destination: Japan

Duration 8 Days
Tour Type Private & Bespoke
Tour Style Cuisine

About This Trip

An 8-day private trip through Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, and Tokyo, planned around Japan's food and the places it comes from.

In Osaka, graze through Kuromon Market and Dotonbori. Kyoto brings a sake tasting at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, a tea ceremony in a kimono, and a kaiseki dinner, plus a bento cooking class on the morning you take the Shinkansen to Tokyo. There, sit at the counter for Edomae omakase and walk through Tsukiji Outer Market. Between meals, Osaka Castle, Todai-ji, Nara Park, Fushimi Inari, Senso-ji and Meiji Shrine show you the cities behind the food.

Itinerary Summary

DAY	PLACE	HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 2	Osaka	Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori
3	Nara	Todai-ji Temple, Nara Park
4 - 5	Kyoto	Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Tea Ceremony and Kaiseki Dinner, Bento Cooking Class
6 - 8	Tokyo	Meiji Shrine, Senso-ji Temple, Sushi Tasting at the Counter, Tsukiji Outer Market

Suggested Itinerary

The itinerary below is a starting point, not a fixed plan. Every food trip we build is highly personalized, so if you're vegetarian, gluten-free, avoid raw fish, or have any other dietary needs, let us know when you send an inquiry, and we will tailor the route and activities to match. The same goes for what you want to eat more of, whether that's street food, ramen, tempura, or something else.

Expand All

Day 1:Arrival, Osaka

Your culinary journey begins in Osaka, known as the "Kitchen of Japan".

Upon arrival at Osaka airport, meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy some free time to settle in or get your first taste of the city.

Optional Activities

3.5-hour Osaka Food & Bar Hopping in Tenma

Spend an evening exploring Tenma's lively backstreets, stopping at local bars and eateries to try Osaka favorites such as sushi, sake, kushikatsu, gyoza, and Japanese sweets.

Osaka

Day 2:Osaka City Tour & Local Flavors

Today’s Highlights

Explore Osaka Castle and see more of the city's history
Eat Osaka's best-known dishes at Kuromon Market and Dotonbori

Your Day in Detail

Start at Osaka Castle. Walk around the grounds, then go inside the museum to learn how the city grew. Next, head to Kuromon Market, where you can try takoyaki, grilled seafood, and fresh sashimi from the stalls. After that, walk over to Dotonbori to see the neon signs and the canal.

For dinner, we suggest Wagyu at a yakiniku restaurant.

B
Osaka

Day 3:Osaka - Nara - Kyoto, Sake Tasting

Today’s Highlights

Visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park
Sake tasting at Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum

Your Day in Detail

Leave Osaka behind and head to Nara. Visit Todai-ji Temple, home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statues, then stroll through Nara Park, where deer roam freely among the grounds.

Continue to Kyoto and visit the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in the historic Fushimi sake-brewing district. Explore the traditional craft of Japanese sake, hear recordings of brewing songs from bygone days, and sample several varieties, from dry to sweet and fruity.

B
Kyoto

Day 4:Kyoto Sightseeing Tour with Kaiseki Dinner

Today’s Highlights

Walk through the red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha
Try a tea ceremony in a kimono
Have a multi-course kaiseki dinner

Your Day in Detail

Start at Fushimi Inari Taisha, where thousands of red torii gates line the path up the forested hillside. Next, head to Nishiki Market to see the local food shops and pick up some seasonal snacks if you like.

In the late afternoon, put on a kimono and join a tea ceremony in a traditional Japanese townhouse. In the evening, sit down to a kaiseki dinner, a multi-course meal of small seasonal dishes.

B D
Kyoto

Day 5:Bento Cooking & Shinkansen from Kyoto to Tokyo

Today’s Highlights

Make your own bento in a Japanese cooking class
Travel from Kyoto to Tokyo by Shinkansen

Your Day in Detail

In the morning, join a bento cooking class. You will make a set of popular Japanese dishes, such as sushi rolls, tempura, teriyaki chicken, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) and miso soup. The instructor also explains the customs behind Japanese bento.

After the class, take the Shinkansen to Tokyo. If the class schedule allows, you can pack your bento and eat it on the train. If not, you will enjoy your freshly prepared dishes at the class before you leave.

B L
Tokyo

Day 6:Tokyo City Exploration with Omakase Sushi

Today’s Highlights

Visit Senso-ji Temple and Meiji Shrine
Enjoy an Edomae omakase at a sushi counter

Your Day in Detail

Today, you will explore two of Tokyo's cultural landmarks. Start at Senso-ji Temple and walk around the Asakusa neighborhood. Then head to Meiji Shrine, which sits in a quiet forest in the heart of the city.

For lunch, you will sit at a sushi counter for Edomae omakase. Watch the chef make each piece and hear about the fish, the techniques and traditions behind Tokyo-style sushi.

B L
Tokyo

Day 7:Tsukiji Outer Market & Leisure Time

Today’s Highlights

Stroll through Tsukiji Outer Market
Enjoy a flexible afternoon with your private guide

Your Day in Detail

Visit Tsukiji Outer Market, a lively food district filled with seafood stalls, specialty shops, and casual eateries. Stroll through the market to see fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and a variety of Japanese food products.

In the afternoon, spend time in Tokyo with your private guide based on your interests. You may shop in Ginza or simply enjoy a more relaxed afternoon before your final evening in Japan.

B
Tokyo

Day 8:Tokyo, Departure

After breakfast, head to the airport for your departure flight.

B

Inquire Now

Tailor-Made Service

A dedicated travel expert will work with you to design and arrange your itinerary based on your interests, travel style, schedule, and budget. Your trip can be adjusted as your plans take shape.
Accommodation

Accommodation is selected based on location, quality, your preferences, and budget. Depending on the destination and itinerary, options may include international hotel chains, boutique hotels, and locally distinctive properties.
Local Guides

Local guides are arranged in each destination, with strong language skills and in-depth local knowledge. Your guide will help you make the most of each destination while sharing local history, culture, and everyday life.

Guide arrangements may vary depending on your destination and itinerary. Please refer to your Tour Program for the specific guide arrangements for your trip.

If you have any special requirements for your guide, such as in-depth historical and cultural interpretation or expertise in a particular industry or subject, please let us know in advance so we can take your preferences into consideration when arranging your trip.
Transportation
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver, as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic trains as specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flights as specified in the itinerary
- International flights for selected multi-country tours, as specified in the itinerary.
Transportation arrangements can be adjusted to suit your itinerary and travel needs.

*As each trip is tailor-made, transportation arrangements may vary by itinerary and destination. The final arrangements will be detailed in your Tour Program.

*International flights to and from your home country are normally not included in the initial Tour Program. If you would like, your travel expert can also help arrange these flights upon request.
Meals
- Breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D) as specified in the itinerary
- Additional meals can be arranged upon request
- Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request

FAQ About the Trip

Why aren't all meals included?

Because the best way to eat in Japan is to choose as you go. We include the experiences that need to be arranged in advance, such as the kaiseki dinner, the bento cooking class, and the omakase lunch. The rest of the time is left open so you can follow your appetite at places like Kuromon Market, Dotonbori, and Tsukiji Outer Market, or book a table somewhere you've had your eye on. If you'd like us to arrange more meals, such as a Wagyu yakiniku dinner in Osaka, just tell us.
Are Japan's classic sights covered in this itinerary too?

Yes. Though food is the thread on this trip, the route itself follows Japan's Golden Route and adds along the way. So, the places first-time visitors most want to see are already on the itinerary: Osaka Castle, Todai-ji and the deer in Nara Park, Fushimi Inari, Senso-ji, and Meiji Shrine.

And since every trip is customized, if there's somewhere else you'd like to go or something you want to see, just tell us and we'll work it in.
Will we be eating nonstop?

Not at all. The trip is paced so you're never overfull, with plenty of time between meals to walk, sightsee, and get hungry again.

Kindly note:

Japanese portions are usually smaller than many visitors expect. Kaiseki and omakase included in the itinerary come as many small courses. Since everyone eats differently, some guests want a snack afterward and others can't finish. We can add more food stops or leave more room depending on your needs.

Before You Travel
- Personalized itinerary planning
- Professional advice from local experts
- Smooth booking support from start to finish
Every great journey starts with thoughtful planning. From the moment you contact us, we take the time to understand your travel style, interests, and expectations. Whether you’re looking for iconic highlights, local experiences, or a more relaxed pace, we help design a trip that truly fits you.
While You Travel
- Expert local guides with deep knowledge
- 24/7 support for any on-the-go needs
- Flexible arrangements to suit your pace
Once your trip begins, we're right there with you behind the scenes. Our local guides, trusted partners, and support team work together to make your journey smooth, comfortable, and worry-free. From airport pickups to flexible day-to-day arrangements, we help you travel with confidence and ease.
After You Return Home
- We welcome and value your feedback
- A travel team you can return to anytime
- Special benefits for your next journey
For us, the journey doesn’t simply end when the trip is over. We love staying connected with our travelers, hearing your feedback, and learning more about your experience. Your insights help us continue improving our services while also inspiring future travelers. Many of our guests travel with us again, or recommend us to family and friends, and that’s something we truly value.