Culinary Japan

Day 1 : Tokyo

Transfer to your hotel by regular scheduled airport bus.

Day 2 : Tokyo

Enjoy a full day private tour of Tokyo, including a sushi making experience and lunch. Visit Tsukiji Outer Market and Kappabashi kitchenware town, finishing your tour with street food tasting in the nostalgic Yanaka area.

Day 3 : Tokyo

Your day is at leisure to explore Tokyo independently. This evening you might wish to sample a wide variety of food in the tightly packed small izakayas (pubs) and bars of areas such as Shinjuku or Shimbashi.

Day 4 : Tokyo > Matsumoto

Take the train to Matsumoto. Your afternoon is free to explore independently – don’t miss the city’s famous castle.

Day 5 : Matsumoto

Enjoy a full day private tour of the Matsumoto area, including visits to a wasabi farm, winery and miso warehouse with miso themed lunch.

Day 6 : Matsumoto > Takayama

Travel by bus to Takayama. This afternoon enjoy a private walking tour with your guide. Visit Takayama Jinya house and stroll through the old streets, stopping to visit one of the town’s sake breweries. Over the next two nights, stay in a traditional ryokan and savour elaborate Kaiseki meals featuring the local specialty of Hida Beef, and perhaps have a relaxing soak in one of the shared onsen.

Day 7 : Takayama > Shirakawago > Takayama

Your morning is free at leisure. This afternoon meet your guide for a private excursion by car to nearby Shirakawago to see the famous thatched farmhouses.

Day 8 : Takayama > Kyoto

Take the train to Kyoto. On arrival, enjoy a half day private tour with your guide, including a private tea ceremony at a local home, Nishiki-koji food street, and a walk through the atmospheric Gion area.

Day 9 : Kyoto > Wazuka & Nara > Kyoto

Enjoy a full day private tour with your guide, travelling by car to the Wazuka tea area. Walk through the tea plantations and learn how to grind matcha. This afternoon, visit the old capital of Nara, including Todaiji Temple, Nara Deer Park and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.

Day 10 : Kyoto

Your morning is at leisure. This afternoon, meet your private guide for a Japanese wagashi making experience. Learn how to make three traditional Japanese sweets, and taste them with matcha.

Day 11 : Kyoto > Osaka

Your morning is at leisure in Kyoto. This afternoon, travel by car with your guide for a private afternoon tour of Osaka, including a visit to the Yamazaki Whisky distillery, Dotonbori and Hozenzji food streets. Finish with a farewell dinner at a teppanyaki restaurant, including the local specialty of okonomiyaki.

Day 12 : Osaka

Transfer by train to the airport.