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JAPAN FOR FOODIES
Tokyo . Kanazawa . Osaka . Kyoto
Tokyo, Kanazawa, and Osaka are three of Japan's most enticing foodie destinations, each offering a unique culinary experience that reflects their rich cultural heritage.
Tokyo, the bustling capital, is a culinary haven where traditional and modern flavors converge. From the world-renowned sushi of Tsukiji Market to the street food delights of Shibuya and Shinjuku, there is a dish for every palate. Visitors can indulge in meals from ramen shops, izakayas, and Michelin-starred restaurants, showcasing both local and national cuisine.
Kanazawa, known for its charming Edo-period district, stands out for its fresh seafood from Noto peninsula, and local produce. The city is famous for its seafood markets, where visitors can savor the catch of the day, including the prized snow crab and sushi made from the finest fish. Kanazawa's traditional tea houses also offer unique flavors, serving matcha and sweets that reflect the city's history.
Osaka is a vibrant foodie destination that delights the senses with its rich culinary offerings. Known as Japan's kitchen, it boasts a vast array of street food, including the iconic takoyaki and okonomiyaki. The bustling Dotonbori district, where neon lights illuminate a variety of eateries,is a must-visit. From fresh sushi to savory kushikatsu, Osaka is foodie heaven.
This itinerary is customizable.
Details
Duration:
10 days / 9 nights
Price:
On request
Itinerary is customizable to fit all budgets
Departures:
Daily, year round
Includes:
Arrival transfers
4 nights Tokyo hotel
2 nights Kanzawa hotel
3 nights Osaka hotel
4 half-day guided tours
1 full-day private guided tour
2 cooking lessons
Travel by bullet train and local transportation
Prepaid travel card
9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners
Sustainable/Responsible notes:
This independent journey includes walking tours, tours utilizing public transportation and long distance travel by rail. No private vehicle touring is used.
Accommodation is in Japanese hotels.
Tour guides are local independent contractors.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Tokyo
On arrival in Tokyo, board the Airport shuttle and transfer to your hotel for the following 4 nights. Rest of day at leisure.
Stay: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar
Day 2 Tokyo
This morning, your guide will take you first to historic Asakusa to stroll down the Nakamise where you can try all sorts of tempting snacks and small bites as you approach Senso-ji temple. Next, move on to Kappabashi Street which is lined with dozens of stores selling everything for the kitchen, including exquisite Japanese tableware. Here you will find specialized stores for dishes, pots, pans, cooking utensils and more. There are also stores selling the wax food samples used by many Japanese restaurants.
In the evening, join a small group food tour of Shinjuku.
Stay: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar, (B,D)
Day 3 Tokyo
Meet your guide at Tsukiji Market, formerly a working seafood auction house, now the beating heart of Tokyo's culinary scene and a complete foodie paradise. Join queues waiting for their turn to buy Japanese omelets, sashimi and mochi sweets, all devoured on the spot.
Join a small group sushi-making class to hone your knife skills and learn how to make perfect sushi rice.
Stay: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar (B, L)
Day 4 Tokyo
Day at leisure in Tokyo.
There are endless options for food lovers in this amazing city; our Destination Specialists will offer suggestions, or book a guided experience for you.
Stay: Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar (B)
Day 5 Tokyo - Kanazawa
Take the bullet train to Kanazawa, known for its seafood delivered fresh from the Noto peninsula.
Afternoon at leisure to explore the charming Chaya Gai district, a historic area lined with beautifully preserved teahouses and traditional machiya villas. Or, head to Kenroku-en garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens for afternoon tea in the tea house.
Stay: Kanazawa Granvia hotel, or similar (B)
Day 6 Kanazawa
Take a home-cooking class today. Immerse yourself in the culinary traditions of Kanazawa in a class led by a local chef. You'll learn to prepare authentic dishes using fresh seasonal ingredients sourced from the nearby Omicho Market. Roll up your sleeves and chop, slice and prepare a Kanazawa-style feast.
Stay: Kanazawa Granvia hotel, or similar (B, L)
Day 7 Osaka
Take the express train to Osaka, the street food capital of Japan. After checking in to your hotel, meet your foodie guide for an introduction to okonomiyaki and more. Walk along lively Dotonbori street as your guide explains the different street food available and the ways in which Kansai (Osaka) cuisine differs from Kanto (Tokyo) cuisine.
Stay: Osaka Granvia hotel, or similar (B, D)
Day 8 Kyoto
Take a train to Kyoto and meet your guide who will show you Kyoto's iconic monuments on a private tour. You'll break for lunch at Nishiki Market where you can explore at your leisure and enjoy a wide range of local delicacies from oysters to ice-cream. Return to Osaka by train.
Stay: Osaka Granvia hotel, or similar (B)
Day 9 Osaka
Day at leisure in Osaka. Our Destination Specialists can help you make a plan for the day, or add a guided experience. Perhaps take the bullet train to Kobe to try Kobe beef?!
Stay: Osaka Granvia hotel, or similar (B)
Day 10 Depart
Bid goodbye to Japan today. Depending on whether you depart from Kansai Airport in Osaka, or from one of the Tokyo airports, we help you make arrangements to get there.
(B)