Japanese Culture and Cuisine

DAY 1: ARRIVE TOKYO

Upon arrival to Tokyo’s airport, one of our representatives will be waiting to assist with transport to the hotel (either boarding the correct train or finding the appropriate shuttle bus to the hotel).

DAY 2 - TOKYO

Begin the morning early alongside a local guide for a visit to Tokyo’s iconic Tsukiji, the world-famous fish market filled with traditional shops and top-quality sushi restaurants. After exploring the market (but before leaving), enjoy a super-fresh sushi breakfast in a local restaurant – the best way to start a trip in Japan!

From Tsukiji, walk to Hamarikyu, a Japanese garden that once served as a private villa of a powerful feudal lord during the Edo period. Its wide collection of seasonal flowers make it one of the most visited gardens in Tokyo, however it's best known for its attractive is a teahouse, Nakajima-no-Ochaya. Have a break in the teahouse and a cup of freshly made green tea while the guide shares interesting facts about chado (tea ceremony).

From the park, take the scenic river cruise to Asakusa, a part of Tokyo’s shitamachi or old town. Asakusa is the city’s oldest Geisha district and also home to Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. The streets around Senso-ji feature many traditional shops and are a delight to wander through. Around noon, stop by one of the local restaurants for lunch. Although there’s a variety of food to choose from, Asakusa is more known for its best-tasting tempura.

From Asakusa, continue a short walk to Kappabashi, the so-called Kitchenware Town lined with dozens of specialized stores for knives, Japanese tableware, and even food replicas. Last stop is in Ueno’s Ameyoko-cho, a former black market that sprang up after WWII. It is now a bustling shopping alley filled with food stalls that make it a great place to try some local snacks.

DAY 3: TOKYO

Begin the day with a hands-on culinary adventure. Head towards the cooking studio in Tokyo’s Tsukiji area to begin the morning’s soba-making workshop. The class will be held by either Akila Inouye, founder and Master Chef of the Tsukiji Soba Academy, or one of the academy’s graduates. The activity will begin with a short demonstration by a sobatician, followed by a lesson on how to prepare the wheat mixture, the proper way to work on the dough and, last but definitely not the least, the precise way of cutting it into 1.6 mm thick noodles.

At the end of the lesson, cook the soba and dine with the teacher and the rest of the class in tachigui style, which means eating while standing. The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure. Enjoy relaxing in the hotel or independently discover the busy streets of Shibuya (scramble crossing), visit the fashion mecca of Harajuku or to explore another shitamachi in Yanaka.

DAY 7: KYOTO

Today explore the former imperial capital with a knowledgeable local guide, utilizing Kyoto’s comprehensive bus system to visit some of Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites. Start with a visit to Nijo Castle, an ornamental castle that was originally built to serve as the private villa of a powerful feudal lord. The main building was completed in early 1600s and has since then been known for its Momoyama-style architecture, decorated sliding doors, and “chirping nightingale” floors.

Next in the list is the serene Ryoanji Temple, which is famous for its well-maintained rock garden and known to be the Myoshinji School of the Rinzai Buddhist sect. Within walking distance from Ryoan-ji is the stunning golden pavilion collectively known as Kinkaku-ji Temple. The temple ground is relatively smaller than those in most temples and shrines in Kyoto but what is undoubtedly impressive is the pavilion that is completely covered in handmade gold leaves.

Travel to Kiyomizu-dera, a Buddhist temple situated near Mt. Otowa famous for its wooden veranda standing 13 meters tall and was built without the use of any nails. It offers breathtaking views, especially when the cherry blossoms are in bloom or when the leaves change color in fall. End the tour with a stroll along the busy streets of Higashiyama District, a collection of narrow alleyways lined with local stores, souvenir shops, small eateries, and even pottery centers.

DAY 8: KYOTO

The rest of the morning is free at leisure until the food market tour and cooking class in the afternoon. Meet with a local guide at a designated meeting spot in Nishiki Market and embark on a tour that will truly delight the senses.

The mile-long covered food market of Nishiki is lined with small shops and food stalls that sell fresh produce and local dishes. The guide will introduce a few of these unique ingredients and delicacies before heading to the venue of the cooking class. The instructor will teach the proper way to make rolled sushi, miso soup, and salad with seasonal fruit for dessert. After the class, share a simple yet hearty meal with the teacher and the rest of the group.

DAY 9: KYOTO - KOYASAN

Home to over 100 temples, Koyasan has been the center of Shingon Buddhism, an important Buddhist sect, for over 1,200 years. Koyasan, and its vicinity, is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site. The journey to Koyasan is one of the highlights of the visit, with the final ascent being on a cable car, which offers one of the most scenic journeys in Japan, as it winds its way up to the mountains.

Meet the guide at Koyasan Station and spend the afternoon exploring a couple of popular sites that give an insight to Japanese Buddhism. Visit Kongobuji, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism and home to Japan’s largest rock garden. On rare occasions, guests might witness a small group of worshippers led by a monk chanting some scripts in front of the temple.

Continue on to Okuno-in, Japan’s largest cemetery that holds the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. The classic approach starts from Ichino Hashi Bridge and stretches up to 2km, filled with more than 200,000 tombstones that belong to feudal lords, prominent monks, and even well-known Japanese companies. Gokusho Offering Hall, Torodo Hall of Lanterns, and Kobo Daishi’s Mausoleum are located at the end of the trail. Afterwards, the guide will provide an escort to the shukubo (temple lodge), where famous Buddhist cuisine is served.

DAY 10: KOYASAN - OSAKA

Today is a self-guided day.

DAY 11: OSAKA

Together with the guide, walk through Osaka’s liveliest and most colorful shopping and dining streets, starting from Doguyasuji, a unique market that sells anything related to food, from pots and other kitchenware to the lifelike plastic food models widely used by restaurants. Continue towards Sennichimae, a lane filled with small eateries that serve popular Osakan delicacies such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and the famed fugu (blowfish). Aside from the local restaurants, Sennichimae also hosts a few game centers and the vibrant Namba Grand Kagetsu Theater, the headquarters of a nationwide Japanese comedy brand.

Before reaching the end of Sennichimae, make a quick left turn in one of the narrow alleys to see Hozen-ji, a small village temple dedicated to one of the Five Wisdom Buddhas. After offering coins, worshippers splash water on the statue of the deity before they pray. Right outside the temple grounds and just across the humble yet historical Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum is Hozenji Yokocho, a short, narrow lane lined with expensive restaurants.

From here, emerge to the very busy Dotonbori, a restaurant mecca which has long-been referred to as Osaka’s former entertainment and pleasure district. A short walk from this street leads to the touristy Ebisubashi with the famous billboard of the Glico Running Man and a view of Dotonbori River.