Taste of Japan
Savour the chance to tour Japan through world-class cuisine on this food-focused trip. Awarded heritage status by UNESCO, Japanese food is an art form and integral to the country’s culture. Experience the rituals and exquisite aesthetic of kaiseki dining, enjoy a private sushi masterclass, delight in the street food, and sip smooth sake.
9 nights private tour from GBP £9,400
Journey highlights
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Experience the art of sushi making at a masterclass with a top chef. Discover the nuances and complexity of sushi’s construction, including how the angle of the knife cutting the fish, can create an infinite number of variations in taste.
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Live like a local with an evening tour of Shinbashi, enjoying after work drinks and snacks with Tokyo’s businessmen and women as they relax at the end of the working day in the area’s vibrant izakaya, bars and eateries.
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Immerse yourself in Japanese tradition with a stay at an upscale Relais & Châteaux ryokan. Renowned for its kaiseki cuisine, each room has a private onsen for hot spring bathing.
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Soak up the atmosphere in Kyoto’s geisha district, Gion, enjoying a tea ceremony by day and a sake and whisky tour by night.
- Culinary itinerary:A gastronomic delight, our Culinary Journeys take you on a cultural voyage, sampling everything from traditional bites to fine dining delicacies
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Japan has four seasons and is best visited in spring from March to May and autumn from September to November. December to January can be cold with snow and the summer is hot and humid. The end of March and early April is a particularly good time to visit as this is the cherry blossom season as is October for the autumn colours.
Itinerary
Day
Tokyo, Japan
The ultimate metropolis with a palpable and pulsating energy, your culinary adventure starts with three nights in Tokyo. After you’ve had a chance to acclimatise, your first evening is spent enjoying a food tour of the lively Shinbashi district of Tokyo. This is where Japanese businessmen and women go to unwind with a cold beer and snack at the end of the working day. The whole area is packed with izakaya, bars and small eateries. A mainstay of Japan’s culinary culture and tradition, izakaya are casual bars for after-work drinks, serving alcohol and small, inexpensive dishes and sharing snacks. While they can feel off-limits to tourists owing to the indecipherable menus, general language barrier and Japanese signage, your guide will take the lead and do all the ordering for you. During the evening, you will visit four venues to try a range of regional dishes, such as savoury okonomiyaki pancakes, making this a chance to experience the city like a local.
The following day is spent with a personal guide who will tailor the day to your specific requests and interests, accompanying you throughout the city on the excellent public transport system. Tokyo is made up of distinct smaller districts, each with their own character and vibe, so it’s worth planning which areas you’re most interested in visiting.
Highlights include the traditional Asakusa district with Edo-period architecture, tea houses and kimono shops, along with the scenic Hamarikyu Gardens and Sensoji Temple; the upscale shopping and glitzy restaurants of Ginza; the centre of youth culture and all things kawaii (cute), Harajuku; the anime capital of Japan, Akihabara, for the latest in cosplay fashion, anime-themed cafés, manga comics, cheap electrical shops, and video games; Shinjuku for high-rise skyscrapers and neon lights or head to the iconic Shibuya Crossing to see possibly the busiest intersection in the world. We’d also recommend the Tokyo Skytree, for sweeping panoramic views of the city. On a clear day you can see as far as Mount Fuji.
Next up is the chance to learn the professional art of sushi making from an expert chef with over 45 years’ experience. The class begins with a tour of the restaurant where the private masterclass takes place sushi, then it’s time to head to the kitchen. Working with the freshest seasonal fish, you will be shown how to make your own sushi, before the chance to sample the fruits of your labour. You will get ten pieces of sushi, half made by your own hands and half made by the chef, for you to enjoy.
Day
Kanazawa, Kanazawa & Around, Japan
The following morning you board the bullet train to one of our favourite cities, Kanazawa. Located on the Honshu’s northern coast, and known as ‘Little Kyoto,’ this delightful and historic city boasts well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, beautifully landscaped gardens, and excellent sushi, sashimi, and emperor crab, along with a lively fish market.
For the next two nights you will stay at a traditional Japanese ryokan inn. A member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group of hotels, it is renowned for its superb kaiseki cuisine, with a focus on the excellent local seafood. Along with traditional tatami mat flooring and low furniture, each room has a private onsen for natural spring bathing.
The following day is spent with a private guide who will tailor the day to your specific interests. We recommend exploring the atmospheric geisha and samurai districts, visiting Kanazawa Castle, and strolling through the adjacent Kenroku-en Gardens, one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan. The city is also famous for its distinctive arts and crafts scene, particularly gold-leaf application and there are numerous contemporary museums and galleries to visit. Finally, do not miss the chance to visit the fish market and the city’s outstanding sushi and sashimi restaurants.
Accommodation: Beniya Mukayu (
2 nights
)
Day
Kyoto, Japan
Japan’s cultural capital is the next stop on your culinary food adventure. Arriving in this beautiful city by express train from Kanazawa, you will enjoy a four-night stay to explore all Kyoto has to offer. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto has an impressive 17 UNESCO-listed attractions, including some of Japan’s best examples of traditional architecture and landscaped gardens.
Your first evening is spent on a Sake, Whisky & Cocktails Tour in the atmospheric district of Gion, otherwise known as the ‘geisha district,’ where you might be lucky enough to spot a kimono-clad geisha darting into a teahouse. You’ll visit several izakaya (pub restaurants) to try local sake (rice wine) paired with regional dishes. It’s a great opportunity to learn about this famous drink and why Kyoto is one of the best regions for brewing it. After enjoying a sociable dinner, you’ll venture further into the traditional Gion streets to a small bar, well-stocked with world famous Japanese whiskies from the Hakushu, Yamazaki, and Chichibu distilleries. You’ll be able to try three whiskies accompanied with bar snacks, or if whisky isn’t your drink of choice, you can try one of the tasty house cocktails.
Your first full day in Kyoto is spent with a private guide, who will tailor the day to your specific interests. UNESCO-listed Nijo Castle and its beautiful gardens is a highlight, or you may wish to visit the hillside shrine of Fushimi Inari-Taisha, comprising thousands of red torii gates cascading down the lower slopes of Mount Inari. The shrines form a tunnel through the forest, making the 4-kilometre trail an atmospheric walk.
The following day, enjoy a Nishiki Market Food Shopping & Cookery Experience. Your guide will walk you through Kyoto’s famous mile long Nishiki covered food market and some of the less crowded back streets of Kyoto, still lined with traditional shops offering the very best local ingredients. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a tour of a former sake brewery (rice wine) and enjoy a tasting session. You will then arrive at a traditional machiya (wooden town house), where you will be guided in cooking some basic Japanese dishes using the ingredients purchased at the market.
Accommodation: The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto (
3 nights
)
Day
Osaka, Japan
Your final destination is Osaka, the food capital of Japan, affectionately known as ‘the nation’s kitchen.’ The city has a huge entertainment district, which lights up at night with neon-lit music and karaoke venues, bars, and restaurants, but the star of the show is the highly revered cuisine. From street food to fine dining, this is the place to expand your culinary boundaries. Your last night provides this opportunity, with a guided evening tour in vibrant Dontonbori, the focus of Osaka’s street food culture. A pedestrian-only restaurant street, it is famous for the vast range of food available and is considered Japan’s ultimate foodie paradise. During the evening, you will explore the colourful shops and bars, trying local specialities, including the famous takoyaki (fried octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) and kushikatsu (skewered meat and vegetables). From hole in the wall stands to streetside ramen bars, your guide will direct you to the best eateries for indulging in Osaka’s culinary delights.
Accommodation: Conrad Osaka ( 1 night )
We design each itinerary around you,
so this suggested itinerary is a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely bespoke to you.
Call us on 020 3918 3595 to start planning your holiday.
Call us on 020 3918 3595 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: ( based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 2024 | GBP £12,400 | GBP £1,900 | plan your trip |
| December 2024 | GBP £10,900 | GBP £1,600 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | GBP £9,400 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | GBP £9,400 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | GBP £10,900 | GBP £1,600 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | GBP £10,900 | GBP £1,600 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | GBP £10,900 | GBP £1,600 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | GBP £9,400 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | GBP £10,900 | GBP £1,600 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | GBP £9,400 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | GBP £10,900 | GBP £1,600 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | GBP £12,400 | GBP £1,900 | plan your trip |
-
November 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,900
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,600
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,600
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,600
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,600
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,600
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £10,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,600
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £12,400
Deposit from*GBP £1,900
- plan your trip
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