japan food tours 2023

The Hungry Tourist is

Delighted to present:, best of tokyo food tour, may 28 – june 3 2023.

At A Glance

City explored: Tokyo

Length: 6 days

Date: May 28th to June 3rd, 2023

Availability: Limited to 8 guests 

❀  A smorgasbord of traditional Japanese fare including Sushi, Yakitori and Yakiniku, Tempura, Unagi, Ramen, Soba and Kaiseki.

❀  Access to award-winning, difficult-to-book restaurants

❀  A journey through Japanese cuisine past and present with modern masters.

❀  Spend time in the intimate company of interesting and like-minded people from all over the world.

The Juicy Details

On a six-day culinary adventure, our guests will experience the finest Sushi, Yakitori and Yakiniku; the tastiest steaks, Unagi and Tempura; the premier Ramen and Soba; the best in Kaiseki, fusion and Izakaya – In short, the very best food Tokyo has to offer.

Many of these restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars or Tabelog Gold or Silver medals: This is a truly a unique program that will take each guest on a delicious journey through the incomparable Japanese culinary tradition.

Since we can’t really commit on which specific restaurant each tour will visit, under each section you can see example of where we went in past tours. They are all truly the best!

In order to have a perspective of how wide the world of sushi at the highest level is, and how different in style and expertise each master is, we shall visit 2 of the best sushi establishments in the world. Life for sushi lovers will be divided to ‘Before the tour’ and ‘After the tour’

The haute cuisine of Japan. A structured, but ever changing with the seasons, tasting meal of 6 to 15 courses.

The chef/master demonstrates the skills he developed for many years in all cooking methods (steaming, frying, grilling etc.) always using seasonal ingredients at the peak of their freshness, and plating his creations in beautiful tableware to highlight the natural beauty of ingredients and their true flavor.

Tempura will never be the same after you experience the art of one of these best masters in the world. The great Tempura masters who we shall visit use the best ingredients the season offers from the land and sea (some even fry beef) with endless creativity and skills developed over many years to produce a feast to all senses.

Enjoy Japanese Beef (Wagyu) at the highest level possible.

Yakiniku (Grilled meat in Japanese) was Inspired by Korean BBQ restaurants that opened after WW II, and like most adopted cuisines developed over the years to a form of art. Today, Yakiniku is the most popular way enjoy beef in Japan, when thin slices and small cuts of different parts of beef are grilled on a griddle over charcoal or gas by the guests themselves. At the very high end of Yakiniku establishments which we will visit, the quality of Wagyu cuts are second to none, and the Master himself will do the grilling right before our eyes.

French, Chinese & Modern Japanese

“I wish that Paris had restaurants like Florilège!” a French chef told me on one of last year’s tours. Award-winning Florilège may serve a French menu, but its spirit is Japanese. Chef Hiroyasu Kawate and his team deliver an 11-course masterpiece performance from the theater-like open kitchen that dominates this elegant space. Skill, sustainability, and seasonality are the foundation of chef Kawate’s inventive, delightful cuisine.

Yakitori/Unagi/Japanese Curry Restaurants

Savor Japan’s most popular ‘simple’ food like Curry Rice, Yakitori, Unagi and Soba at the best possible level. No visit to Japan is complete without sampling popular staple foods like Curry rice, Unagi, Yakitori and Soba. We’ll taste them at their best at Tomato, Obana, Hirokawa and more.

We will go on a quest for Tokyo’s best ramens with no other than Abram Plaut, AKA the Ramen Beast, co-creator of the first ever English-language guide to Tokyo’s hard-to-crack Ramen scene. We’ll spend a few hours discovering some of the best Ramens in the city with the man who has slurp-tested over 200 bowls in the last six years alone!

Toyosu Fish Market

We will visit the new wholesale Toyosu fish market which is open only to chefs and restaurateurs and is restricted for the general public.

The Tokyo Edition

The Essentials

The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon embraces both the authentic history of the ancient city along with the modern skyscrapers that have recently revitalized the city’s skyline.

Designed by Kengo Kuma with the vision of Ian Schrager, all 206 guest rooms at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon offer a breathtaking glimpse of the Tokyo skyline including views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay. The hotel is steps away from Tokyo’s best neighborhoods and attractions.

Check-in: Sunday, May 28, 2023

Check-out: Saturday, June 3 2023

First meal: Dinner on May 28, 2023 Last meal: lunch on June 3 2023 Full timetable of meals and activities will be emailed to participants before ahead of the tour. A Note on Set Menus The menus offered during the tour are selected by The Hungry Tourist with the help of our local partners. We believe they represent the best culinary fare that Tokyo and Kyoto have to offer. Guests may order outside of these menus at their own expense.

Transportation:

Per person, shared room: USD 7750 Single occupancy supplement: USD 1900

Price includes all food, beverages, taxes, service charges, and 6 nights of accommodation. Price does not include airfare, transportation in Tokyo, or any travel or medical insurance. Extra nights before or after the tour can be booked in advance at a special rate of USD 750 per night including taxes and service charges.

Payment A non-refundable deposit of US$1,500 per person will be charged upon reservation.

The balance must be paid no later than 60 days prior to the first day of the tour.

Payments are preferred by bank transfer. Payments with Credit Cards will incur a 4% supplement.

Cancellation Policy and Penalties If cancellation is received up to 30 days before the first day of the tour, the deposit will be forfeited. If cancellation is received up to 10 days before the first day of the tour, a penalty fee of 50% of the remaining balance will be charged. If a cancellation notice is received within 10 days of the first day of the tour or the guest is a no-show, the entirety of the remaining balance will be charged.

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Testimonials

So just want to update my review after joining the Hungry Tourist on The Best of Tokyo/Kyoto Tour in May. They say the proof is in the pudding: I keep coming back for more. The Japan trip was just amazing: one fantastic meal and experience after another coupled with just amazing friends. A big part of the joy in the trips is meeting the same friends all over the world to share new culinary adventures together and making new friends. It’s hard to describe the warmth and camaraderie you experience. Each trip is unique and equally special in its own right.

I joined David on a tour of Tokyo and Kyoto. It was an amazing experience. An amazing lineup of restaurants, flawlessly organized and planned. David shared his vast experience in the local food scene and made sure we are all having a great time. Highly, highly recommend to both casual and experienced foodies.

Our trip to Tokyo and Kyoto with Dudi was brilliantly curated, we got to experience restaurants that are very hard or impossible to get into, as well as discover extraordinary hidden culinary gems, all from the perspective of a local insider.

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Food Tours Japan

Eat, Drink & Cook in Japan

Tokyo Food Tours: 12 Best Gourmet Travel Experiences

Taking a food tour in Tokyo is essential for any trip to Japan. With more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere else in the world, Tokyo is the world’s number one cuisine city.

For alternative Tokyo gourmet travel experiences, check out:

• Tsukiji Outer Market Tours – experience Tokyo’s atmospheric old fish market district
• Toyosu Market and Tuna Auction Tours – visit the world’s biggest seafood market
• Tokyo Ramen Tours – ramen tasting, eat like a local, vegan and luxury Wagyu beef experiences
• Sake Tasting and Brewery Tours – drink and learn about Japan’s famous sake
• Tokyo Cooking Classes – discover washoku (Japanese cuisine) hands-on

I’ve selected the 12 best Tokyo food tours; let’s dive straight in!

1. Tokyo Private & Personalised Local Food Tour

Flexible start times and meeting points for a tailored Tokyo food tour to suit your needs.

• Discover where the locals eat at markets, shops, street food stalls and restaurants
• Learn about Tokyo’s food and drink culture
• Taste new Japanese dishes and regional specialities
• Get insider recommendations on where to eat your favourite Japanese food
• Try unique flavoured Japanese soft drinks from a vending machine or convenience store
• Includes eight to ten food and drinks, a private and personalised experience, and a walking tour
• Location: Flexible – near your accommodation or a place suggested by your host
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, flexible – choose your own start time

Book Tokyo Personalised Food Tour >>

2. Shinjuku Izakaya and Golden Gai Bar Tour in Tokyo

Explore the best of Shinjuku, from neon lights to charming restaurant-filled alleys to retro bars, on this incredible food and drink tour . Get ready to experience Japan’s classic casual culinary culture in the country’s most popular entertainment district.

Immerse yourself in Shinjuku’s legendary food and nightlife scene on this highly rated and excellent-value tour.

• Eat delicious yakitori (chicken skewers) in a historical old-Tokyo-style alleyway brimming with family-run restaurants
• Sample classic Japanese dishes at an izakaya (Japanese-style pub) and drink beer and sake with the locals
• Enjoy a drink and end your tour in Golden Gai—Tokyo’s bar-hopping mecca with hundreds of themed bars
• Experience the perfect mix of old and new Shinjuku with a fun and friendly atmosphere
• Includes: 6-8 food dishes, 3 alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks and a guided walking tour
• Location: Shinjuku
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 5pm

Book Shinjuku & Golden Gai Tour >>

3. Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku

Discover two of Japan’s most iconic dishes and Tokyo’s food and drink culture on this exceptional tour . You’ll experience a different side of Shinjuku’s entertainment district, from hidden restaurants to classic spots.

Indulge yourself with sushi and wagyu beef on this fun and five-star-rated Tokyo foodie experience.

• Savour a delicious eight-piece set of seasonal sushi prepared omakase (I’ll leave it up to you) style by a professional chef
• Enjoy delightful cuts of Wagyu beef and learn the art of cooking Japanese-style yakiniku (grilled meat) BBQ
• Learn about Tokyo’s culinary culture and get travel tips from fun and friendly guides
• Experience Shinjuku’s vibrant Kabukicho red-light district for a drink or dessert
• Vegetarian course available when booking
• Includes: 8 pieces of seasonal sushi, a full yakiniku dinner, 2-3 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic), 1 dessert and a guided walking tour
• Duration and start time: 3.5 hours, 6pm

Book Tokyo Night Foodie Tour >>

4. Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku

Get your Japan trip off to an amazing start with an introduction to Japan’s wonderful izakayas!

• Eat yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) at Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane) an old-style Tokyo alley
• Discover Tokyo’s local culinary and nightlife scene
• Try delicious Japanese food and meet new friends
• Visit three places (izakayas and bars) and see Shinjuku’s neon-lights
• Includes three food dishes and three drinks, and a walking tour
• Location: Shinjuku and Kabukicho
• Duration and start time: 3 hours; 5 pm, 6pm or 7pm

Book Shinjuku Food Tour >>

5. Best of Shibuya Walking Food Tour Tokyo

Get off the beaten track and experience Shibuya’s food and drink scene like a local.

• Eat Kobe wagyu beef skewers, okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), assorted sushi and dessert
• Explore Shibuya’s hidden back alleys and visit restaurants away from tourists
• Wander through a department store food hall and be amazed at the variety of cuisine
• Sample delicacies from throughout Japan, including Osaka and Hiroshima
• Family-friendly Tokyo food tour starting at 1 pm or 4 pm
• Finish your trip with a newfound appreciation of Japan’s gastronomic culture
• Includes 10 dishes at five food stops, one drink, and a walking tour
• Location: Shibuya
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 1pm and 4pm

Book Shibuya Food Tour >>

6. Shinbashi Tokyo Hidden Gem Food Tour at Night

Get off the beaten tourist track and discover one of Tokyo’s best evening food and drink spots.

• Stroll around a maze of backstreets sampling tasty food along the way
• Hang out with the locals as they relax after work
• Try foods like sashimi (raw fish), gyoza (dumplings), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) and more
• Savour local speciality yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
• Includes around 15 dishes (including dessert), one drink and a walking tour
• Location: Shinbashi
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 4.30pm

Book Shinbashi Night Food Tour >>

7. Shinjuku Golden Gai Food Tour

Feast on fantastic food at izakayas (Japanese-style bars) on this highly-rated Tokyo walking night tour.

• Discover Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane)  and eat yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
• Visit Kabukicho red-light district and learn about the area
• Savour tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen
• Explore Golden Gai with the world’s highest number of bars per square metre
• Includes four food stops (including sushi, ramen and yakitori), one drink and a walking tour
• Location: Shinjuku, Kabukicho and Golden Gai

Book Shinjuku Izakaya Experience >>

8. Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Food Tour in Shibuya

Meet new friends over Japanese cuisine and drinks on this fun food tour.

• Discover Shibuya after dark, including the nightlife street Dogenzaka
• Savour Japanese foods, like meat sushi, teppanyaki (grilled meat) and steak at Niku Yokocho (Meat Alley)
• Enjoy drinking beer, sake and whisky with the locals at izakayas and bars
• Relax and have fun while your guide helps you select from a recommended menu
• Includes three food dishes (enough for a full meal), four drinks, photos, and a walking tour
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 6pm or 7pm

Book Shibuya Night Food Tour >>

9. Tokyo Ramen Tasting with a Local Ramen Guru

Ramen lovers will discover why it tastes so much better in Japan than your own country!

• Visit three ramen shops in different neighbourhoods of Tokyo
• Choose six mini bowls of ramen (around 1/4 to 1/3 of a standard ramen bowl) from 11 options
• Discover delicious light fish, curry and tonkotsu (pork bone broth) style soups
• Learn about the origin, types and preparation of ramen
• Eat ramen like a local with flavours you’ll never get at home
• Includes six min bowls of ramen and tour with a ramen expert (and blogger)
• Location: Nakameguro
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 2pm and 7pm

Book Tokyo Ramen Tasting Tour >>

Do you love ramen? Of course, you do! Check out my hand-picked selection of Tokyo’s best ramen tours .

10. Shinjuku Drinks and Neon Nights Food Tour

Enjoy an evening of snacking and drinking around Shinjuku’s top spots with a local guide.

• Join the locals for happy hour at an izakaya
• Stroll through Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane), an alleyway famous for its yakitori (grilled chicken skewers)
• Discover Shinjuku’s red-light district Kabukicho with its colourful neon lights
• Drink at a classic Japanese-style tiny bar at Golden Gai
• Includes skewered food snacks, two drinks, and a walking tour
• Location: Shinjuku, Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, Golden Gai
• Duration and start time: 2.5 hours, 5.30pm

Book Shinjuku Neon Lights Tour >>

11. Eat and Drink Like a Local Tour: Tokyo Izakaya and Ramen

Enjoy a unique, authentic, entertaining Tokyo food and drink experience with a fun-loving and experienced guide.

• Explore izakaya (Japanese-style pub) and tachinomiya (standing bar) culture at hidden spots
• Savour classic, delicious izakaya food like sashimi, grilled fish, various meats and ramen
• Enjoy at least four different Japanese drinks, including beer and sake
• Visit 2-3 izakaya and standing bars and end your evening local-style at a ramen restaurant
• Includes: A full meal of food including ramen, 4 (or more!) alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, a walking tour and a souvenir
• Location: Ueno
• Duration and start time: 3 hours, 3pm and 7pm

Book Tokyo Like a Local Tour >>

12. Tokyo After 5 Food Tour

Savour local favourites and Japanese food on this highly-rated tour.

• Eat yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) from a street stall
• Enjoy monjayaki (savoury pancake) in the neighbourhood where it’s from
• Visit a confectionery shop in Ginza and try a sweet
• Wash down your food with Japanese sake or beer
• Learn about Tokyo’s eclectic food culture from an expert guide
• Includes five assorted chicken skewers, savoury pancake, sweets, two drinks, public transport and walking tour
• Location: Ginza, Tsukishima and Yurakucho

Book Tokyo Night Food Tour >>

And for something a bit different, why not try the…

Tokyo Robot Evening Cabaret Show

Each entertaining show features fun – and sometimes campy – performances full of flashing lights, taiko drums and techno music. See glitzy girls dance with a giant panda, dinosaurs, ninjas and (of course) robots on stage!

Save money with our Robot Restaurant discount tickets and price comparison.

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

12 Best Tokyo Food Tours

Tokyo is full of amazing food, but when you have limited time to try everything, you want to be sure you’re making the most of it. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best food tours in Tokyo.

Although food tours can seem pricey, you’ll save time looking up the best spots to eat, you’ll get a ton of food to make up for it, and you’ll even learn some cultural and historic background to make the experience more meaningful.

From a tour of the original Tsukiji Fish Market to bar-hopping and family-friendly and vegan tours, here are 12 great ways to explore Tokyo’s food scene.

1. Tsukiji Fish Market Food and Culture Walking Tour

Price: From ¥ 15,276 Area: Tsukiji Duration: 3 hours Book online

It’s not just fish that’s on offer at Tsukiji Market in Tokyo . Walk through the lively market food stalls of the Outer Market, and taste everything from freshly-seared wagyu beef to premium tuna sashimi on this insightful tour.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the history and culture of the Tsukiji area. Bring your walking shoes, and be prepared for a bit of day drinking, too!

Note: The actual wholesale fish market, or Inner Market, with its world-famous tuna auction, relocated to the nearby Toyosu Market in 2018.

2. Kawaii Food Tour in Harajuku

Price: From ¥ 20,000 Area: Harajuku Duration: 3.5 hours Book online

The cute pinks and pastel colors are everywhere in Harajuku, and that includes the food. Think pastel-colored cotton candy, animal cake pops, dessert crepes — anything and everything cute, Harajuku has it.

Though this fun Tokyo food tour is geared towards those with a sweet tooth, there are also savory dishes, too, complete with an okonomiyaki (savory pancake) lunch in an artsy restaurant.

3. Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku

Price: From ¥ 16,900 Area: Shinjuku Duration: 3 hours Book online

Visiting Japanese izakaya (local bars or pubs) is a must for any Tokyo traveler, but it can be tricky to find a good one on your own. Many of them are hidden in alleyways or areas you might not think to visit, so this intimate tour takes out the guesswork.

Small izakaya are a great way to experience Japanese food and drink you won’t get elsewhere. This tour ensures you get a seat at the best spots in Shinjuku.

4. Ramen Tasting: Mini Bowl Ramen Tour

Price: From ¥ 17,000 Area: Multiple areas, starting in Shibuya Duration: 2-3 hours Book online

Ready for ramen ? This soupy noodle dish can be very filling, so a ramen tour might seem somewhat ambitious. But Tokyo Ramen Tours has found a way around that, with six mini bowls of award-winning ramen.

On this Tokyo food tour, you’ll walk between three different ramen spots in three different neighborhoods, while learning about both the history and modern world of ramen. You’ll realize just how different each bowl can be, and maybe find your new favorite style. The walks in between will make you feel like you’ve earned each one, too!

5. Tokyo West-Side Walking and Street Food Tour

Price: From ¥ 15,000 Area: Nakano and Koenji Duration: 2 hours Book online

While Tokyo has some great street food areas, the best spots can seem strangely hard to find. This tour takes you out of the crowded streets of Tokyo’s main tourist areas to Nakano and Koenji, for some more traditional tastes.

From fluffy imagawayaki (traditional filled cakes) to freshly made shumai dumplings, get ready to walk up an appetite in these lesser-known spots.

6. Mochi and Traditional Sweets Making with Tea Ceremony

Price: From ¥ 12,000 Area: Meguro Duration: 2.5 hours Book online

If you want a more hands-on experience, this family-friendly Japanese sweets class is a great way to let out your creative side.

The instructor will guide you through every step of the process, from making the perfect rice dough to the fine techniques of decoration. Round off the day by tucking into your creation with a steaming bowl of matcha tea.

7. Asakusa Family-Friendly Tour: Sensoji, Nakamise, and Food

Price: From ¥ 21,208 (children are free) Area: Asakusa Duration: 4 hours Book online

The downtown area of Asakusa is a popular place to get a taste of traditional Tokyo, in this case, literally. On this tour you’ll get to try a whole range of foods, from beef and tempura to snacks and desserts.

During this family-friendly walking tour, you’ll also visit various important cultural and historic spots, including the iconic Kaminarimon Gate of Sensoji Temple . And if you have picky kids, there’s good news for you, because children can join for free.

8. Sumo Tournament, Chanko Nabe, and Culture in Ryogoku (Seasonal)

Price: From ¥ 30,705 (different seat packages available) Area: Ryogoku Duration: 8 hours Book online

Although this full-day tour is a bit pricier than the others on our list, it’s not without good reason. The ticket includes seats to a live sumo match, with an expert guide.

The tour starts with a stroll around the nearby shrines and sumo training stables, before filling you up with a traditional sumo hotpot known as chanko nabe . After that, it’s time to sit back and watch some live sumo wrestling.

Note: This tour is only available during the Grand Sumo Tournament season. Read more about how to see sumo in Tokyo .

9. Tokyo Ninja Food Experience

Price: From ¥ 6,200 Area: Asakusa Duration: 2 hours Book online

Go on a secret mission to the Ninja House restaurant in Asakusa, on this family-friendly food experience.

At the Ninja House, you’ll put on a ninja outfit and learn the ways of these ancient Japanese spies through ninja training and sword skills, before refuelling with a ninja-themed meal. You’ll also find options for various dietary requirements, such as vegan and halal meals.

10. Make Your Own Ramen and Gyoza in Asakusa

Price: From ¥ 13,200 Area: Asakusa Duration: 3 hours Book online

There’s so much great ramen in Tokyo, it’s a shame you can’t take it all home. But this tour allows you to take home the skills to make it for yourself.

The three-hour class is held at a venue on the historic Kappabashi Kitchen Street in Asakusa, and your cooking instructor will show you how to make everything from the ramen noodles themselves to a side dish of perfectly folded gyoza dumplings.

11. Vegan / Vegetarian Ramen Tour in Tokyo

Price: From ¥ 13,000 Area: Shibuya Duration: 2 hours Book online

Although vegan and vegetarian options are growing in Tokyo, it can still be difficult to find a good bowl of plant-based ramen without going to a chain restaurant. But on this tour, you get to try four (bowls, that is)!

The speciality food tour was created by Frank, a local ramen expert who eats an insane 300-400 bowls of ramen per year. His tour features two Hokkaido-style bowls of ramen and two modern fusions, and can also be made non-vegan for other friends to tag along.

12. Vegan and Gluten-free Trendy Walking Tour in Tokyo

Price: From ¥ 11,000 Area: Shibuya and Harajuku Duration: 5 hours Book online

Explore the streets of Shibuya and Harajuku to try out some of the latest vegan treats in the capital.

You’ll start off with a visit to a vegan bistro, before hydrating with some fresh juice. Then walk around to explore the town, visiting some of the famous parks and working up an appetite for steaming vegan ramen. Finish it all off with a drink and a bite or two at a specialized vegan izakaya . Don’t worry, there will be sweets and snacks along the way, too!

While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.

• Family friendly
• Fish market
• Gluten-free
• Japanese food
• Tsukiji Fish Market
• Walking tours

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Food Tours in Japan

Home / Small Group Tours /

Small Group Gourmet Food Tours, Japan

Our 2024 &2025 Food Tours of Japan are adventures, where you can see the sights and nature, experience the culture, and eat exceptional food.

Journey to the East’s Food Tours of Japan are a wonderful way to see Japan. Their foundation,’ Washoku’ , Japanese food, is UNESCO recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Japanese food has deep and complex traditions and is regionally based. That is why these culinary extravaganzas are staged in different regions of Japan, like Kyushu and Hokkaido. One of our goals is to showcase the depth and breadth of the Japanese food culture from Michelin-starred restaurants through to excellent street food, as well as introducing some modern fusion delights.

Our Japan Food Tours are not just “eatathons”. We will introduce you to some amazing people, including some outstanding chefs and producers, show you beautiful landscapes and famous sites.

Along the way, you will learn the care and pride of generations old producers of Japanese ingredients such as soy sauce, green tea and vegetables. Other food-related cultures such as ceramics, knives, lacquerware are also all part of your experience on these culinary tours.

Signature Our Signature tours offer the most comprehensive cultural exposure.

Discovery Our Discovery tours provide up-and-close encounters with traditional life and natural landscapes into the more remote regions of Japan.

Comfort With a focus on comfort and ease, our Comfort tours deliver an authentic experience with a few extra creature comforts to make for a more relaxed and supported trip.

Spring (Mar – May)

Summer (Jun – Aug)

Autumn (Sep – Nov)

Winter (Dec – Feb)

13 day tour

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We have released a number of gourmet food tours of Japan. They operate in different parts of Japan and take maximum advantage of the seasonal food of the regions. The Food Tour of Kyushu operates in spring with the cherry blossoms and in Autumn under the beautiful fall colours. The Kyushu tours will introduce you to some of the famous pottery and the influences of a number of countries on Kyushu’s history and culture.

To the north is the Food Tour of Hokkaido. This tour operates during May when the weather is pleasantly warm and the fresh food of the area is superb. It is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the culture in Hokkaido and the indigenous Aino people.

At Journey to the East we are committed to providing authentic and most memorable experiences in Japan – for both Small Group Tours and custom-built Private Tours. Whether it is your first visit or you have been several times to Japan, you will always find something new and have special experiences with Journey to the East. Our travel style is chosen to immerse you in the culture and landscape of the country and expose you to a rich variety of unique experiences.

We do this by taking you beyond the tourist hotspots to explore the lesser-known parts of Japan. Our tours are designed to strike the right balance between the classic highlights and local secrets, the urban and the rural, the historic and the contemporary, and in doing so, reveal the true heart of Japan.

With Journey to the East, you will have fun and be safe on your deeply rewarding journey through this endlessly fascinating country!

We are specialists that just handle tours within one country, Japan. Whether you are from the USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand or beyond we meet you at the airport upon arrival into Japan and ensure a smooth and stress-free time in a foreign land.

Ryokans is a Japanese style accommodation, mostly consists of Japanese style rooms with tatami matt floor and futon bedding, and private ensuite. Some ryokans have a western style room with beds. A Japanese style room always has a low table and flat cushions to sit on, but the room may or may not have chairs. Most ryokans have an additional large public bath for guests and includes kaiseki style dinner. Breakfast can be Japanese style (rice, miso soup, fish etc.) or western style buffet.

Western Style Hotels

Size and standard vary from 5-star large international chains to regional small business hotels. Generally, in Japan twin rooms (two single beds) are more common than double rooms (one double bed), and some hotels in regional cities only have twin rooms. Room sizes are generally smaller in cities. Also beds and pillows tend to be firmer than those in western countries.

Shukubo (temple lodging)

The vast majority have Japanese style rooms and shared bathroom although there are limited number of temples with a western bedroom with ensuite. The stay at shukubo includes Buddhist vegetarian dinner and breakfast. Dinners are served early, around 5pm. They are run by monks, and facility and services are basic. Guests can attend morning service in the main hall.

Japanese home cooking recipes Vol.5 – Okonomiyaki

Japanese Home Cooking Recipes Vol.4 – Tempura

Japanese Home Recipes Vol.3 – Karaage and Potato Salad

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A Cook’s Tour of the Tokyo Food Scene

Taking a cooking class in the Japanese capital adds layers to an exploration of the city’s abundant supply of restaurants, from a pricey kaiseki spot to a chain noodle joint.

Good, inexpensive yakitori can be had at Yakitori Yoneda, just south of Nishi-Ogikubo Station in Tokyo. Credit... Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

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By Timothy Taylor

• Published Nov. 8, 2023 Updated Nov. 17, 2023

It’s a Monday afternoon in the Tsukiji branch of the Tokyo Sushi Academy and we’re about to be put to the test. Or I am anyway. Most of the other students enrolled in the Japanese Culinary Intensive course are professionals. They are local or from abroad, just brushing up on skills or adding to their repertoire. My bench mate works charter yachts out of Australia. Our sensei, the chef Hiro Tsumoto, noticed a tattoo on his forearm with Japanese characters and called out: “Hey, that’s my aunt’s name!”

I’m among the civilians whom the academy also welcomes into the course. I’m here for the challenge, certainly. But in this moment, I’m feeling distinctly in over my head.

Mr. Hiro, who is also one of the academy’s founders, has been walking us through the basics of kaiseki, a word used for both the traditional multicourse Japanese meal as well as the skills and techniques required to make it . This involves talking about a bewildering range of things, including knife cuts for notching the top of a shiitake mushroom, how to knot a sprig of the herb mitsuba for garnish, as well as the precise temperature to best extract flavor for dashi broth made from kombu seaweed and katsuobushi, or dried bonito fish shavings. On the topic of kaiseki Mr. Hiro grows briefly philosophical, noting that it’s a lifetime practice and thus approaching the ineffable.

“Like the kappa. What actually is the kappa?” he says, by way of a winking explanation. “OK, let’s cook!”

I’ll only learn later that the kappa is a mythic reptilian creature fond of cucumbers and sumo. At the moment, I have to dive into the fray of all these pros grabbing pots and grills and assembling ingredients for the fish stew we’re preparing.

My first order has arrived at the imaginary pass: an individual kaiseki serving of clear fish soup, osumashi, for one. My heart is racing. My hands are trembling. This has to be the most pressure I’ve ever experienced on what is supposed to be a holiday. But I am loving it.

A new respect for tempura and other classics

There are more obvious ways to explore Tokyo’s food scene. Following the Michelin stars makes a certain amount of sense given that the Michelin Guide lists 198 restaurants with 261 total stars this year, more than any other city on earth. But you could also arrive here without any food plan at all.

Tokyo may seem initially chaotic to visitors, but discovery and luck are key parts of the city’s charms. If you find yourself trying to find a peaceful corner — as you likely will on occasion — you might come across a jewel. For instance, wandering away from the crowds at Tsukiji Outer Market, you might stumble down some worn linoleum stairs off Namiyoke-dori and find yourself in the Tohto Grill . It’s a diner. No Michelin star at the moment or likely. But there are truck drivers eating plates of fried horse mackerel and stewed beef tendon here. There’s a jukebox and a cigarette machine and the tuna sashimi breakfast set with pickled cabbage and whitebait is unpretentiously perfect.

Cooking school, I’ve found, adds a layer to one’s explorations. And you don’t need a week at the Tokyo Sushi Academy either. I’ve done a three-hour soba intensive with Tokyo Cook and a one-hour fruit-cutting lesson at the Takano Fruit Parlor.

At the most obvious, things you have taken for granted will inspire new respect. Or at least, if you are me, you’ll rethink your longstanding indifference to tempura. It’s just too hard to make to be indifferent about. Before cooking school, I’d never thought about the perfect temperature gap between the battered item and the oil in which it’s cooked, for example, which is 295 degrees.

Neither had I considered that if you were skilled enough, you could cook tempura largely by ear. At Tempura Kondo , where the two Michelin stars induce a reverential silence among diners (good for listening), you can watch this all play out like a floor show for insiders. Tempura masters are busier than sushi chefs, Mr. Hiro said, and they never talk to the customers. Why? Well, because they’re standing over the oil with their ear cocked to hear the “pulse” of sound, which surges and recedes as the bubbles grow smaller and the dish nears completion.

And that was only the beginning of the drama. Without sweating a couple of hours over my prep at the academy, would I have noticed the knife cuts that fanned out my miniature eggplant, or how the paper was folded kimono-style on my plate, or that the daikon ginger garnish was scooped into a bowl to look like a bozu temple master’s bald head?

You’ll find this same technical fixation behind most Japanese culinary preparations. You might hear the word datsusara when you talk to food people here. I heard it first from the ramen expert Brian MacDuckston , with whom I ate at Yakitori Yamamoto near Mitaka Station. The word datsusara captures the idea of escaping the rat race and is associated with chefs who come from the corporate world and turn their fastidious devotions to food instead. But it speaks to a detail-oriented drive for food perfection more generally.

Yakitori restaurants are mesmerizing places to observe the phenomenon. The chef is often right in front of you, leaned in over the clay box grill filled with binchotan charcoal, minutely inspecting the skewers, pinching them to test doneness, dunking them in tare sauce at precisely the 80 percent mark. After trying your hand at this, you’ll know also that when the grill guy throws one of those skewers away, it was because the prep guy didn’t balance it correctly to prevent it from rolling in place.

“That’s why you’re on skewer prep for three years before touching the grill,” Mr. Hiro said.

At Yakitori Yoneda , just south of Nishi-Ogikubo Station, I found myself noticing how the tsukune, or chicken meatballs, arrives perfectly charred, a tiny bit sweet, with a perfect spring to the bite from that potato starch added to the mixture the night before grilling. I tuck in under the red awning away from the rain with a skewer of medium-cooked chicken livers, another of crispy chicken skin. The tsukune here is plump, the size of a small zucchini. And when it arrives with its diced onion and jammy soft fried egg, I enjoy it even more for recognizing the perfect execution. It’s still one of the best plates I’ve had in Tokyo over many visits.

Yoneda also illustrates another point: You don’t have to spend a ton of dough to have these “best bite” moments. Good, inexpensive yakitori in Tokyo is going to run you around 400 yen, or about $2.65, for a couple of skewers. I think cooking classes actually lower the price of pleasure by allowing you to see how great the technique can be in many everyday Tokyo restaurants.

The Michelin-starred Kondo restaurant has brilliant tempura, no question. But so, too, does Ginza Hageten , just down the road and at a fraction of the price. Here, the lunch crowds stream through, jazz burbles in the background, and your vegetable tempura, rice and bowl of noodles all comes together.

I had the same experience exploring tonkatsu, that ubiquitous panko-fried pork loin that often comes alongside a pile of shaved cabbage. It’s ethereally good at Butagumi , where, amid woody elegance, you can choose from dozens of pork varieties and where nobody in the dining room is allowed to wear perfume. But it’s also pretty great at Danki Tonkatsu , around the corner from the Demboin shrine in Asakusa. When I ate there with Yukari Sakamoto , the author of the guide “Food Sake Tokyo,” we sat shoulder to shoulder with whoever else just happened to be hungry and walking by.

A slurpable bowl of heaven

In the Tokyo Cook kitchen at Sougo in Roppongi, I spent an afternoon learning soba with the chef Shinichi Yoshida, a natty gent who wears a shirt and tie under his apron. Mr. Yoshida walked me through the history of buckwheat in Japan. He explained dashi down to the glutamine content of various kinds of kombu seaweed, a key ingredient. He shaved off katsuobushi for the dashi from his own block of bonito, dry-aged five years, the cut surface darkly translucent like a black gemstone. We made the noodles by hand, rolling out the tricky, low-gluten dough with a long dowel, then cutting it into 1/16th inch ribbons with an enormous menkiri knife, the handle wrapped in shark skin.

I only ate a couple of bowls of noodles in Tokyo that came close to the brilliant dish that Mr. Yoshida showed me that day, with its perfectly balanced dipping sauce of five parts dashi to one part kaeshi, a slow simmered marriage of soy, sugar and dark mirin. The first of these was at Teuchi Soba Fujiya in Shinjuku, recommended by Mr. Hiro from the Tokyo Sushi Academy, where a lineup of people form 30 minutes before they open and your meal comes with a tiny jug of the soba cooking liquid to drink after your meal to help digestion.

I found the second perfect bowl at a chain called Tokyo Abura Soba with 60 Japanese locations, where you order from a vending machine and get your bowl of noodles with chashu pork in about three minutes. Abura soba isn’t really soba at all. It’s a broth-less bowl of ramen noodles napped in a sauce made with soy, bouillon powder, sugar, vinegar and white miso or Chinese doubanjiang. It’s stupidly delicious. It’s also addictive. But I wouldn’t have known what string of rules had to be broken en route to this slurpable bowl of heaven if Mr. Yoshida hadn’t shown me the fastidious perfection of “proper” soba in the first place.

How the pros do it

My osumashi clear fish soup doesn’t turn out badly in the end. My salmon slices are a bit uneven. And my mitsuba garnish is tied into a granny instead of a reef knot. Still, after the adrenaline rush and the frantic placing of each ingredient in exactly the right spot in the bowl, I get the dish up front on time.

Mr. Hiro nods, amused at my efforts. And back at my bench I catch a glance from my yacht cook colleague who gives me a nod of restrained approval. “You’re fast,” he allows.

Then I head off to Nakajima for kaiseki to see how the real pros do it. Eleven brilliant dishes. Or maybe 12. I lost count. I linger over one dish longer than the others, the dashi so clear in the black lacquered wooden owan bowl that I almost can’t see it. But I can smell the kombu, the katsuobushi. I can see the fish and the vegetables all perfectly placed. And when I take a bite of the delicate fish and a sip of that smoky broth, I have a sliver of a glimpse of the years that it must have taken to get that good at something at once so simple and so difficult.

The soup is beyond delicious. I drain the bowl.

At Tohto Grill , simple meals cost from 950 to 1,500 yen, or about $6.50 to $10.

Lunch at Tempura Kondo runs from 8,800 to 12,100 yen. Dinner ranges from 14,300 to 23,100 yen.

At Yakitori Yamamoto , plates are from 210 to 980 yen. At Yakitori Yoneda , they range from 185 to 320 yen.

At Butagumi , pork loin and filet cutlet meals cost from 2,000 to 4,200 yen.

At Danki Tonkotsu , a meal runs around 2,100 yen.

Lunch at Teuchi Soba Fujiya ranges from 1,200 to 2,000 yen.

Noodle bowls start at 880 yen at Tokyo Abura Soba .

At Nakajima , dinner is 15,730 yen per guest.

Timothy Taylor’s next novel, “The Rise and Fall of Magic Wolf,” chronicles the fortunes and failures of a chef and restaurateur who tries to open a Japanese restaurant in Vancouver, British Columbia. It comes out in September 2024.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2023 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

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Beautiful landscapes? Check. Cultural experiences? Check. Tastebud-tingling food? Check. Our Japan tours have it all.

There’s a certain allure to Japan – a place where eastern tradition and western modernity collide among otherworldly scenery that’ll take your breath away and refuse to give it back. Add mouthwatering cuisine, a fascinating history, and a multifaceted culture into the mix and it's easy to understand how Japan continues to captivate travelers. From enjoying a sake tasting at a local brewery and soaking in a steaming hot onsen to marveling at World Heritage-listed temples thousands of years old, our tours in Japan promise the ultimate adventure: one you’ll continue to think about long after you return home. 

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Japan at a glance

Capital city.

Tokyo (population approximately 37 million)

Approximately 123.1 million

(GMT+09:00) Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Japan

Culture and customs.

Japan is a multifaceted country made up of many different cultures, rituals, and traditions influenced by Confucianism (introduced in AD285), Buddhism (introduced in AD552), and Shintoism (Japan’s ritualistic native religion). The rise of technology and international trendsetting has also played a part in the culture of Japan today as the younger generation embraces fashion-forwardness, online personas, and high-tech gadgets.

This is in direct contrast to the Confucian-influenced, old-school Japanese culture that the older generations still live by, with a larger emphasis on modesty, respect, and discipline. This can sometimes cause conflict between the two demographics, however, there are still some traditions that are considered sacred regardless of age – tea ceremonies, bowing, kendo, geisha, and sumo.

Visit ancient temples and walk history-laden pilgrim routes on a 8 day Koya-san & Kumano Trek.

History and government

Japan has had an interesting past with its ancient history, pre-modern history, and 20th-century history, all influencing the country we all know and love today.

Ancient history

While there is evidence the archipelago has been occupied by humans for around 35,000 years, what we know now as ‘Japan’ began to take shape about 1700 years ago as disparate tribes started to unify.

Pre-modern history

Over the centuries, Japan has alternated between feudal, empirical, religious, and government rule, with each period birthing different styles of art, architecture, and spirituality. Buddhism and Confucianism, introduced in 552 BC and AD 285, respectively, both proved massively influential on the class structures and governance of pre-modern Japan. You can still visit and stay in many Buddhist temples in Japan today.

20th century

It’s difficult to discuss the emergence of modern Japan without talking about WWII. During the war, the Empire of Japan used aggressive military tactics in an attempt to expand its reach and control in Asia and elsewhere. In response, the US Army instigated a strategic bombing campaign that included the notorious use of nuclear weapons in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The result of these attacks was mass human and structural devastation.

These bombings, along with depleted armed forces and the looming threat of invasion from the Soviet Union, led the Empire of Japan to surrender unconditionally to the Allies in September 1945.

The ‘Empire of Japan’ became ‘Japan’ as part of the extensive terms of surrender, and the nation faced the prospect of rebuilding and reinventing itself in the second half of the 20th century.    

Reflect on the historic and sobering sites of Hiroshima and Nagasaki while on an 24 day Ultimate Japan tour.

After WWII, Japan found its feet operating as a free-market economy based around the manufacture and export of automobiles and electronics, experiencing particularly rapid growth between 1960 and the late 1980s. The late 20th century saw the country emerge as an economic superpower, and with that came the flourishing of several cultural sectors, such as the arts and cuisine. 

Experience Japan's historic sites on a 13 day Land of the Rising Sun tour.

Top places to visit in Japan

One minute you’re walking through a former black-market quarter, the next, you’re paying your respects at a 1400-year-old temple. Eclectic Tokyo is an essential part of any visit to Japan. Wander through the streets of Tokyo on our 12 day Classic Japan tour.

If you’ve ever eaten at a sushi train restaurant, you’ve got the underrated city of Osaka to thank! The motto in this city is 'kuidaore', which roughly translates as ‘eat until you drop’ . You can consider that a (friendly) order. Experience Osaka on our 12 day Japan Family Holiday.

The home of temples, palaces, and the Gion district (where geisha live and work), Kyoto is also where you’ll find the famed Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Spot Geisha in Kyoto on our 9 day Japan Express tour.

4. Kanazawa

A great place to see a slice of old Japan, with classic sculpted gardens, a restored Old Town, and well-preserved architecture from a variety of eras. Explore Kanazawa on our 11 day Cycle Japan tour or on our 10 day Essential Japan adventure.

5. Hiroshima

Most travelers visit Hiroshima to see the Peace Memorial Park, constructed around the hypocentre of the atomic bomb that destroyed the city in 1945. Follow this up with nearby Miyajima, a tranquil island where tame deer roam the streets. 

6. Yudanaka

This quaint resort town is best experienced in the winter, when snow coats the normally evergreen trees and Japanese macaques come down from the mountains to bathe and groom each other in the steaming natural hot springs of Jigokudani (Hell Valley).

Geography and environment

Japan is an archipelago of more than 6000 islands located in the Pacific Ocean in Asia . The main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku. Lying on the Pacific Ring of Fire, Japan is prone to destructive earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic activity. The most famous volcano, Mount Fuji , is also Japan's highest peak and only 100km from Tokyo.

Japan has plenty of forested, mountainous terrain that is unsuitable for agriculture and development, so much of the population lives in the coastal cities. This has led Japan to become one of the most densely populated countries in the world and the majority of its inhabitants are used to living in very small spaces, with a heavy reliance on public transport.

Although life is fast-paced and crowded in cities like Tokyo and Osaka, rural areas typically feature low-density, traditional housing and a slower pace of life surrounded by greenery such as lush forests and plenty of moss-covered boulders. 

Traverse mountains, cycle coastlines, and meander through forests on a 12 day Japan: Hike, Bike and Kayak tour.

Shopping in Japan is fun but expensive, so be sure to have a budget for souvenirs planned in advance! In cities like Tokyo, there are loads of quirky stores and funky galleries showcasing the works of independent fashion designers and gadget creators. From the outlandish to the kitsch, you're guaranteed to find loads of colorful clothing and edgy art that you won't be able to find elsewhere. 

If you’re planning to bring back leaf tea or any other perishable or edible items, it's a good idea to check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand, in particular, have strict quarantine laws.

What to buy

• Kimonos This quintessential Japanese souvenir looks great hung on the wall as an interesting decorative piece. If you plan on wearing one, make sure you do so respectfully and learn the correct way to fold the garment.
• Paper lanterns, kites and fans Japanese paper goods make great, relatively inexpensive souvenirs. Choose from high-quality, traditionally-made kites or delicate rice paper lanterns.
• Electronics Shops in Japan are bursting with the latest tech gadgets. Just be sure to check that they are compatible for use at home.
• Fashion Have fun with the amazing diversity of popular street culture fashion available in Japan. Vibrant, brash and sometimes bizarre – find something that no one back at home will be wearing.
• Anime and manga paraphernalia Another inexpensive gift option, even for people who can’t read Japanese. Pick up a book, magazine, t-shirt or print from one of Japan’s many anime and manga stores.

Festivals and events

If you want an adventure with a point of difference, consider planning your travels to coincide with these popular festive events in Japan. 

Sapporo Winter Festival

Held every February since 1950, this festival features hundreds of statues and ice sculptures, snow slides and mazes, regional food and artistic performances. Winter in Japan is truly amazing, and the Sapporo Winter Festival is a magical way to celebrate.

Hadaka Matsuri

Head to Okayama to watch thousands of men wearing nothing but loincloths vie to touch the chosen 'naked man'. It may look like a bizarre male-bonding exercise but it's actually a historic cleansing ritual dating back thousands of years. Dates change yearly.

Fuji Rock Festival

Held annually in the stunning surroundings of the Naeba Ski Resort, this outdoor music festival is huge and draws in big-name acts and local bands Thousands of music lovers flock to Naeba for three days of camping, music and partying in the summer months. 

Read more about festivals in Japan

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Japan adventure, check out these books:

• The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle – Haruki Murakami
• Sembazuru – Yasunari Kawabata
• Moshi Moshi – Banana Yoshimoto
• Goodnight Punpun – Inio Asano
• Okinawa Notes – Kenzaburo Oe
•  A History of Japan – George Sansom
• Embracing Defeat – John W Dower

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Thinking about a trip to Japan but still browsing other destinations? Or, maybe you've already been to the Land of the Rising Sun and looking for somewhere similar?

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Japan travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Do I need a visa to travel to Japan?

Under current restrictions, a visa is required to enter Japan as a tourist. We recommend you apply for your visa no later than one month before your departure date. Please contact your local consulate or embassy for more information.

This page is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 15 June, 2023 

Is tipping customary in Japan?

Tipping isn't customary in Japan and is not expected – in fact, it will sometimes be considered impolite. Some inns or ryokans may leave a small envelope in your room where a small gratuity can be left for housekeeping staff.

What is the internet access like in Japan?

Internet access is excellent in Japan, with one of the most developed high-speed internet networks in the world. Internet cafes and wi-fi hotspots are easily found in most cities and major towns.

Can I use my cell while in Japan?

Cell phone coverage is excellent in Japan but be aware that talking loudly on your phone in public places (like in train carriages) is frowned upon. You will be expected to hide your mouth behind your hand if you must take a call in public. If you want to use your cell phone, ensure global roaming is activated before you arrive (but be aware of the fees this may incur).

What are the toilets like in Japan?

In Japan, toilets range from high-tech bidets to standard western-style flushable toilets to squat toilets, which are still common outside the city. Sometimes you may need to pay for toilet paper, which can usually be purchased from a vending machine nearby.

What will it cost for a...?

Japan's unit of currency is the yen:

• Bento box = YEN 550
• Bowl of ramen = YEN 650-1,200
• Can of beer = YEN 250
• Coffee = YEN 100-600
• Convenience store snack = YEN 200-500

Can I drink the water in Japan?

Drinking water from taps in Japan is considered safe. For environmental reasons, try to use a refillable water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Major cities often have water fountains in train stations.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Japan?

Major credit cards are accepted by some stores; however, Japan is still very much a cash culture and as such, some places may not accept credit cards. Ensure you carry enough cash to cover purchases.

What is ATM access like in Japan?

ATMs are common in Japan but unfortunately many of them don't accept foreign-issued cards. However, you can access cash from non-Japanese bank accounts via the Cirrus and Maestro systems at all post office ATMs around the country, as well as ATMs at 7-Eleven convenience stores.

What public holidays are celebrated in Japan?

• 1 Jan: New Year's Day
• *Coming of Age Day
• 11 Feb: National Foundation Day
• 23 Feb: Emperor's Birthday
• *20 Mar: Vernal/Spring Equinox Day
• 29 Apr: Showa Day
• 3 May: Constitution Day
• 4 May: Greenery Day
• 5 May: Children's Day
• *Jul: Marine Day, also known as Sea or Ocean Day
• 11 Aug: Mountain Day
• *Sep: Respect-for-the-Aged Day
• *23 Sep: Autumnal Equinox Day
• *Oct: Health and Sports Day
• 3 Nov: Culture Day
• 23 Nov: Labour Thanksgiving Day

* Please note, Japan public holidays may vary.

When is the best time to travel to Japan?

There’s never a bad time to travel to Japan but the months that see the most travelers are March, April, and May as the weather is mild and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The warm weather (with low humidity levels) of September, October, and November are also suitable months to visit Japan – you’ll even be treated to landscapes colored with oranges, reds, and browns for autumn. While winter can be cold, this is the best time for snow activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snow festivals. On the other hand, the summer months see high humidity levels that can leave some travelers uncomfortable.

What is the weather like in Japan?

• Spring (March to May): temperatures range from 50 to 68°F, with conditions getting sunnier and clearer towards the end of the season.
• Summer (June to August): temperatures range from 70 to 90°F depending on where you are. It’s warmer in the south than in the north. You can expect some rain in June, and it can get quite humid towards the end of the season.
• Fall (September to November): temperatures range from 45 to 68°F. The humidity starts to calm down in September, but days stay warm until October. Nights can be chilly.  
• Winter (December to February): break out the coats, temperatures during winter range from 32 to 59°F. The mountains and the north experience snowfall .

How safe is Japan?

Japan is generally safe and is rated among the safest countries in the world. Reports of crime such as theft are very low and travelers are often stunned by the fact that locals leave belongings unaccompanied in cafes and bars (though we certainly don’t recommend it!). 

Is Japan safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

LGBTQIA+ travelers shouldn’t have any issues visiting Japan with violence, outright hostility or overt discrimination extremely rare. However, Japan’s older generation still holds conservative values when it comes to LGBTQIA+ sexuality and non-binary gender expression, especially those that live in regional areas.

Same-sex relationships are considered legal in some districts (such as Tokyo); however, same-sex marriage hasn’t been legalized yet. Public displays of affection are often frowned upon, regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation so keep that in mind when you’re out in public. 

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting  Equaldex  or  ILGA  before you travel.

Is Japan accessible for travelers with disabilities?

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

The needs of travelers with mobility issues, including wheelchair users, are considered in the infrastructure in major cities. Train stations have lifts (elevators), wide turnstiles and (for the most part) raised platforms so that wheelchair users can glide onto the train without being assisted.  Sidewalks in Japanese cities are sometimes sloped towards the road, which can make traveling a straight line difficult for wheelchair users or people with vision impairment.

It is common practice in Japan to remove shoes when entering a home. Wheelchair users should carry something to wipe down their wheels in respect of this custom. Apply the same logic for other mobility aids such as canes.

Ryokans and other traditional accommodation can be difficult to navigate for people with limited mobility, but accessible hotel options are plentiful in the major cities.

Travelers with vision impairment may find the tactile yellow strips that guide the way to various places in train stations helpful, though please note that there is no barrier between the train tracks and platforms.

If you have a battery-operated hearing aid, it’s a good idea to bring extra batteries or familiarise yourself with the Japanese equivalent of the batteries it takes.

If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.

What should I wear in Japan?

Summer months can be incredibly hot and sticky, so loose, lightweight and breathable clothing is essential.

Spring and autumn can be crisp and cold, so you might want to pack thermal layers in addition to your coat and boots. 

Outside of Hokkaido and the mountains, the winter temperatures in Japan are manageable as long as you have regular cold-weather clothes like a good coat, pair of gloves, a winter hat and a scarf. 

The style of dress common for women in Japan may be a little more covered up than you are used to, particularly outside the major cities.

Packing comfortable trousers is essential as you may find yourself sitting cross-legged on the floor during your stay. 

What are some common phrases/words I should learn before my trip to Japan?

Having a basic understanding of the language and culture of the country you're visiting can go a long way when it comes to, not only communicating efficiently but your overall trip experience as well. Some common phrases you need to learn are: 

• 'hello' - Konnichiwa
• 'good morning' - Ohayō 
• 'thank you' - Arigatou Gozaimasu
• 'please' - Onegaishimasu

What religions do they practice in Japan?

There are two dominant religions in Japan - Shinto and Buddhism. The majority of Japanese people practice both simultaneously, however, there is a small number of the population that practise other religions such as Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam. 

What are the best places to visit in Japan?

From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the peaceful nature of the Japanese Alps, there are plenty of bucket-list destinations to include on your itinerary of Japan. We know it's hard to see everything but here are a few of our favourite places to visit in Japan: 

What are the best things to see in Japan?

Japan isn't short of spectacular attractions to wander through and fascinating historical landmarks to marvel at but it's pretty hard to do it all on your trip to Japan. So you don't miss the things you simply have to see, we've put together a short list of parks, temples, and monuments worth visiting. Happy exploring! 

• Hiroshima Peace Park 
• Cherry blossom trees
• Osaka Castle
• Himeji Castle

What should I eat in Japan?

Food lovers, including  vegetarians and vegans , will be more than satisfied with the variety and quality of Japanese cuisine. With a focus on fresh, seasonal produce that is prepared meticulously and presented beautifully, dining in Japan is a memorable experience.

What drinks should I try in Japan?

From craft beer to sake, Japan has plenty of tasty liquids to keep you hydrated throughout your travels.

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

What is it like traveling on a small group tour?

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or you’re about to embark on your first trip, traveling can be as intimidating as it is exciting. That's the beauty of a small group tour. From handling the logistics and organizing amazing cultural activities to local leaders who know each destination like the back of their hand (like which street has the best markets and where to get the most authentic food), traveling on a small group tour with Intrepid will give you unforgettable travel experiences without the hassle that comes with exploring a new place. Plus, you'll have ready-made friends to share the journey with. All you have to do is turn up with a healthy sense of adventure and we’ll take care of the rest.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Does my Intrepid trip include airfare?

While our Intrepid trips include many modes of transport, from tuk-tuks to overland vehicles, bullet trains and feluccas, airfare to and from your home country is not included in your tour package.

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Tokyo Food Tour - Secret Food Tours

We're wildly passionate about classic Japanese cuisine and we'd be delighted to share our love of food and culture with you.

By booking our Secret Food Tours: Tokyo, you'll have the opportunity to experience our passion and enjoy quality food and discover why eating and drinking are a "way of life" here in Tokyo.

Our Secret Food Tour: Tokyo will introduce you to the best of Japanese cuisine. You'll learn from our guides about all the delicate nuances of flavor as they change with the seasons and how our appreciation for Japanese customs and traditions plays into the preparation and enjoyment of our local food.

At Secret Food Tours: Tokyo, we're all extremely passionate about authentic Japanese cuisine and we can't wait to share our love of food and culture with visitors who have made the journey to our amazing city. On our tour, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy high quality food and discover why eating and drinking are a "way of life" here in Tokyo. Our city is the perfect balance between old and new, and Tokyo's fascinating history will be woven into our tour as you discover why the city is one of the food capitals of the world.

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Highlights of Our Unforgettable 2023 Japan Autumn Tours

We’re excited to share the highlights of our unforgettable 2023 Japan autumn tours. We had a great time with our guests, exploring Japan’s rich cultural heritage. The weather was perfect, and the fall foliage was beautiful. Take a look at these snapshots capturing the essence of our small group tours.

2023 Japan Autumn Tours

We travel with all of our guests, offering assistance whenever needed. As Americans who know Japan, understand its culture, and speak the language, we make sure that every detail is taken care of, from selecting top-notch hotels to finding the best routes and discovering hidden gems. Click here to see our small group Japan tours.

All of our 2023 Japan autumn tours started in Tokyo , with a visit to the Tsukiji outer fish market. It’s been a bustling hub of food vendors, shops, and restaurants since the early 20th century. The outer market offers an array of seafood, produce, and Japanese delicacies in a vibrant atmosphere.

Next, we headed over to Senso-ji in Asakusa. Founded in the 7th century, it is believed to be Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple. Then we ended the evening with a fun, hands-on Japanese cooking class.

On our 15-day tours, we visited Kamakura and Nikko. Kamakura is home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a giant bronze statue located at Kotoku-in Temple.

Nikko is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The most famous being Toshogu Shrine, the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

With our Highlights and Discover tours, we went to one of the Fuji Five Lakes to see Mt. Fuji, providing breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences for our tour participants.

We were fortunate enough to have beautiful weather the day we visited the Hakone Open-Air Museum with our October 15-day tour participants. This outdoor art museum was founded in 1969 and has a large collection of pieces by renowned artists such as Henry Moore and Pablo Picasso.

Another favorite with our guests is Nagoya . The fourth-largest city in Japan, Nagoya tends to fly under the radar of most tourists. The city was originally established as a castle town in 1612, just before the beginning of the Edo period.

The Nagoya of today is modern and sophisticated. It’s a big hit with visitors because of its easy access, amazing shopping, and great dinning. It offers the big-city feel, with a small-town crowd.

Inuyama Castle

We also visited Inuyama Castle on our September 8-day and October 10-day tours. Inuyama Castle is one of the country’s oldest surviving castles, dating back to the 15th century.

We explored the mountain village of Takayama with our September 8-day Intro to Japan Tour and October 10-day Highlights of Japan Tour . We visited an Edo-era house, tasted sake at a 300-year-old brewery, and ate some famous Hida Wagyu beef on sticks.

Nagano and Kanazawa left a lasting impression on our November 15-day Discover Japan Tour guests. Kanazawa is known for its rich cultural heritage, gold leaf craftsmanship, and traditional arts. While there, we visited Kenrokuen Garden, believed to be one of Japan’s three most beautiful landscape gardens.

Zenkoji Temple

Nagano is well known for its 7th century temple, Zenkoji. It’s one of Japan’s most important and revered Buddhist temples. Every day, the monks perform a morning ceremony at sunrise with the chanting of sutras and prayers for health, happiness, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.

Matsumoto Castle

We visited Matsumoto Castle on our September 10-day tour and our November 15-day tour. Built in the 16th century, this castle is known for its black exterior and unique architectural design.

Kyoto is always a stop on our Japan autumn tours. We visited Ryoanji, Kinkakuji, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu temple. This ancient capital city consistently ranks high with all of our guests.

Private Geisha Dinner

While in Kyoto, we enjoyed a private Kaiseki dinner experience with a Geisha. We enjoyed speaking one-on-one with a Maiko, watched her graceful performances, and played traditional games. The evening gave our guests an authentic glimpse into Kyoto’s cultural traditions and hospitality.

Himeji Castle

Our October 15-day Discover Japan Tour explored the iconic feudal-era Himeji Castle . It’s renowned for its bright white exterior, its intricate defensive structures, and beautiful strolling garden.

We made our way down to Hiroshima with our 15-day Discover tours. While there, we visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum and the Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island.

Join One of Our Japan Autumn Tours

It’s always fun showing our tour guests the very best of Japan. If you’d like to experience Japan the way the locals do, we invite you to join one of our exclusive Japan small group tours . Do more than just see Japan, be a part of it with a Japan and more tour.

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Becki and Shawn Japan Travel Specialists

Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.

We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!

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"Japan is one of the most captivating places on earth, where you can go from Tokyo's flashy streets to the snowy peak of Mount Fuji or a traditional ryokan in a day."

Travel Director

Admire the snow-capped Mount Fuji

See the towering peak of Mount Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan and a UNESCO-listed site. We’ll take you up to the 5th station of Mount Fuji, a spectacular vantage point at 7,545 feet, before taking a ride on the Kachikachiyama Ropeway with views of Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi.

Take a high-speed bullet train to Kyoto

Board the high-speed bullet train to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan and the ancient epicentre of Japanese culture. After whizzing through the country, you’ll meet the locals at a traditional ryokan and learn about traditional Japanese customs, then explore the Gion District and glittering Kinkakuji Temple, the symbol of Kyoto.

Experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

We’ll introduce you to a professional Tea Master who has spent many years learning the craft of the tea ceremony. You’ll learn about the history of Japanese tea making, and watch how the matcha is prepared with a bamboo whisk. You’ll even have a go at making (and tasting) your own tea.

Admire Osaka from the Floating Garden Observatory

The Floating Garden Observatory is an open-air viewing platform, stretching between the two towers of the Umeda Sky Building. We’ll take you to the top of the 567-foot buildings for panoramic views over Osaka, including the city’s dazzling rivers, bridges and soaring skyscrapers.

Wander through Ameyoko Street Market

With nearly 200 shops selling everything from fresh fish and spices to clothing and bags, you can spend hours roaming through Ameyoko Street Market. Located in Tokyo along the Yamanote Line tracks, it was once a black market selling American goods and sweets after WWII, when sugar was hard to find.

Our top 5 things to do in Japan

Our Japan tours take you from the dizzying heights of Mount Fuji and the bustle of the Ameyoko Market, to the tranquility of a Japanese tea ceremony.

Tokyo National Museum

The largest and oldest museum in Japan, Tokyo National Museum holds one of the world’s best collections of art and archaeological artefacts from Asia. There are over 110,000 items, including 87 National Treasures of Japan, and you can find everything from art along the Silk Road to medieval Japanese art.

Kotokuin Temple

Located in the city of Kamakuru, the Kotokuin Temple is a Japanese Buddhist temple of the Jodo sect. It’s home to the ‘Great Buddha’ or ‘Daibutsu’, a 37-foot bronze statue of Amida Buddha, constructed in 1252. The towering statue is a National Treasure and one of the most iconic sights in Japan.

Sensoji Buddhist Temple

One of the most famous temples in Japan, the Sensoji Buddhist Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Tokyo. It was originally built in 628 but was rebuilt after being destroyed in WWII. Today, you’ll find a beautiful five-storey pagoda, woven with incense and crimson eaves.

Best museums in Japan

A Japan tour package with Trafalgar takes you through the country’s top museums, from one of the world’s best collections of Asian art, to the ornate temples of Tokyo.

Although sushi is now a popular dish around the world, you’ve never really tried it until you’ve eaten the best in Japan. Our Local Specialists will help you navigate the endless varieties of this iconic dish, from raw vegetables to fresh fish wrapped in rice and seaweed.

Hida beef comes from a Japanese breed of black-haired cattle raised in the fresh air and pure water of Gifu Prefecture. Hailed as the best beef in Japan, we’ll take you to the top restaurants to try one of the beautifully tender and marbled Hida beef steaks.

A beloved dish found all over the country, ramen is a delicious Japanese noodle soup. Each region has a different variation and it usually involves a tasty pork or chicken broth, seasoned with plenty of rich flavors like miso, soy sauce and spring onions.

Best food in Japan

A Japan group tour with Trafalgar will have you indulging in the country’s fantastic cuisine, from fresh sushi to piping hot ramen.

What to pack for Japan

Adaptor plug

In Japan, the standard voltage is 100 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard frequency is 50 / 60 Hz.

Comfortable sandals

Japanese culture requires you to take off your shoes when entering traditional restaurants, temples and ryokans. Bring a comfortable pair of sandals so you can easily slip them off all day.

Japanese phrasebook

Learning a few Japanese phrases will help you connect with the friendly Japanese locals, and offers the chance for some rewarding interactions.

Most shops and restaurants in Japan primarily accept cash, so it’s best to come prepared with some Japanese yen for your trip.

Versatile clothing

Japan’s weather ranges hot and humid to freezing cold, with mild springs in between. Pack versatile layers to be prepared for all conditions on your Japan holiday.

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Japan Food Tour: Autumn

• Japan Group Tours

Japan Deluxe Tours

Visit the must see sites of japan with group sizes ranging from 12 to 35 people..

These tours are great for first time visitors to Japan looking for comfortable accommodation with all entrance fees and most meals included. Our Japan Deluxe Tours are accomodated with professional tour guides, fluent in both Japanese and English, to ensure an educational and valuable visit. Air-conditoned, private coaches are also included, so you can enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free time in Japan. Our tours range from 7 to 21 days, to various regions of Japan.

Deluxe-Plus Small Group Tours

Experience the culture of japan at a slower pace with groups of 10 to 18 people. (smaller group departure available).

These tours combine enrichment, enjoyment, and education with time to truly absorb and appreciate your surroundings. Our Deluxe-Plus small group tours are created to cater to those who are interested in having a deeper understanding of Japan's culture. You will have the opportunity to participate in culturally rich activities and visit destinations only locals may know. Experience luxurious hotels and travel at a leisurely pace when you book a Deluxe-Plus small group tour.

Budget Group Tours

Our budget tours are designed for our guests who are on a limited budget..

Explore the must-see sights and enjoy the hassle-free trip to Japan at an affordable price. Our most cost-effective way to see the highlights of Japan while staying in budget-friendly accommodations. If you would like to have a quick stop to sample the must-see sights of Japan, or plan to explore Japan on your own but would like to take a short trip to learn about Japan before your self-guided journeys. These are the tours for you.

Active Small Group Tours

Travel japan more flexibly in groups of 6 to 13 people using public transportation..

Explore Japan off the beaten path via Japanese public transportation, walking, hiking, cycling and more. Take more time to enjoy local experiences and picturesque landscape. Our Active Small Group Tours combine the best of cultural destinations with off-the-beaten-path via Japanese public transportation, Discover the country of Japan the way the locals do and see Japan from a different angle. A focus on getting away from the crowds and into the real Japan, see the diversity of Japan’s countryside unfold before your eyes.

Group Tour | Active        Tour Code: GTD3723782     3 reviews

Single Supplement:

The price is per person, based on twin or triple room occupancy

For single travelers, this tour has a single supplement. This guarantees a single room throughout the tour

Prices are excluding international flights

Single Room

Single room types are rooms for single room occupants. One person will be occupying the hotel room throughout the tour.

Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.

Double Room

A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.

Triple Room

A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.

Japanese Style Room

A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.

Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.

The crisp coolness of the autumn season makes it a perfect time to visit Japan for a culinary experience. When hunting for seasonal vegetables in the mountains, you may come across the popular sweet potato or maybe try roasted chestnuts while strolling the markets. Autumn is a wonderful time to experience unique cuisine, which will also highlight the beauty of autumn. All Japan Tours takes you on a culinary journey like no other. Experience famous locations in Kansai, such as th... View More

The crisp coolness of the autumn season makes it a perfect time to visit Japan for a culinary experience. When hunting for seasonal vegetables in the mountains, you may come across the popular sweet potato or maybe try roasted chestnuts while strolling the markets. Autumn is a wonderful time to experience unique cuisine, which will also highlight the beauty of autumn. All Japan Tours takes you on a culinary journey like no other. Experience famous locations in Kansai, such as the ancient imperial capital Kyoto, as well as hidden rural villages and the unique culture of Awaji Island located in Hyogo Prefecture, where culinary traditions have been passed down from generation to generation. Our journey will include searching for wild ingredients, harvesting the crops of the land, and cooking together alongside members of local communities. Food culture plays a big role in Japanese society, as it is very closely related to festivals, rituals, and displays the way of life in each region. Our adventure starts in Tokyo, where we will travel by tain to a local food market in Kanazawa. Here, we will be able to pick ingredients from the market, then later cook them with a professional chef. We will then travel to Gokayama to hunt for plants and vegetables native to the area, which we will later cook with the locals. Next we travel to Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage Site, and Takayama, where we learn about Okudo-san (earth oven) cooking and Furukawa’s specialty “Miso Senbei” crackers. We will also enjoy a kaiseki dinner, which is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal. Departing the mountainous region brings us to Sakai- City in Osaka, an area made famous by its steelwork. Learn about the art of Japanese knives and the forges that make them. Once we arrive on Awaji Island, we will experience a chef's artistry of "Foodscape", where seasonal foods are made to look like landscapes. From the island, we head to Uji where we learn more about Japan's unique tea culture and the origin of "sencha" tea. Our tour ends in Kyoto where we experience making tofu and participate in a traditional tea ceremony before saying goodbye at the farewell dinner. For those that admire Japanese cuisine and culture, this tour is a wonderful option. With exclusive experiences, such as tofu making and cooking with the locals, you will have insight into the unique cuisine of Japan. Travelling from mountain villages to fishing ports, staying in rural thatched-roof houses and in the dazzling cities, experience the food and the culture, awaken your senses, and share unforgettable moments with the people you’ll meet on this journey. Activity Level: Moderate On our moderate walking tours, you will be on your feet for much of the day to experience the sights listed in the itinerary. Who is a Moderate tour designed for? - We recommend moderate tours for anyone who is able to climb stairs and is happy to walk about 1 mile/1.6 km per day. - If you do not exercise regularly, please practice walking for two to three hours a day about three to six months prior to the tour in order to get the most out of your trip. Accommodations This itinerary contains overnight stays at Western Hotels, Ryokans, and Minshukus. Ryokans and Minshukus are more traditional accommodations, with a more casual hospitality than you will find at a hotel. At both a Ryokan and a Minshuku, you will stay in a simply furnished room and sleep on a futon, which is laid on a tatami mat. Some Ryokans may have private bathrooms attached to your room, but others only have public bathrooms used by all the guests. Minshukus usually offer only a public bathroom – meaning either a smaller bathroom used one guest at a time, or larger bathrooms separated by gender (male & female), and designed to be used by multiple guests at once.

Tour Information

Dates & price.

Please Note: All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy. International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money! We can arrange international flights for US customers if needed, please ask for details.

A 20% deposit is required to hold the space at time of booking and final payment is due 2 months prior to departure. At least 4 passengers minimum are required to guarantee the tour’s departure. Booked passengers will be informed 3 months before the starting date if the tour is not guaranteed, and they will have the option to either cancel and refund the amount already paid, or transfer the payment to another tour.

What's included

• 10 nights in hotels and Japanese-style inns (Ryokan and Minshuku)
• All transportation between tour locations
• Forwarding of one item of luggage
• Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide
• Breakfast everyday
• 4 lunches & 6 dinners

Admission fees and activities

• All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary

What's NOT included

• International Airfares
• Airport transfers
• Meals that are not included in the itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
• For single travelers, this tour has a single supplement. The Single Supplement for this tour only applies to Western-style hotels. For Ryokan / Minshuku / Temple Lodging, you will be paired with another traveler of the same gender.

Additional Information

Public transportation

Arrival Departure Airports

For arrivals at Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Kyoto, with departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX).

Meal Requests

Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged.

Meet and Greet

Airport meet and greet and arrival airport transfer are NOT included, but we will provide with full instructions in advance.

Itinerary In Brief

• Day1   Meet in Tokyo
• Day2   Travel to Kanazawa
• Day3   Foraging experience in Gokayama
• Day4   Shirakawa-go and Takayama
• Day5   Classic earth oven cooking experience in Hida Furukawa
• Day6   Travel from Takayama to Osaka
• Day7   Osaka - Sharpen your knowledge about Japanese cutlery
• Day8   Awaji Island - Foodscape experience
• Day9   Travel to Kyoto, Uji - Tawara Tea visiting
• Day10   Kyoto - Tofu Making and Nishiki Market Farewell dinner
• Day11   Tour ends in Kyoto

Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

Detailed itinerary, meet in tokyo.

Welcome to Tokyo! In the evening, meet your tour guide and the rest of the group members at the hotel located in central Tokyo. From there we will venture out into the city’s dazzling streets where we will enjoy a Robatayaki dinner. This traditional Japanese cooking style uses hot charcoal to fire-grill ingredients, making for a tasty and robust dinner.

Welcome Dinner

Shiba park hotel or similar class (western hotel), travel to kanazawa.

We will take a train along the Japan Sea coast towards Kanazawa. As the seat of the Maeda Clan during the Edo Period, Kanazawa had a grand castle and is a city with refined and sophisticated local cuisine. Once we arrive at Kanazawa, we will have the chance to wander the Higashichaya-district for lunch. Afterwards, we head to a local market called Oomi Ichiba, Kanazawa's largest fresh food market which has attracted many residents and visitors for centuries. Allow a local chef to show you around the market, offering insight into locally produced ingredients at the many stalls. From there, with the local goods purchased, we will enjoy a cooking class at a traditional Japanese-style residence. We will learn how to transform simple ingredients into delicious dishes with the help of a professional.

Breakfast / Dinner

Ana crowne plaza kanazawa or similar class (western hotel), foraging experience in gokayama.

Today we will travel by private motorcoach from Kanazawa to Gokayama, a World Heritage Site where you can find the very distinctive Gassho-zukuri farmhouses with thatched roofs, unique to this region of Japan. A city located in a mountainous region isolated from the rest of the country for many centuries, here you will find villagers who still keep up with their traditional lifestyles, gathering and preserving ‘Sansai’, or wild plants, all while growing their own vegetables and mushrooms as well. Here we will join local plant hunter Ms. Ueda and together explore the surrounding mountains and harvest seasonal delicacies. Afterwards, we will visit the home of Mr. Nakanishi, a local resident who grows a special variety of rice for making sake. Getting to taste home-brewed sake, called Doburoku in Japanese, is an experience like no other. To finish our night, we will experience cooking the ingredients found from the mountains and learn to create delicious dishes with locals.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Yomorshiro or similar class (minshuku), shirakawa-go and takayama.

After enjoying a traditional Japanese breakfast, we will take a highway bus to visit the nearby village of Shirakawa-go. This village has its own extraordinary collection of Gassho-zukuri houses and has also been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. After lunch in Shirakawa-go, we will move on to Takayama located within the mountainous Hida region. Takayama has an absolutely beautifully preserved old town and a unique culture. Takayama is very well known for its crafts, particularly yew carving, Shunkei, lacquerware, pottery, and furniture. After exploring Takayama, we will enjoy a multi-course Kaiseki dinner at our family-run Ryokan. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner, which highlights seasonal ingredients that must pass the chef's inspection before making it onto the plate. Each individual dish is a small portion, however, the colors, combinations of the presentation of ingredients, all together with tableware and the atmosphere of the area, express the aesthetics of Japanese culture.

Asunaro or similar class (Ryokan)

Classic earth oven cooking experience in hida furukawa.

Today we will take a short train ride to the beautifully well-preserved old town of Hida Furukawa, where stunning white-walled storehouses have preserved the atmosphere of the Edo Period. Once we arrive, we will enter one of the Machiya residences, traditional townhomes, where a local grandmother will show us a traditional way of cooking. Known as 'Okudo-san', the traditional classic stove oven is rarely used today. After lunch, we will head to a sweet shop that has been making Furukawa’s specialty “Miso Senbei” crackers for more than 100 years using the famous "Hida Miso". We will then have free time to stroll the town of Takayama and a chance to dine out at one of the local restaurants.

Travel from Takayama to Osaka

To start our day, we will board a train towards Osaka along with our Ekiben lunch box. These lunch boxes are available only on trains and at stations, and are convenient for those with a long journey ahead of them. We will soon reach Osaka, known as “the Tenka no daikokoro”, or “The Nation’s Kitchen”, and although famous for its Michelin starred restaurants, Osaka is particularly famous for its street food such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and much more. For tonight's dinner, we will visit a hidden house owned by a sake shop in downtown Namba. The shop owner's deep love for sake shows, as the owner has been working alongside other sake connoisseurs with the same level of passion and enthusiasm with over 10,000 bottlers of Sake collections. The term “Sakana” traditionally refers to food served alongside sake as a pairing as originated from the Saka (Sake) and Na (food). For tonight’s dinner you will be served special delicacies that pair well with selected Sake.

Hotel Monterey Grasmere Osaka or similar class (Western Hotel)

Osaka - sharpen your knowledge about japanese cutlery.

This morning, we will travel by local train to Sakai City, which was once known for the production of Samurai swords. Today, the city is known for its kitchen knives and skilled craftsmen who have perfected their art. Once we arrive, we will make our way on foot to a local smith where we will have the chance to witness the forging process of Japanese knives up close. The craftsmen will show you all the steps needed to fold steel and sharpen edges to maintain a Japanese knife. You will also have the chance to purchase your own Japanese knife if you wish. In the evening we return to Osaka, where dinner will be at leisure. Enjoy trying the different street food or trying a local restaurant.

Breakfast / Lunch

Awaji island - foodscape experience.

According to Japanese mythology, when the gods Izanagi and Izanami first created the Japanese archipelago, they started by creating Awaji Island, also known as Ōyashima in Japanese. This island has long been known as Miketsukuni (a place of food production for emperors). We will first visit a fish auction at a port before meeting up on the coast for the ultimate beach lunch experience. If the weather is unkind, we will enjoy our delicious meal at a former primary school, now renovated as a lovely café. We will enjoy a meal from a chef who is a real artist and prepares what he calls a “Foodscape” (a food landscape). Using locally harvested ingredients, our chef uses his inspiration to create a natural landscape that will delight each sense. For the night, we will stay at a beachside property on Awaji Island. Before turning in for the night, we will browse the port's backstreets and enjoy the drinking culture of Awaji Island. Dinner is at your leisure, in which your guide can offer suggestions.

Yumekaiyu Awajishima or similar class (Ryokan)

Travel to kyoto, uji - tawara tea visiting.

Today, we will travel back from Awaji island by private vehicle and make a brief stop for a local lunch. After your lunch, we make our way to Uji, an area that is famous for its superior green tea. We will visit a tea plantation and participate in a tea tasting, where you will have the chance to taste the depth of flavors from the tea. We then depart Uji for a renovated samurai residence in Kyoto, where we will participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, considered an art by many. If you would like, you can also wear a kimono during the ceremony. Afterwards, you can enjoy dinner at your leisure.

Royal Park Hotel Kyoto Sanjo or similar class (Western Hotel)

Kyoto - tofu making and nishiki market farewell dinner.

We will explore the ancient city of Kyoto today, tasting local cuisine and flavorful foods. Kyoto is renowned throughout Japan for its regional Washoku cuisine, which typically consists of rice accompanied by fish, seafood, and seaweed. The lovely city is also known for the refinement and artistic presentation of Kaiseki cuisine, a traditional Japanese multi-course dinner. We will first try our hand at making traditional Kyoto- style tofu at a long-established tofu shop using locally sourced soy. With so many temples located in Kyoto, Tofu is an important staple of Buddhist cusine. Later, we head to the lively Nishiki Market, a covered shopping area which has come to be known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’. Here, we can find a wide variety of traditional foods and local specialty items such as seafood, pickled and dried Japanese vegetables, tea, sweets, and also ceramics. We will then travel to Arashiyama, where we enjoy a traditional Buddhist vegetarian lunch with a beautiful garden scenery. After a visit to the famous Bamboo Forest, we make our way to Central Kyoto for our farewell dinner.

Tour ends in Kyoto

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Your guide will be happy to provide advice for traveling to the airport if you are returning home, or advice for continuing your travels.

Destinations

Tokyo / Kanazawa / Gokayama / Shirakawa-go / Takayama / Hida Furukawa / Osaka / Awaji Island / Kyoto / Uji

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