japan premium food & travel

• HIS JAPAN PREMIUM

JAPAN PREMIUM

Retailers and wholasalers of japanese food

HIS JAPAN PREMIUM FOOD&TRAVEL

Food is a door to cultural understanding. We believe that even though you are in Europe, you could still feel like you are travelling to Japan by eating Japanese food which leads you to be exposed to Japanese culture, way of living and touch people’s hearts. Japan has various food cultures to be proudly introduced to the world. Shedding a light on local producers, we introduce to Europe their passion and traditional methods of manufacturing. Besides, we would offer real tours to visit factories and farms in Japan. Connecting "Food" and "Travel" is our mission as a travel agency. We offer JAPAN PREMIUM, a selection of high quality food, which you can enjoy at home. We will be your assistants at our highest Japanese hospitality "OMOTENASHI". This is JAPAN PREMIUM FOOD&TRAVEL.

We have a growing network of premium stores

What is H.I.S.

H .I.S. is the largest travel agency in Japan in terms of the number of passengers handled. With an extensive network of 183 branches in Japan and 191 more abroad. The company has been growing in recent years in many more sectors and now, we use this valuable network to offer top quality Japanese products to the rest of the world through our retail stores (Japan Premium) and with a very selective importations of high-quality products in accordance with the local cummunities.

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Food Tours Japan

Eat, Drink & Cook in Japan

Discover  Japan’s  best  gourmet  travel  experiences

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Tokyo Food Tours: 12 Best Gourmet Travel Experiences

Kyoto Food Tours: 9 Best Gourmet Travel Experiences

15 Best Osaka Food Tours [2024 Update]

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Food Tours Japan helps you discover the best gourmet experiences in Japan, the world’s number one food destination. Pack your chopsticks, and dive into elegant and harmonious cuisines developed from centuries of artistry, to deliciously addictive soul foods.

Start your journey in Tokyo, the world’s premier city for food-lovers with the most Michelin-starred restaurants. Savour the best of Japan’s cuisine and local delicacies on a Tokyo food tour .

Stroll around Shinjuku’s narrow back streets and taste sizzling yakitori in Memory Lane, or discover where the locals go out at night. Fun-seekers will love the Robot Restaurant’s sensory overload of action and lights, which is more cabaret show, than a place for serious foodies. Or, combine sightseeing with a culinary experience during the day.

Tantalise your taste buds with fresh-off-the-boat sashimi at Tsukiji Market and witness the drama of Tokyo’s famous tuna auction at its new home, Toyosu Market . After all that delicious sushi, wash it down with a sake tasting or brewery tour .

For a more hands-on culinary experience, learn how to cook ramen and gyoza, wagyu beef and more at a Tokyo cooking class .

Ranked number two in the world for the most Michelin star restaurants, Kyoto is home to some of Japan’s most refined dishes. On a Kyoto food tour , experience the finest kaiseki multi-course meal and discover restaurants and bars in Kyoto’s geisha districts, Gion and Pontocho.

But don’t leave spotting a geisha to chance! For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, enjoy the company of Kyoto’s elegant and legendary entertainers at a geisha and maiko dinner show .

Or, take a break from shrines and temples with a sake brewery and tasting excursion in Kyoto’s quaint and pretty Fushimi district.

Osaka is a foodie paradise, and its people are famous throughout Japan for their love of food. They’re so passionate about cuisine, they have a saying kuidaore which means to ‘bankrupt oneself through extravagance with food.’

Osaka’s friendly and outgoing locals makes it a perfect place to experience delicious local soul foods like takoyaki and Japanese cuisine.

Take a food tour in Osaka and wander around Dotonbori’s neon-lit streets tasting food as you go at one of the many izakaya or standing bars. Or, why not visit Kuromon Market with its seafood-laden food stalls.

Taste the beauty of Japan on a culinary adventure and get a deeper insight into the nation’s culture. A Japan food tour is a must-do travel experience and one you’ll never forget!

Image: Sushi!!! / 鮨 by Toshihiro Gamo , used under CC BY-NC 2.0 DEED / Edited from original

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HIS Japan Premium Food & Travel

• | Local Tourism
• | New Product Development
• | Other Food & Drink
• | Independent retailer, delicatessen & farm shop
• | Online retailer
• | Hospitality
• | The Drinks Cabinet
• | Supermarket & multiple retailer
• | Wine, beer & spirit retailer
• | Artisan / Speciality / Fine
• | Wine, Beer & Spirit Retailer
• | Distribution
• | Independent Retailer / Delicatessen / Farm Shop

Japan Premium Food & Travel specialises in Japanese tea and sake. We are importing and distributing Japanese sake and tea in the UK

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TSUBOSAKA KEGDRAFT Sparkling Sake

CEREMONIAL GRADE MATCHA POWDER STICKS

Yamadanishiki Yamahai Junmai Ginjo Nakagumi Muroka Genshu Namazake

Junmai Ginjo Ittekinyukon

B-14 Junmai Sake

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HIS JAPAN PREMIUM FOOD & TRAVEL

We import and sell products direct from Japan that are only available in that region.

The products are made with carefully selected ingredients paying special attention to production methods.

Our aim is to create a shop where people in the UK can feel and taste what Japan has to offer and connect

its producers with their thoughts and spirits through the experience of Japanese Food and Drink.

One shop is scheduled to open in France and Italy this year and in addition to our three shops in Germany and one in Spain,

bringing the total to seven shops in five countries.

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15 Day Japan Premium Small Group Tour

pp Twin Share

From pp Twin Share

Flight Inclusive

Fully Escorted

Moderate Pace

Small Group

This package includes return airfares

This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.

This tour is conducted at a medium-fast pace. Some long travel days may be required to complete this itinerary and you will typically spend two nights at each destination, with some one night stays required. This trip includes a mix of sightseeing and free time to explore at your own pace. You will be required to move about unassisted, including getting on and off vehicles, walking up and down stairs and some activities will be conducted on uneven or steep terrain. You will be required to handle your own luggage.

These tours are our proudest creations. They have been crafted for Inspiring Vacations travellers exclusively, with personal and unique experiences in mind. Please see the Important Information on your selected tour for exact group size. Enjoy features such as hand-picked accommodation, a sampling of the region’s best culinary delights, and a range of optional activities to choose from to best suit your travel style.

✓ Return international airfares included ✓ Small group tour, with no more than 20 travellers ✓ Incredible sightseeing including breath-taking Mt Fuji, the UNESCO sites of Shirakawa-go Village and Golden Pavilion, and the charming old towns of Takayama and Kanazawa ✓ 13 nights in deluxe 4-star accommodation ✓ Breakfast daily and 2 dinners ✓ Travel on the famous Shinkansen bullet train ✓ Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide ✓ Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout ✓ In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary

Travel with the experts for a carefully curated, value-packed discovery of the world's most iconic destinations. Our tours are bursting with must-see sights, rich experiences and quality inclusions, all at an unbeatable price. Bucket list dreams are ticked off on these all-encompassing journeys.

Day 1 Home Osaka

Today, board your flight to Osaka. 

Welcome to Osaka, Japan! Upon arrival at Kansai Airport, clear customs and immigration before you make your own way to your accommodation.

Arrival & check-in:  We strongly recommend that you arrange your flights to arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX) instead of Osaka International Airport (ITM). The easiest and most convenient way to travel from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to central Osaka is by train. There are multiple train options ranging from 30 minutes to 1 hour. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Kansai International Airport (KIX) which costs approximately 23,000 Yen per taxi for the 50km ride.

If arriving at Osaka International Airport (ITM), the transfer to central Osaka is by subway and train.  If needed, you will find a handy Osaka International Airport (ITM) transfer planner  here.

Travellers will be arriving at various times throughout the day. If arriving prior to check-in time (3pm), you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities for today.

Day 2 Osaka Nara Osaka

This morning, we travel the short distance to Nara. Visit Tōdai-ji (Great Eastern Temple), famed for its Great Buddha Hall, which remains one of the largest wooden buildings in the world. This impressive building houses a 15m-tall bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. Following this we'll wander through gorgeous Nara Park, where more than 1200 tame sika deer roam freely.

We will then head back to Osaka and stop at Osaka Castle. We will then finish our day with a tour of Osaka's central food and entertainment area, Dotonbori, where we will also enjoy a welcome dinner together.

Day 3 Osaka Kyoto

Today we will take the super fast shinkansen bullet train from Osaka to Kyoto.

Upon reaching Kyoto, we will first visit Kinkakuji, otherwise known as the Golden Pavilion. This is a Zen temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with two floors covered entirely in thin layers of pure gold. The site is set within a beautiful classical Zen garden. The detailed architecture of Kinkaku-ji incorporates three distinct architectural styles – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen.

Afterwards, we will head to Nishijin Textile Centre and enjoy a traditional kimono show. Here, you will also witness expert craftsmen in their production process, and view a stunning collection of some of the most valuable and outstanding textiles in the history of the Nishijin tradition.

Day 4 Kyoto

Today is a full free day to spend in Kyoto. This golden city was once the capital of Japan and sits on the island of Honshu. It's famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses. Beautiful Geisha are often found in the Gion district.

Learn the secrets of  Sado, the Japanese tea ceremony, from a qualified tea instructor.

Tea Ceremony The Japanese tea ceremony (known as sado or chado in Japanese) is a Japanese tradition that has become an art form.  More than just about preparing and drinking tea, it is a formal way for a guest to enjoy a host's hospitality, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Itinerary Today enjoy your tea ceremony experience in the heart of Kyoto. Make your own way to the venue and enjoy this unique traditional Japanese experience.

The Japanese tea ceremony is a traditional ritual influenced by the principles of Zen Buddhism in which powdered green tea, or matcha, is prepared and served by a host in a quiet setting. 

Enjoy tasting traditional Japanese confectionary with your green tea.

Start time: approx 3:00pm. 

• Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
• Qualified tea instructor
• Taste Japanese traditional confectionary
• Transportation to the activity is not included and must be self-arranged
• Personal expenses and anything not stated 

Get a taste of authentic Japanese culture and learn a new skill while having fun.

Taiko Drumming Taiko is an ancient form of percussion using large drums. The drums come in a range of sizes, from medium-sized katsugi okedo drums that are slung across the body, to massive odaiko drums that are as large as a car!

Itinerary Make your way to this experience on your own.

Today enjoy a one-hour long group taiko drumming class.

You will learn the basic taiko technique and a traditional song, as well as the interesting history of taiko in Japan. Experience Japanese culture first hand. No prior experience or Japanese language skills are required.

• Taiko lesson by professional Taiko drum instructors
• Japanese Drums and sticks
• Taiko performance (1 to 2 songs)
• Hotel pick up and drop off
• Food and Drink

Day 5 Kyoto Kanazawa

This morning we visit Nijo Castle, the former residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, and a designated UNESCO world heritage site.

Then we will make our way to Arashiyama to see Togetsu Bridge and the Bamboo Grove, iconic sights of Western Kyoto. We then continue to the city of Kanazawa on the northwestern shore of Honshu, once the base for the powerful Maeda clan. During World War II, Kanazawa was Japan’s second largest city (after Kyoto) to escape destruction by air raids. This means that parts of the old castle town, such as the Nagamachi samurai district and chaya entertainment districts, have survived.

Day 6 Kanazawa

Today we will explore the castle town of Kanazawa. First up is a visit to Omicho Market, where you can try some local favorites, such as fresh seafood and gold leaf ice cream.

Next, we visit Kenrokuen Garden. This is one of Japan's three best landscape gardens, and is considered the most beautiful of them all.

Finish up your day by taking a stroll down the streets of Higashi Chaya, a geisha district in Kanazawa known for its quaint old buildings and teahouses.

Day 7 Kanazawa Shirakawa-gō Takayama

After breakfast we’ll travel to Shirakawa-gō Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has more than 100 'Gassho-style' houses, which feature steeply-pitched roofs. Built many hundreds of years ago, these historic houses stand together in a beautiful natural setting. From the site’s observation deck you can enjoy a panoramic view of this unique village, its thatched-roof houses sitting among gorgeous mountain scenery.

Afterwards, we continue to Takayama.

Day 8 Takayama Nagano

Before leaving Takayama we'll stop at Kamisannomachi Street in Takayama’s Old Town, a wonderfully well-preserved slice of old Japan, with houses and shops dating back to the Edo period (1600-1868). As well as the charming architecture, there are several quaint cafés and a number of old saké breweries to explore. Then we will visit the open air museum of Hida Folk Village, followed by Takayama Jinya, the former local government office which was in use from 1692 right up until 1969. Next, we visit Matsuri no Mori (Festival Museum), an impressive

museum about the famous Takayama Matsuri (festival) that is held twice a year in the town. Before leaving Takayama, we visit Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Exhibition Hall) where some of the centuries old festival floats are on display to the public.

Upon finishing your tour in Takayama we travel to Nagano, home to nature walks, natural hot springs and never ending mountains.

Day 9 Nagano Matsumoto

After breakfast, we will head to Hokusai Museum to discover the great artworks of Katsuhika Hokusai (1760-1849), one of Japan's leading Edo period ukiyo-e painters. Winter departures (January and February): You will visit the famous Snow Monkey Park in lieu of the Hokusai Museum. Witness Japanese macaque monkeys soaking in the onsen during the cold winter months. It’s an adorable sight.

Then, we will depart for Zenkoji Temple, which was founded over 1,400 years ago. Continue on to Matsumoto, where you will have the opportunity to see one of Japan's last remaining original castles, Matsumoto Castle. Not far from the castle is Nakamachi Street, where you can see preserved shops, houses and warehouses.

Day 10 Matsumoto Lake Kawaguchiko

Today we depart Matsumoto for the Mount Fuji area. Our first stop is at Oishi Park on the shores of Lake Kawaguchi, well known for its serene, flower-lined walking path and its spectacular view of Mount Fuji.

Then, stop by the eight ponds at Oshino Hakkai, a small village in the Fuji Five Lake region fed by the snow melt from the nearby mountains. See traditional thatched roof farmhouses and try some of the local delicacies.

Stay the night in the Mount Fuji area and enjoy a special dinner with your fellow travellers.

Day 11 Lake Kawaguchiko Tokyo

Today, after departing Kawaguchiko, we travel by coach to visit Mount Fuji's 5th Station, which is halfway up the active volcano. Mount Fuji is the country’s tallest peak and it is considered one of Japan’s three holy mountains. Here, above the clouds, we'll view the mountain’s enormous summit if weather permits. Then we will visit Gotemba Peace Park to capture another breathtaking view of Mount Fuji.

Tonight, we make our way to Tokyo, Japan's largest city and the nation's capital.

Day 12 Tokyo

Our first stop today will be Tokyo Tower, which offers wonderful views of the surrounding city from its observation deck. Later, we visit the Tsukiji Outer Market, a shopping district adjacent to the enormous former wholesale fish market. This lively area is home to everything food-related – fresh ingredients, street food vendors, kitchen utensils. There’s great sushi and other restaurants around here, too.

This afternoon, a quick stop at Imperial Palace to see the famous Nijubashi Bridge before we will finish our day in the Shibuya Crossing, the incredible scramble that occurs every time the traffic lights turn red.

Day 13 Tokyo

Today is a full free day in Tokyo. There is no end to the spectacular sightseeing and activities available to you, as Tokyo truly has something for everyone. Take as much time as you like to relax at your leisure, explore the city, shop for souvenirs and eat the delectable cuisine. Be sure to ask your guide for recommendations on more must-see spots around the city.

Explore Tokyo's back streets for a shopping experience like no other. 

Ginza District Ginza is Tokyo's famously upscale shopping, dining and entertainment district. Almost every leading worldwide brand in fashion and cosmetics has a presence in Ginza.

Itinerary This three-hour afternoon tour with a local guide will show you a different side of Tokyo.

Explore the hidden back alleys of this vibrant city to shop for unique souvenirs and to learn about Tokyo's history and culture. 

Enjoy taking a tour back in time to old-world Tokyo, wander through the back alleys and uncover family-owned shops that have stood for centuries selling handcrafted goods. Snack on tasty traditional treats, from candies to crackers. Shop for the perfect handmade souvenirs to take back home.

Finish up at Mitsukoshimae Station. 

• Local English-speaking guide
• Food samples
• Additional food and drink
• Learn how to cook different types of Japanese food, such as sushi, soup and various side dishes.
• Learn about Japanese ingredients and culinary techniques used in creating homemade dishes.
• Enjoy your own cooked dish for lunch.

Washoku Traditional Japanese food is collectively known as washoku, and has received a great deal attention world-wide for its delicious flavours and healthy ingredients.

More often than not, you will find that washoku is not only delicious but perfectly presented.

Itinerary Today, enjoy your cooking class in the heart of  Tokyo . Make your own way to the venue and enjoy cooking Japanese food.

Japanese cuisine  (collectively known as  washoku ) is well known for its refined taste and elegant presentation.

Take part in a Japanese cooking experience and learn from one of Tokyo's most popular cooking instructors, whose book has been published in English. Bring home with you a set of new cooking skills and culinary techniques that will impress your friends and family!

After the class, enjoy your own delicious creation for lunch

• Make Japanese food (Washoku) such as sushi, soup and other side dishes
• Learn about the ingredients, culinary techniques and methods used in creating homemade Japanese dishes
• Eat your very own cooked dishes for lunch

Day 14 Tokyo

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your Japanese adventure comes to an end. At the appropriate time, make your own way to the airport for your onward flight.

Departure & check-out:  There are several ways to travel from your hotel to either Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), from shuttle buses to trains and taxis. Transport to the airports can cost between 250 Yen to 21,000 Yen depending on the form of transport you choose. Your Tour Leader and hotel concierge will be able to assist you arrange the most convenient way to the airport on the last day of the trip.

Travellers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Check-out time is generally from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost.

Day 15 Home

Arrive home today. We hope you've been inspired.

What's Included

• Return international airfares
• Small group tour, with no more than 20 travellers
• Incredible sightseeing including breath-taking Mt Fuji, the UNESCO sites of Shirakawa-go Village and Golden Pavilion, and the charming old towns of Takayama and Kanazawa
• 13 nights in deluxe 4-star accommodation
• Breakfast daily and 2 dinners
• Travel on the famous Shinkansen bullet train
• Fully escorted by a professional English-speaking tour guide
• Comfortable, dedicated transportation throughout
• In-depth sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary

Sightseeing Highlights

• Osaka - Tour Osaka's thriving central food and entertainment area, Dotonbori
• Osaka - Wander the Namba-Shinsaibashi shopping district
• Nara - Discover the Todaji Temple and its great Buddha
• Nara - Wander through Nara park with over 1,200 Sika deer
• Kyoto - Visit Kinkakuji, the World Heritage-listed Golden Pavilion
• Kyoto - Enjoy a full free day to explore at your own pace
• Kyoto - Visit the Nishijin Textile Centre and enjoy a traditional kimono show
• Kyoto - Travel to Arashiyama to see Togetsu Bridge and the iconic Bamboo Grove
• Kanazawa - Visit Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s top three landscape gardens
• Kanazawa - Explore the Higashi Chaya, a geisha district known for its quaint old buildings and teahouses
• Shirakawa-go - Wander through this World Heritage site with 114 Gassho-style houses
• Takayama - Explore Takayama’s Old Town with Edo period houses
• Takayama - Visit the open air museum of Hida Folk Village
• Takayama - Discover Yatai Kaikan (Festival Float Exhibition Hall) where some of the centuries old festival floats are on display
• Nagano - Visit the Hokusai Museum to discover the great artworks of Katsuhika Hokusai
• Nagano - Explore the impressive Zenkoji Temple, which was founded over 1,400 years ago
• Matsumoto - See one of Japan's last remaining original castles, Matsumoto Castle
• Matsumoto - Wander the beautiful Nakamachi Street, where you can see preserved shops, houses and warehouses
• Kawaguchiko - Experience a traditional hot-spring onsen guesthouse with views of Mt Fuji
• Mt Fuji - Gaze at Mount Fuji‘s iconic peak from the 5th Station
• Mt Fuji - See traditional thatched roof farmhouses and try some local delicacies in view of Mt Fuji
• Mt Fuji - visit Gotemba Peace Park to capture another breath-taking view of Mount Fuji
• Tokyo - Visit the Tsukiji Outer Market, a foodie heaven home to fresh ingredients street food vendors
• Tokyo - Stop at Imperial Palace to see the famous Nijubashi Bridge
• Tokyo - Ascend the 332m Tokyo Tower for sweeping views over the sprawling metropolis
• Tokyo - Visit Shibuya Crossing and join the incredible scramble that occurs every time the traffic lights turn red

Inspiring Features

Inspiring Sights

• You may choose to include 1 optional Inspiring Sight throughout your tour, free as part of your package (options listed under 'Optional Tours').

Inspiring Taste

• Enjoy a traditional Japanese dinner with your fellow travellers in the Mt Fuji area.

Inspiring Stays

• Enjoy deluxe, centrally-located 4-star accommodation throughout your tour, including a night at a Japanese onsen hotel.

Payment Terms

Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person. Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options. Instalment Schedule:

• At the time of booking pay a $99.00 deposit per person.
• Pay a 1st installment of $2,306.00 per person within 28 days.
• Pay a 2nd installment of $1,813.00 per person within 90 days.
• You will then be invoiced for final payment 120 days prior to departure.

Flight Information

This package includes international airfares or has the option of adding international airfares to your booking when selecting your departure city.

If international airfares are included this will be stated in the ‘Inclusions’ section

Alternatively, if international airfares can be added to your booking you will be able to select your departure city after clicking ‘Book Now’ and a cost will be stated next to your selected departure city. This cost will then be added to your booking and flights will be added to your booking. Conditions of flights for this package bookable by Inspiring Vacations:

• Flight Offer valid from select departure cities within the purchase path only
• Flights will be booked with the best available airline/s with luggage included. Low-cost carriers may be booked in conjunction with a full-service airline. Depending on the carrier, entertainment and meals may not be included but payable at an extra cost on-board. We cannot specify or guarantee the airline booked. If you would like a specific airline, please request this at the time of purchase. To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?  By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchases to make your request. 
• Flights may not be direct and may include multiple connections
• Due to disrupted airline schedules globally with the pandemic, stopovers/transit times may be longer than usual (up to 12 hours in duration in some circumstances).
• Once ticketed, flights are non-refundable; any changes will be subject to the airline rules, Airline change fees and an Inspiring Vacations change fee of $250 per person.
• Full names as per passport (including all middle names) are required at the time of submitting your traveller booking form. Any error in the names submitted will be subject to an Inspiring Vacations name change fee of $150 plus any applicable fees charged by the airline, or the ticket may be non-refundable with the purchase of a new ticket required. 
• If the required booking class is unavailable at time of booking, surcharges may apply. Total cost is final only at time of ticketing. Once issued, air tickets are subject to amendment and cancellation fees or may be non-refundable
• Any airline schedule changes or cancellations are outside of our control. It is important that you, as the customer, stay up-to-date with the latest airline schedule information prior to your departure. If a schedule change results in extended transits or an earlier/later departure from your destination, any additional accommodation or alternative arrangements will be at the traveler's expense.
• After booking, the price payable may be subject to change as a result of factors beyond the control of Inspiring Vacations. Inspiring Vacations reserves the right to increase the price payable and this will be reflected on the customer's invoice. Increases may be in relation to, but not limited to, currency fluctuations, airline taxes, airfare increases and fuel surcharges.
• Internal airfares (where applicable and included in the itinerary) will be using a local carrier and may include low-cost carriers without meals or entertainment. Checked baggage will still be included for each passenger. Any additional baggage required is payable at time of check-in. 
• If you are travelling with another party on a separate booking, we cannot guarantee that the same flights will be booked for all parties, as this strictly depends on availability. 
• You will be responsible for handling your luggage at all times as the services of porters are not included. If travelling over the recommended amount, you will be liable for any excess baggage fees enforced by the airline, payable directly.
• In the event of that you no-show on your scheduled flight, please be aware the airline will require you to pay a no show fee, Airline reissue fee plus any additional airfare and taxes. Inspiring Vacations will also charge a $250 admin fee to assist re accommodating you on the next available flight. Please note that depending on the airline's policy, purchasing a new ticket may be required.

Included baggage differs based on your country of origin. Included baggage will be as per the following:

Baggage allowances provided by the airline might differ to the values stated above. However limitations are required due to transport storage restrictions on your selected tour or package.

Flight requests, amendments or preferences

We understand customers may wish to request changes to their included airfares. If you wish to fly with a certain airline, land at a certain time or change your flight in other ways we will gladly provide you with a personalised quote tailored to your specific requirements. To make a flight request, please click ‘Book Now’ and select Would you like us to contact you around our flight service?  By selecting this option you will be sent a request form after completing your purchase to make your request.

We would be more than happy to provide you with a quote for the following requests:

• Airline Preferences - You may wish to fly with a particular airline
• Cabin Preferences - These include upgrading to premium economy or business class
• Extensions (start and end cities must remain the same) - You may request to extend your stay pre or post tour.
• Meal Requests - You may request a specific meal for dietary requirements.
• Seat Requests - If you would like to request particular seating. However please note, not all airlines allow the selection of pre-purchased seat arrangements.

We are currently unable to provide a quote for the following requests:

• Stopovers - Is where you might want to stop in transit for a certain amount of days prior to your tour or after your tour.
• One way flights
• Different start or end city to the tour - you may not amend the arrival or departure city of your itinerary. 
• Around the world tickets  - Is when a ticket includes multiple stops in different continents.
• Return home to a different city from the one you departed.
• Frequent Flyer point redemption - Is when an airline allows you to redeem points to pay for your flights or upgrade your ticket.  

If we can’t fulfill your request and you still wish to proceed with the booking, please select Land Only (excluding UK customers). This will allow you to travel on the land portion of the package without the included airfares. You will then be able to arrange your own flights separately.

For more frequently asked questions please view our FAQs   section. 

Online check-in 

Some airlines may not permit online check-in where flights have been booked by a travel company. Where unavailable to do so online, you will be required to check-in at the airport. Inspiring Vacations cannot check-in online on behalf of our customers.

Important Information

Fitness Requirements While the tour itinerary should give you some guidance and overview to the expected requirements, to determine if this tour is right for you we categorise each of our tours in terms of their intensity. These guidelines are to ensure that each tour group is conducted as expected and to ensure the overall satisfaction of all Inspiring Vacations customers.

As a general rule, porterage is not included, therefore at all times you are expected to handle your own luggage where help may not be available.

This particular tour is categorized as a”3”

Moderate Tour: A good level of fitness and mobility is required, as this tour includes a moderate level of physical activity and is considered a medium-fast paced tour. You should be able to walk up and down stairs, get on and off the coach and able to walk reasonable distances of approximately 2 kilometres per day or more with ease. Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability. If you have any form of walking aids, other than a walking stick or hiking poles, then this tour is not suitable.

Tipping A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. While tipping is not customary, it's of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many destinations.

You may also consider tipping your tour leader and driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Suggested amount for your guide, 500Y per person per day. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Accommodation The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, however, any changes are beyond our control.

Single Supplement Single supplement is $1,423.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price.

Triple Share Not available.

Tour Length The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day by day itinerary for the time spent on land.

Travel Insurance Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

We have partnered with nib to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply by clicking HERE .

  Note that Inspiring Vacations cannot provide advice with regards to any insurance product.

Visa & Passport Information It is the traveller's responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return.

Visas may be required.

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://smartraveller.gov.au for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.

Group Size Minimum: 6  Maximum: 20

Children Children must be 5 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.

Tour Style To meet the needs of various types of travelers, we choose to operate various types of tours, and depending on your selected package will mean different services are provided throughout your trip. The following descriptions of each tour style we hope will ensure that each traveller has appropriate expectations before they start their travels: 

• Fully Escorted - This tour is fully escorted by an expert English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour.
• Optional Activities

To enhance your journey, we are offering guests a choice of the following optional activities (prices are per person):

• Kyoto Tea Ceremony (Day 4) - $55 per person
• Kyoto Taiko Drumming Experience (Day 4) - $100 per person
• Old World Tokyo Walking Tour (Day 13) - $94 per person
• Japanese Traditional Cooking Class (Day 13) - $129 per person

Optional tours can be selected once you have finalised your tour purchase and paid your deposit. When completing your Passenger Booking Form, you will be asked if you would like to add Optional Tours, where any applicable cost will be added to your final balance. If you choose not to select them at this time, you can choose to add them later by logging in to your Account online.

Please note that you must select your Optional Tours no later than 70 days before departure, after which you will be required to purchase them on tour. Please keep in mind that anything purchased on-tour is subject to availability and prices may vary as you will be paying in local currency. We appreciate your understanding. Please note that transportation to and from each optional tour is not included in the price. You will be required to make your own way to the starting point of the optional tour, as well as back to your hotel. Your tour guide can provide you with the direction and guidance needed to make your own way.

Pre and Post-Tour Accommodation & Extra Services

You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:

Pre Tour Accommodation

• $300.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $400.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

Post Tour Accommodation

Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.

What Climate to Expect

Click HERE for more information on weather in Japan

• Airport Transfer
• Travel insurance (compulsory)
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Departure Dates

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LONDON , UK

17 best japanese shops and supermarkets in london, uk.

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If you are wondering where you can find the best Japanese shops and supermarkets in London then look no further – we’ve got you covered!

London has a large Japanese population so it’s no surprise you’ll find some great places to purchase Japanese ingredients, cookware, stationary, magazines and clothing at affordable prices.

You won’t have to search hard to find Japanese shops in the centre of London, but there are a few gems we have found in other London neighbourhoods too.

Here is our ultimate guide to all the best places to buy Japanese products in London:

Table of Contents

Best Japanese shops in London

1. japan centre, piccadilly.

Located just a stone’s throw away from Leicester Square is the daddy of all Japanese shops in London, selling a huge range of high quality imported Japanese groceries, hot food, sushi, Japanese Kit Kats , gifts, cookware, beauty products, books, magazines and more.

Japan Centre opened in 1976 and this branch is their flagship store – they have two other stores that have opened in the past few years, one located in Shepherd’s Bush and one in Stratford.

The lower ground floor combines traditional elements of a ‘depachika’ (the Japanese word for a basement food hall) and has a hot food counter plus loads of chillers filled with sushi boxes where you can purchase a meal deal (main, snack and drink).

There is also a fish counter selling sushi-grade fish, a Japanese bakery, a donut and mochi bar and the largest selection of sake in Europe!

Having recently had a renovation, Japan Centre now has demo kitchens and several specialist rooms where you can watch live workshops and learn more about Japanese tea, sake and miso.

If you want to know about Japan Centre’s future events you need to sign up to their email newsletter .

Address:  35b Panton Street, London SW1Y 4EA

2. Japan House London, Kensington

Japan House on High Street Kensington is not just a shop, but is also a concept store! Known as the cultural home of Japan in London, this store presents the very best of Japanese art, design, gastronomy, innovation, and technology.

Arranged over three floors, you’ll find a library and free exhibitions in the basement, a cafe, tourist information and Japanese gift shop on the ground floor, and a bar and a Michelin-listed restaurant on the top floor.

Japan House also hold regular demonstrations, talks, workshops and screenings – check out their website for their upcoming events schedule .

In the shop you can purchase Japanese snacks, stationery, books, manga, origami, ceramics, art, jewellery, kitchen knives, utensils, clothing and more!

Address:  101-111 Kensington High Street, London W8 5SA

3. Japan Centre Ichiba, Westfield Shepherd’s Bush

Billed as Europe’s biggest Japanese food hall, Ichiba is a huge shop in west London selling over 3,000 Japanese products and is run by the people behind the Japan Centre.

It is located on the lower ground floor at the back of Westfield Shepherd’s Bush, just a short walk from White City tube station.

Inside you’ll find an extensive selection of Japanese cooking ingredients, fresh fish and meat, sake, gifts and homeware, plus a canteen style dining area with capacity for 200 diners.

Hot food stations serve up Japanese delights such as ramen, bao buns, noodles, donburi, poke and sushi.

On top of that there is a kaku-uchi sake bar serving hot sake by an in-store sommelier, and a Japanese bakery selling items such as dorayaki pancakes, melon pans and matcha lattes.

Address: Level -2 Westfield London White City W12 7HB

4. Japan Centre, Westfield Stratford

Tucked away in the world food section at the back of Stratford Westfield is this small store which is also run by the Japan Centre.

Despite its tiny size, it is packed with a wide selection of imported Japanese groceries and even has a fresh sushi/hot food counter.

On the shelves you can expect to find a good selection of basic Japanese cooking ingredients, plus many snacks, instant noodles, miso soup, drinks, sauces and a fridge full of Japanese sake.

At the food counter, the takeaway sushi boxes are freshly prepared by the chefs throughout the day, and there is a large menu of Japanese hot food favourites at very affordable prices which are popular with local office workers.

Order tonkotsu ramen, udon, soba, katsu curry, donburi bowls and tempura to either take-away or eat-in on one of the few dining tables located at the front of the store.

If you are a student or NHS worker you get an additional 10% discount.

Address: Lower Ground, 1 Montfichet Road, London E20 1GL

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5. Artbox, Covent Garden

A haven for Kawaii fans, Artbox in Covent Garden is one of the best Japanese shops in London to buy cute and colourful character merchandise such as Hello Kitty, Pusheen and Sanrio, plus BTS K-Pop branded items.

Despite it being a rather compact shop it is packed from floor to ceiling with plush toys, stationary, mugs, keyrings, purses and much more – it will be hard to leave Artbox without purchasing something cute!

Note – the shop is a little on the pricey side as all the stock is authentic merchandise imported from Japan.

Address: 44-46 Shelton Street, London WC2H 9HZ

6. Japan Craft Anime and Manga Store, Stables Market Camden

Located within the alleys of Camden Market, this cosy store is one of the best Japanese anime shops in London.

The shelves inside this Aladdin’s cave are rammed from the floor to ceiling with manga figures, anime cards, comics, t-shirts and plushies.

They also sell Japanese sweets such as crunchy pocky sticks and matcha-flavoured snacks, plus there is a small section for Harry Potter merchandising!

Prices are on the slightly higher side here but that is because most of the stock is imported from Japan.

Address: Unit 2, Market Hall Lock Place, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AL

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7. HIS Japan Premium Food and Travel, Holborn

H.I.S. is the largest travel agency in Japan and they have expanded their empire to Europe with a chain of travel/sake/grocery stores.

The London branch located on Shaftesbury Avenue is relatively new having opened during the pandemic in 2021.

The shop directly imports and sells quality local specialties from all over Japan and is set out over three floors.

The ground floor is mostly packed with Japanese ingredients and snacks, whilst the top floor sells a range of Japanese teas, gifts, stationary and kitchenware.

The most exciting floor however is the basement which is dedicated entirely to sake and the shop organises regular sake tasting sessions there ( check their Facebook page for more details ).

Staff at HIS are super lovely and helpful, and as well as selling Japanese products, you can also book your Japan flights, hotels and JR Rail Passes here.

Address: 212 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8EB

8. Atariya Foods, West Acton 

Atariya is one of the most popular Japanese food shops in London and sells some of the best sushi to eat-in or take-away at reasonable prices.

Half of the store is taken up by a fish counter where you can purchase top quality sushi grade fish cut to order, as well as squid, urchins, roe and chirimen jako (dried baby sardines). They also sell some cooked products like yakitori and croquettes.

The rest of the shop stocks Japanese snacks, vegetables, drinks, seasonings, noodles, miso paste, wagyu beef, sake and plum wine and much more.

Atariya also has four other branches located in Finchley, Golders Green, Kingston and Swiss Cottage.

Address: 7 Station Parade, West Acton, London W3 0DS

9. Rice Wine Shop, Soho

The name here is slightly misleading as this isn’t just a store that sells rice wine, but instead is a hidden gem of a London supermarket offering basic Japanese essentials at much cheaper prices than places like the Japan Centre.

Rice Wine Shop is located in a very compact shop in the heart of Soho and is packed with cooking ingredients, frozen products, lunchtime snacks and Japanese liquor.

You can expect to find a great range of staples such as sushi rice, curry roux blocks, takoyaki and okonomiyaki mixes, tonkatsu sauces, miso, dashi, soba and ramen noodles and much more.

Address: 82 Brewer Street, London W1F 9UA

10. Fukusa, Spitalfields Market (Saturday only)

Head on down to the amazing Spitalfields Market in east London on a Saturday and you’ll find Fukusa, a gorgeous stall draped in stunning traditional Japanese fabrics.

Furoshiki is the traditional art of fabric wrapping which has been used in Japan for over 1,200 years, and Fukusa sell square shaped pieces of fabric which can be transformed in a variety of ways.

You can fold them into scarves, bags, throws, gift wrap, cushion cover, head wrap and much more!

To find out more about the art of furoshiki you can follow Fukusa on Instagram or visit their website .

Spitalfields Market Address: 56 Brushfield Street, London E1 6AA

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11. Kanpai London Sake Brewery and Taproom

Please note Kanpai have recently relocated from Peckham to nearby Druid Street in London Bridge (along the Bermondsey Beer Mile) .

Meaning ‘cheers’ in Japanese, KANPAI is the UK’s first sake brewery! It was founded in 2016 by husband and wife, Tom and Lucy Wilson, and all their sake is made from start to finish on site in Peckham using traditional Japanese techniques.

KANPAI are open Wednesday through to Sunday and you can pop by the brewery to have a browse in their bottle shop to purchase sake to take away (they also offer a ‘click and collect’ service on their website ).

As well as having a shop you can also have a drink in their taproom bar which sits on the mezzanine right above the brewery, or in the summer on one of their outdoor tables.

Just opposite the brewery you’ll find a street food kitchen serving Osakan street food such as takoyaki, gyoza and okonomiyaki to accompany your drink.

Keep an eye on their social channels as they hold regular events, tastings and supper clubs throughout the year.

Address: Unit 2A-2, 133 Copeland Road, London SE15 3SN

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12. Shōtengai Japanese Market, King’s Cross

This weekend monthly market takes inspiration from Japan’s many Shōtengai (local market streets) and is located in Coal Drops Yard, just a few minutes walk away from King’s Cross station.

You’ll find around 10 stalls selling a range of Japanese items. Sample Osakan street food delights such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki, plus shop for Japanese homewares and art prints.

Shōtengai market is currently closed for winter but will reopen in March 2024.

Address:  Lower Stable Street, Kings Cross, London N1C 4LW

13. MUJI, Tottenham Court Road

This famous Japanese chain store has a brilliant branch located on Tottenham Court Road with two clean and well organised shop floors packed with a wide range of products.

MUJI’s first store opened in 1983 in Tokyo and now operates in 29 countries around the world. The name MUJI translates as ‘no-brand quality goods’ in Japanese and their design philosophy is minimalist with an emphasis on useful products, simple packaging, reliable quality and good value for money.

Inside the Tottenham Court Road branch you can shop for office bits, stationery, storage, clothing, bedding, kitchenware, travel accessories, cosmetics, diffusers plus many other things you never knew you needed! I recommend their trainer socks – the best I’ve ever found!

There are 5 other branches of Muji in London located in Oxford Street, Kensington, Covent Garden, Carnaby Street and Islington.

Address: 6-17 Tottenham Court Road, London W1T 1BF

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14. Uniqlo, Oxford Street

This popular chain store is famous for its everyday casual clothing, with Japanese values of simplicity, quality and longevity and a focus on well-designed clothes benefitting the consumer.

The company has been creating affordable basics made from neutral tones for women, men and children since it was founded in 1984 in Hiroshima, Japan, and to date Uniqlo has 11 stores across London and 800 worldwide.

Uniqlo are also famous for their collaborations with brands and artists and in the past they have sold t-shirts in association with Pharrell Williams, MoMA, Disney, Marvel, Sesame Street, Moomins, Doraemon and McDonald’s!

Address:  311 Oxford Street, London W1C 2HP

15. New Loon Moon Supermarket, Chinatown

Located on the main street in London’s Chinatown, New Loon Moon has a great Japanese section on the first floor. Here you can shop for many basic ingredients, plus a good range of Japanese snacks and noodles.

Address: 42-44 Gerrard Street, London W1D 5PT

16. Loon Fung Supermarket, Chinatown

Loon Fung mostly specialises in Chinese products but you can also pick up a range of basic Japanese groceries too such as sauces, curry roux blocks, miso, tofu and gyoza skins.

There are 4 other branches located in Tottenham, Stratford, Alperton and Colindale.

Address: 9a Gerrard Street, London W1D 5PN

17. Oseyo, Soho

This new shiny Soho store predominantly sells Korean foods, toys, stationery, houseware and electronics, but there is a decent sized section dedicated to Japanese snacks and groceries including sauces, miso soup and more!

The biggest branch is located on Charing Cross road, but there are other smaller branches in Waterloo, Camden, Angel, Tottenham Court Road, Battersea and Hammersmith.

Address: 73-75 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0NE

Did you enjoy our best Japanese shops in London blog post? Let us know in the comments or by sharing it on social media. 

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Premium Highlights of Japan

9 days | learn samurai traditions, wander ancient temples and soak in a mountainside onsen.

If you want to experience a few (of the many) highlights of Japan, all while staying in comfortable accommodation with like-minded travellers, this Premium adventure from Tokyo to Kyoto is a must! You’ll spend nine days exploring world-class shopping neighbourhoods, geisha districts, hole-in-the-wall eateries, ancient temples and markets with some of the freshest seafood you’ll find. Learn about the history of samurai from a family of contemporary ninjas, feast on monjayaki and teppanyaki on a dinner cruise in Tokyo, try to find snow monkeys bathing in hot springs on the mountain in Yamanouchi, wander through a designated Place of Scenic Beauty in Arashiyama and Japan’s most celebrated landscape garden in Kanazawa and follow the trail at a sacred shrine in Kyoto.

Trip overview

• Experience a traditional Japanese Onsen (an area of natural hot springs surrounded by traditional inns and bathing facilities) at your Feature Stay and soak away a day of hiking to the Jigokudani Monkey Park.
• See and touch some traditional samurai weaponry, try on some authentic attire and learn about the rich history of these warriors with an Authentic Samurai Experience at a 400-year-old dojo run by contemporary ninjas in Tokyo.
• Take a day trip to Kamakura, a coastal treasure known for its history, and see the sights on a traditional, person-led rickshaw, followed by a train ride on one of the oldest electric railways in the country.
• Feast your way through Japan with an all-inclusive dinner cruise on a yakatabune in Tokyo, a market visit in Kanazawa where you can pick your ingredients for a lunchtime cooking class at a local’s home and a sweet-making class in Kyoto.
• Explore Arashiyama – a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty in Kyoto. Walk through the bamboo grove and participate in ritual at the many temples and shrines in the area.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Donations help them provide local employment opportunities and tackle climate change one tree at a time as they restore forests across 10 different countries. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
• Japan is best to explore on foot. In fact, most travellers are surprised at how much distance they end up covering just exploring places on foot! Make sure your shoes are comfy and you are fit enough to spend most of each day on your feet.
• This trip travels primarily on public transport, as it is so efficient and convenient in Japan. Fast trains are used to move between cities, as well as public buses and metro. In order to make the travel easy, we have included luggage transfer (one piece of luggage) between destinations on the following days:
• DAY 4 - Tokyo to Kanazawa - we will tranfer your luggage and you will see it again on DAY 6. For your stay in Yudanaka you will take a overnight bag/backpack

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Your adventure begins in Tokyo with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. Bursting with contemporary urban culture, Tokyo has many sides to explore, from fascinating museums and world-class shopping to neighbourhood backstreets lined with hole-in-the-wall eateries and bars. After your meeting tonight, you’ll head out for an included welcome dinner with your new trip leader and fellow travellers.

• Hotel Gracery Asakusa (1 night)
• Tokyo - Welcome dinner

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Please note an arrival transfer is not included on this tour.

This morning after breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head out for a leader-led walking tour of Asakusa – an area of Tokyo that retains the vibe of older Tokyo, lined with craft shops and street-food stalls. Asakusa’s main attraction is Sensoji Temple. You’ll explore this ancient Buddhist temple, the oldest and one of the most significant in the city and learn how it became independent from the Tendai sect of Buddhism after World War II. Then, head to a non-profit family-owned dojo boasting over 400 years of operation for an authentic samurai experience run by contemporary ninjas. Learn about the history and culture of Samurai, from a descendant of an original Samurai clan, see and touch real weaponry and try on some traditional costumes. Tonight, you’ll hop on a yakatabune (a traditional houseboat) for a dinner cruise down the Sumida River. Floating by some of Tokyo’s best sights, you’ll feast on teppanyaki and monjayaki (savoury pancake) and enjoy bottomless drinks.

• Tokyo - Authentic Samurai Experience
• Tokyo - Sensoji Temple
• Tokyo - Monja Boat Dinner Cruise

This morning after breakfast, head out on a day trip to Kamakura – a small coastal town known for its historical treasures, sometimes called ‘the Kyoto of Eastern Japan’. See the sites with a unique mode of transport – a traditional rickshaw. Your knowledgeable driver (there are no wheels on this rickshaw, only your guide’s feet) will tell you all about the local history, the best spots to pick up some local favourites for lunch and maybe even take you to some secret spots along the way. See the Jufukuji Temple, the Eishoji Temple and Kawakita Film Museum. After, you’ll switch your guide’s feet for train tracks on a traditional Enoden ride – the electric railway that the Enoden travels on is the sixth oldest railway in all of Japan! This train will take you through some winding, narrow alleyways that no other train could ride through.

• Tokyo - Kamakura Day Trip
• Kamakura-Enoden Ride
• Kamakura-Rickshaw Ride

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

This morning after breakfast, you’ll make the train journey to Yamanouchi – home of the famed snow monkeys who live at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. When you arrive, head to your Feature Stay to settle in – a traditional-style onsen (hot springs and the bathing facilities and inns that surround the springs). Head out on a group hike to the park. This is the only place in the world where monkeys bathe in hot springs! If the season’s right, you can watch the Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing, pruning each other and relaxing in the steaming waters by the mountain. Back at the accommodation, maybe take a quick dip in the onsite hot springs, some overlooking the rolling greens of the mountain surroundings. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a group dinner at your accommodation of seasonal wild plants, fresh local vegetables and natural river fish from the Chikuma River nearby.

• Issa no Komichi (Feature Stay) or similiar (1 night)
• Yudanaka - Snow Monkey Park
• Yudanaka - Onsen Experience

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Your luggage will be transferred today from Tokyo to Kanazawa. For your stay in Yudanaka you will take a overnight bag/backpack.

The snow monkeys are rarely seen during summer, so consider this when booking your travel time.

This morning after breakfast, take the train to Kanazawa, known for its well-preserved Edo-era districts, art museums, handicrafts, garden and castle. When you arrive, pick up some lunch, then you’ll visit Kenrokuen Garden – Japan’s most celebrated landscape garden, which began in the 17th century. This park is celebrated for its classic landscape designs that feature ponds and streams, promoting well-being, a clear mind and a connection to nature. After wandering through the garden, you’ll walk by the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle – this historic area was once a residential district for the city’s samurai. After exploring Nagamachi Samurai District and learning about the area’s past, continue exploring in the Higashi Chaya District – a small neighbourhood with teahouses, alleys and lots of shops and restaurants. Maybe ask your leader for recommendations on how to spend the late afternoon.

• Intergate Kanazawa (1 night)
• Kanazawa - Kenrokuen Garden
• Kanazawa - Samurai District Walking Tour
• Kanazawa - Higashi Chaya District walking tour

After breakfast, you’ll continue exploring Kanazawa with a tour of Omicho Market – the hub of the local food culture, famous for its seafood and locally grown produce. With a local guide with all the insight into the region, the food and the market, you’ll wind your way through the stalls and learn how to spot the freshest ingredients. You’ll then choose some fish and vegetables for your lunchtime cooking class – then head back to your guide’s kitchen and learn some tips and tricks on how to cook a traditional Kanazawa meal. Sit down as a group and enjoy the fruits of your labour, before enjoying an afternoon at your leisure.

• Kanazawa - Market Visit and Home Cooking Experience

Today, you’ll leave Kanazawa on the Thunderbird train, headed for Kyoto – once the capital of Japan, this city in Honshu is famous for its classic Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines, gardens, imperial palaces and traditional architecture. When you arrive, you’ll head to Arashiyama – in the west, this area is a nationally designated Historic Site and Place of Scenic Beauty. Explore the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, the Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple and Kameyama-koen Park on the hilltop. After some time for lunch, head to a townhouse for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to make traditional Japanese confectionary, which are adorned with cute designs. Learn about mochi, dried sweets, fresh sweets and even make a matcha green tea to go with them! 

• Intergate Kyoto (1 night)
• Kyoto - Traditional Sweet Making Experience

After breakfast this morning, visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine – known for the distinctly red tunnels of more than 10,000 vermilion torii gates that wind over the hills of Mount Inari. After, head to Nishiki Market, where you might like to grab a bite to eat from one of the hundred shops and restaurants that line this narrow shopping street. Your leader will know some of the best spots in the marketplace, so you don’t miss out on any must-try delights. Head to Gion, filled with shops, restaurants and teahouses. This area is a geisha district, meaning hostesses in colourful kimonos are often sighted on the Tatsumi Bridge and in the boutiques of Hanamikoji Street. Tonight, you’ll sit down for an included group dinner to say goodbye, share stories (and great photos) and celebrate a trip well-travelled.

• Kyoto - Fushimi Inari - Taisha
• Kyoto - Nishiki market visit
• Kyoto - Arashiyama Walking Tour

With no activities planned today, your trip will come to an end. If you’d like to spend longer in Kyoto, just speak to your booking agent.

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners

Hotel (7 nights), Feature Stay (1 Night)

• Arrival airport transfer
• Tipping for accommodation, activities and transport
• Luggage transfer
• Daily breakfast and signature local meal experiences
• 24/7 on-ground support

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. It is essential you pack light and compact for rail travel in Japan. One piece of big luggage is included for transfer from destination to destination on this trip while travelling on the train. For any additional luggage to be transferred, additional charges will apply. There are size restrictions for luggage on Shinkansen trains if you plan to take them with you. Luggage over 160–250 cm may require an additional JPY1000 fee per train journey. Luggage over 251 cm will NOT be permitted on the Shinkansen trains. Please notify your group leader at the welcome meeting if your luggage is over 160–250 cm so they can help you make the necessary arrangements. Please review the Packing section of the ETIs for more details on luggage transfers. 3. We are not able to book airport shuttle service between Kyoto and Kansai Airport at the moment. Your leader will be able to advise on best ways of getting to Kansai Airport in Osaka. 4. A complimentary arrival transfer is not included on this trip.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Check back later or explore reviews for similar trips.

The best Japanese Supermarket in London

Updated September 12th 2023.

You’re probably reading this because you’re looking for a Japanese supermarket in London. The great news is that you’ll be able to find almost all of the ingredients you need for authentic Japanese recipes within the UK and this includes seafood, vegetables, noodles, Okonomiyaki flour and cooking ingredients for typical Japanese dishes.

If you’ve just come back from Japan, you’ll find the prices slightly higher than what you’re used. But you can certainly get to cook those Japanese dishes you’re craving. In this post, we’ll introduce seven Japanese specialist supermarkets in London who all offer deliveries across the UK.

For those searching for Japanese supermarkets located outside of London, we’ll be creating a new article covering online Japanese supermarket options shortly. We’ll also be putting together a separate article on regional oriental supermarkets as their Japanese sections always come in handy if you need to pick up ingredients on the same day.

Rice Wine Shop – Local Japanese supermarket in Soho

We’ll start with Rice Wine Shop in Soho. The name may be misleading as it is not only selling rice and sake but an excellent selection of Japanese groceries too. While compact, it’s full of all the essential Japanese cooking ingredients. You’ll be able to find:

• mirin (type of sweet rice wine), cooking sake, tsuyu, dashi stock, and mirin
• very nice tea corner with Houjicha, Sencha, Matcha and Genmaicha
• plenty of noodles – udon, somen, soba, and ramen
• miso soup with dashi, and natto (for those who like it)
• regular non-carton tofu and a small corner for vegetables
• great frozen section with beef and pork slices for Shabu Shabu and Sukiyaki
• a massive selection of rice condiments including Furikake, Umeboshi, and Nametake!

Rice Wine feels enough like Japan for us to start talking in Japanese to the staff. Many of its customers are Japanese as it has a reputation among Japanese expats for being reasonably priced and until last year, the Rice Wine websites was only in Japanese. For readers who find navigating Kanji and Hiragana pages difficult, you’ll be pleased to know the site has been updated with product details in both English and Japanese.

Japan Centre, Soho

It’s likely that you may already know Japan Centre which started as a bookstore back in 1976, and has since grown into the Japan Centre group which includes ramen brands Shoryu and Ramen Yokocho. Aside from their online store, they have 3 supermarket locations in London. Their flagship food hall is round the corner from Leicester Square, and they also operate Ichiba in Westfield London, and UMAI in Stratford Westfield City. The Leicester Square location is conveniently located on Panton Street, and where you’ll find it very much in the style of a traditional depachika. In Japan, a depachika is the food floor located in the basement of upmarket department stores which sells all types of high quality food, drinks, and deli snacks.

When it comes to groceries, Japan Centre offers pretty much all you would want from a Japanese supermarket. You can find:

• cooking ingredients such as mirin, cooking sake, tsuyu, miso and dashi
• easy to make sushi ingredient sets, rice, ramen noodles, udon noodles and soba noodes
• a large selection of fresh sashimi and seafood as well as Wagyu beef
• Japanese drinks ranging from Ramune soda to Sake to aloe vera drinks
• confectionery including Pocky, candy, rice crackers and Mochi
• a large freezer section where you can pick up seafood, buns, and Mochi ice cream
• and even has a corner for Japanese books and magazines

In addition to cooking ingredients, bakery goods, snacks and drinks, Japan Centre has a dining area where you have a choice of Japanese snacks and hot food waiting, as well as sushi boxes, donburi ricebowls, or fresh sashimi to takeout if you’re in the mood and passing through central London.

Natural Natural, Ealing Common

There are three Natural Natural  stores in London – one is located in Ealing Common, and right next door to their SakeSakana store (which specialises in sake, sashimi, sushi and seafood), while the third Natural Natural store is on Finchley Road. What you’ll immediately pick up is that Natural Natural has a community-vibe, and you’ll often see many Japanese expats and families come in for their regular shopping. They also have a good online presence so you may have come across some of their discounts for first time buyers.

When you go to one of their stores you’ll find a wide range of Japanese food, cooking ingredients, and drinks including:

• Japanese vegetables directly imported from Japan
• sashimi and seafood in SakeSakana
• dashi stock, miso soup, rice toppings
• soba noodles, udon noodles, ramen noodles, yakisoba noodles
• savoury snacks and chocolate
• a great selection of sake, tea, and soft drinks

Another great thing about Natural Natural is they have a lovely convenience store style home-made deli section. If you live local and time it right, then you can get some quality sashimi from SakeSakana before it gets snapped up. Other deli goodies include onigiri and bento boxes with pieces of karaage (Japanese style fried chicken) and chikuwa (lovely tube-shaped Japanese fishcake). We should also mention that Natural Natural provides free delivery to mainland UK address on all orders over £50.

Ichiba – Largest Japanese Supermarket in London

Ichiba is one of the three Japan Centre food halls in London and you’ll find it located on the lower ground floor of Westfield London on the side closest to White City tube station. It is said to be the largest Japanese food hall in Europe with capacity for 200 diners and there are several food stations serving:

• Okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes)
• Yakisoba noodles
• Ramen noodles
• and even Takoyaki (a tasty snack with a small piece of cooked octopus in the centre)

As Japan Centre have ample space at Ichiba you can expect an extensive selection of groceries, fresh fish and meat, sake and ingredients. For example, there isn’t just one or two brands of udon noodles but close to ten to choose from. It may be the extra room that allows it, but you’ll even spot things like Kamaboko fish sausages or large sealed bags of Akakara (a spicy hot pot soup stock).

Here is a short list of what you can buy at Ichiba:

• High Quality Japanese rice and a range of noodles (soba, yakisoba, udon and ramen)
• Cupboard Staples like soy sauce, seaweed, flour and panko, tofu, all types of miso, and dashi
• Snacks with confectionary like Pocky as well as rice crackers, mochi and savoury snacks
• Sake – from fruity and aromatic sake to dry and crisp sake as well as sake gift sets
• Japanese bakery goods – Mochi donuts, Melon pan, and Matcha Green Tea cookies
• Bento boxes including a variety of Sushi, Sashimi, and Donburi rice bowls

T.K Trading – Japanese supermarket and wholesaler

One hidden gem of a Japanese supermarket in London that is not so well known outside of the Japanese community is T.K Trading in Acton. This is both a retail supermarket and wholesaler for Japanese restaurants which has been running for over 30 years. If you’re often eating Japanese meals at home, you’ll find their regular sales very appealing such as 37% off when you buy 5 kilogram bags of Koshihikari (premium) Japanese rice. In our experience. TK Trading is where you’ll find the widest and cheapest selection of Japanese rice in the UK from top Japanese brands.

TK Trading have two special partnerships which enable them to supply authentic Japanese products at a reasonable price. The first is through their connection to the Zen-Noh organisation, whose role is to link consumers across the world with the Japanese Agricultural Cooperatives (JA) Group. The second is through their partnership with Hakutsuru. You may already know Hakutsuru, as it’s the biggest Sake manufacturer in Japan, and the partnership allows TK trading to offer customers distinguished Japanese sake at significantly lower prices than other outlets.

So what can you buy at TK Trading apart from Rice & Sake? Well the food section is extensive and you can get an extremely wide range of Japanese food, ingredients, condiments, snacks and dinner table staples including:

• A huge range of seasonings (Miso, Mirin, Sake, Tsuyu, Bottled Dashi, Shio Koji)
• Additive-free dashi, soup stock, Tonkatsu, Yakiniku & Sukiyaki sauce.
• Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki, and Tempura flour, plus Japanese Shokupan bread.
• A variety of Japanese noodles & instant noodles (Maruchan 5 pack for £9.98)
• Seafood products like Nori seaweed, Konnyaku, and Bonito flakes or Kelp.
• A large frozen food corner with thinly sliced beef for Sukiyaki & Cha Shu pork slices.

T. K Trading does have a website in English but their sale banners are currently in Japanese, so to make sure you don’t miss out their sales, head over to their Instagram page where you can see the latest discounts and offers like their current 15% over £20 from Tuesday to Thursday. Also in April, TK will be launching a new user friendly website with even more special offers.

For online shoppers, you can get free shipping for orders over £50 in London, and for orders over £70 outside of London. Incidentally if you are looking for same day delivery this is possible even for wholesale orders. Also while their office is closed on the weekend, the London store in North Acton is open Tuesday to Friday from10am to 4pm, on Saturday from 9:30am to 4:30pm, and on Sunday from 10am to 4:30pm. If you have a car, you’ll find it easily accessible, and it’s one of the only Japanese specialist supermarkets in London providing plenty of free parking space.

Atariya (West Acton, Golders Green & Kingston)

You might already have come across Atariya after eating at one of their restaurants such as their sushi bar Atariya Hendon or at the stylish Tokimeite in Mayfair. When it comes to their supermarkets, they have locations in Golders Green, Kingston, Swiss Cottage and West Acton. Each one is similar – they are compact however they have the essential cooking ingredients you need including dashi stock, soy sauce, and oden (non-spicy hot pot) soup bases.

In terms of groceries they have Japanese rice, a selection of Japanese mushrooms and vegetables, and even frozen gobou (burdock root). Obviously the main attraction at Atariya is their fresh fish and seafood and their impressive selection includes:

• Boiled prawns
• Hirame (turbot)
• Mentaiko (seasoned pollock roe) and
• Tobiko (flying fish roe).

You’ll find a small deli area too with sushi, bento boxes, tempura, and very reasonable Chirashi (assorted fresh seafood) rice bowls. The staff are also friendly and happy to help you choose the weight and best options for your sashimi and seafood.

HIS Japan Premium Food & Travel, Holborn

When you hear HIS, the first think you may think is “biggest Japanese travel agency” but in Europe they also have 5 stores offering the best selection of premium products with the idea that you may be inspired to travel to Japan to try the food one day. In the London branch on Shaftesbury Avenue, you’ll find the ground floor the one with all types of everyday Japanese ingredients such as Okonomiyaki flour, Harusame noodles, cooking sauces, and salad dressing. There are also several premium products at displays near the front such as Rakkyo Pickes, and premium types of noodles.

One of the big draws of HIS Premium is their extensive selection of sake – their whole basement floor is dedicated to Nihonshu (Japanese Sake) and other Japanese alcohol such as Umeshu. Their sake list includes:

• Akitabare “Shunsetsu”
• Dewazakura “Dewasansan”
• Kamoizumi “Nigori Ginjo”
• Koshi no Kanbai “Muku”
• Tamagawa “Tokubetsu Junmai”
• Tedorigawa “Kinka”

While Japanese food and drinks are the focus here, HIS Premium also sell Japan Rail Passes as you may expect, and with an appointment you can make travel arrangements with their friendly and knowledgeable staff.

We hope that this list of Japanese supermarket in London will be helpful and we will be sure to update and further add onto the list once we have found other supermarkets in London and the UK. If you’re looking for places to buy Sashimi in London, please check out our article on where to find the freshest Sashimi in London .

• Sashimi in London – Where to buy the freshest fish

Billingsgate Market Uncovered – 5 Must Know tips

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The Guide to Japan Airlines Premium Economy

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Japan Airlines premium economy seats

Food and drink in japan airlines premium economy, amenities and other perks of japan airlines premium economy, is jal premium economy worth it, japan airlines premium economy, recapped.

Japan Airlines premium economy is rated as one of the best premium economy products in the world. Seats provide ample legroom, plus passengers get unique perks like airport lounge access. In all, Japan Airlines premium economy can make a long flight across the Pacific much more comfortable than flying in economy.

But is Japan Airlines, or JAL, premium economy worth the extra cost? Let's look at what you can expect on board so you can determine that for yourself.

(Photo by JT Genter)

The seats in Japan Airlines premium economy are some of the most spacious premium economy seats available. Seats have 42 inches of seat pitch, which is the distance from the back of your seat to the back of the seat in front of you.

That's compared with the de facto industry standard of 38 inches of pitch and at least 8 inches more than the already-generous 33 to 34 inches of pitch in Japan Airlines long-haul economy.

Even better, you don't have to worry about the seat in front of you reclining into your space: Japan Airlines premium economy seats slide forward, allowing the seatback to recline without encroaching into the space of the seat behind it.

So each passenger stays within their own space — and doesn't have to worry about the ethics of reclining their seat.

» Learn more: The points collector’s guide to Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines premium economy seats also have a large adjustable headrest, large leg rest and adjustable footrest to make it even easier to relax when reclined.

Seats are arranged as 2-4-2 on Japan Airlines Boeing 777 aircraft and 2-3-2 in Japan Airlines 787 premium economy. Either way, couples traveling together have plenty of two-seat window-aisle seat pairs from which to choose.

JAL premium economy seats have several aspects to provide a sense of privacy. In addition to a large seatback shell, each seat pair has a small privacy divider between seats. Next to that privacy divider, passengers have an adjustable reading light.

Each seatback has a 12.1-inch touch-controlled personal inflight monitor. That's large, but ANA premium economy bests that with up to a 15.6-inch screen.

Below the seatback screen is a large and sturdy fold-down tray table. And between seats you'll find a small mesh pocket that's the right size for a phone or water bottle.

One downside of Japan Airlines premium economy seats is the lack of underseat storage for large bags. Between support bars and the center console, underseat storage is chopped into spaces that might be too small to store larger items.

We haven't found a noticeable difference between the meals in Japan Airlines premium economy and Japan Airlines economy meals. With that said, Japan Airlines economy meals are some of the best in the sky. So, hopefully you won't be disappointed.

Japan Airlines premium economy meals consist of a main dish and several sides served on one tray. Meals are typically served with metal cutlery and wooden chopsticks for those who prefer to eat in a more traditional Japanese way.

As with meals, the Japan Airlines premium economy beverage menu is mostly based off the impressive drink selection served in Japan Airlines economy class. Passengers have a choice among:

Soft drinks.

The "JAL original drink."

A wide selection of spirits. 

In addition, Japan Airlines premium economy passengers can enjoy a mini-bottle of Champagne or Japanese shochu.

Japan Airlines lounge access

One of the unique features of Japan Airlines premium economy is lounge access before your flight. Premium economy passengers can access Japan Airlines Sakura lounges in airports where they are available, including:

Tokyo-Narita.

Tokyo-Haneda.

San Francisco. 

In airports where Japan Airlines doesn't have a lounge, premium economy passengers may still be able to access a partner lounge.

Onboard amenities

Japan Airlines premium economy seats are stocked with an almost overwhelming number of amenities at boarding. Each passenger gets:

Noise-canceling headphones.

A small amenity kit that includes a toothbrush set, eye mask, earplugs and a moisture mask.

Dedicated check-in lines

Japan Airlines premium economy passengers can check in at dedicated JAL premium economy check-in desks in eligible airports — or business class check-in lines when the premium economy check-in line is closed. Note that Oneworld elite passengers can check in through the even more premium first class or business class check-in lines.

Other perks of Japan Airlines premium economy

Priority checked baggage: Japan Airlines premium economy passenger bags get priority baggage handling — behind first class and business class.

Over-the-counter medicines: Although some airlines are hesitant to hand out medicines, Japan Airlines will provide passengers with items including painkillers and motion sickness meds.

Postcards and pens: Passengers can request postcards and a pen.

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Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. .

Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after spending $1,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card. .

Get 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. .

Earn 100,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/17/24. Terms Apply. .

» Learn more: Award sweet spots using Japan Airlines Mileage Bank miles

Japan Airlines premium economy offers bigger seats with much more legroom and extra perks — such as lounge access. Plus, you'll generally earn more miles than booking economy tickets.

However, price is the key to whether Japan Airlines premium economy is worth it for you. If you can snag a deal — such as a $1,309 round trip from Los Angeles to Bangkok through the AmEx International Airline Program — then upgrading to premium economy can make the long flights much more comfortable and may be worth the extra cost.

Also, it might be worth upgrading to premium economy at the airport if the economy class cabin looks full or you're stuck in a middle seat. I've found that Japan Airlines premium economy is available for an upgrade of $350 on flights out of Los Angeles to Tokyo or Osaka and cheaper on intra-Asia routes.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Japan Airlines premium economy is considered one of the best premium economy products in the world. That's thanks to spacious seats, amenities like slippers and noise-canceling headphones and premium perks like dedicated airport check-in and lounge access.

With that said, Japan Airlines premium economy lacks in a few areas. Meals are typically just an economy meal with better drink options, and some passengers may not like the seat recline design. Still, Japan Airlines premium economy is one of the best ways to cross the Pacific Ocean besides flying in a lie-flat seat.

(Top photo by JT Genter)

How to maximize your rewards

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Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

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Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Book premium economy with this airline – it’s the closest you can get to business class

W e’ve all ordered the second-cheapest bottle of wine on the menu, but what about the second-cheapest cabin on the aircraft: premium economy? Is it worth the 50 to 100 per cent bump on economy fares?

The world’s largest airlines would like us to think so. They’re installing bigger, better cabins faster than you can say “upgrade”. The number of premium economy seats on all airlines on an annual basis is projected to treble from 4,000 in 2021 to 11,145 next year, aviation analysts Counterpoint say. 

But, at first glance, the argument for upgrading is not so convincing. Take a look at the cabin. You certainly don’t get 50-100 per cent more space. The seats are only a few inches bigger – although the legroom is 5-6” greater and the seats come with calf- or footrests or both and double arm rests.

The cost per square inch calculation changes, however, if you are travelling in a pair. Grab the window and aisle seat pair and you and your companion have your own row. Almost all economy window and aisle row seats on long-haul jets come in sets of three while premium is 2-4-2 or 2-3-2. 

Snag the front row and no-one can recline their seat into your face and you can get up to stretch your legs or go to the loo without disturbing your companion. Throw in the fact that some premium cabins have as few as 20-odd seats, compared with the 200-plus in economy, and the price bump suddenly appears to be much better value. 

Things get better when you consider the other perks. Most airlines allow premium economy passengers to check in using a dedicated line and to board just after business-class passengers. Baggage allowance is also more generous. 

Now that you’re sitting comfortably, what’s next? The clue’s in the name. Economy. Airlines don’t want to offer a business class-style in-flight service lest too many high-paying business class passengers opt to downgrade. Business-class cabins may make up only one third of the space on a long-haul aircraft but they generate up to 70 per cent of the profits. 

That said, service is improving. Singapore Airlines and Japan’s ANA now offer champagne and the wines on Emirates are as good as business class on some other carriers. All airlines are offering better food and drink, usually served in china crockery and glassware, not plastic. You will be also served more quickly than in economy because the cabin is smaller.

The amenities tend to be basic. You’ll get earplugs, a toothbrush, a flimsy eye shade, a slightly less cheap-feeling blanket and pillow than in economy, and headphones that cancel noise – a bit. You are better off taking your own kit. For overnight flights, I recommend sculpted foam eye shades which enable you to blink easily, Hearos earplugs, and eucalyptus oil nose drops to ward off colds. Melatonin tablets help you to nod off and Elemis instant refreshing gel wakes you up in the morning. And, not sexy I know, but compression socks do help prevent blood clots. 

Boarding and getting off is quicker and easier since the premium economy cabin is in front of economy. Emirates leads here because its premium economy cabin is at the front of the lower deck of the Airbus A380 so you can use the front left-hand door. All other passengers on the lower deck use the middle door. 

The similarities between carriers generally outweigh the differences but there are distinctions which might help you make a choice. Emirates has the snazziest cabin, with cream leather and wood veneer, and it is staffed by a team of cabin crew dedicated to premium economy passengers. On the A380, it offers the best loo-to-passenger ratio – a generous three bathrooms for 56 passengers. The Dubai-based carrier currently has 27 A380s with a premium economy cabin that serve routes between Dubai and London Heathrow, Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland, Christchurch, Singapore, Los Angeles, New York/JFK, Houston, San Francisco, Mumbai, Bengaluru, São Paolo and Tokyo Narita.

Virgin Atlantic calls premium economy Premium, which is way better than British Airways’ word salad of World Traveller Plus . Virgin’s leather seats, softer lighting and more attentive service make its Premium feel more, well, premium than BA’s. On Virgin’s new A330Neo jet the seats have wireless phone charging and there is a self serve snack bar called the Wonderwall.

BA points out that members of its Executive Club loyalty programme earn generous tier points in World Traveller Plus, so it is a good cabin to book if you want to move up from Bronze status to Silver or Gold. On a return flight from London to New York JFK, the lowest premium economy ticket earns you 140 more tier points than the lowest economy ticket.

Qantas ’ is raising the bar on its new Airbus A350 jets, which will soon start flying the 20 hours non-stop from London and New York to Sydney and Melbourne. The 40-inch pitch (the measure of leg room) is two inches more than Qantas’s current premium economy and the same offered by Emirates, currently the class leader. There’s more privacy, too. “We’re redesigning the head rest to create a more pronounced wingback chair to give more visual seclusion, which is great if you’re travelling alone,” says Qantas’s designer David Caon. Caon is also refining “a new special pillow that integrates with the headrest and becomes part of the seat.”

The new seat will aid sleep. “You get a better recline, less because the seat back goes back more, and more because the bottom of the seat tracks forward and juts up, that gives you more of a ‘slung’ position. Combined with the footrest, it’s more like the old cradle seats that airlines used to have in business class,” Caon says.  

ANA, meanwhile, is the only airline to offer premium economy passengers lounge access and drinks from the business class menu on board. 

Singapore Airlines ’ passengers can use its popular ‘Book the Cook’ service to pre-order meals, but be careful: if you pre-order a meal, it’s hard to swap seats if you spot a better one that is free, since your meal is allocated to your seat. On its Airbus A350 jets from the Lion City to New York, it also offers six coveted single window seats at the rear of the plane. There is a new Out of the Woods amenity kit on flights longer than seven hours. (It is not clear why it has this name). 

Lufthansa ’s premium-economy seats are in the same cabin as economy, which betrays a complete misunderstanding of the class system at 39,000ft. All the cabins on the major American carriers have leather seats – but somehow manage to look cheap. 

What’s the bottom line? Premium economy is not as good value as business class since, pound for pound, you get more space and more perks in business over premium economy than you do in premium economy over economy. But choose the right carrier for your needs and snag the best seats and it can be money very well spent indeed.

Premium perks 

Virgin atlantic: best for hungry fliers.

Generous service complemented by the best pantry full of snacks and drinks that you can raid at any time. You can also use the fast-track security when leaving New York’s JFK. 

British Airways: best for night flights

A generous eight-inch seat recline makes BA a good bet for night flights. Book the A380 and you’ll be sitting upstairs so you can, in effect, look down on economy passengers. (It’s the little things…) 

Emirates: closest to business class

The closest you’ll get to business class with a plush cabin, three bathrooms, class-leading food and wine. I recommend the Thai pepper beef with jasmine rice, with  a glass or two of the Château d’Aiguilhe, Côtes de Castillon 2012, St Emilion.

ANA: best for lounge access

The Japanese carrier is the only one to offer lounge access and drinks from the business-class menu.  

Singapore Airlines: best for comfort

The best seats on any carrier, provided you’re on the mammoth, 19-hour trek from Singapore to New York. There are six solo window seats at the back of the Airbus A350-900ULR that it uses for this, the world’s longest flight, with their own storage bins between each seat and the window.

Qantas: best for heading Down Under

The best value and comfort to Australia is premium economy on Qantas’s Boeing 787 direct flight from London to Perth – and soon on direct flights from London and New York to Sydney and Melbourne. After all, who wants to spend up to 20 hours in economy?

Finnair: best value for Asia

With an elegant cabin of only 21 seats on its long-haul Airbus A330s and 24 on its Airbus A350s, Finland’s flag carrier offers a smaller cabin than most carriers and is often better value than BA on routes to Asia, but you will have to change planes in Helsinki.   

This article was first published in February 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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Jimmy Kimmel says his trip to Japan last week made him realize that the US is a 'filthy and disgusting country'

• Jimmy Kimmel now thinks the US is gross after he visited the bathrooms in Japan.
• "We are like hogs compared to the Japanese," Kimmel said Tuesday during his show.
• The late-night star said he recently took his family on a seven-day trip to the country.

The late-night host Jimmy Kimmel said observing hygiene standards in Japan drastically changed his perspective of cleanliness in the US and that he'd "never felt dirtier" in his home country.

Kimmel said Tuesday evening on an episode of " Jimmy Kimmel Live! " that before going to Japan on a seven-day family trip, he thought the US was "pretty buttoned-up" despite having areas for improvement.

"But now, after traveling to Japan, I realize that this place, this USA we're always chanting about, is a filthy and disgusting country," he said.

Kimmel added that he was blown away, in particular, by Japan's bathrooms.

"Not only did I not encounter a single dirty bathroom, the bathrooms in Tokyo and Kyoto are cleaner than our operating rooms here," Kimmel said.

The TV star lauded the loos at Japanese truck stops, which he said were "cleaner than Jennifer Garner's teeth."

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"It's like the whole country is Disneyland, and we're living at Six Flags. I've been home 36 hours. I've never felt dirtier," he said.

Kimmel added that he was impressed by how Tokyo residents didn't litter despite the lack of public trash cans, which were removed by local authorities in the wake of the 1995 sarin gas attacks .

"They're like, OK, no more trash cans. Everybody clean up after yourselves. And guess what? They clean up after themselves," Kimmel said.

"We are like hogs compared to the Japanese. I can't imagine what they must think of us," Kimmel said. "Oh, the garbage people. Yes, the Americans. Garbage. Yes."

Public bathrooms have become the source of tourist fascination in Japan, where toilets can come with automatic bidets, heated seats, sensors that take your pulse, and sound systems to mask the noise of flushing. In 2019, a Japanese toll operator installed public toilets on the Central Nippon Expressway that could measure driver fatigue .

Japan is typically known internationally for fostering a focus on cleanliness and hygiene. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Japanese national team made headlines for cleaning their dressing room after beating Germany 2-1 in an upset.

At the same tournament, FIFA praised Japanese fans for tidying up the local stadium after watching their matches.

Kimmel is one of tens of millions to recently visit Japan on vacation. A weak yen is thought to be fueling a tourism boom there, with government statistics saying tourists spent about $35.9 billion in 2023 .

Monthly visitor arrivals in Japan grew to 2.78 million in February , surpassing 2019 levels in what its tourism industry believes will be a continued, strong recovery from the COVID-19 health crisis.

Watch: Japan vs US Burger King | Food Wars

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