Japan Real Food Adventure

lunch

Immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture with a visit to Meiji Shrine, a significant Shinto shrine. Witness traditional Japanese rituals and deity offerings.

Discover the natural beauty of Tokyo with a visit to Hama-rikyu Gardens, a serene oasis of winding paths in the heart of the city.

Soar to the summit of the world's tallest structure, Tokyo Skytree, and witness the city's breathtaking panorama unfold beneath you. Marvel at the iconic landmarks that dot the landscape, from the Imperial Palace to the Tokyo Tower, and capture unforgettable memories from this unparalleled vantage point. On a clear day, you should be able to see the peak of Mount Fuji, which is located about 84 km to the west.

As the tour concludes, indulge in a Japanese whisky-tasting experience at a locally-run bar. While sampling various whiskies, learn about the country's high-grade brands and soak up the hip atmosphere.

Meiji Shrine

Tokyo Skytree

lunch

After breakfast we transfer to Tokyo Station to ride Japan’s renowned Shinkansen bullet train to Kanazawa. It is positioned between the volcanic soils of the Japanese Alps and the abundant Sea of Japan, offering an incredible array of seasonal food choices.

Meander the slender lanes of Higashi Chaya District. With its well-preserved streets and old wooden tea houses, this is where geisha perform music and dance for small private functions.

In the evening, join your leader for an optional dinner to sample local dishes bursting with regional flavour, particularly fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. The unique blend of warm and cold currents creates the perfect conditions for a wide variety of fish and shellfish year-round, including the famed Kano crabs and sweet prawns.

Higashi Chaya District

lunch

Stroll along the serene pathways of Kenrokuen Garden, admire the meticulously manicured landscapes, and find tranquility amid the picturesque ponds and waterfalls.

Then, take a walk around Omicho market, which local people regard as the 'Kitchen of all Kanazawa People'. See, smell and taste the freshest seafood from the Sea of Japan.

Explore the stalls and seek out the best seasonal ingredients, learning how to spot the freshest seafood and vegetables along the way. Then head to a local home for a cooking class with an expert foodie. Pick up some tips and tricks on how to cook local cuisines, learn the history of Kanazawa’s favourite foods and then enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch.

This afternoon, you’re free to explore Kanazawa at your leisure.

Kenrokuen Garden

Omicho Market

lunch

A 1-hour drive will take you to Shirakawa-go, the fairy tale world made of traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses hidden in picturesque river valley. Marvel at the traditional gassho-style farmhouses, their distinctive thatched roofs forming a harmonious landscape against the backdrop of the Japanese Alps.

Take off the shoes and explore the living room, guest room, butsuma, and so on inside Wada House to get an idea of how people lived back then. Thereafter, check out the great view of this area at Shirakawa-go Observation Deck.

After that, travel to Kyoto on the Shinkansen. Kyoto, a city regarded as the cultural heart of Japan.

After arrival, check-in at your hotel and have a rest before participating in a well-choreographed special dinner experience at a traditional tea house in Gion District. You will be treated to a feast of traditional Japanese cuisine while being entertained by a Geisha, who will sing, play musical instruments, and perform for you.

Geisha Dinner Show

lunch

Enter Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous Kyoto temple. It offers a beautiful view of the city and has a history dating back to 778 AD.

Then, visit Kinkakuji Temple, also known as Golden Pavilion as it's covered in gold leaf. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is in a beautiful garden with a pond.

Have yourselves some local snacks at Nishiki Market. You'll find lots of interesting food stalls and shops selling anything from traditional Japanese candy to fresh seafood.

Finish the day's visits at Arashiyama, a mountainous Kyoto district famous for its beautiful bamboo groves, Togetsukyo Bridge over Katsura River, and serene atmosphere.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Nishiki Market

lunch

The savory Japanese style noodles, commonly known as ramen, consists of wheat noodles, broth, and various meat or vegetable toppings. At a local ramen factory, join a cooking class to try your hands at making noodles from scratch, mixing the boiled ones with the soup, and putting the toppings on. After that, enjoy your personalized bowl of ramen for lunch.

Embrace the elegance of Japanese culture with a kimono-wearing experience. Select a beautiful kimono from a vast collection and let expert staff assist you in draping it perfectly. Capture the enchanting moment with a traditional photo shoot, creating timeless memories of your Kyoto adventure.

Stroll along the picturesque Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka slopes, lined with traditional wooden houses and shops. Wander through the narrow lanes, admiring the preserved architecture and soaking in the charming atmosphere of Kyoto's historic district.

Ramen Cooking Class

Kimono-wearing Experience

lunch

Immerse yourself in the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding their way up Mount Inari. Stroll along the seemingly endless path, surrounded by the vibrant red gates, and experience the spiritual serenity that has drawn pilgrims for centuries.

Delve into the art of matcha, the renowned green tea powder that has become synonymous with Japanese tea culture. Under the guidance of a skilled artisan, discover the traditional techniques of making matcha, from harvesting and processing the tea leaves to grinding them into fine powder. Savor the delicate flavor of matcha tea and learn about its cultural significance.

Step into the tranquil embrace of Nara Park, home to a majestic herd of sika deer that roam freely amid ancient woodlands and serene temples. Witness the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, and capture the iconic image of the deer bowing to visitors.

Afterwards we continue on to Osaka, a city renowned for its delectable cuisine, captivating entertainment, and historical landmarks.

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Making matcha

lunch

Start today's tour from the tranquil ambiance of Osaka Castle Park, a historical bastion amid the modern cityscape, strategically looming over the surrounding park and moat.

Connect with the city's past at Osaka Museum of History where you can perceive Osaka's journey from ancient times through well-curated exhibits.

Then, absorb the artistry of Japanese woodblock prints known as Ukiyo-e at Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum. Embark on a hands-on ukiyo-e printing experience, where you would learn the traditional techniques of creating these iconic woodblock prints. Under the guidance of a skilled artisan, create your own ukiyo-e masterpiece, taking with you a tangible piece of Japanese artistic tradition.

Dive into the energetic atmosphere of Dotonbori, known for its bright neon lights, culinary delights, and lively entertainment. Conclude your day's adventure with a culinary odyssey through Osaka's vibrant food scene. Savor the flavors of takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and other local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the city's countless restaurants and food stalls.

Osaka Castle

Dotonbori

You will be picked up and taken to the airport for your return flights home.