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This 10-day culinary immersion through Japan, co-curated by celebrity chef Gary Mehigan, takes travelers from the neon-lit street food stalls of Osaka to the refined dining rooms of Tokyo, focusing on the "skill and soul" of Japanese gastronomy.
Guests will experience exclusive "Insider" highlights, including a hands-on okonomiyaki cooking class, a guided tasting at the historic Hakutsuru Sake Brewery, and a premium teppanyaki Wagyu beef dinner at the acclaimed Wakkoqu in Kobe.
The itinerary balances high-end culinary artistry with authentic local culture, featuring guided walks through Kyoto's Nishiki Market, traditional miso tastings, and a quest for Tokyo's ultimate chicken katsu sando.
By blending these curated expert recommendations with seasonal explorations of Japan's most iconic districts, the tour offers a comprehensive and sophisticated perspective on the country's world-class food scene.
Secure your spot now on this unforgettable tour, with departures available in September, October and November 2026, and March, April, May, August, September, October, November and December 2027. Book now before dates sell out!
Hi, I'm Yasmin. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.
Your Japanese adventure commences in the culinary capital of Osaka, a city that perfectly captures the country's unique balance between ancient tradition and futuristic innovation. After arriving at Kansai International Airport and making your way to your accommodation - staying at stylish locations such as Osaka Shinmachi, Moxy Osaka Honmachi, or Aloft Osaka Dojima - the journey officially begins with an exclusive private welcome dinner. This evening gathering serves as the perfect introduction to Japan's world-class gastronomy and provides a sophisticated start to your exploration of the archipelago's sky-high cityscapes and historic shrines.
On the second day, you will dive into the heart of Japan's "kitchen" with an expert-led exploration of Osaka's most iconic food districts, beginning with a stroll through Tenjinbashi, the country's longest shopping street. After stopping to experience the local convenience store culture at a 7-Eleven, you will transfer to the vibrant Namba district to witness the neon-lit energy of Dotonbori. Here, you'll enjoy a curated street food tour featuring regional specialties like takoyaki, kushikatsu, and savory okonomiyaki pancakes, followed by a lunch break among the diverse stalls of Namba Ramen Ichiza. The afternoon transitions to leisure time, allowing you to further explore the city at your own pace after approximately an hour of total travel time throughout the day's activities.
Today immerses you in the refined artistry of Japanese tradition, beginning with a hands-on sushi-making masterclass where you will learn the precise techniques of rolling and rice preparation from a local expert. Following your culinary workshop, you will transfer to Kobe for an insider sake-tasting experience at the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum, exploring the centuries-old fermentation processes behind Japan's national drink. The day reaches its peak with a signature dinner at Wakkoqu Restaurant, where you will witness the skillful teppan-style preparation of world-renowned A5 Kobe Wagyu beef, celebrated for its exquisite marbling and flavor. You will conclude the evening at the Kobe Portopia Hotel, reflecting on a day that perfectly balances educational craftsmanship with high-end gastronomy.
Today shifts the tempo as you send your luggage ahead to Kyoto and board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima for a day of profound reflection and interactive culture. Upon arrival, you will visit the Peace Memorial Museum and the surrounding Peace Memorial Park with a local guide, exploring moving monuments like the Atomic Bomb Dome that commemorate the city's history and commitment to peace. After checking into the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima, the evening lightens with a hands-on culinary experience at OKOSTA, where you will learn to craft Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki - a savory "as-you-like-it" pancake - before enjoying your creation for dinner.
Board the Shinkansen for a high-speed journey from Hiroshima to Kyoto, Japan's timeless cultural capital. After a free afternoon lunch - perhaps enjoying a quick bowl of station ramen - you will join your guide for an immersive walk through the historic Gion district, where the traditional wooden machiya houses and narrow lantern-lit streets of Higashiyama offer a glimpse into the world of geisha and maiko. The day concludes with a cozy Kyoto-style hot pot dinner, allowing you to customize a simmering cauldron of seasonal vegetables and premium meats before retiring to the Moxy Kyoto.
Deep dive into the sensory and spiritual highlights of Kyoto, beginning with a guided tasting tour through the vibrant stalls of Nishiki Market to sample local delicacies like tamagoyaki and matcha sweets. You will then visit the breathtaking Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion, a Zen temple shimmering in gold leaf set against a tranquil pond, before sitting down to a traditional lunch of Yudofu, a creamy tofu specialty crafted from Kyoto's renowned spring water. The afternoon concludes with a serene stroll through the towering stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, leaving you with a free evening to explore the city's dining scene at your own leisure after approximately 90 minutes of travel throughout the day.
This day begins with a hands-on culinary workshop where you will learn the traditional art of hand-rolling udon noodles and folding gyoza dumplings, enjoying your handmade creations for lunch before sending your main luggage ahead to Tokyo. After transferring to Nagoya, you will spend a peaceful afternoon wandering through the manicured landscapes and koi-filled ponds of the Tokugawaen traditional Japanese garden. The day concludes with a flavorful dinner featuring Nagoya's famous Tebasaki chicken wings - renowned for their double-fried crunch and savory-sweet umami glaze - before settling into The Strings Hotel Nagoya for the night.
Board a bullet train for a high-speed journey to Tokyo, a dazzling metropolis where ultra-modern skyscrapers meet quiet back-alley charm. Upon arrival, your exploration begins with a visit to Meiji Jingu, a serene Shinto shrine set within a lush forest, followed by a trip to the vibrant Harajuku district to experience the trendsetting streetwear and "kawaii" culture of Takeshita Street. After navigating the high-energy Shibuya Crossing - the world's busiest pedestrian intersection - you will conclude the day with a comforting dinner at a local udon noodle restaurant before checking into the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo.
Enjoy today's journey as it focuses on the sophisticated flavors of Tokyo, starting with an expertly led miso tasting class to explore the complex umami profiles of this essential fermented paste. After a quintessential lunch featuring crispy chicken katsu sandos on pillowy shokupan milk bread, you will join your guide for a refined stroll through the luxury boutiques and department stores of the upscale Ginza district. Your Japanese adventure culminates in a final farewell dinner, where you will join your fellow travelers to toast to your shared experiences before spending your last night at the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Tokyo.
After a final breakfast at your premium Tokyo hotel, you will be transferred to Narita or Haneda Airport for your flight home, concluding your 10-day culinary adventure.
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