Gastronomic Japan

Hopefully, you’ll land today feeling fresh and rested. Our smiling team will be waiting for you after you collect your luggage and pass through immigration. Once they’ve run through your trip with you, given you all the tickets and documents you’ll need along the way, the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. There are some great accommodation options in Tokyo, we'll be sure to suggest the one best suited to you.

Get up early this morning and head to Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the largest seafood markets in the world. You’ll have the chance to sample some incredibly fresh sushi for breakfast along the way, and soak up the busy atmosphere of Tokyo as it wakes up. Next up, you’ll head off on a tour of Tokyo with your brilliant private guide. The tour will take in the sights of Hamarikyu Gardens, historical Asakusa and the Ameyoko street market of Ueno.

Today, you’ll take control of the chopsticks and improve your culinary skills with a private cookery class. Master the techniques required for 'washoku' as you learn all about the famous condiments of Japanese cuisine and create yourself a delicious lunch. We’re huge foodies here at HA, and if you ask us, there’s really no better way to get straight to the heart of a country than learning how to cook with the local flavours, ingredients and soul. The rest of the day is free to explore Tokyo at your own pace, if you need any pointers on where to head or what to do, we can help you with that. 

With a full day free today, there are so many highlights you could head to. Chat to us if you'd like some recommendations on any must-sees or secret spots. This evening, you'll head out with a local guide on a trip through the alleyways and izakaya (Japanese pubs) that are tucked away and usually overlooked by tourists. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy these typical eateries like the locals do, with simple but hearty food, all washed down with ice-cold beer. Kanpai!

It's time to leave Tokyo today and hop aboard the Shinkansen (Japan's iconic bullet train) and fly through the countryside to the often overlooked city of Kanazawa. You’ll spend some time when you arrive exploring the cultural treasures and atmospheric neighbourhoods that pop up all over the city. Often called 'Little Kyoto', Kanazawa has so much history to soak up. As the sun goes down, guided by a local expert, you’ll get to know the evening food scene of the Geisha district of Higashichaya.

We have left today free for you to explore Kanazawa at your own pace. We can give you lots of great ideas for things to see and do, where to try the best local food, as well as help you navigate your way around the city. Don't miss a visit to the beautifully landscaped Kenrokuen Gardens. Ordering yourself a gold leaf ice cream is a must!

All aboard the train again today as you’ll ride the rails to Kyoto, arguably the jewel in Japan's crown and a city not to be missed. Nothing is planned for your day, so after checking into your hotel, use our recommendations to weave your way through the city's many wonderful districts and timeless attractions. Our Japan experts, Fenton and Emma, have spent so much time exploring the secret treasures of Kyoto and know it like the back of their hands, so you’re in good hands. 

If there's one drink that epitomises Japanese cuisine, it's matcha green tea. Today, you’ll have the honour of meeting a tea master at their own house, where you’ll be guided through the traditions and ceremony of this quintessentially Japanese beverage. The Japanese tea ceremony is a hugely special tradition in the country. Known as chanoyu or sado, it's a highly ritualised practice all focused around the preparation and presentation of matcha. Emphasising harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity, it's Japanese culture in a drink. After the ceremony, continue your adventures yourself in Kyoto, perhaps visiting one of the city's many temples or shrines. Chat to us if you'd like a list of our favourites!

Today is yours to spend as you choose. There are some wonderful day trips we can arrange for you, or places we can suggest that you visit solo. It doesn't all have to be about food either – from gorgeous bamboo forests to iconic shrines, there’s plenty to explore. Plus, if you’d like to balance out the deliciousness with an adventure on two wheels, we have lots of cycling trips to hidden spots that we'd really recommend. 

Back on the bullet train to Hiroshima today, an understated foodie destination with plenty of choices for dining out. We’d suggest you hop on the local boat and head over to Miyajima this afternoon, where you can mingle with the friendly local deer, see the famous floating Itsukushima Shrine, and try some of the regional treats and sweets that are lovingly created on this forested island.

You can’t visit Hiroshima without taking the time to visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. It’s a sobering but informative and hugely worthwhile look at the dark history of this city and its resilience. This evening, you’ll get to know more about its present-day character with a night out in the happening downtown area. A brilliant local guide will join you and introduce you to the best food the city has to offer. Don't miss the okonomiyaki – so delicious, you'll want at least a couple before you leave.

Leave Hiroshima and stop for the afternoon in the city of Kobe - a mostly undiscovered gem, despite being so close to numerous major tourist stops. Kobe is famous worldwide for its mouthwatering beef, and your guided tour of the city will finish with a chance to sample some for yourself. Trust us, you won’t forget it. Suitably satiated, you'll continue your journey to Osaka, the irrefutable king of Japanese cuisine – and wonderfully wacky with it.

Take the day to explore the city for yourself, depending on your interests, we can point you to the best shopping, museums, temples or even theme parks. This evening, you’ll head into one of Osaka's prominent nightlife areas for an escorted journey designed to tantalise your taste buds. Eat as much as you can of this tasty, flavoursome fare before it’s time to fly home - it would be rude not to!

Today your adventure sadly comes to an end. It's time to head to the airport in time for your flight back to the UK, stomachs and hearts full from your delicious adventure around Japan.