Gastronomic Japan

15 days

Indicative cost incl. flights:

A typical 4* holiday costs from

£7,135pp

(Based on two people travelling. 3* can be cheaper, and 5* hotels can be substantially more expensive.)

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Tokyo

Kanazawa

Kyoto

Hiroshima & Miyajima

Osaka

Day 1

Fly from your UK airport of choice to Tokyo. Direct options are available from London Heathrow to arrive into Japan the following morning.

Day 2

Our team will be waiting for you after you collect your luggage and pass through immigration. Once they have run through your trip for you, given you all the tickets and documents you need, and sent you to your starting hotel, the rest of the day is free to spend as you wish.

Day 3

Get up early this morning and head to Tsukiji Fish Market, one of the largest seafood vendors in the world. Eat some incredibly fresh sushi for breakfast before continuing on a tour of Tokyo with a private guide. The day will take in the sights of Hamarikyu Gardens, historical Asakusa and the Ameyoko street market of Ueno.

Day 4

Improve your culinary skills today 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. The rest of the day is free to explore Tokyo on your own.

Day 5

With a full day free, there's a lot of sightseeing you could do - just don't forget to break up the day with a nice lunch! This evening we will escort you on a trip through the alleyways and izakaya (Japanese pubs) that are usually ignored by tourists. Get to enjoy these typical eateries like the locals do - with simple but hearty food, washed down with ice cold beer.

Day 6

Time to depart Tokyo as you board the shinkansen (bullet train) to the city of Kanazawa. Spend some time upon arrival exploring the cultural treasures and atmospheric neighbourhoods. As the sun goes down, guided by a local expert, get to know the evening food scene of the Geisha district of Higashichaya.

Day 7

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, and places to try the best local food, as well as helping you navigate your way around the city.

Day 8

All aboard the train again as you ride the rails to Kyoto - arguably the jewel in Japan's crown. Nothing is planned for your day, so after checking in to your hotel, use our recommendations to weave your way through the city's many wonderful districts and timeless attractions.

Day 9

If there's one drink that epitomises Japanese cuisine, it's matcha green tea. Today you will meet a tea master at their own house and be guided through the traditions and ceremony of this quintessentially Japanese beverage. Continue your adventure yourself in Kyoto, perhaps visiting one of the city's many temples or shrines.

Day 10

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 - if you would like to cycle off those calories, we have lots of trips that may suit your tastes.

Day 11

Back on the bullet train to Hiroshima - an understated foodie destination with plenty of choices for dining out. We would suggest you head over to Miyajima this afternoon, where you can mingle with the friendly local deer, and try some of the regional treats and sweets that are lovingly created on this forested island.

Day 12

We would recommend that you visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum today, for an informative and worthwhile look at the dark history of this city. In the evening, get to know more about it's present-day with a night out in the happening downtown area. A local guide will introduce you to the best food the city has to offer.

Day 13

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. Suitably satiated you will continue your journey to Osaka, the irrefutable king of Japanese cuisine.

Day 14

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, head into one of Osaka's prominent nightlife areas for an escorted journey for your taste buds. Eat as much as you can of this tasty, flavoursome fare - it would be rude not to!

Day 15

Hopefully you managed to sleep last night, but the long journey back to the UK will give the opportunity to rest and recuperate - stomachs and hearts full from your delicious adventure around Japan.

Where you'll go
What you'll do
Where you'll stay

Similar Holidays

Everything we do is tailor-made; our itineraries are just suggestions to give you an idea of what is possible. Please contact us so we can tailor the perfect holiday exclusively for you.

Japan is a feast for your eyes and your taste buds – and it’s a lot more interesting than just conveyor-belt sushi and ramen noodles. Let us whisk you around this magnificent country, taking you to the parts that serve up the best sightseeing and the most memorable regional cuisine.

While we would always expect you to visit the key attractions that each city has to offer, we also want to ensure you’re doing it with a full stomach. Learn to cook with Japanese precision, frequent izakaya restaurants in Tokyo’s alleyways after dark, ‘eat-til-you-drop’ on the neon-soaked streets of Osaka, and savour the bitter taste of freshly brewed matcha with a peaceful tea ceremony in Kyoto. Whether you’re a gourmand, a die-hard foodie, or a curious traveller looking to discover new flavours, this is a tour that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

1 night flying – 4 nights Tokyo – 2 nights Kanazawa – 3 nights Kyoto – 2 nights Hiroshima – 2 nights Osaka