Discover Japan’s culinary soul on a bold 9-day food tour through Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, and Osaka. Dive into Tokyo’s nostalgic flavors with a guided walk through Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai. Learn to craft ramen from scratch in a hands-on cooking class, then head to Tsukiji Market to sample fresh seafood and savory street snacks. Ride the Romance Car train to Hakone and explore the region freely with the Hakone Free Pass. Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto and engage in Japan’s cultural roots with a traditional tea ceremony. In Osaka, tour the historic Osaka Castle. Get creative in Namba with a food sample-making workshop, then walk to Kuromon Market, famous as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” to taste its legendary local specialties. Each stop blends hands-on experiences, flavor, and insight into Japan’s food traditions.
Highlights
Explore Tokyo's food culture at Shinjuku's Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho
Savor classic izakaya and beverages while learning the history of the area
Stroll Yanesen area, a nostalgic area of Tokyo filled with vintage shops
Learn how to make authentic ramen in a hands-on ramen cooking class
Visit Tsukiji Market and taste seafood, street snacks, and unique treats
Visit Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple
Join a traditional Japanese tea ceremony wearing kimono
Taste local food at Nishiki Market, also known as "Kyoto's kitchen."
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver in the arrival lobby for a private transfer to your hotel. A prearranged early check-in at the hotel is set so you can settle in and relax before your Japan adventure begins!
After resting, experience Tokyo’s nostalgic food scene with a guided evening tour through Omoide Yokocho and Golden Gai in Shinjuku. Savor authentic yakitori, izakaya bites, and local drinks in these atmospheric alleyways filled with tiny, retro-style bars. Enjoy Tokyo's izakaya culture's lively nightlife, unique history, and hidden gems.
Start your day by exploring the charming Yanesen neighborhood. This area is known for its old-world charm, narrow streets, and traditional shops. Take a leisurely walk through the historic district, explore local crafts, vintage shops, and charming cafes. A short walk from Yanesen, Nezu Shrine is one of Tokyo’s oldest and most beautiful shrines. Famous for its stunning torii gate pathway and lush gardens, this serene spot is perfect for a leisurely walk.
In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on guided ramen cooking experience. Discover how to make authentic Japanese ramen from scratch. From crafting the noodles to perfecting the broth. This interactive session is a fun and delicious way to explore Japan’s culinary culture.
End your day in Ueno, a district rich in cultural sites. Visit Ueno Park, a vast green space home to museums and tranquil ponds. If you are interested, consider visiting the Tokyo National Museum or the National Museum of Nature and Science.
Today, start your day with a late-morning visit to Tsukiji Outer Market, a paradise for food lovers. Stroll through the bustling market, sampling fresh seafood, street snacks, and seasonal delicacies before indulging in a sushi lunch at a local eatery.
After lunch, relax at the Hamarikyu Gardens, a beautiful Edo-period garden offering a peaceful retreat. From there, hop on a ferry to Asakusa, enjoying scenic views of Tokyo’s skyline along the Sumida River. Arriving in Asakusa, explore the lively Nakamise Dori, where you can taste traditional snacks like taiyaki (sweet fish-shaped pastry) and shop for unique souvenirs. Visit the iconic Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
End the tour in Kappabashi, Tokyo’s famous kitchenware district, where you can browse specialty shops selling high-quality Japanese knives, cookware, and tableware—perfect souvenirs for cooking enthusiasts.
On this day, explore Tokyo independently. Here are some of the recommended places to visit:
TeamLab Planets
Step into a world of immersive digital art at TeamLab Planets. This one-of-a-kind interactive experience invites you to walk through water-filled rooms, mirrored spaces, and mesmerizing light installations. Engage all your senses as you become part of the artwork, creating a surreal and unforgettable journey.
Takeshita Dori & Shibuya—A Food Lover’s Delight
For a vibrant street food experience, visit Takeshita Dori in Harajuku, which is known for its colorful and creative treats. Try giant rainbow cotton candy, crepes filled with whipped cream and fruit, or freshly made melon pan—all Instagram-worthy and delicious!
Continue to Shibuya and explore hidden izakayas, trendy cafés, and dessert shops. Do not miss the Shibuya Scramble Square food hall, where you can sample high-end sweets, matcha treats, and artisanal pastries. For something unique, visit a Japanese soufflé pancake café for the fluffiest pancakes.
Set off on a journey to Hakone, where soothing hot springs, lush mountain landscapes, and sweeping views of Mount Fuji await. Relax in the elegance of the Romance Car as you glide out of Tokyo.
Upon arriving, enjoy a full day exploring Hakone independently. With the Hakone Free Pass, experience unlimited access to local buses, trains, boats, and cable cars, making it quick to discover the region’s many highlights. Visit the iconic Hakone Shrine, cruise across the serene waters of Lake Ashi, or wander through the open-air museum filled with striking sculptures. The day is yours to design, your way.
After a day of exploration, settle into your accommodation at a traditional ryokan. A traditional Japanese inn offers a serene atmosphere, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the hot springs (onsen) that Hakone is famous for. Experiencing the tatami mat rooms and wearing yukata robes while relaxing in the ryokan’s baths or savoring a traditional kaiseki dinner included this evening.
Begin your day with a comfortable private car transfer from your accommodation in Hakone to the Odawara Station. Board the Shinkansen, Japan's famous bullet train, for a swift and scenic journey to Kyoto. Enjoy the smooth ride and marvel at the picturesque landscapes passing by.
Upon arrival in Kyoto, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Wander the charming streets near your hotel, visit nearby shrines, or unwind in a cozy café. Kyoto's unique combination of traditional and modern elements offers countless possibilities for discovery.
Start your day with a private tea ceremony, an introduction to one of Japan's most revered cultural traditions. Dressed in traditional kimonos, learn the art of tea preparation and the significance of every gesture from a skilled tea master. After the tea ceremony, proceed to Nishiki Market for lunch. It is a lively, historic shopping street known as "Kyoto's Kitchen." Packed with over 100 shops and stalls, it offers various fresh produce, local delicacies, and unique snacks. Perfect for food lovers.
In the afternoon, enjoy the time to explore independently. Recommended locations to explore are:
Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka- These picturesque, sloping lanes are perfect for strolling while wearing kimonos. Lined with traditional wooden shops, teahouses, and small temples, the area offers a glimpse into Kyoto's past.
Kiyomizudera Temple is renowned for its large wooden terrace. Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, is known for its historic teahouses, lantern-lit streets, and traditional performances, all of which preserve Japan’s elegant cultural heritage. Yasaka Shrine, a historic Shinto shrine in Kyoto, is known for its vibrant festivals, striking vermilion gates, and guardian lanterns that glow at night.
Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and head to Osaka by train for the day. Start your journey at the magnificent Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s rich history and an impressive architectural marvel, surrounded by lovely grounds. Next, experience the art of food sample making in Namba. Learn the traditional craft, dating back 100 years, using wax to create lifelike food replicas. Afterward, enjoy shopping for unique souvenirs to take home.
Next, walk to Kuromon Market for lunch. Kuromon Market, in Osaka's Namba district, is a vibrant food hub offering fresh seafood, local delicacies, and street food. Known as "Osaka's Kitchen," it's a must-visit for food lovers.
In the afternoon, enjoy visiting the Pokémon Center or JUMP Shop for some shopping before concluding your day with a lively foodie tour in Dotonbori, Osaka’s bustling entertainment district. Indulge in local delights such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu while engaging in the vibrant street life and neon-lit atmosphere.
Day 9: Return Home
1 Breakfast
Today is your final day in Japan. After checking out of your hotel, a private car will pick you up and take you to the airport for your departure flight.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,942
Notes
Pricing is estimated for high season and fluctuates by departure date. Please request a quote from a Trip Planner for the most current pricing and details.
This trip is enjoyable most of the year, but June is typically considered a rainy month, and September is typically typhoon season. July and August are very hot months for traveling in Japan.
Initial deposit is 35% of the total cost of the trip, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check, or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and a maximum of $20,000 charge
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