Japanese Culinary Heritage Tour

Day 1 – Tokyo
When you arrive at the tour hotel in central Tokyo, you'll meet your guide and fellow travellers in the evening. To kick things off, we'll head out and explore the city's lively streets, ending up at a restaurant for a traditional Japanese dinner called a "robatayaki." This unique cooking style uses hot charcoal to grill various ingredients at different speeds.
Overnight Tokyo Hotel (D)

Day 2 – Kanazawa
Our train slices through the countryside, delivering us to Kanazawa, a jewel nestled on the Japan Sea coast. Steeped in history as the seat of the powerful Maeda Clan during the Edo period, this city boasts a majestic castle and a legacy of refined cuisine. Unwind and explore the charming Higashichaya district at your own pace, savouring a delicious lunch on your own. Later, join a local chef on an adventure through Oomi Ichiba, the vibrant heart of Kanazawa's culinary scene, nicknamed "Kanazawa's Kitchen Pantry." This bustling market has tantalized residents and visitors for centuries with its ever-changing bounty. Here, amidst the dazzling array of fresh produce and local specialties, gather the ingredients that will become the stars of your culinary creation. As the day draws to a close, we'll step into a traditional Japanese-style residence. In this tranquil setting, guided by a culinary expert, your market finds will transform into a symphony of flavours. Prepare to unlock your inner chef and create a delectable feast, a testament to the rich traditions of Kanazawa.
Overnight at Japanese style hotel (BD)

Day 3 – Forage for local delicacies
Bidding farewell to Kanazawa, we embark on a scenic journey by private motorcoach to Gokayama, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Time seems to stand still amidst these distinctive gassho-zukuri farmhouses, their iconic thatched roofs resembling hands clasped in prayer, reaching towards the heavens. This region has remained largely untouched by the rush of modern life. Here, villagers hold fast to their ancestral traditions, gathering and preserving "sansai," the treasures of the mountain, alongside cultivating their own vegetables and mushrooms. We'll delve into the surrounding mountains, hands reaching out to gather the seasonal bounty that this unique ecosystem offers, guided by a local plant hunter. Our Japanese adventure then leads us to the warm hospitality of Mr. Nakanishi, a local resident who cultivates a special variety of rice specifically for brewing sake. Prepare for an unparalleled experience: a taste of "doburoku," homemade sake with an unrefined charm. To complement this exquisite local brew, villagers will share their culinary wisdom, transforming our foraged finds into a feast, a testament to the deep-rooted traditions and the spirit of Gokayama.
Overnight at a Minshuku (family-run guesthouse) (BLD)

Day 4 – Shirakawa and Takayama
Fuelled by a traditional Japanese breakfast, we hop on a comfortable highway bus to explore nearby Shirakawago. This village boasts its own collection of awe-inspiring gassho-zukuri houses, earning its well-deserved place on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 1995. After a delicious lunch in Shirakawa-go, we'll continue our journey to Takayama, a town nestled in the heart of the mountainous Hida region. Takayama charms with its beautifully preserved old town. Traditional architecture reigns supreme, showcasing the region's rich heritage in crafts like exquisite yew-wood carvings, Shunkei lacquerware, and pottery. In the evening we'll gather for an unforgettable culinary experience at a family-run ryokan, where a multi-course kaiseki dinner awaits. Kaiseki, the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine, elevates the dining experience to an art form. Each dish is meticulously prepared using only the freshest, seasonal ingredients. Even "hashiri," rare treasures harvested before their season, may find their way onto the menu, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this unforgettable gastronomic adventure.
Overnight at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) (BD)

Day 5 - Hida-Furukawa
A quick train ride whisks us away to Hida-Furukawa. Stroll through the beautifully preserved old town lined with distinctive white-walled storehouses, their very presence whispering tales of the Edo Period. Here, we'll team up with a local food guru who will help us explore the town's bustling markets. Later, we'll delve into the fascinating world of sake brewing at a local brewery, where a tasting awaits. To cap off the day, the evening is yours to explore at your leisure.
Overnight at a Ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) (BL)

Day 6 – Takayama to Osaka
Our train journey to Osaka begins with a delicious "ekiben," a traditional Japanese train station bento box, to fuel our adventure. Osaka, historically known as "the nation's kitchen," boasts a vibrant culinary scene, from Michelin-starred establishments to the legendary street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. This evening, we'll embark on a unique experience in the heart of Namba, visiting a passionate sake enthusiast. For over 30 years, this individual has dedicated themselves to showcasing the best local sake breweries and fostering a community of like-minded aficionados. To complement the sake tasting, we'll delve into the world of "sakana," dishes traditionally paired with sake. These specially chosen delicacies will perfectly complement the unique flavours and aromas of each sake, creating a truly memorable culinary experience.
Overnight at a hotel in Osaka (BD)

Day 7 – Sakai City
This morning, we'll hop on a local train to Sakai City. Once famed for the legendary blades wielded by samurai, this city now holds a different kind of cutting edge: the art of Japanese kitchen knives. We'll make our way on foot to a local blacksmith's workshop and witness the forging process firsthand. Sparks will fly, embers will glow, and skilled craftsmen will reveal the secrets behind the creation of these coveted blades. From the intricate folding of steel to the art of achieving razor-sharp edges, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and skill that goes into each knife. You'll also learn the art of sharpening and maintaining these precision tools, ensuring your cuts are always clean and efficient. As evening descends, we'll return to Osaka, where the rest of the night is yours to explore the city's vibrant culinary scene at your own pace.
Overnight at a hotel in Osaka (B)

Day 8 – Awaji Island
Our journey continues to Awaji Island. Steeped in history as a "food provider to emperors," the island boasts a rich culinary tradition waiting to be explored. First, we'll witness the lively energy of a fish auction at a local port, getting a glimpse into the heart of the island's fishing industry. Soak up the sunshine and the sound of waves as you enjoy a delicious meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients. If the weather throws a curveball, we'll head to a charming former elementary school, now transformed into a delightful cafe, for an equally enjoyable experience. In the afternoon, we meet our "foodscape" artist chef! They'll use locally sourced ingredients to create a stunning edible landscape, a feast for the eyes and the palate. For the evening, you have the freedom to choose.
Overnight at a hotel on Awaji Island (BL)

Day 9 – Kyoto and tea plantation
We take a private vehicle back from Awaji Island, stopping for lunch along the way. Refuelled and ready to explore, we'll head to Uji, a world-renowned region famous for its exquisite green tea. At a scenic tea plantation, we'll delve into the world of Uji's green tea. Witness the lush fields and learn about the cultivation process and prepare your taste buds for a tea-tasting session. This unique experience will help you appreciate the true depth and flavour of Uji's green tea. Our journey then continues to Kyoto City, where we'll step back in time at a renovated samurai residence. Here, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. If you wish, you can enhance the experience by wearing a beautiful kimono (optional).
Overnight at a hotel in Kyoto (B)

Day 10 – Nishiki Market and Earth Oven
Kyoto, a culinary haven renowned for its delicate "washoku" cuisine and the artistic tapestry of "kaiseki" meals, beckons this morning. We'll begin our exploration at the vibrant Nishiki Market, Kyoto's bustling "kitchen." This kaleidoscope of colours and aromas boasts an incredible variety of local specialties, from fresh seafood and pickled vegetables to fragrant teas and delectable sweets. Next, we learn the secrets of cooking in a traditional "okudo-san," a rarely used earth oven, offering a glimpse into the past culinary practices of Kyoto. Our journey then takes us to Arashiyama, where we'll sample a serene Buddhist vegetarian lunch amidst the tranquil beauty of a Japanese garden. After relaxing at the bamboo forest, we'll head to central Kyoto for a farewell dinner, marking the culmination of our unforgettable culinary adventure through the heart of Japan.
Overnight at a hotel in Kyoto (BLD)

Day 11 – Depart Kyoto
Our tour ends after breakfast at the hotel in Kyoto. Your guide will offer advice on your journey to the airport for your homeward flight, or on onward travel in Japan if you are extending your stay.