______________________________________________________________________________
Culinary Travel in Japan: A Flavorful Adventure
Japan is a land of rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes, but it is perhaps best known for its exquisite cuisine. Culinary travel in Japan offers a unique opportunity to explore the diverse flavors and traditions that define this remarkable country. From street food stalls to Michelin-starred restaurants, the culinary landscape is as varied as the regions themselves.
One of the best ways to experience Japanese cuisine is through its vibrant street food scene. Each region in Japan boasts its own culinary specialties, making it essential for travelers to explore beyond the major cities. For a truly immersive experience, consider dining at a ryokan (traditional inn) where you can enjoy a kaiseki meal prepared with seasonal ingredients. This multi-course dining experience not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers insight into the Japanese philosophy of food presentation and harmony.
WANT TO PLAN YOUR OWN FOODIE JOURNEY? email: info@satedventures.com
SAMPLE ITINERARY - PRIVATE TOUR FOR 2
choose your own dates
DAY 1
Home - Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo! On arrival, you will be met at the airport by your private driver who will transfer you to your hotel to relax and refresh.
Overnight Capitol Hotel- Double room, breakfast included
DAY 2
Tokyo
B, L
This morning after breakfast, meet your private guide for your special day in Tokyo! The day begins with a visit to Asakusa. Asakusa was historically a bustling entertainment district and continues to celebrate its heritage with festivals and cultural events and a lively central area. The neighborhood retains a traditional atmosphere with its narrow streets, traditional shops, and rickshaws. The area is also home to Senso-ji, Tokyo's oldest and most significant temple, attracting millions of visitors each year. And then, it is onward to a unique experience with retired sumo wrestlers. Watch wrestlers perform the traditional sumo stance of Shiko, and experience the practice of Suppari face-to-face.
For lunch, a main course of tonkatsu, a typical Japanese home-style meal, and chanko-nabe soup, a sumo stable tradition, will be served. Onward to the Kitchen Town of Asakusa known as Kappabashi, a unique shopping district nestled in Tokyo's Taito Ward. With roots tracing back to the late 19th century, Kappabashi originated as a center for wholesalers supplying restaurants and food establishments. Today, it remains a vibrant destination, attracting both locals and visitors keen on acquiring top-quality kitchen essentials while immersing themselves in Japan's culinary heritage. Celebrated for its extensive range of kitchenware, restaurant essentials, and culinary tools, it spans multiple streets, offering products tailored to both professional chefs and home cooks. Visitors encounter an eclectic mix of items, from knives and cookware to plastic food models, restaurant furnishings, and specialized tools like sushi-making kits and ornate chopsticks. Kappabashi serves as a haven for culinary enthusiasts and those eager to explore Japanese gastronomic culture.
Vibrant market street offering a wide range of goods, including fresh seafood, clothing, and street food; a bustling atmosphere reminiscent of old Tokyo.
Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
DAY 3
Tokyo
B, L
Today after breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby to head out for the day on a series of experiences! First stop, the Toyosu Fish Market. This Toyosu Fish Market insider tour led by former tuna dealer leads you to the wholesale section of the market where normal tourists are not allowed. A tuna auction can be added if you like!
Here, you’ll also be treated to a sushi making class so you can learn more about the history of this unique dish and learn how to create the perfect hand-rolled pieces. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
DAY 4
Tokyo - Kanazawa
B
Today you’ll be collected from the hotel and taken to the train station for your journey to Kanazawa- we recommend buying an "ekiben" (station bento) at the station to eat during the train ride. Ekiben are special bento sold at train stations that are designed to be enjoyed on long train rides while showcasing the cuisine of the region they're from.
Meet your driver at the station who will transfer you to your hotel, Korinkyo. Located in downtown Kanazawa lies Korinkyo, a former art gallery now renovated into a boutique luxury hotel with a distillery. Don’t be surprised if you walk past the subtle entrance, only distinguishable by it’s name written in Kanji vertically and with the matching romaji next to it. A shopfront showcasing their homemade beauty lines of creams, soaps, shampoos, conditioners and scents (which you can also enjoy in your room) greets you on the ground floor with steps leading down to their intimate dining room if you choose to have meals on their premises, whilst up a short flight of stairs an elevator leads you into the hotel’s lobby. High arched windows (the originals from it’s former life) beckon you in with charming city views of Kanazawa and are a constant feature throughout the premises. Recline on the lobby’s comfortable settee as you take in the stunning minimalism, industrial, concrete architectural vibes bathed softly in natural light, as you sip on perhaps the most delicious herbal floral Taiwanese tea served in a gorgeous antique Japanese teacup.
We recommend a self exploration today on foot at some of the nearby highlights- such as the Higashi Chaya District, a well preserved geisha neighborhood where visitors can explore traditional tea houses and historical buildings. And, don’t miss the Nagamachi district, a historical area with preserved samurai residences, narrow lanes, and earthen walls, offering a glimpse into the life of samurai families.
Enjoy the evening at leisure.
Overnight Korinkyo- Double room, breakfast included
DAY 5
Kanazawa
B, L, D
This morning, meet your guide in the lobby for a day of unique sightseeing. Begin at the iconic Omicho Market where you will shop for fresh ingredients. Tour the market with a cookery expert who hails from Kanazawa and has a thorough knowledge of both the market and local ingredients. With the cooperation of the people involved in the market, it may be possible to visit a local shop that has been in business for over 300 years, where the staff can explain about the seasonal ingredients.
From here, you’ll make your way towards a nearby carefully renovated Machiya Townhouse where you'll get to enjoy a cooking class with a cookery expert and learn how to make regional cuisine. You will learn the basics of Japanese cooking, such as how to make dashi (Japanese soup stock), how to hold a knife and how to arrange a Japanese meal.
Onward to famed Kanazawa Castle- this historic site was the seat of the Maeda Clan and its impressive defensive structures and beautiful gardens will enchant and delight you. Round out the day with a stroll through Higashi Chaya District, a well preserved geisha district where visitors can visit its traditional tea houses and historical buildings still in tact.
This evening, enjoy a special dining experience at Kenroku-tei: a Japanese restaurant located in front of the Japan's oldest fountain in Kenrokuen Garden, offers the authentic Japanese dinner and a performance by the Kanazawa Geisha. Experience the special feeling of having the restaurant, Geisha and Kenrokuen Garden all to yourself as the garden is normally not open to the public at nighttime. This is the perfect way to end your day to make your trip even more memorable. Enjoy party games and music performances by 2 Geisha and the services of a specially assigned interpreter.
DAY 6
Kanazawa - Ishikawa
B, L
Today, head out for your day of guided experiences. First stop is a unique opportunity to explore the world of Kutani lacquerware. Kutani ware (called Kutani yaki in Japanese) is a type of pottery manufactured in and around the city of Kaga in Ishikawa prefecture. It is a traditional handicraft that was first produced during the early Edo Period (beginning of the 17th century). Kutani ware's notable features are vivid colors, bold and elegant designs, and a particular technique of overglaze decoration. This technique consists of using pigments to paint a pattern on the glazed surface and then firing the piece again. There is a wide variety of colors that can be used because the paint used for overglazing can be fired at about 800°C (about 1472°F).
Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant and then head to a unique brewery experience highlighting Japan’s most popular drink, sake! Noguchi Naohiko is one of the most famous living sake brewers. During his career, which started in 1949 at the age of 16, he spearheaded the revival of traditional methods and the development of delicate ginjo varieties. In 2017, he came out of retirement to open this brewery with the goal of teaching future master brewers. Visitors can reserve a spot in the intimate tasting room to try the institute's creations and learn how they were made. Its modern, minimalist design complements the views of pristine rice paddies to one side and the state-of-the-art sake pressing room to the other
Head to Beniya Mukayu, your hotel base for the rest of the day at leisure.
“An empty room will be filled with light because of its emptiness.” These are the words of the famous Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, who lived 2,300 years ago. His words signify that a mind entirely free of everything exists in a place of nothing ─ a place belonging to nowhere.“MUKAYU” is also a word from Zhuangzi, meaning “non-existence”, “non-purpose” or “the natural state as it is”, which he uses in an essay as “MUKAYU country”.In “MUKAYU country”, the values of people are overturned. Things considered useless are instead regarded as possessing great value.Take for example a large tree standing beside a road. Because the tree is bent and twisted, it is of no use for timber and so is left uncut. And because it has grown so tall, it is able to give pleasant shade to weary travelers on the road.Consider the time that remains as empty space in a busy schedule book. It is in fact time filled with freedom, because it is empty. It is the peace of mind found in the shade of a large tree that had initially appeared useless. Such are the thoughts and feelings that reside in the name of this inn, “MUKAYU”.
Overnight Beniya Mukayu Ryokan - Double room, breakfast included
DAY 7
Ishikawa
B, L
Meet your guide in the lobby for your full day of enriching sightseeing. Begin at Natadera Temple s a historic and scenic Buddhist temple located in Komatsu, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. Founded in 717 by the monk Taichō, it is part of the Shingon sect of Buddhism and was originally built as a place of worship for the sacred Mount Hakusan, which is considered one of Japan's three holy mountains.
The spacious grounds are best enjoyed with at least 30mins of walking.
Then, head out to learn the traditional technique to make soba noodles at Yamaboushi! This soba making experience will have you smiling and highly satisfied after a savory tasting. On your own later, perhaps consider exploring Kakusenkei Gorge , one of Japan’s most beautiful valleys ideal for hiking, strolling and taking extraordinary photos. Enjoy the remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
DAY 8
Ishikawa - Kyoto
B, D
This morning your driver will take you between the hotel and Kaga Onsen station by private car for your rail journey to Kyoto. A Japanese speaking driver will take you between the hotel and Kyoto station by private car.
Arrive at the hotel and meet your guide for a half day of sightseeing. The Hiramatsu Kyoto is a small luxury hotel stands on historic Muromachi-dori, in the very heart of Kyoto and occupies an old machiya townhouse, sensitively converted by a Kyoto master carpenter. A décor that blends 120 years of history with modern comfort, 29 spacious guest rooms, and both Japanese and Italian restaurants, make it the perfect setting to create beautiful new memories in this ancient city.
Tonight you’ll enjoy an authentic private Maiko dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant. During your dinner, you can watch a geiko or maiko (apprentice geiko) dance performance. After the performance, you can talk to the geiko or maiko and ask questions. If there is time left, you can also play traditional games.
Overnight The Hiramatsu Kyoto- Double room, breakfast included
DAY 9
Kyoto
B, D
Meet your guide at the hotel lobby for a day of sightseeing. Begin at Kinkaku-ji Temple whose famed Golden Pavilion is covered in gold leaf and reflects on a pond surrounded by lush gardens; originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for a shogun, Kinkaku-ji Temple today is considered one of Kyoto's most important locations. Visit the Garden Teahouse and its striking surroundings that are one of the most beautiful locations to experience tea ceremony in Kyoto. The traditional Japanese house, which sits amongst stunning gardens, is over 100 years old. This experience is also located a minute’s walk from the main gate of Ryoan-ji, one of Kyoto’s most popular destinations. The Zen temple is famed for its rock garden, which is possibly the most renowned of its kind in the world.
The Experience
- Learn about the culture and history of tea in our beautiful sofa room (overlooking the front garden)
- Enjoy a traditional sweet from one of Kyoto’s most famous confectioners
- Observe an authentic tea ceremony in our tea room (overlooking the back garden)
Enjoy shojin ryori (Zen vegetarian cuisine) at Shigetsu, a large temple-style restaurant surrounded by the natural beauty of Tenryu-ji's World Heritage gardens.
Shojin ryori has its origins in Chinese Zen, and was brought to Japan together with the Zen teachings during the thirteenth century. Zen Vegetarian Cuisine [Shigetsu] As natural parts of everyday life, cooking and eating have always been regarded in Zen as forms of spiritual practice. Shojin ryori manifests this outlook in a cuisine that harmonizes with Buddhist ideals, creating satisfying, nourishing meals from fresh seasonal vegetables, herbs, and wild plants while depriving no animals of life. Enjoy cuisine at Shigetsu that both sustains the body and provides a true taste of Zen.
Later, on your own, consider exploring Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a serene bamboo forest with towering stalks creating a peaceful atmosphere; adjacent to temples and the famous Togetsukyo Bridge, offering scenic views of the Hozu River. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
DAY 10
Kyoto
B
Meet your guide at the hotel lobby for a day of sightseeing. Begin the day with a special Izakaya cooking class. Learn Japanese home dishes in a unique Izakaya class in a traditional Machiya Townhouse. Japanese cuisine is not only about sushi, sashimi and tempura, but people eat many types of dishes at home. We pick 5~6 popular home dish and desert every season so you can feel Japan closer.
The afternoon Izakaya Class is a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese dining culture as well as learn authentic and popular Japanese foods that are eaten at home and in local restaurants. The course consists of two parts. First, you will cook 2~3 dishes and enjoy them. Then you will return to the kitchen and learn 2~3 more dishes before eating once more. Enjoy cooking and eating a variety of dishes including vinegar marinated cucumbers, pumpkin soup, grilled chicken with burdock meatball, dashi soup-based beef pasta and more in a cozy atmosphere just like in Izakaya restaurants (Japanese style pubs)!
Head to Kiyomizu-dera, the iconic Buddhist Temple offering panoramic views of Kyoto from its wooden stage surrounded by cherry and maple trees.
Stroll the historic streets of Kyoto on a casual foodie tour with a local expert! Join your guide this evening and see Kyoto by nightlight- enjoy authentic local bites in the backstreets of local neighborhoods, share a table and listen to real local voices, taste unique bites and enjoy the atmosphere.
DAY 11
Kyoto
B
Meet your guide at the hotel lobby for a day of sightseeing. Head to Sanjusangendo- officially known as Rengeo-in, a Buddhist temple located in the Higashimaya district of Kyoto renowned for its stunning architecture and impressive collection of statues. You’ll visit the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates lining forested trails up Mount Inari. This site is dedicated to Mount Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity.
After a break, your afternoon will be filled with a sip and savor delight as you enter into a unique experience combining the artistry of Edo era sake vessels and the exquisite tastes of aged sake. These treausres are usually reserved for private enjoyment but today they are open to you. Founded in 1675, the Fushimi-based brewery “Masada Tokubei Shoten” boasts a history of over 300 years, renowned for its traditional methods carefully blended with innovation. The brewery was the first to launch a unique type of sparkling sake and this exclusive tour gives you rare access to the owner, Mr. Tokubei as he takes you around.
After the tour, enter the salon for a sake tasting session where you can savor rich flavors and learn about its depth and complexity. Enjoy the evening at leisure.
DAY 12
Kyoto - Home
Today after checkout, your driver will collect you to bring you to the airport for your flight home.
Culinary travel in Japan is an unforgettable journey that engages all the senses. Whether you’re sampling street food or dining in a traditional setting, the flavors of Japan will leave a lasting impression. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure!
WANT TO PLAN YOUR OWN FOODIE JOURNEY? email: info@satedventures.com
Comments