Culture & Cuisine in Japan: Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo, Foodie Exploration in the Shinjuku District

Welcome to Japan! Your flight lands in Tokyo, where you'll meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. As Japan's capital and most populous city, Tokyo is all about the hustle and bustle, combining a decidedly urban vibe with a wealth of history and culture. The city is also known for its wide-ranging cuisine, and once you've checked in at your hotel and had a chance to regroup, head out to explore some of the incredible food on offer here.

A great place to start is the Shinjuku district, a hotspot for shopping, entertainment, and endless opportunities to sample Japanese cuisine. Walk around and soak in the lively atmosphere, then visit a sushi restaurant for authentic omakase sushi prepared right in front of your eyes. You can also visit restaurants serving wagyu beef yakiniku (thinly sliced and grilled meat), where you cook your food tableside. Finish with dessert at a nearby snack restaurant, then return to your hotel to rest up for tomorrow's adventures. 

Day 2: Guided Tour of Tokyo's Top Sites with Whisky Tasting

Today's adventure takes you through Tokyo's rich history and vibrant present. Meet your guide in the morning and start your tour in the Asakusa district, the city's ancient cultural hub. Here, you'll visit the revered Senso-ji temple, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. Marvel at the temple's exquisite architecture as your guide shares insight into the spiritual traditions that have shaped Japan for centuries.

Leave behind lively Asakusa and move on to the tranquility of Meiji Jinju, nestled within a lush, forested area, which provides a welcome respite from the busy city. Learn about the shrine's history and importance to the people of Tokyo, and absorb the peaceful ambiance that surrounds you. From here, you'll head to the whimsical Harajuku district, known for its vibrant street art, eclectic fashion, and contemporary architecture. Stroll past fun boutiques and shops, and look for a glimpse of the famed backup dancers known as the "Harajuku Girls."  

The tour closes with an authentic Japanese whisky tasting, which is sure to be a treat for the taste buds! Visit a charming local bar and sample various high-grade whiskies while learning about their distinct flavors and the brands that produce them. Revel in the bar's hip atmosphere, and chat with local patrons as you sip some of the finest liquor Japan has on offer.

Day 3: Visit the Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, Hands-on Sushi Making Class

This morning, take a guided tour of Tsukiji Outer Fish Market, where an extensive array of shops trade all sorts of freshly cooked delicacies and cooking ingredients. Browse the kiosks and enjoy the colorful sights and tempting smells of the market, as your guide provides insights into the importance of seafood in Japanese culture. If you need some sustenance, try a fresh sushi breakfast from one of the restaurants.

After you explore local market life, learn more about the traditions of Japanese cuisine with a sushi-making workshop. Join a master sushi chef for a hands-on class, perfecting your sushi-rolling skills and gaining valuable knowledge about proper sushi preparation. You'll get a chance to create several different types of sushi, from traditional nigiri to inventive rolls, and afterward, you'll sit down to enjoy your sushi feast.

Tonight, you're free to continue your gastronomic adventures on your own. You can dine at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants, check out local markets for authentic street food, or join a local foodie tour, all of which offer excellent opportunities to further immerse yourself in Japanese culture.

Day 4: Train to Kyoto, Private Maiko Dinner Show

Your next destination is the city of Kyoto, a cultural powerhouse known for its historic traditions, temples, gardens, and of course, food! After hotel checkout, make your way to the train station and board your Shinkansen train for the 2.5-hour ride, where, upon arrival, you'll make your way to your Kyoto accommodations.

Later tonight, experience a memorable evening at a premium restaurant while enjoying a private dinner show in a traditional tatami room. Savor a delectable multicourse kaiseki dinner as you watch geishas (female Japanese performing artists) and maiko (geishas in training) in a dance performance. This is your chance to learn more about the world and traditions of geisha culture as you participate in interactive games and get photos with the entertainers. 

Day 5: Guided Kyoto Sightseeing Tour, Sake Tasting

Today you'll get a chance to visit some of the city's UNESCO World Heritage sites, enjoying a comprehensive look at the beautiful temples, shrines, and castles that make Kyoto so remarkable. Your guide will collect you from your hotel, and you'll start at Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple with a large golden pavilion. Walk around the peaceful grounds, and be sure to visit the temple's top floors, which are completely covered in gold leaf.

Continue to Nijo Castle, built in 1603 as the residence of Edo-era shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, where you'll find lovely gardens with elegant water features. From here, you'll make your way to the famed Fushimi Inari-Taisha, a shrine featured in the movie "Memoirs of a Geisha" that has more than 10,000 picturesque red torii gates. 

The tour closes with an insider's visit to the Gekkeikan Okura Saké Museum, located in Kyoto's famous Fushimi saké-brewing district. See the traditional rice-based brewing processes and listen to recordings of ancient brewing songs once sung by master brewers, topping it all off with a visit to the tasting room, where you can sample different kinds of saké, ranging from dry to sweet and fruity. Depart with a deeper understanding of saké's role in Japan's history and head back to your accommodations for a well-deserved rest.

Day 6: Ramen Factory Cooking Experience, Train to Osaka, Explore the City

Today you'll visit a local ramen factory, where you'll learn the art of creating perfect Japanese-style noodles from scratch. Meet a professional chef and start with an introduction to the history of ramen in Japan, learning more about how this traditional dish plays into Japanese culture. Next, roll up your sleeves and try your hand at noodle-making, kneading the dough and cutting it into perfect noodles. Create the soup base, choosing from broth styles such as shoyu, miso, or tonkatsu, then adorn your bowl with an assortment of meat, vegetables, and other toppings before diving in.

Later this afternoon, depart Kyoto via train to Osaka, Japan's third-largest city and home to sleek architecture, street food, and endless shopping opportunities. Once you've checked into your hotel, head out on foot to see some of the city sights. You can visit the rooftop Kuchu Teien Observatory of Umeda Sky Building, which offers endless city views, or take a walk through the Shinsaibashi shopping district, a consumer mecca that stretches to Mido-Suji Avenue, which is considered one of the most famous shopping areas in the city. 

For dinner, indulge in delicious Kobe beef at the highly-rated Tsurugyu or another top-notch restaurant in the city. Savor the tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef, which is often compared to the texture of squid. Enhance the flavors by trying different dipping sauces, creating a truly mouthwatering experience. You can also take a stroll through the Dotonbori district, a high-powered sensory overload of neon, modern buildings with tons of enticing food stalls. 

Day 7: Guided Osaka Highlights Tour, Explore Kuromon Market

Discover more of Osaka with a guided city tour, starting at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. Travel back in time as you view the carefully recreated Edo-era streets and houses, all of which showcase the daily life of Osaka residents from centuries ago. Continue to Osaka Castle, an iconic symbol of the city. Surrounded by picturesque gardens, the castle's impressive architecture will leave you in awe. Your guide will lead you through the grounds, sharing the history and significance of the fortress. Be sure to visit the adjoining museum, which offers exhibits that showcase the castle's storied past.

By now, you'll probably be ready to refuel, so you'll head to your final stop, the bustling Kuromon Market. Under the shelter of a covered arcade, walk through the lively market's shops and food stalls, surrounded by the enticing aromas of savory and sweet dishes. Sample everything from succulent wagyu beef and fresh seafood to Michelin-rated takoyaki, a popular Japanese street food featuring ball-shaped octopus bites. Chat with friendly vendors about local food culture, as your guide regales you with stories about the market's significance in Osaka's culinary scene. 

Linger at the market as long as you'd like, giving yourself ample time to savor the tastes and flavors that make this area a must-visit for food enthusiasts. As the day comes to an end, return to your hotel with a full belly and lasting memories of Osaka's rich culinary history.