Duration:14 days

Price: USD

  $250 deposit required, remaining balance collected 60 days prior to departure.

Accommodation:Hotels (2 nts), monasteries (2 nts), traditional inns (9 nts)

Group Size:Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Important Notes:All travellers must arrive with a 14-day Japan Rail (JR) pass. Please see Trip Notes (Important Notes) for more details

With centuries of traditions behind it, Japan is nothing less than a treasure trove of exotic cuisine, potent sake and sweet delights. From Tokyo to Kyoto, our culinary adventure takes us into the heart of Japan, enjoying a smorgasbord of treats in a variety of settings. To complete the recipe we mix in plenty of culture and top it off with some of Japan’s best attractions. Be tempted by tempura, savour your sushi and tickle your tastebuds as we discover the endless variety of Japanese cuisine.

Days 1-2 TokyoEmbark on an epicurian adventure beneath the bright lights of Tokyo. The city is teeming with excellent restaurants, making it an ideal launch pad from which to experience the diversity of Japanese cuisine. Learn how to make soba noodles and visit the Tsukiji Fish Market where more than 400 different types of seafood are sold.
 

Days 3-4 TakayamaNestled in the mountains, beautiful Takayama is a quaint cluster of Japanese temples, traditional crafts, hospitable inns, specialised cuisine and sake breweries. Check out the town's 600-year-old morning market and feast on some of the local specialties including san sai, taiyaki and Hida beef.
 

Days 5-6 Koya-sanSteeped in mysticism and religious history, the temples of Koya-san provide a tranquil setting for trying out its shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) and joining the resident monks in meditation.
 

Days 7-8 OsakaPartake in the local custom of kuidaore ('to eat until you drop') and indulge in the smorgasbord of delights on Dotombori - Osaka's 'eat street'. Don't miss the local treat of takoyaki (octopus balls), and courageous diners can feast on fugu (pufferfish).
 

Days 9-10 HiroshimaBe inspired by the beauty of Itsukushima-jinja before sampling the city's famed okonomiyaki (egg-based savoury pancake). Hiroshima is also renowned for its oysters and momiji manju, a doughy treat filled with sweet bean paste.
 

Days 11-14 KyotoRevel in the opulence of Himeji-jo en route Kyoto, a city steeped in ancient tradition, boasting natural beauty and a noticeable lack of tall buildings. Learn how to prepare traditional cuisine, which emphasises freshness, seasonality and elegance.
 

Departure Date	Spaces available