A Taste of Japan

At New Chitose Airport, Sapporo you will be met and chauffeur driven to Jozankei Onsen. Our accommodation is at the amazing Yuraku Souan, where your Japanese-style guest room is equipped with a natural hot spring bath. You can enjoy the beauty of nature while enjoying a moment of tranquillity. This evening, we will all meet up for a welcome drink.

A free morning to explore the beautiful scenery at your leisure, visit Kappabuchi Pool and Futamitsuri Bashi suspension bridge. A buffet lunch at Tsuruga Resort Mori no Uta is highly recommended. Then prepare yourself for your magnificent Kaiseki dinner.

Today we travel by private coach to Sapporo where we check in to the 5 Star Grand Mercure Sapporo Odori Park. Only in Hokkaido, whether it’s Miso Ramen or Genghis Khan BBQ with Sapporo beer for lunch, it’s up to you, but we will take you there. Evening at leisure where we suggest you head into Susukino, to experience the quintessential Japanese night life. It is packed with stores, bars, restaurants, karaoke shops, pachinko parlours and red-light establishments.

This morning we are up early to venture to the Hokkaido Wholesale Market and Crab Market to experience the freshest seafood, fruits, vegetables and unique restaurants. As there are so many options, our guide will be there to assist you in making the right choice, but the Kaisendon is hard to beat!

After checking out we head to New Chitose Airport for the short flight to Tokyo. Here we are staying at the 5 Star Hilton Tokyo Odaiba. The rest of your day is at leisure to take in the surrounding of this mega metropolis. In the evening we highly recommend the bustling Omoide Yokocho at Shinjuku Nishiguchi of Shinjuku Station or Yakitori Alley.

Pre-lunch we make our way to the sprawling Shibuya Tokyu Foodshow in the Tokyu Department Store (or Nihombashi Mitsukoshi). a regular haunt for the Shibuya gourmet crowd. This depachika is split into three different zones: a sweets zone on the first floor, a grocery area offering fresh produce, and a gourmet zone with ready meals. Unlike most depachika, Shibuya Tokyu Foodshow also has a designated area for you to enjoy the food you’ve just purchased. From here we travel to Kappabashi Street where you can stock your kitchen with best knives, dishes, pots, pans, cooking utensils, stoves, tables, chairs, signs, lanterns and even plastic food samples that look as tasty as the real thing!

First it is the Toyosu Market on the man-made island of Toyosu in the Bay of Tokyo. Here you have the opportunity to observe the world-famous tuna auction, as well as seafood and vegetable auctions which commence at 5.30am. Once the action is complete, we then venture to our second market, the Tsukiji Outer Market. As you traverse your way through this labyrinth of all things seafood, learn about the history from our chef guide, who shops here each morning to source the freshest-quality ingredients. Then partake in an amazing lunch, experiencing the freshest seafood in all of Tokyo.

Around lunchtime we visit Nakamise-dori Street, where we experience old school Tokyo at its best, dating back to 17th century. Here you delve into top class street food and irresistible snacks, including Ningyoyaki and freshly toasted senbei crackers. And not to be missed is the amazing Sensoji Temple built in 628AD, the symbol of hope and rebirth for the people of Tokyo.

After check out we will transfer to Tokyo Station for the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Here we are staying at 5 Star Hilton Kyoto. Be sure to catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji as we fly by at over 320km/h!

This morning, the Nishiki Markets beckon us. A five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen”, this lively retail market specialises in all things food related, like fresh seafood, produce, knives and cookware, and is a great place to find seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties, such as Japanese sweets, pickles, dried seafood and sushi.

You think you know green tea? Well be prepared to be educated. Off to Uji and its amazing Matcha Green Tea shops. You will learn all there is to know about green tea. Enjoy a magnificent lunch, participate in a tea ceremony and sample Wagashi sweets and Matcha ice cream. We also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site—Byodoin Temple and Uji bridge shrine.

Today is at your leisure to explore Japan’s old capital, Kyoto. A must-see recommendation is Kyoto Pontocho district. A casual and authentic dining and drinking experience overlooking the Kamo river.

On checking out, we transfer to the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka, where we check into the 5-Star Hilton Osaka. From there you can explore some of Osaka’s famous sites such as the Osaka Castle.

This evening we venture to Dotonbori, the jewel in Osaka’s culinary crown, where both sides of the Dotonbori River are filled with incredible eating and drinking establishments. Our expert guides will be there to assist you in deciding what, where, when and how to immerse yourself in this amazing cavalcade of culinary options.

A wet market tour in Tenma, where you will discover all there is to know about Kobe beef and purchase a truly remarkable cut of his classic beef. Off then to the standing restaurant where our Chef will cook it on the Teppanyaki, precisely the way you like it.

Transfer travel by Shinkansen once again, this time to Hiroshima. We will be staying at the Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure, a visit to Peace Park in the afternoon will offer you reflection and an opportunity to recharge your batteries and don’t miss the Oysters Huts and Ekinishi.

Hiroshima’s unique food is on full display in at the Okosta Okonomiyaki Experience. Here you can wander through the two floors of Okonmiyaki vendors located in a seven-storey building in downtown Hiroshima. It is a bit like exploring a culinary wonderland. Hear the sizzle of batter on the griddle. Smell the rich aroma of frying meat. Tuck in, and wash it down with a tall chilled glass of draft beer.

Here you will see eight of Saijo’s breweries, learn about sake brewing, do a bit of tasting, and have a chance to purchase sake and other products. You’ll also be able to absorb the unique, traditional feel of sake breweries that colours the streets of Saijo. Experience firsthand what makes Saijo one of Japan’s premier sake brewing neighbourhoods.

After check out we board the shinkansen to Fukuoka. We will be staying at the Hotel Okura (5 star). In the evening we will walk to Canal City Hakata, the most popular shopping and entertainment hub in all of Fukuoka. This is also home to Ramen Stadium. Here you can sample not one, but eight famous ramen stalls that serve different ramen styles from across all of Japan.

Today we venture to the famous Yatai Food Stands on Nakasu Island. Here you can experience the finest street foods making it an excellent option for dinner or after-drinks snacks. You will love this experience as everything feels authentic and unpretentious.

If you are brave enough, you can try the infamous Fugu (Pufferfish). Known for its poison, when prepared by an expert chef you will taste the unique flavours of the fish along with a numbing to the lips. Fukuoka is one of the only places you can experience this delicacy. In the evening, we will share an amazing private Sushi dinner at Sushi Gyoten.

Depart to return home