Best Ever Japan Food Tour Spring

Day 1

Tokyo Narita Airport

Welcome to Tokyo! You will be met at the arrival gate by an AJT representative holding an "All Japan Tours" sign.

Hotel Mystays Premier Narita or similar class
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class (NOTE 1 & 2)

NOTE 1: If you wish to stay in the center of Tokyo for the first night instead of Hotel Mystays Premier Narita, we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro (or similar class). In this case, airport transfer is not included. We will provide you directions to get to your hotel in advance, or we can arrange shared shuttle service for you at US$90.00 per person per way.

NOTE 2: If you will be flying into Haneda Airport (HND) instead of Narita International Airport (NRT), we can arrange for you to stay in the center of Tokyo (Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class) instead of Hotel Mystays Premier Narita. In this case, meet-and- greet and airport transfer are not included. We will provide with full instructions to get to the hotel in advance, or we can arrange shared shuttle service for you at US$75.00 per person per way.

NOTE 3: The meet-and-greet is ONLY available for flights arriving in Terminal 1 & 2 after 11:00 AM. For guests arriving in Terminal 3, airport pickup is not included, but we will provide you with directions to get to your hotel in advance.

NOTE 4: If you wish to stay extra nights before the tour starts, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.

Day 2

Tokyo (Togoshi Ginza Street - Lunch on own / Chopsticks Making / Ramen Tasting in Shinjuku / Shinjuku Kabukicho Nightlife Walking Tour / Sake Tasting with Snacks OR Karaoke Experience)

We begin the day with a visit to Togoshi Ginza Street, one of Tokyo’s longest and most lively shopping streets, where we have time to explore local shops and enjoy lunch on our own at a variety of casual eateries. You will have time to find lunch on your own. Next, we take part in a Chopsticks Making experience, where you will create your own personalized pair of chopsticks to keep as a souvenir. From there, we make our way to Shinjuku for a Ramen Tasting Experience. Discover the rich flavors of this beloved Japanese dish while learning about its history, regional variations, and cultural significance. We then enjoy a Shinjuku Kabukicho Nightlife Walking Tour. Stroll through the neon-drenched red-light district of Kabukicho, and immerse in the high- energy atmosphere of this thrilling part of Tokyo. Later in the afternoon, you will have a choice of activities between Sake Tasting (with snacks included), or a Karaoke Experience. At the Sake Market in Shinjuku, you will have the opportunity to enjoy different types of sake. This delightful shop stocks different types of alcoholic drinks brought from all over Japan. Enjoy tasty snacks along with your delicious sake. For travelers who don’t like to drink, we also have the option of going for a Karaoke Experience. Sing your heart out in a Japanese-style karaoke box, where you can choose from a catalog of English and Japanese songs.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

Day 3

Tokyo (Senkyaku Banrai Lunch on own / teamLab Planets / Shibuya - Shibuya Crossing - Hachiko Statue - Shibuya Izakaya Hopping - Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho)

In the morning, we visit Senkyaku Banrai, a modern entertainment and dining complex in Tokyo’s New Toyosu area, featuring a variety of shops, restaurants, and unique cultural experiences. On the roof of the building, you can enjoy a relaxing foot bath, where you can soak your feet while taking in a beautiful panoramic view of Tokyo. We recommend bringing a small towel to dry your feet afterward. You will also have leisure time on your own to browse the complex and find a lunch to suit your taste. Then, we will immerse in the unique art works at teamLab Planets TOKYO. This art exhibition space uses digital displays to create interactive artworks that take up entire rooms. The art displays are always highly imaginative and are constantly being updated to accommodate more recent creations. Please be aware that you will need to remove your shoes before entry, and that some exhibits involve walking in knee-deep water or on top of reflective surfaces, so we recommend wearing shorts, or pants that can be rolled up above the knee. Later in the afternoon, we head to Shibuya, known for the Shibuya “Scramble Crossing” which, at the right signal, floods the intersection with oncoming businesspeople, shoppers, and travelers, converging from all directions in a great rush of people that somehow feels both fast-paced and orderly. On one corner of the crossing is the statue of the faithful Akita dog, Hachiko, who is celebrated for his enduring loyalty to his human companion. We will end the day with an izakaya‑hopping tour in Shibuya, exploring the lively Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho. Sampling a variety of dishes and drinks at these uniquely Japanese pubs offers an essential cultural experience. Izakaya are beloved gathering spots where locals unwind with coworkers and friends or celebrate special occasions, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

Day 4

Tokyo (Tsukiji Outer Market / Drive by Imperial Palace / Sushi Making Experience / Asakusa Sensoji Temple / Tokyo Skytree)

Today, you will visit Tsukiji Outer Market – a bustling outdoor street market known for its fresh and delicious seafood, produce, and kitchenware. From there, we drive by the Imperial Palace, which offers splendid views of the meticulously maintained front lawn and garden areas, the moat, and the old stone walls. Next, enjoy a fun and simple Sushi-Making Experience, where you can enjoy creating your own sushi, and eating it afterwards! Then, we visit Tokyo’s oldest temple complex – Asakusa Sensoji Temple, featuring the Kaminarimon Gate, in which hangs an enormous red lantern. Leading up to the temple is Nakamise Street, which is lined with shops selling all manner of Japanese souvenirs. At the end of the day, we ascend Tokyo Skytree to the observation deck (Tembo Deck), which offers a panoramic 360- degree view of the Tokyo cityscape.
Note: For Sushi Making Experience, if you are vegetarian, on gluten-free diets, have seafood allergy, or don't eat raw fish, please contact us for other ingredient options.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar class

Day 5

Mt Fuji, Hakone (Hakone Ropeway / Owakudani), Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride

We will depart from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji on our private coach. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery, from thick vegetation to lowlands and rolling clouds. Stop at Mt. Fuji 5th station (depending on weather conditions) to admire the world famous peak. Next, travel to Hakone, one of Japan's most popular hot-spring resorts. You will also get to view the forested slopes of Hakone National Park. We will take a 20 minute ropeway ride from Togendai to Owakudani. Most of Owakudani is considered an active volcanic zone since its creation from the eruption of Mount Hakone some 3,000 years ago. Visitors will encounter the area's hot springs and bubbling pools, complete with sulfurous fumes and steam vents. If the weather conditions are in our favor, Owakudani also grants splendid views of Mount Fuji. Then, experience a Shinkansen bullet train ride, which can reach speeds of up to 320 km/hr (200mph). We will stay at an Onsen Hotel, where you can soak in the therapeutic waters of a spa bath and enjoy dinner in the comfort of your hotel.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa or similar class

Day 6

Hikone (Hikone Castle - Genkyuen Garden), Koka (Miho Museum)

After breakfast at the hotel, our group will visit the Hikone Castle, an original castle that has survived the post feudal era without undergoing severe damages or reconstruction. It is considered an excellent impression of what a complete feudal castle looks like, and is a national treasure itself. Afterwards, visit the tranquil Genkyuen Garden, located on the grounds of Hikone Castle. From there, proceed to the Miho Museum, which is distinguished for its fascinating architecture designed by I. M. Pei. The museum exhibits various collections from different ancient civilizations. It is named after Koyama Mihoko, one of the richest women in Japan and the founder of the museum. Miho Museum is also listed as one of the "1000 Places to See Before You Die"

Breakfast

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class

Note: If Miho Museum is close, we will visit Kyoto National Museum or Sagawa Art Museum instead.

Day 7

Kyoto (Arashiyama - Sagano Bamboo Forest / Golden Pavilion / Green Tea Ceremony with Maiko Interaction / Kiyomizu Temple / Gion Geisha District / Gion & Pontocho Walking Food Tour)

After breakfast, we begin our tour of Kyoto – the center of Japan’s traditional culture. We first go to the Arashiyama district to see the Sagano Bamboo Forest, where towering stalks of bamboo packed close together create an otherworldly feeling of mystery and awe as you walk the path through the center. Next, we go to Kinkakuji Temple (also called the Golden Pavilion), which is one of Kyoto’s most coveted sights. Shimmering walls wrapped in gold leaf are reflected in the Mirror Pond below; look carefully to see the dainty phoenix sitting on the roof. Then experience a traditional Green Tea Ceremony – an elegant ritual of hospitality once accorded only to the social elite. The experience is made even more special as it is hosted by an elegant Maiko (an apprentice Geisha). After, tour Kiyomizu Temple, also known as the Temple of Pure Water, a celebrated landmark famed for its iconic three- story pagoda, large wooden stage offering a spectacular view, and trio of sacred springs pouring from the base of the main hall. We end our day in the Gion Geisha District, a heritage district where stone-paved streets are lined with exclusive ochaya (teahouses). While admiring the old- fashioned buildings, the fortunate visitor may spot Geisha or Maiko (Geisha apprentices) walking between these establishments.

After, we enjoy a Walking Food Tour of Gion and Pontocho. Pontocho shares the classical Japanese ambience of Gion, offering a row of wooden eating establishments by the picturesque Kamo River. Explore these two historic districts and immerse in their old- fashioned atmosphere as you walk from one eatery to the next trying traditional dishes and sake with your guide. Keep an eye out for passing Geisha along the way!

Breakfast / Dinner

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar class

Day 8

Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine), Nara (Todaiji Temple / Deer Park), Osaka (Dotonbori - Shinsaibashi)

Today, we travel to Fushimi Inari Shrine – the chief shrine of the thousands throughout the country dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of economic prosperity, rice, and foxes. What sets this shrine apart is the sight of thousands of bright vermillion “torii” gates that form long pathways through the forest covering sacred Mount Inari. Next, we will travel to the ancient city of Nara, where we will visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and an icon of the city: Todaiji Temple, which is home to the Great Buddha of Nara – a massive, seated image of Rushana-butsu, known as the “Cosmic Buddha”. Outside the temple, spend some time with the friendly wild deer of Nara Deer Park. These adorable creatures are largely accustomed to interacting with people, and some have even learned to bow when asking for the special deer crackers, which can be bought around the park. We go from there to Osaka to visit the colorful, neon-lit entertainment district of Dotonbori. This area is popularly known for being the heart of Osaka’s food culture. Osaka is known as the city of “Kuidaore” or “to eat until you drop”, and you will find Dotonbori to be filled with numerous eateries underneath large, eye-catching billboards, including the famed Glico “Running Man”. Lastly, make your way to Shinsaibashi, the largest shopping district in Osaka. Originally established during the Edo period, this historic district is now home to various modern retailers including jewelers, trendy boutiques, western clothing and footwear stores, even traditional kimono tailors.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class

Day 9

Osaka (Kuromon Market / Katashimo Winery Tour – Wine Tasting / Shinsekai - Tsutenkaku Tower - Kuidaore Street Food Tour)

Today, we visit Kuromon Market, a covered shopping arcade sometimes called "Osaka's Kitchen", filled with fresh seafood and produce, with restaurants and street stalls selling seafood-based rice bowls and other foods. We go from there to Katashimo Winery, the oldest winery in Western Japan, which prioritizes making wines organically to suit local tastes. Enjoy a walk through their vineyard and tour their winery to get an introduction to their processes and learn their history, before tasting a few of their recommended wines. Then, we end the day with a Kuidaore Street Food Tour of the Shinsekai district. Kuidaore is part of a Japanese proverb that means "to bankrupt oneself with food", and no one knows how to indulge on delicious food like the people of Osaka. Taste the foods that Osaka is famous for, including Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Kushikatsu, and more. While there, visit Tsutenkaku Tower, the symbol of the Shinsekai District, where guests can enjoy delightful views of the Osaka cityscape from the observation deck.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport or similar class
Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class (NOTE 5 & 6)

NOTE 5: If you wish to stay in the center of Osaka for the last night instead of Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Elsereine Osaka (or similar class). In this case, airport transfer is not included, but we will provide full instructions for you to get to the airport in advance.

NOTE 6: If you will be flying out from Itami Airport (ITM) instead of Kansai International Airport (KIX), we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Elsereine Osaka (or similar class) instead of Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport. In this case, airport transfer is not included but we will provide full instructions for you to get to the airport in advance.

Day 10

Tour Ends

After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Checkout time is 11 am and Osaka Kansai Airport can be reached in a three minute walk.

If you are interested in a 3-day extension to our Best Ever Japan Food Tour Spring that includes Himeji Castle, Hiroshima, Kobe, and Shikoku Island, please book one of our Best Ever Japan Food Tours with Hiroshima by clicking the following link: Best Ever Japan Food Tour Spring with Hiroshima.

Breakfast

NOTE 7: If you would like to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.