Culture and Cuisine in Japan

Upon arrival in Tokyo, you’ll be warmly greeted by your private driver and escorted in comfort to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, unwind, or begin exploring the city at your own pace.

Hotel: Aman Tokyo

This morning, join your local guide for a flavorful introduction to Tokyo at the lively Tsukiji Outer Market, where traditional food stalls and sushi counters bustle with energy. Enjoy a fresh sushi breakfast at a beloved local spot—an unforgettable start to your journey. From there, stroll to Hamarikyu Gardens, once the private retreat of an Edo-period lord. Wander past seasonal blooms to the serene teahouse, Nakajima-no-Ochaya, where you'll pause for a traditional cup of tea. Next, board a scenic river cruise to Asakusa, Tokyo’s atmospheric Old Town. Explore Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, and browse traditional shops and the historic Geisha district. After lunch, continue to Kappabashi, or "Kitchenware Town," known for its unique culinary tools. Your final stop is Ameyoko-cho in Ueno, a post-war market turned vibrant alley packed with food stalls and local snacks—a perfect place to wrap up your day of cultural and culinary discovery.

Hotel: Aman Tokyo

Start your day with a hands-on culinary experience: a soba-making workshop in the Tsukiji district. Led by Akila Inouye—founder of the Tsukiji Soba Academy—or one of his expert protégés, you’ll learn the art of crafting Japan’s beloved buckwheat noodles. After mastering the dough and slicing your own soba, enjoy the satisfying reward: a freshly prepared meal shared with your class. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at leisure. Unwind at your hotel or dive into Tokyo’s dynamic neighborhoods—whether it's the iconic Shibuya Crossing, the trendsetting streets of Harajuku, or the charming, old-world atmosphere of Yanaka. In the evening, opt for a guided street food tour that unlocks Tokyo’s after-dark flavors. With a local expert, explore a series of tucked-away izakayas and intimate eateries—typically four to five stops—each offering a taste of authentic dishes and the warm hospitality that defines Japan’s food culture.

Hotel: Aman Tokyo

Today, travel into the heart of Japan’s alpine countryside with a journey to Takayama, a charming town nestled in the Hida Mountains. Begin aboard a high-speed bullet train, followed by the scenic Wide View express—renowned for its breathtaking views of rivers, forests, and mountain valleys. Upon arrival, explore Takayama’s atmospheric old town, where Edo-period merchant houses and sake breweries line the narrow streets. Sample local delicacies like Hida beef sushi or enjoy a tasting at one of the town’s historic breweries. This evening, immerse yourself in tradition with an overnight stay at a ryokan, a classic Japanese inn complete with tatami mat floors, sliding paper doors, and serene simplicity.

Hotel: Ryokan Tanabe

This morning, join a guided walking tour through Takayama’s charming streets, delving into its rich culinary and cultural heritage. Visit a local tofu maker, sample delicate rakugan sweets, and step inside a traditional sake brewery. Along the way, enjoy tastings that highlight the region’s unique flavors. At midday, travel by bus to the storybook village of Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses. These steeply thatched-roof homes—designed to resemble hands pressed in prayer—are architectural marvels, built without nails and engineered to endure heavy snowfall. It’s a remarkable glimpse into Japan’s rural past.

Hotel: Ryokan Tanabe

Begin the day with a final soak in the onsen before journeying to Kyoto, home to thousands of temples and 17 UNESCO sites. In the evening, explore the historic Gion district on a guided Taste of Gion food tour. Stroll cobblestone streets lined with traditional machiya and teahouses, stopping first at a cozy restaurant to sample seasonal Kyoto-style dishes and engage with local chefs. Walk along the lantern-lit Shirokawa River, passing Tatsumibashi Bridge—perhaps glimpsing a geisha en route to her evening appointment. At the second stop, dive deeper into Kyoto’s culinary heritage with dishes featuring tofu, fresh vegetables, and delicate dashi broth. Conclude with your choice of a classic sweet—dango or green tea ice cream.

Hotel: Aman Kyoto

Today, explore Kyoto’s rich heritage with a local guide, using the city’s efficient bus system to visit several iconic World Heritage Sites. Begin at Nijo Castle, an ornate former residence of a feudal lord, known for its elegant Momoyama architecture, decorated sliding doors, and creaking “nightingale” floors designed to guard against intruders. Continue to the peaceful Ryoan-ji Temple, home to Japan’s most famous Zen rock garden. A short walk brings you to Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, a dazzling structure covered in gold leaf, beautifully reflected in the surrounding pond. Then, head to Kiyomizu-dera, perched on Mount Otowa, where its massive wooden veranda—built without nails—offers sweeping views of Kyoto. Conclude your day with a stroll through the atmospheric Higashiyama District, where narrow lanes brim with shops, cafes, and traditional charm.

Hotel: Aman Kyoto

Embark on a flavorful Kyoto food tour with a local guide, beginning at Nishiki Market—a vibrant, covered arcade packed with food stalls. As you explore, learn about essential Japanese ingredients and select fresh produce and spices for your upcoming cooking class. Next, head to a traditional machiya townhouse for a guided sake tasting. Discover the art of sake brewing and sample a variety of local pours before stepping into the kitchen. Led by a culinary expert, you’ll prepare a traditional meal featuring rolled sushi, miso soup, and a seasonal fruit salad. Along the way, gain insight into Japanese cooking techniques and dining customs. After enjoying your homemade dinner, choose to explore Kyoto’s nightlife or return to your hotel for the evening.

Hotel: Aman Kyoto

Nestled in the mountains and home to over 100 temples, Koyasan has been the spiritual heart of Shingon Buddhism for more than 1,200 years. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a deeply immersive glimpse into Japan’s religious heritage. This morning, embark on an unforgettable journey to Koyasan, with a scenic cable car ride winding up through lush peaks to Koyasan Station. There, you’ll meet your guide and begin exploring this sacred enclave. Visit Kongobu-ji, the sect’s head temple, known for its elegant interiors and Japan’s largest rock garden. With luck, you may witness monks chanting in quiet ceremony. Then continue to Okuno-in, Japan’s largest cemetery and the resting place of Kobo Daishi, Shingon’s founder. Walk the serene, lantern-lit path from Ichinohashi Bridge, passing more than 200,000 moss-covered tombstones. At day’s end, your guide will accompany you to your shukubo—a traditional temple lodging—where you’ll enjoy a peaceful dinner of shojin ryori, the refined vegetarian cuisine of Buddhist monks.

Hotel: Ren’gejo-in Temple

Begin your day in Koyasan with a tranquil Morning Prayer ceremony, immersed in the rhythmic chants of the monks inside the temple’s prayer hall. Though the service is conducted in Japanese, some priests offer a brief explanation in English, enriching the spiritual experience. Afterward, enjoy a traditional shojin ryori breakfast—simple, nourishing, and deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy. Spend the remainder of the morning exploring Koyasan at your own pace before departing for Osaka, Japan’s vibrant Kitchen Capital. Known for its bold spirit, friendly locals, and incredible street food, Osaka promises a dynamic contrast to Koyasan’s serene pace.

Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka

Today’s tour dives into Osaka’s vibrant food culture, where the city’s unofficial motto, kuidaore—“eat until you drop”—sets the tone. Begin in a hidden alleyway eatery known for creative takes on tempura. Alongside classics like shrimp, you’ll sample inventive options such as asparagus and cheese tempura. Next, indulge in a gourmet experience at a wagyu beef restaurant. Renowned for its exceptional marbling and melt-in-the-mouth texture, this luxurious dish is perfectly paired with a refreshing cocktail. After wandering through Osaka’s lively backstreets, cap off your culinary adventure at a cozy teppanyaki spot. Watch as gyoza and negiyaki—a savory green onion pancake—are grilled to perfection right before your eyes.

Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka

This morning, following a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, enjoy a private transfer to the airport ahead of your flight.