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Japan Gourmet Travel Experience
Embark on a culinary journey across Japan
Tokyo > Hakone > Atami > Takayama > Shirakawa-go > Kanazawa > Kyoto > Nara > Miyajima > Hiroshima > Osaka > Tokyo
DURATION
10 days
9 nights
TOUR TYPE
Group
minimum: 8 / maximum: 20
MEAL
Breakfast x 10
Lunch x 10
Dinner x 9
TRANSPORTATION
Bullet Train
Limited Express
Local Train
Private Coach
Ferry
PRICE
from C$8,760/person
tax included
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Overview
Japanese cuisine is famed around the world. From a high-end multi-course Kaiseki meal to a raucous izakaya pub beneath the rumbling train tracks, the Japanese obsession with food can be seen everywhere. This tour puts Japanese cuisine in the spotlight as we travel the popular “Golden Route” to seek out the best dishes each region has to offer. And between meals we’ll show you our favourite sights and attractions. Not only will you try the food, you’ll also don an apron and learn from the masters to gain an appreciation of the unique relationship and respect Japanese people have towards food. Share unforgettable moments (and meals) with people you will meet on this culinary journey.
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Perfect for travelers with a keen interest in Japanese food and culture
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Fully escorted by our local English-speaking guide
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Small-group tour (maximum of 20 travelers)
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Set departure date
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All meals included
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Quality hotels throughout
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All local transportation included
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Comfortable private coach
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Baggage transfers
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Pre-departure information session via Zoom
The best of Japan on a plate
We’ve carefully chosen each dining experience so you can try the best of each region we visit – plus all the local favourites. Sushi, tempura, teppanyaki, yakitori, ramen, the freshest seafood, the finest beef and so much more – you won’t miss a thing!
Tofu making with the masters
Step behind the scenes of an authentic tofu shop where you’ll be welcomed by tofu masters who’ll teach your their trade and pass on the knowledge that dates back generations. Test your new-found skills and try your own creations for lunch.
Sake tasting
Visit the museum of a centuries-old Kyoto brewery that taps into the pure underground spring water of Fushimi. After a tour of the brewery and sampling the range, you’ll understand why sake is becoming so popular globally. Kanpai!(Cheers)
photo: sample image
Dinner with a maiko
A rare opportunity to spend an evening enjoying performances by maiko (apprentice geisha) and savour Kyoto’s famed ‘kaiseki‘ multi-course dinner with drinks. Take part in traditional geisha games for a true Japanese experience!
Day 1: Tokyo > Hakone > Atami
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Welcome to Japan!After arriving at Haneda Airport, you’ll be greeted by the Kintetsu representative and meet the rest of your group. Your tour begins with a trip to Hakone – a beautiful lake-side region known for hot springs that’s just an hour away from Tokyo via private coach.
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Day 2: Atami > Takayama
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Baggage transfer from Atami Hotel to Kyoto Hotel. Travel light in Takayama and Kanazawa.After breakfast at the hotel, it’s time to board the iconic Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Nagoya – the best way to see Japan. With such a silky smooth ride, it’s almost impossible to believe the scenery is flying by at up to 285km per hour! From Nagoya we’ll take the Limited Express “Wide View Hida” to Takayama, a city nestled in the mountains of the Hida region. Before we start exploring, we’ll enjoy a bowl of Takayama ramen – a ramen with a lighter broth and smaller curly noodles unique to the region.
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Day 3: Takayama > Shirakawa-go > Kanazawa
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After breakfast, we’ll visit Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its thatched roof houses. It’s a charming area that looks straight from the pages of a children’s storybook.
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Day 4: Kanazawa > Kyoto
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After breakfast at the hotel we’ll board our private coach to tour the best attractions of Kanazawa. First up are the narrow streets of the historic Higashi Chaya district – one of Japan’s few remaining geisha districts.
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Day 5: Kyoto
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We begin our exploration of Kyoto with the shimmering Kinkakuji – the iconic temple covered in gold leaf. Next, we’ll meet tofu masters at their shop where they’ll share their secrets on making tofu. Try your hand at making tofu and even get to try our efforts for lunch.
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Day 6: Kyoto > Nara > Kyoto
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After breakfast, we board a private coach tour to Nara and southern Kyoto. Nara Park is vast and home to many sights of great cultural significance. Explore the park and visit Todaiji Temple – an enormous wooden structure that houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha in the world.
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Day 7: Kyoto > Hiroshima
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Baggage transfer from Kyoto Hotel to Tokyo Hotel. Travel light in Hiroshima and Osaka.Today we head to Hiroshima on the bullet train – a city that respects its tragic past but is not defined by it. We’ll first board a ferry for a day-trip to Miyajima – a small island just 10 minutes off the mainland. Miyajima is home to one of the most iconic scenes in Japan – the “floating” tori gate of Itsukushima shrine.
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Day 8: Hiroshima > Osaka
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This morning we visit the A-Bomb Dome – the epicentre of the 1945 atomic bomb blast. Surrounded by the beautiful Peace Memorial Park dotted with colourful origami cranes symbolising hope, it is incredible to see how the city of Hiroshima has prospered.
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Day 9: Osaka > Tokyo
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After breakfast we hop on the bullet train and speed toward our final destination – the mega-city of Tokyo! You’re in charge for lunch as we roll up our sleeves and take part in a sushi-making class. Learn under the experts’ watchful eye. Good luck! After lunch we’ll spend the afternoon in the Asakusa district. Here you’ll see the area’s unique blend of old Japan and cutting-edge future of Japan.
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Day 10: Tokyo
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On our final day in Japan we’ll witness the intensity of sumo. Watch two former professional sumo wrestlers go to toe-to-toe in a sumo demonstration or witness the intensity of sumo training in a sumo stable. At the sumo demonstration, if you’re feeling bold, perhaps you can face off against them too!
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© Hotel Resorpia Atami
-Atami-
Hotel Resorpia Atami
Japanese-Western Room
Overlooking the Sagami Sea, your room offers all the comforts you need. Enjoy the public hot spring bath and wind down after the first day of the tour. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby.
© Tenseien Station Hotel Odawara
-Odawara-
Tenseien Station Hotel Odawara
Standard Twin
Located at the Odawara Station which is a getaway to Hakone and Izu and a good access from Tokyo, this hotel offers hot spring bath house and modern Japanese themed rooms with free Wi-Fi. The facility includes a relaxation massage salon. The moderate twin rooms come with 2 x single beds (120 x 200cm), shower over bath, a flat 4K TV, kettle (coffee & tea), air humidifier and purifier, mini fridge, hair dryer and complimentary amenities.
© Hida Hotel Plaza
-Takayama-
Hida Hotel Plaza
Standard Twin
Located in the center of Takayama, this hotel’s key feature is the gorgeous rooftop spa with mountain views. Free Wi-Fi available.
© Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
-Takayama-
Hotel Associa Takayama Resort
Moderate Twin
Located in the city of Takayama, this hotel offers hot spring baths and rooms with mountain views and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features a sauna and massages. The rooms overlook the Japanese Northern Alps and are comes with a flat-screen satellite TV and free green tea and coffee.
© Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa
-Kanazawa-
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kanazawa
Comfort Twin
Minutes away from Omicho Market, this hotel ensures a supremely comfortable stay. Relax in the roof-top bathhouse while enjoying a view of
the Kanazawa Castle Park. Free Wi-Fi available.
© Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station
-Kyoto-
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station
Moderate Twin
This stylish hotel is minutes away from Kyoto Station, making our train connections simple and easy. Relax in a beautifully appointed room with a Japanese touch. Free Wi-Fi available.
© Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
-Hiroshima-
Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
Standard Twin
This Michelin 3-star rated hotel is directly connected to JR Hiroshima Station for your convenience as we travel in and out of Hiroshima. Why not try a massage after a long day exploring Hiroshima? Free Wi-Fi available.
© Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
-Hiroshima-
Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel
Deluxe Twin
This hotel is conveniently located next to JR Hiroshima station with direct access to the bullet train and bus terminals. All their rooms have air conditioning and heating facilities. Each room is fitted with a fridge, ironing equipment and a flat-screen TV with a DVD player. Their private bathroom comes with toiletries and a bathtub.
© Hotel Granvia Osaka
- Osaka -
Hotel Granvia Osaka
Standard Twin
A centrally located hotel right above Osaka’s busiest transport hub – Osaka Station. Comfortable rooms with many dining options to choose from. Free Wi-Fi available.
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What is included
- 9 nights accommodations (double occupancy)
- All meals during the tour: Breakfast x 10, Lunch x 10, Dinner x 9)
- English-speaking guide throughout the tour
- Transportation: Private motor coach*, bullet train, limited express train, local train and ferry
*note: private mini-bus for groups with 8 travelers - Admission fees to museum, temples and other attractions listed in the itinerary
- Tofu and Sushi cooking experience, sake tasting, tea ceremony and sumo demonstration experiences
- Baggage transfer from Atami to Kyoto, and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Late check-out on Day 10
Not included
- Flights to Japan
- Transfer not listed in the tour itinerary
- Hotel early check-in and late check-out (Exception: Late check-out on Day 10)
- Incidental charges at hotel
- Drinks during meals (Exceptions: Soft drinks and alcoholic beverage are included in the dinners on Day 6 and Day 9)
- Entrance fees to museums, temples and other attractions or places on personal interests not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry and shopping
- Travel insurance
*check out Manulife Travel Insurance - Japan entry visa if required (Entry visa is not required for Canadian passport holder)
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Group size: Minimum 8 guests / Maximum 20 guests
* Ask us for supplement for single participant and/or triple occupancy rate
* This tour is for travelers aged 15 years old and up. No child discount applies.
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Terms and Conditions
Payment:
- A non-refundable deposit of 15% of the tour fee is due within 7 days of confirmation.
- The balance payment will be required by 70 days prior to departure.
- All payments must be made by credit card or debit card that are issued by Canadian financial institutions.
- Failure to make a payment by the deadline will result in the forfeiture of your participation and deposit paid.
- Tours may be cancelled if the number of participants fails to reach the minimum number and the amount paid will be fully refunded.
Cancellation policy:
- More than 70 days of prior to departure: Loss of deposit
- Between 69 days and 25 days prior to departure: 30% of the tour fee
- Between 24 days and 10 days prior to departure: 50% of the tour fee
- 100% charge thereafter
Tour information:
- This tour is organized and operated by Kintetsu International Express (Oceania) Pty. Ltd., our sister company located in Australia.
- Tour participants will be in combination with Canadian tourists and Australian tourists.
- Minimum number of participants of this tour is 8 guests, and maximum number of participants is 20 guests.
- Travelers aged 14 years old or younger is not allowed to participate this tour.
- It is responsibility of participants to let us know in advance any food allergy if you have. We will try our best to accommodate your request, however, menus might be different from originally prepared.
- Meeting place of this tour on the day-1 is Haneda International Airport in Tokyo. Therefore, you will be required to arrive Tokyo at least one day earlier prior to the tour departure date.
- Please be advised that the tour schedule is subject to change due to COVID-19 situation in Japan.
Organizer / Operation
- Kintetsu International Express (Canada) Inc.
- Kintetsu International Express (Oceania) Pty. Ltd.
- Kinki Nippon Tourist Co. Ltd
(Last update: 2021.9.29)