Food Lovers Japan

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Tokyo

The city that gave us sushi brims with restaurants, making it an excellent starting point for discovering 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 Takayama

Nestled in the mountains, beautiful Takayama has Japanese temples, traditional crafts, hospitable inns, specialised cuisine and sake breweries. We check out the town's 600-year-old morning market and feast on some of the local specialties including san sai, miso, Hida beef and soba noodles.

Days 5-6 Koya-san

Steeped 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 Osaka

Partake in the local custom of kuidaore (to eat till you drop) and sink your teeth into the smorgasbord of delights on Dotonbori - the city's main eating thoroughfare. Don't miss the local treat of takoyaki (octopus balls), while culinarily brave souls might want to try some fugu pufferfish.

Days 9-10 Hiroshima

Be inspired by the beauty of Itsukushima-jinja before indulging in the city's famed okonomiyaki (cook-it-as-you-like-it, Japanese-style pancake). Hiroshima is also renowned for its oysters and momiji manju, a type of stuffed pastry.

Days 11-14 Kyoto

Discover Japan's feudal heritage at Himeji-jo Castle en route to Kyoto, where evocative shrines, manicured geishas and great food abound. Learn how to prepare traditional Japanese cuisine, which emphasises freshness, seasonality and elegance.