journey to japan
a majestic tour through japan
Experience Japan’s incredible food culture in an in-depth, hands-on way on our Japan culinary & cultural tour. You can almost see the ancient samurai ghosts amid the mist that blankets Kyoto as you take in sweeping views of the city from the incredible Kiyomizu Temple. Japanese cuisine offers a lot more than sushi. Japanese cooking offer visitors a wide variety of seasonal foods, as well as a unique blend of ingredients that combine the use of ancient staple foods such as rice and noodles with a burst of flavor.
HIGHLIGHTS: Tokyo * Hakone * Kyoto * Osaka
PRICE: $2,775 USD |
Deposit: $500 P/P (nonrefundable)
DATE(S): MAY 5 – MAY 14, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Tour packages are priced with two people sharing a room, with the cost of the lodging being divided by two people. If only one person occupies the room, then the entire cost of the lodging is absorbed by one person. Rather than double the price of the tour, we add a single supplement to address the lodging costs. We do our best to keep single supplement costs as low as possible to accommodate single travelers requiring a private room. Please contact us before booking if you plan on traveling alone or have further questions about single supplement cost.
- Click on the “BOOK NOW” button.
- Fill out the online reservation form (one per person)
- Pay your deposit (your spot is now solidified)
- Pay Final payment 4 months before departure.
- Confirmation for all payments sent within 24 hours.
- Predeparture packet sent 1 month before departure.
Day 1 (Arrival): Enjoy airport transfer from Narita International Airport to your hotel. (Dinner)
Day 2 (Food Tour): On the ultimate sushi-lovers’ tour, you’ll visit the world’s largest fish market. It’s fascinating to watch the salmon auction at this fish market known to all the renowned sushi chefs. The tour is a fun way to taste the local culture — and savor some freshly made sushi! Finally, you’ll try your hand at making sushi and then feast on sushi for lunch. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 3 (Cooking Class): In your hands-on cooking class you will learn about the origin of each variety of noodle, and what it has come to represent in Eastern culture. You will learn how to make the perfect Ramen broth (known as dashi) which is the staple to all Japanese cooking. From there you will learn how to cook the meats and eggs and handcraft a variety of noodles. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 4 (Travel to Hakone): Board a train from Tokyo to Hakone today. The train ride is approximately 2 hours.
Start with a ride in a cable-car to the Hakone Ropeway. From here you have entered iconic Japan; Soar above the active volcanic site, Owakudani, (Great Boiling Valley). Watch the steam rising from the mountain, as thermal water grazes just under the rocky façade at extraordinarily hot temperatures. Stop amongst the steamy rocks, and see if you can spot Mt. Fuji in the distance. Descend the mountain via ropeway where you’ll board (in true Japanese-kitsch fashion) a pirate ship and sail across famous Lake Ashi. These charming waters offer red torii gates, beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, and (if luck is on your side) even Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
Enjoy a hearty, traditional Japanese meal as part of the Ryokan experience. This will be artfully presented and served to you in the ryokan’s dining room, as is the custom in Japan. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 5 (Travel to Kyoto): Board a train from Odawara Station to Kyoto today. The train ride is approximately 2 hours. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6 (Food Tour): Spend some time getting acquainted with the food and culture of two historically important and beautiful districts of Kyoto. Stroll over the ninth-century Togetsukyo bridge and make stops to sample local snacks. After a visit to the 14th-century Tenryu-ji temple, head to a beautiful bamboo garden and indulge in some traditional Japanese sweets. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 7 (Cooking Class): Learn to create your own bento box, the iconic (and tasty) convenience meal enjoyed daily by millions of Japanese, during this 3- to 3.5-hour cooking class. Uncover the origins of this uniquely Japanese foodstuff, and watch master chefs as they demonstrate key cooking techniques, before learning to make your own. Finish your course by enjoying your handmade bento box which may include items like an egg roll, pickled vegetables, rice, breaded chicken, and miso soup. (Breakfast, Lunch)
Day 8 (Travel to Osaka): Board a train from Kyoto Station to Shin-Osaka Station. The train ride is approximately 30 minutes.
When visiting Osaka, it can be challenging to discover where the locals go to eat and drink. We’ll join some Osaka residents for a night out, and come home feeling like you’ve made new friends. We’ll navigate a small group of eight or fewer to the izakayas and backstreet bars of Namba, Shinsaibashi, and Amemura, where you sample local food and drink throughout the evening. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 9 (Osaka Day Tour): Today, explore this vibrant riverside metropolis. First, head to the picture-perfect Osaka Castle, the largest castle in Japan dating back to the XVI century. Marvel at the castle’s impressive stone walls and moats, and be amazed at the beauty of the surrounding park. Continue with a visit to the tallest building in Japan, Abeno Harukas, and head to its generous observation deck spanning over three top floors and offering uninterrupted views over this vibrant Japanese hub. Spend some time soaking in the scenery before taking you back to your hotel. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10 (Departure): There are no activities planned for today. Return home to the USA or extend your trip. (Breakfast)
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Airport pick up
- Accommodation (double occupancy)
- Selected Meals (See Itinerary)
- Walking Tours & Day trips
- Entrance fees
- Transportation (City-City)
- English speaking guides
- Wynton’s World Tour Captain
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- International airfare
- Visa (If applicable)
- Travel Insurance (Health, Cancellation, etc.)
- One or two meal per day
- Baggage fees, spending money, tips, leisure, tourist tax, City Tax, departure tax
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku – A 6-minute walk from Shinjuku train station, this modern high-rise hotel fronted by a quirky Godzilla statue is also 5 minutes’ walk from Golden Gai, Tokyo’s vibrant bar district, and 4 km from the baroque revival–style Akasaka Palace. Bright, compact rooms feature flat-screen TVs, desks and free WiFi.
Hakone Ryokan – Surrounded by forest in the foothills of Mount Hakone, this tranquil hot spring hotel is 9 km from Lake Ashi and 1 km from Kowakidani train station.
Hotel Okura Kyoto – A minute’s walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae subway station, this polished hotel on a tree-lined thoroughfare is 13 minutes away by foot from Nishiki Market and 2 km from Nijō Castle.
Hotel Gracery Osaka – Set on a busy city street, this laid-back hotel is a 3-minute walk from JR Namba train station, 5 km from the 16th-century Osaka Castle and an 8-minute walk from the lively Dōtonbori entertainment district.
Do your tours include international airfare?
Travelers arrive from all over the world to begin our tours and it is not possible to include international airfare in our prices. If you live in North America, our Wynton’s World specialists would be happy to help you arrange flights. Just ask for an air quote when making your booking.
Who are my traveling companions?
For privacy reasons we cannot provide you with advance details on your traveling companions. However, our tours appeal to a wide range of travelers, most of whom share an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience these destinations. Our tours are conducted in English and attract travelers from around the world.
What are the age restrictions on your tours?
To travel independently you must be at least 18 years of age. There are no age limits on our tours however travelers with pre-existing medical conditions are required to complete a medical questionnaire. Children a minimum of 12 years old can travel accompanied by an adult 21 years or older on any of our tours.
I’m a solo traveler; will I be charged a single supplement?
Most of our trips do not have a mandatory single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if you are traveling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another Wynton’s World traveler of the same sex. Some independent extensions do require a single supplement.
I’m a solo traveler and I’d like my own room, is that possible?
All Wynton’s World group tours provide a single supplement optional service allowing solo travelers the option to request their own private room while on tour. The cost and details vary by trip.
Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my tour?
Yes, in most cases we can arrange additional accommodation at our starting or ending hotels. Contact one of our specialists for price information.
Can you provide me with a list of the hotels we will be staying at?
Starting and ending hotels are listed on your travel voucher and in the Trip Details document. We use a variety of hotels en-route and a complete list of hotels will be provided on Day 1 of your tour. If your family requires contact information, or in case of emergency, please have them contact us.
Can I join a tour late or leave it early?
It can be difficult to join a tour after it has begun and we don’t advise it. It is possible to leave a tour early; however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary please consult a Discovery Adventures specialist before you book your adventure.
Are airport transfers included?
Arrival transfers are included on most Wynton’s World group tours. Please check the trip details for arrival information, specific to your tour. By booking your airfare with us we can ensure someone meets you at the airport before your tour. If you book your own airfare, you must provide your flight number, arrival date and arrival time to us. Departure transfers can be locally arranged at additional cost from the finishing point hotel.
What type of ground transportation is used on your tours?
Trip specific information on transportation can be found on the trip summary page; however in most cases we use a mix of public and private transportation.
What type of accommodation is used on your tours?
The accommodation level for most Wynton’s World tours are comfortable, in mid-range hotels, motels, lodges or guest houses. You’ll often enjoy air-conditioned rooms, complete with en suite bathrooms and some amenities. Accommodations can vary by country and region so please consider that standards can be different from what you are used to in your home country. Some trips may include camping, permanent tented camps or more rustic lodges, depending on the remoteness of where you are visiting. Please see your “Trip Details Document” for more detailed information, specific to your tour. Porterage is not included, but can be arranged directly at most hotels.
What is the most appropriate type of luggage to bring?
We strongly recommend bringing a soft, medium sized suitcase or duffel bag on wheels. Keep in mind that you will normally have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and trains, as well as up and down hotel staircases.
What clothing should I pack for my adventure?
We always recommend packing as light as possible; however the specific requirements for your tour will vary widely depending on where and when you are traveling. Our “Trip Details document” includes a suggested packing list and these can be downloaded from each individual trip summary page. The checklist is tour specific and based upon the experience of our ground staff.
Can you help arrange my travel visas?
Requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality and your destination. Although we are unable to arrange visas on your behalf we have provided a link on our “Trip Planning” page that will help you determine if visas are required. If you do require a visa you can arrange them yourself or use the services of a visa processing company.
What vaccinations are recommended for my adventure?
It’s important that you receive the most accurate and up-to-date travel health information for the region you will be visiting. The only one qualified to provide you with this advice is your family physician or a specialist from a travel health clinic.
Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?
Tips are not included in the tour price and tipping is entirely at your discretion. Our “Trip Details” documentation includes suggested tipping amounts and these can be downloaded from each individual trip summary page.
How do you send out travel documentation?
All documentation is sent electronically by email. Shortly after we receive your payment we will send you your initial documents including a summary of purchase and detailed trip notes. Final documentation including vouchers will be sent by email no later than two weeks prior to the departure.
Can I pay in full at the time I book?
Yes. Please let your Wynton’s World specialist know at time of booking or indicate this in the comments box when making your online booking.
Will you let me know if my tour is guaranteed sooner than the 60-day mark?
Yes, an email will automatically be sent to you advising to go ahead and book your international airfare with us as your tour is guaranteed to depart.
Can my documents be mailed out to me?
As a sustainable company, we try to limit the amount of paper that we consume; therefore, all documents are electronically sent directly to your email account. Please consult a Wynton’s World specialist if this is not possible.
