This very special 13 night tour is a one-off departure in 2012 and will offer a unique experience of the world of Japanese cuisine.

Perfect for lovers of Japanese cuisine and those wishing to learn to cook from a proven expert in the field, this tour frames unique food experiences against the backdrop of the must-see sights in Tokyo, Kyoto and rural Kyushu.

We will be trying the full spectrum of Japanese cuisine on this 13 night tour; you'll dine in a Michelin starred restaurant in Tokyo, eat finest kaiseki in Kyoto and discover regional delicacies throughout the rural island of Kyushu. And you won't just be eating Japanese; you'll be preparing it too: Three cookery master-classes led by Tim are included alongside a sushi making lesson and a soba noodle making experience.

Japan is famous for its chefs' knives and Takefu is home to some of the nation's finest manufacturers. Here we will be visiting a knife museum where you will witness some of the intricate processes used to forge knives. Alongside this will be a visit to a pottery to see examples of finest Japanese porcelain.

For the night in Takefu we will be staying in a Japanese ryokan (traditional inn). The spectacular banquet dinner is served in elegant tatami rooms - a first chance to experience some of the very best in Japanese hospitality. We will then be repeating the experience later in the tour with ryokan stays on Miyajima Island and in Miyazaki.

Food aside, you will also see some of Japan's most iconic sights. Experiences include the Golden Pavilion, Path of Philosophy and Ryoanji Temple in Kyoto, the bustling precincts of Sensoji Temple in Tokyo and the stunning Mt. Aso, the world's largest caldera, on Kyushu. You will also be visiting some beautiful Japanese gardens as well as seeing the bright lights of modern Tokyo.

Some of the best food experiences in Japan are simple street fare. With a small group size we have the flexibility to taste the delicacies of the yatai food stands in Fukuoka; sample okonomiyaki pancakes and takoyaki octopus dumplings in Osaka; and in Yokohama indulge in a dish very close to the heart of Tim, the simple yet sublime ramen noodles.

Making extensive use of the Shinkansen 'Bullet' Train to travel between destinations will also provide ample opportunity to enjoy another Japanese food institution; the famous 'bento' lunch box. Not simply a packed lunch these are an art-work in themselves!

Visits to a brewery in Fukuoka, a sake tasting and tea ceremony in Kyoto and a shochu distillery and winery visit in Miyazaki ensure a complete exploration of Japan's culinary culture.

In total 12 evening meals are included along with breakfast everyday and a number of lunches cooked during the lessons. Accommodation is of a 4 star level throughout and is fully en-suite. At the Japanese inns you also have the chance to enjoy traditional onsen hot spring baths.

Places are strictly limited so please do get in touch and book early to avoid missing out.

Pricing Information

2012
Tour Price:	£4900
Single Supplement:	N/A
Extra Nights
Pre-Tour:	Twin Share pp £90 Single pp £120
Post-Tour:	Twin Share pp £80 Single pp £110

Single Supplement: We do NOT charge a single supplement. In some accommodation single travellers will have a single room. However, singles will be asked to share a room with a group member of the same sex at 3 night stops: Takefu, Miyajima and Miyazaki.

Transport: Please note that all transfers are by public transport making use of Japan's first-rate transport network. All the hotels and ryokan have been chosen for their location convenient to the nearest station. However, you will have to carry your bags for short distances and some stations do not have escalators. We highly recommend that to make your stay more enjoyable you pack reasonably light. Large suitcases will be an inconvenience to you. A small case or bag with wheels or a rucksack is most appropriate for this tour.

International Flights: This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo for arrivals and departures at Tokyo Narita Airport.

Please note that the included meet-and-greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available up to 2 days in advance of the tour and if you are staying extra nights pre-tour it is only available if those nights are booked through InsideJapan Tours.

Check-in: Please note that rooms at the Tokyo hotel are only available from 2pm. (You can however securely leave your luggage at the front desk at any time).

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 Tokyo

Meals: Dinner You will be met by your tour leader today and transfer to our hotel in the historic Asakusa district of Tokyo by express train and taxi. Sensoji temple and Kappabashi cookery street are just a short walk from our hotel so there is lots to explore in this area. Tonight's dinner is included at a local restaurant and is a great chance to get to know Tim, Liam and the other tour members.

Day 2 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner We will be visiting Tsukiji Fish Market this morning with an optional early start to see the famous Tuna auctions. All that fish should prove inspirational for your first included cookery lesson, a sushi making class with a local expert with Tim and Liam also on hand to assist you. This afternoon we will explore some of Tokyo's top sights including Hama-rikyu gardens and Meiji shrine as well as the temple area near our hotel. In the evening we will be dressing up smart for an included dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant.

Day 3 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Today you will have your first Japanese cookery class with Tim. The three included classes will teach the basics of Japanese cooking as well as some of the special techniques showcased on Masterchef in 2011. After enjoying eating your creations you will spend this afternoon in Tokyo's neighbour city Yokohama, where we will visit the fabulous Ramen museum for dinner time noodle treats.

Day 4 Takefu

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner The Shinkansen 'Bullet' Train will take us in speed and comfort into the countryside today for a one night stay in Takefu in rural Japan. Here we are staying Japanese style with gourmet meals included. Takefu is famous for knife making, pottery and paper making and you will be able to see each of these crafts. You will also be trying your hand at making soba noodles – one of Japan’s simplest but most delicious meals.

Day 5 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner We will travel to Kyoto today for a 3 night stay in the ancient Imperial capital of Japan. This is the place to really get to grips with Japan’s history, its culture and its food. On this first day we plan to walk the scenic Path of Philosophy visiting the Silver Pavilion with its fabulous gardens and the impressive Nanzenji Temple enroute. We will stop for lunch in the Nanzenji area which is perfect for trying some shojin ryori, traditional Buddhist cuisine. Dinner tonight is sure to be a real treat as you try the cuisine of Emperors' – Kyoto's famous kaiseki dishes.

Day 6 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner Highlights of Kyoto await today with a visit to the Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji zen gardens and the scenic Arashiyama area known for its bamboo groves. You will also visit a confectionary museum to sample some of the sweets that Kyoto is well known for. This evening we make a night visit to nearby Osaka, Japan’s lively second city and a foodies’ paradise. On the menu will be some typical and delicious street food including okonomiyaki and takoyaki.

Day 7 Kyoto

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Today we will explore the centre of Kyoto finishing up at Nishiki Market, a treasure trove of ingredients which we will use during our second cookery lesson with Tim. Following up on the skills and recipes learnt in Tokyo you will create some more masterpieces together. This evening we will reward ourselves with a sake tasting session and learn about this subtle Japanese drink which has as many varieties, aromas and flavours as wine.

Day 8 Miyajima

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner It is back on the Shinkansen today as we head west to Miyajima. This scenic island, just off the Hiroshima coast is famous for its vermillion torii gate 'floating' in the inland sea. We will explore the island and take views of the maritime national park from the top of Mt. Misen – perhaps even encountering some local monkeys as we do. This evening we are staying Japanese style on the island with dinner included. Local speciality oysters are just one treat to look forward to.

Day 9 Fukuoka

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner Travelling further west, today we head to the southern island of Kyushu. We begin exploring with a one night stay in the city of Fukuoka. You will visit the well known Asahi brewery this afternoon and our tour will include a tasting session at the end. This evening we will explore Fukuoka's vibrant street life: Yatai stands line the river in the centre of town and sell all variety of simple but delicious foods. With Tim leading the way you will be taste testing a smörgåsbord of local specialities.

Day 10 Kumamoto

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner A packed day today as we break from food and culture to see one of Japan's natural wonders in the shape of Mt. Aso. This huge volcanic caldera is an awe-inspiring and beautiful sight. A cable car takes visitors to the top affording splendid views into the crater and across the surrounding landscape. The mountain is en-route to Kumamoto, a scenic castle town and our base for the next two nights. Dinner tonight is included at a local restaurant in Kumamoto.

Day 11 Kumamoto

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch You will have plenty of time to explore Kumamoto castle today as well as to walk around the beautiful surrounding gardens. This charming small city is the venue for our third cookery class with Tim and another chance to pick the brains of the Masterchef 2011 winner. Tonight is left free to explore the city.

Day 12 Miyazaki

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner We travel further south today to the coastal prefecture of Miyazaki. Here we are going to visit and stay at the Shusen no Mori centre. This literally translates as 'spirits of the forest' and is an area known for its shochu (distilled Japanese liquor) and wines as well as some fantastic onsen hot spring baths. We will be trying all three before enjoying a banquet meal served at our Japanese style inn. This countryside break allows a glimpse of arable Japan.

Day 13 Tokyo

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner Heading back by plane to the capital today you will have time for last minute sightseeing and shopping. Tonight's included 'sayonara' dinner will be a special treat.

Day 14 Depart

Meals: Breakfast Time to head home – your airport transfer by comfortable airport coach is included.

Japanese Food & Cookery