Menu Inside Japan Tours
About Us
[email protected] Tel: + 44 117 244 3380(Bristol, UK)
Make an Enquiry
  • Download a brochure
  • About us
    • About Us
    • Brochures
    • Contact Us
    • Accreditation
    • Sustainability
    • Partner Testimonials
    • Press Coverage
    • Company News
    • Careers at InsideJapan
    • Travel Agents
    • Client Log In
  • Reviews
    • All Trip Reviews
    • Independent Reviews
  • Experiences
    • All Experiences
    • Insider Experiences
  • Trip Themes
    • All Trip Themes
    • Honeymoons
    • Family
    • Skiing & Winter Sports
    • Diving
    • Active
    • Accessible Travel
  • Useful Info
    • Destinations in Japan
    • Travel Tips
    • FAQs
    • Japanese Culture
    • When To Travel
  • Destinations in Japan
  • Travel Tips
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Brochures
    • Contact Us
    • Accreditation
    • Sustainability
    • Partner Testimonials
    • Press Coverage
    • Company News
    • Jobs at InsideJapan
    • Travel Agents
    • Tailormade Groups
    • Client Log In
  • Japanese Culture
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Small Group Tours
  • Self-Guided Adventures
  • Exclusive Private Journeys
  • Australia Flag flag Australia
  • USA Flag flag USA

Not in the UK?

You can change your location here.

    Explore our summer Small Group Tours in Japan

    • Home
    • Self Guided Japan Holidays
    • Gastronomic Adventure
    Print

    Recently Viewed

    • Gastronomic Adventure
      Gastronomic Adventure (Superior)
      Self-Guided Adventures

      X

    Download your brochure today

    Explore our latest brochure for Japan holiday inspiration

    • Download a copy
    HOW TO BOOK Make an Enquiry

    Self-Guided Adventure

    Superior
    Tailor-made
    • Also available in:
      • Classic Tailor-made
      • Superior Tailor-made
      • Compare Styles

    Gastronomic Adventure

    14 Nights: from US$7882 per person (twin share) Trip Code: GADS

    This trip will take you on a gastronomic journey across Japan, from Tokyo to the Japanese Alps. Combining the tenets of freshness, variety and appearance, Japanese cooking never fails to delight the senses - and this trip is jam-packed with opportunities to experience it at its best. Read more >

    This gastronomic adventure begins in Tokyo before journeying through the Japanese Alps to the cultural capital of Kyoto, with stays at your own traditional townhouse and a Buddhist temple lodging along the way. Needless to say, there will be a mouth-watering array of food opportunities and experiences in every location. 

    On your first night, you will eat out in a typical izakaya - Japan's idiosyncratic take on pub dining. These lively establishments are the preferred after-work dinner spot for Japan's legions of salarymen, and one of our Insider staff will accompany you for this experience to translate the menu and explain the all-important dining etiquette! Later in Tokyo we'll also take you on a guided lunchtime safari through the capital's best ramen joints. 

    In Osaka, you'll be treated to a mouth-watering evening tour of the city's street food with our resident local guide while in Matsumoto you'll try your hand at making the local specialty, soba noodles, before checking out the town's impressive "Black Crow" castle.

    Aside from these foodie experiences, there will be plenty of time to explore the many sides of Tokyo, discover the charms of traditional towns in the Japanese Alps, get in touch with your spiritual side at Mount Koya, and wonder at the 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sights in the historic capital of Kyoto. 

    Throughout the trip we can make advance reservations for you to eat at Japan's best restaurants. We have lots of recommendations for great places to eat across the whole country from Michelin star sushi restaurants to tiny standing bars and street food stalls that only the locals know. From sushi to Kobe beef, from ramen to yakitori, from green tea Kit-Kats to sake - we have every confidence that this will be a gastronomic adventure to savour. 

    Dietary requirements: We know that not everyone enjoys or can eat the same food. But don't worry, we can adapt the itinerary to suit various dietary requirements, so just let us know and we'll tailor it to you. Do bear in mind that some dietary restrictions might mean that certain accommodation won't be the best choice for you, but we have plenty of alternative suggestions. 

    Please note: This trip is designed to start in Tokyo (either at Tokyo Narita or Tokyo Haneda Airports) and finish in Osaka with a departure from Osaka Kansai Airport. For this you will need an "open-jaw" flight ticket into Tokyo and out of Osaka Kansai. Alternatively if you would prefer to fly home from Tokyo we can tailor the itinerary to take you back to the capital - please contact us for more details. 

    At a glance

    What's Included

    What's included

    • 14 nights' accommodation (three nights Japanese-style)
    • Breakfast every day, five lunches and four evening meals
    • Transport between all destinations
    • Airport transfers by private car
    • Manaca transport card with 2,500 yen credit for city transport
    • Dinner and drinks with a guide at a Tokyo izakaya
    • Private guided lunchtime ramen experience
    • Soba noodle-making class
    • Shojin ryori vegetarian dinner at Mount Koya temple stay
    • Evening street food tour of Osaka
    • Eight-hour private guide service in Tokyo and Kyoto including lunch and entrance fees
    • InsideJapan Tours' restaurant reservation service
    • Pocket WiFi device
    • Your personalised InsideJapan Info-Pack

    What's NOT included:

    • International flights
    • Local transport (taxis, subways etc) unless otherwise specified
    • Entrance fees unless otherwise specified
    • Baggage handling and luggage forwarding

    Trip Highlights

    • Try Buddhist shojin ryori at Mount Koya
    • Make your own soba noodles
    • Take a street food tour of Osaka

    For more information email us: [email protected] or call: + 44 117 244 3380

    What, where, when and how...

    • Map & Dest.
    • Day by Day
    • Accommodation
    • Experiences
    • How to Book

    Gastronomic Adventure - 15 Days

    Map for Gastronomic Adventure

    Destinations

    • Tokyo
      Tokyo

      Read more >

    • Matsumoto
      Matsumoto

      Read more >

    • Hida Furukawa
      Hida Furukawa

      Read more >

    • Kanazawa
      Kanazawa

      Read more >

    • Kyoto
      Kyoto

      Read more >

    • Mount Koya
      Mount Koya

      Read more >

    • Osaka
      Osaka

      Read more >

    Gastronomic Adventure - 15 Days - Day by Day

    • Day 1-3 Tokyo
      Day 1-3 Tokyo
    • Day 4 Matsumoto
      Day 4 Matsumoto
    • Day 5-6 Hida Furukawa
      Day 5-6 Hida Furukawa
    • Day 7-8 Kanazawa
      Day 7-8 Kanazawa
    • Day 9-11 Kyoto
      Day 9-11 Kyoto
    • Day 12 Mount Koya
      Day 12 Mount Koya
    • Day 13-15 Osaka
      Day 13-15 Osaka
    View all days

    Gastronomic Adventure - 15 Days - Accommodation

    • Gate Hotel Tokyo
      Tokyo
      Gate Hotel Tokyo

      Superior

    • Buena Vista Hotel
      Matsumoto
      Buena Vista Hotel

      Superior

    • Satoyama Stay Nino-machi
      Hida Furukawa
      Satoyama Stay Nino-machi

      Moderate

    • Hyatt Centric Kanazawa
      Kanazawa
      Hyatt Centric Kanazawa

      Superior

    • Celestine Kyoto Gion
      Kyoto
      Celestine Kyoto Gion

      Superior

    • Ichijo-in
      Mount Koya
      Ichijo-in

      Superior

    • Osaka Marriott Miyako
      Osaka
      Osaka Marriott Miyako

      Deluxe

    Gastronomic Adventure - 15 Days - Experiences

    • Insider Experience: Izakaya night
      Insider Experience: Izakaya night

      Read more >

    • Full day private guide service in Tokyo
      Full day private guide service in Tokyo

      Read more >

    • Ramen safari
      Ramen safari

      Read more >

    • Soba noodle making
      Soba noodle making

      Read more >

    • Buddhist temple lodgings
      Buddhist temple lodgings

      Read more >

    • Insider Experience: Osaka street food
      Insider Experience: Osaka street food

      Read more >

    • Day 1-3

      1-3

      Discover a Japanese institution at an izakaya, check out the city's top sights with an expert local guide, and treat yourself to the world's best ramen on a guided lunchtime safari.

      Welcome to Japan! On arrival at at the airport you will be driven by private car to your hotel. You'll be staying close to the Yurakucho and Shimbashi on one side, home to dinky noodle bars and eateries beloved by salarymen, and the glitzy Ginza district on the other.

      The rest of the day will be free to explore at your leisure. Hamarikyu Gardens are nearby, offering you the opportunity to try a tea ceremony in the traditional teahouse overlooking the lake. From here we recommend taking the waterbus along the Sumida River to Asakusa, the most traditional district of Tokyo.

      This evening, one of our Tokyo "Insiders" will take you out for dinner at a local izakaya restaurant for an introduction to Japanese cuisine, where they will show you some more unusual dishes and guide you through the etiquette of dining out in Japan. After dinner, let your Insider know if you fancy checking out some of the local bars as well.

      On your second day you will be exploring Tokyo with a private local guide. The itinerary is completely flexible and your guide will have lots of great ideas for the day – as well as being on hand to answer any questions about Japanese culture, language and food. Take advantage of this time to visit Meiji Shrine, people-watch in Yoyogi Park, discover the museums of Ueno and much more. Lunch with the guide is included and your personalised Info-Pack will include lots of suggestions if you would like to think of some ideas in advance.

      On day three we'll introduce to a self-proclaimed ramen obsessive who'll take you on a special lunchtime tour hopping between ramen joints! The rest of the day is free to continue discovering Tokyo at your leisure.

      Overnight: Gate Hotel Tokyo

    • Day 4

      4

      Try your hand at the art of noodle-making in the highland town of Matsumoto, famous for its impressive original samurai castle.

      The next stop on your itinerary will be Matsumoto, accessible by direct express train from Tokyo passing through the mountains of Nagano. The "Black Crow" castle here is one of Japan's finest, and looks particularly impressive set against its dramatic, mountainous backdrop.

      We will arrange a soba noodle-making class for you this afternoon at a 130-year-old shop near the castle. Here you will be able to try your hand at making Matsumoto's speciality dish before spending the rest of the day exploring the town's traditional quarter or visiting the art museum. If you are feeling brave, try Matsumoto's other speciality – basashi (raw horse) – for dinner!

      Overnight: Buena Vista Hotel

    • Day 5-6

      5-6

      Ease the pace as you wander old wooden streets and sip local sake in the alpine town of Hida Furukawa.

      After breakfast in Matsumoto, you will make your way through the Japanese Alps to the Hida area, home to craft town of Takayama. For hundreds of years this town was completely cut off by snow during the winter months, and consequently has developed many of its own food specialties. You'll be back for a visit of Takayama tomorrow; but before that, you'll head to Hida Furukawa where you'll be based.

      Although it sees far less foot traffic than its more famous cousin, Hida Furukawa is a charming little town with some fantastic culinary opportunities, and we love being able to promote tourism to a small community. On the first day a local guide will take you for an arrival exploration of the town.

      Your second day can be spent over in Takayama. We recommend wandering the old wooden buildings of the Sannomachi district, where you'll have the chance to sample the other speciality of Takayama – sake. Don't miss the morning markets with their farmers selling local produce and various crafts, such as the local sarubobo good luck charms. Later, be sure to head out to the Hida Folk Village to admire the steeply-thatched gassho-zukuri buildings or visit the Takayama Float Museum to find out about the town's magnificent spring and autumn festivals.

      In the evening of the second day, you can enjoy culinary delights of the local izakaya with a local guide.

      Overnight: Satoyama Stay Nino-machi

    • Day 7-8

      7-8

      After a morning in the picturesque mountain village of Shirakawago, journey on to the gardens city of Kanazawa, known for its fresh seafood.

      Next you will take a bus to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses – some of which are more than 250 years old.

      After exploring the village, you will continue on by bus to Kanazawa on Japan's western coast. Here you will have a full afternoon to explore the old Nagamachi samurai quarter, the traditional teahouse districts, the spectacular Kenrokuen (one of Japan's top three landscape gardens), or perhaps the intriguing 21st Century Art Museum. Most importantly, don't miss Omicho good market where you can find all manner of weird and wonderful fish and vegetables.

      Your Info-Pack will include details on all these sights as well as restaurant suggestions for dinner.

      Overnight: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa

    • Day 9-11

      9-11

      Go geisha-spotting, eat elaborate kaiseki cuisine and visit local markets – all in Kyoto, the “City of Ten Thousand Temples”.

      Travelling south from Kanazawa by the Hokuriku shinkansen via Tsuruga, you will arrive in Kyoto around lunchtime with the rest of the day to discover the city. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, so it's no surprise that the city is steeped in history and packed full of fascinating sights. Shrines, temples and gardens – 17 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites – are to be found on every corner, and you may even spot a geisha in the Gion district at dusk!

      This evening we will arrange a reservation for you at the Tempura Endo Yasaka, one of InsideJapan's favourite restaurants. The restaurant is famous for its tempura dishes: lightly battered vegetables and seafood served piping hot with dipping sauce, salt or grated radish. (Please note that while we will make the Tempura Endo reservation, you will need to pay on the day for this meal.)

      The next day, a private local guide will meet you at your hotel to take you on a full day tour of the city. There is no better way to get to know Kyoto than by experiencing it with a knowledgeable local, and you'll visit a mixture of major highlights – such as Kinkaku-ji's Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu-dera – and less frequented locations like the gardens at Tofuku-ji. Lunch with the guide is included.

      On your final day in Kyoto you will be at leisure. You can further explore Kyoto; we recommend relaxing by the Hozugawa River and bamboo groves in the Arashiyama district, or shopping for gifts in the streets around the Higashiyama temple area. Or you can head out of the city on a day trip, perhaps to sample to savoury okonomiyaki pancakes of Hiroshima, or journey south to Nara via Uji, a small town famous for its green tea.

      Overnight: Celestine Kyoto Gion

    • Day 12

      12

      Get in touch with your spiritual side as you stay at a shukubo temple lodging and try traditional Buddhist cuisine at mysterious Mount Koya, the home of Shingon Buddhism.

      The next stop on your adventure is Mount Koya, the spiritual home of Shingon Buddhism. You will take the train to the Kii Peninsula followed by the funicular railway to Mount Koya, arriving in time for the afternoon ritual at your shukubo temple lodging.

      The eerie but beautiful Okunoin mausoleum, home to thousands of tombstones set amongst towering evergreen trees, makes for a hauntingly atmospheric visit – especially at dusk or in the early morning.

      The temple where you'll be staying serves an elaborate, vegetarian shojin ryori feast in the evening, consisting of konyaku (root vegetable jelly), tempura vegetables, chrysanthemum flowers, tofu, noodles, and much more.

      Overnight: Ichijo-in

    • Day 13-15

      13-15

      Wrap up your adventure in Osaka, the foodie capital of Japan

      After breakfast and morning prayers at your temple lodging you will exchange the tranquillity of Mount Koya for bold, brash Osaka - and there could hardly be a more striking contrast.

      Your final day will be free to continue exploring Osaka. We suggest visiting Osaka Castle or the architecturally dizzying Umeda Sky Building. Then in the evening, our resident local guide will be introducing you to the food paradise of Dotonbori on a street food tour of the city. The district you'll be exploring is where Osakans come to celebrate when their local baseball or football team win the league – or just whenever they can think of an excuse! Dinner is included tonight, and you'll have the opportunity to try all the local specialties – from kushikatsu (skewered vegetables and meat dishes), to takoyaki (the famous octopus balls) to okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pancakes).

      On your last morning a private car will take you to Osaka Kansai Airport for your flight home.

      Overnight: Osaka Marriott Miyako

    View all days
    • Day 1-3

      1-3

      Discover a Japanese institution at an izakaya, check out the city's top sights with an expert local guide, and treat yourself to the world's best ramen on a guided lunchtime safari.

      Welcome to Japan! On arrival at at the airport you will be driven by private car to your hotel. You'll be staying close to the Yurakucho and Shimbashi on one side, home to dinky noodle bars and eateries beloved by salarymen, and the glitzy Ginza district on the other.

      The rest of the day will be free to explore at your leisure. Hamarikyu Gardens are nearby, offering you the opportunity to try a tea ceremony in the traditional teahouse overlooking the lake. From here we recommend taking the waterbus along the Sumida River to Asakusa, the most traditional district of Tokyo.

      This evening, one of our Tokyo "Insiders" will take you out for dinner at a local izakaya restaurant for an introduction to Japanese cuisine, where they will show you some more unusual dishes and guide you through the etiquette of dining out in Japan. After dinner, let your Insider know if you fancy checking out some of the local bars as well.

      On your second day you will be exploring Tokyo with a private local guide. The itinerary is completely flexible and your guide will have lots of great ideas for the day – as well as being on hand to answer any questions about Japanese culture, language and food. Take advantage of this time to visit Meiji Shrine, people-watch in Yoyogi Park, discover the museums of Ueno and much more. Lunch with the guide is included and your personalised Info-Pack will include lots of suggestions if you would like to think of some ideas in advance.

      On day three we'll introduce to a self-proclaimed ramen obsessive who'll take you on a special lunchtime tour hopping between ramen joints! The rest of the day is free to continue discovering Tokyo at your leisure.

      Overnight: Gate Hotel Tokyo

    • Day 4

      4

      Try your hand at the art of noodle-making in the highland town of Matsumoto, famous for its impressive original samurai castle.

      The next stop on your itinerary will be Matsumoto, accessible by direct express train from Tokyo passing through the mountains of Nagano. The "Black Crow" castle here is one of Japan's finest, and looks particularly impressive set against its dramatic, mountainous backdrop.

      We will arrange a soba noodle-making class for you this afternoon at a 130-year-old shop near the castle. Here you will be able to try your hand at making Matsumoto's speciality dish before spending the rest of the day exploring the town's traditional quarter or visiting the art museum. If you are feeling brave, try Matsumoto's other speciality – basashi (raw horse) – for dinner!

      Overnight: Buena Vista Hotel

    • Day 5-6

      5-6

      Ease the pace as you wander old wooden streets and sip local sake in the alpine town of Hida Furukawa.

      After breakfast in Matsumoto, you will make your way through the Japanese Alps to the Hida area, home to craft town of Takayama. For hundreds of years this town was completely cut off by snow during the winter months, and consequently has developed many of its own food specialties. You'll be back for a visit of Takayama tomorrow; but before that, you'll head to Hida Furukawa where you'll be based.

      Although it sees far less foot traffic than its more famous cousin, Hida Furukawa is a charming little town with some fantastic culinary opportunities, and we love being able to promote tourism to a small community. On the first day a local guide will take you for an arrival exploration of the town.

      Your second day can be spent over in Takayama. We recommend wandering the old wooden buildings of the Sannomachi district, where you'll have the chance to sample the other speciality of Takayama – sake. Don't miss the morning markets with their farmers selling local produce and various crafts, such as the local sarubobo good luck charms. Later, be sure to head out to the Hida Folk Village to admire the steeply-thatched gassho-zukuri buildings or visit the Takayama Float Museum to find out about the town's magnificent spring and autumn festivals.

      In the evening of the second day, you can enjoy culinary delights of the local izakaya with a local guide.

      Overnight: Satoyama Stay Nino-machi

    • Day 7-8

      7-8

      After a morning in the picturesque mountain village of Shirakawago, journey on to the gardens city of Kanazawa, known for its fresh seafood.

      Next you will take a bus to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses – some of which are more than 250 years old.

      After exploring the village, you will continue on by bus to Kanazawa on Japan's western coast. Here you will have a full afternoon to explore the old Nagamachi samurai quarter, the traditional teahouse districts, the spectacular Kenrokuen (one of Japan's top three landscape gardens), or perhaps the intriguing 21st Century Art Museum. Most importantly, don't miss Omicho good market where you can find all manner of weird and wonderful fish and vegetables.

      Your Info-Pack will include details on all these sights as well as restaurant suggestions for dinner.

      Overnight: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa

    • Day 9-11

      9-11

      Go geisha-spotting, eat elaborate kaiseki cuisine and visit local markets – all in Kyoto, the “City of Ten Thousand Temples”.

      Travelling south from Kanazawa by the Hokuriku shinkansen via Tsuruga, you will arrive in Kyoto around lunchtime with the rest of the day to discover the city. Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years, so it's no surprise that the city is steeped in history and packed full of fascinating sights. Shrines, temples and gardens – 17 of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites – are to be found on every corner, and you may even spot a geisha in the Gion district at dusk!

      This evening we will arrange a reservation for you at the Tempura Endo Yasaka, one of InsideJapan's favourite restaurants. The restaurant is famous for its tempura dishes: lightly battered vegetables and seafood served piping hot with dipping sauce, salt or grated radish. (Please note that while we will make the Tempura Endo reservation, you will need to pay on the day for this meal.)

      The next day, a private local guide will meet you at your hotel to take you on a full day tour of the city. There is no better way to get to know Kyoto than by experiencing it with a knowledgeable local, and you'll visit a mixture of major highlights – such as Kinkaku-ji's Golden Pavilion and Kiyomizu-dera – and less frequented locations like the gardens at Tofuku-ji. Lunch with the guide is included.

      On your final day in Kyoto you will be at leisure. You can further explore Kyoto; we recommend relaxing by the Hozugawa River and bamboo groves in the Arashiyama district, or shopping for gifts in the streets around the Higashiyama temple area. Or you can head out of the city on a day trip, perhaps to sample to savoury okonomiyaki pancakes of Hiroshima, or journey south to Nara via Uji, a small town famous for its green tea.

      Overnight: Celestine Kyoto Gion

    • Day 12

      12

      Get in touch with your spiritual side as you stay at a shukubo temple lodging and try traditional Buddhist cuisine at mysterious Mount Koya, the home of Shingon Buddhism.

      The next stop on your adventure is Mount Koya, the spiritual home of Shingon Buddhism. You will take the train to the Kii Peninsula followed by the funicular railway to Mount Koya, arriving in time for the afternoon ritual at your shukubo temple lodging.

      The eerie but beautiful Okunoin mausoleum, home to thousands of tombstones set amongst towering evergreen trees, makes for a hauntingly atmospheric visit – especially at dusk or in the early morning.

      The temple where you'll be staying serves an elaborate, vegetarian shojin ryori feast in the evening, consisting of konyaku (root vegetable jelly), tempura vegetables, chrysanthemum flowers, tofu, noodles, and much more.

      Overnight: Ichijo-in

    • Day 13-15

      13-15

      Wrap up your adventure in Osaka, the foodie capital of Japan

      After breakfast and morning prayers at your temple lodging you will exchange the tranquillity of Mount Koya for bold, brash Osaka - and there could hardly be a more striking contrast.

      Your final day will be free to continue exploring Osaka. We suggest visiting Osaka Castle or the architecturally dizzying Umeda Sky Building. Then in the evening, our resident local guide will be introducing you to the food paradise of Dotonbori on a street food tour of the city. The district you'll be exploring is where Osakans come to celebrate when their local baseball or football team win the league – or just whenever they can think of an excuse! Dinner is included tonight, and you'll have the opportunity to try all the local specialties – from kushikatsu (skewered vegetables and meat dishes), to takoyaki (the famous octopus balls) to okonomiyaki (Japanese-style pancakes).

      On your last morning a private car will take you to Osaka Kansai Airport for your flight home.

      Overnight: Osaka Marriott Miyako

    Close all days

    Trip Reviews

    (12 month average based on 6 reviews)

    • Self-Guided Adventure Gastronomic Adventure

      Excellent

      Services were all as expected and on time, with our hotels all having reservations and information that was correct, train tickets, portable wifi, and metro cards all…

      Read more >
    • Self-Guided Adventure Gastronomic Adventure

      Excellent

      Excellent! This is our second time using Inside Japan and planning our trip with Karin and this was even better than last time!

      Read more >

    Tour Gallery

    • Gallery Image
    • Gallery Image
    • Gallery Image
    • Gallery Image
    • Gallery Image
    • Gallery Image
    • Gallery Image
    • Gallery Image
    • Gallery Image
    • Gallery Image
    • View our Gallery > Gallery

    Trip Reviews

    • Self-Guided Adventure Gastronomic Adventure

      Excellent

      Services were all as expected and on time, with our hotels all having reservations and information that was correct, train tickets, portable wifi, and metro cards all…

      Read more >
    • Self-Guided Adventure Gastronomic Adventure

      Excellent

      Excellent! This is our second time using Inside Japan and planning our trip with Karin and this was even better than last time!

      Read more >

    (12 month average based on 6 reviews)

    5.0 out of 5 from 6 reviews Show all Gastronomic Adventure Reviews

    Latest from Twitter

    Head north to experience Japan in autumn that is rarely seen by travellers... #AutumnLeaves #AutumnColours… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

    Follow Retweet

    Other trips you may like

    • Manga & Anime

      Self-Guided Adventure

      Manga & Anime (Essential)

      • Tokyo
      • Kyoto
      • Osaka

      The best of Japan – with a manga and anime twist. Explore the Studio Ghibli-inspired sights of Tokyo, wander Kyoto's temples and explore "electric town" on this essential trip.

      10 nights: from US$2702 pp (twin share) Read more >

      View more Self-Guided Adventures

    • Kumano Kodo Five-Night Module (Advanced Hiking)

      Self-Guided Adventure

      Kumano Kodo Five-Night Module (Advanced Hiking) (Classic)

      • Takahara
      • Nonaka
      • Yunomine Onsen
      • Koguchi
      • Kii-Katsuura

      A challenging five-night walking module introducing the ancient trails of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage network.

      5 nights: from US$2212 pp (twin share) Read more >

      View more Self-Guided Adventures

    • Wheelchair Accessible Golden Route

      Self-Guided Adventure

      Wheelchair Accessible Golden Route (Classic)

      • Tokyo
      • Mount Fuji
      • Kyoto
      • Nara
      • Osaka
      • Tokyo

      Welcome to one of the most wheelchair-friendly countries in the world. Explore Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and more on this exciting 10-night adventure.

      10 nights: from US$5222 pp (call us to discuss your requirements) Read more >

      View more Self-Guided Adventures

    How to book

    If you would like to book this Self-Guided Adventure, all you need to do is make an enquiry using our online form or give us a call at one of our offices in Bristol (UK), Boulder (USA), Brisbane (Australia) or Nagoya (Japan) to begin planning your holiday.

    There are no blackout dates for this trip. However, please be aware that at the busiest times of the year the named accommodation may not be available, in which case the price can not be guaranteed. However, we will always do our best to match the prices you see here as closely as possible.

    All of our Self-Guided Adventures are completely flexible, so if you like what you see here but would like to make a few changes - where it's to add in destinations, request special experiences, upgrade accommodation or plan extra nights - please don't hesitate to get in touch and one of our expert consultants will help you tailor a trip to suit you.

    Self-Guided Adventure Styles

    To help you get a feeling for our Self-Guided Adventures, we have divided the itineraries into four grades outlined below. Of course this style of travel is fully tailorable, so it’s not a problem to mix elements and grades to suit you!

    Essential Tailor-made

    Just the basics included so you can choose how much you spend

    Style Facts

    • Two- to three-star accommodation
    • No airport transfers (but a city transport pass and detailed airport transfer instructions are provided)
    • Ordinary class Japan Rail Passes
    • Breakfast every day plus some dinners
    • Cultural experiences

    Classic Tailor-made

    Mid-range hotels and Japanese inns, some private guiding and cultural experiences

    Style Facts

    • Three-star accommodation
    • Local professional guides for sightseeing in key destinations
    • Airport meet-and-greet and transfers
    • Ordinary class Japan Rail Passes
    • Breakfast every day plus some dinners
    • Cultural experiences

    Superior Tailor-made

    Enjoy in-depth cultural immersion while staying in high-quality accommodation

    Style Facts

    • Four- to five-star accommodation
    • Local professional guides for sightseeing in key destinations
    • Entrance fees and lunch included with the private guides
    • Private airport transfers
    • Green car (first class) Japan Rail Passes
    • Breakfast every day plus several lunches and dinners
    • In-depth cultural experiences

    Deluxe Tailor-made

    Luxurious hotels and Japanese inns, fine dining and exclusive experiences with a focus on comfort and ease of travel

    Style Facts

    • The very best five-star accommodation
    • Exclusive cultural experiences
    • Local professional guides with drivers and private cars for sightseeing in key destinations
    • Entrance fees and lunch included with the private guides
    • Private airport transfers
    • Private car transfers between stations and hotels
    • Green car (first class) reserved seat train tickets
    • Breakfast every day plus several lunches and dinners

    Contact us

    • GB Inside Japan UK office

      + 44 117 244 3380
    • US Inside Japan US office

      + 1 303 952 0379
    • AUS Inside Japan Australia office

      + 61 7 3186 8800
    • JAP Inside Japan - Japan office

      + 81 52 253 6068

    ABTA: Travel with confidence ASTA: American Society of Travel Agents Click for the Business Review of Inside Japan Tours, a Japan Specialist Tour Operator in Boulder CO ATOL: Air Travel Organisers Licensing ATAS AFTA AITO: Association of Independent Tour Operators ABTOT: The Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust JATA logo ACTA logo

    Download a brochure or enquire today

    If you'd like any help or want to know more about Japan, feel free to either enquire today, give our Japan travel experts a call, or why not download our beautiful Japan brochure.

    Download a brochure Make an enquiry
    • Home
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Brochures
    • Accreditation
    • Testimonials
    • Reviews
    • Sustainability
    • Modern Slavery Statement
    • Latest Trip Features
    • Small Group Tours
    • Self-Guided Adventures
    • Exclusive Private Journeys
    • Experiences
    • Trip Themes
    • Travel Agents
    • Blog
    • Travel Tips & Advice
    • When To Travel
    • FAQs
    • Culture
    • Destinations
    • Press Coverage
    • Company News
    • Careers at InsideJapan
    • Cookie Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Site Map

    Connect with InsideJapan

    Choose your currency

    • GBP
    • EUR
    • AUD
    • USD
    • CAD
    Trustpilot

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Sign me up Client log in

    InsideJapan Tours

    Get beneath the surface

    Award-winning, innovative and fun group tours, tailormade trips and cultural experiences throughout Japan.

    • Conde Nast Awards Travel Specialists
    • Conde Nast Awards Readers' Choice
    • World's Best Awards
    • Afar Awards
    • TTG Travel Awards
    • Travel & Leisure Awards
    • TTG Luxury Travel Awards
    • Magellan Awards
    • Sunday Times Travel Awards
    • Wanderlust awards
    • Travvy Awards
    • Best travel specialists
    • Guardian Travel Awards
    • Guardian Travel Awards
    • Independent Travel Awards
    • Tour Grand Prix
    Travel Agents Client Log In

    Interested in Southeast Asia?

    Craft bespoke Asia holidays with InsideAsia Tours.

    InsideAsia Tours
    Inside Travel Group Ltd, Electricity House, Quay Street, Bristol, BS1 4TD, UK
    Tel. UK (0)117 244 3380 Email [email protected]
    © 2025 Inside Travel Group Ltd.
    wilddogdesign.co.uk Powered by AMO

    Search for your trip

    Sign up to our newsletter

    If you're interested in Japan, you will love our newsletter. Sign-up and we'll bring a little bit of the magic of Japan to your inbox as well as letting you know about our latest Japan travel experiences, exclusive promotions and insider specials!

    Trustpilot

    + 44 117 244 3380

    Your details

    ** When you opt-in to receive communications from Inside Travel Group Ltd. you are agreeing to us sending you marketing about the different trips and services we offer from our two brands, InsideAsia and InsideJapan. You can opt-out at any time via a link on our emails. You can read all about how we look after your data in our privacy policy

    Your personal information is kept confidential at all times

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Make an enquiry

    Ready to plan your Japan cultural adventure?

    Tell us more via the form below, and one of our expert travel consultants will be in touch to design a trip that fits you perfectly. We'll ask the right questions to understand your travel style, then put together a full package proposal including accommodation, transport and authentic local experiences.

    Or, give us a call and we'd love to talk through your ideas.

    Trustpilot

    + 44 117 244 3380

    Your Trip

    We don't believe in a one size fits all approach, so please provide us with as much relevant information as possible to help us plan your perfect holiday!

    Almost there!

    How can we contact you about your enquiry?

    We'll get back to you as soon as possible.

    Your details

    Your address

    Look up address Enter address manually

    We send all our proposals by email and it's usually the best way for us to send you ideas and information about your trip and to answer your questions.

    It would be great to have the chance to speak on the phone so we can get the best possible understanding of what you're looking for (and because we all love talking about Japan!)

    ** When you opt-in to receive communications from Inside Travel Group Ltd. you are agreeing to us sending you marketing about the different trips and services we offer from our two brands, InsideAsia and InsideJapan. You can opt-out at any time via a link on our emails. You can read all about how we look after your data in our privacy policy

    Your personal information is kept confidential at all times

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Download our latest brochure

    Complete this simple form and we'll email you a link to download our latest brochure, packed full of Japan travel inspiration.

    Trustpilot

    + 44 117 244 3380

    Your Trip

    Almost there!

    Just let us know who you are and you'll receive the brochure links in the next couple of minutes.

    Your details

    ** When you opt-in to receive communications from Inside Travel Group Ltd. you are agreeing to us sending you marketing about the different trips and services we offer from our two brands, InsideAsia and InsideJapan. You can opt-out at any time via a link on our emails. You can read all about how we look after your data in our privacy policy

    Your personal information is kept confidential at all times

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    Email Form

    You can email us using the below form. We would also love to chat about your travel plans and are happy to talk if you have any questions, so feel free to give our local office a call.

    Trustpilot

    + 44 117 244 3380

    Your Enquiry

    Your details

    We send all our proposals by email and it's usually the best way for us to send you ideas and information about your trip and to answer your questions.

    It would be great to have the chance to speak on the phone so we can get the best possible understanding of what you're looking for (and because we all love talking about Japan!)

    ** When you opt-in to receive communications from Inside Travel Group Ltd. you are agreeing to us sending you marketing about the different trips and services we offer from our two brands, InsideAsia and InsideJapan. You can opt-out at any time via a link on our emails. You can read all about how we look after your data in our privacy policy

    Your personal information is kept confidential at all times

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

    RE