Japan Gourmet Traveller

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Tokyo

Embark on an epicurian adventure beneath the neon lights of Tokyo. The city dazzles with excellent restaurants, making it an ideal launching pad into the diversity of Japanese cuisine. Learn 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 is a quaint cluster of traditional inns, specialised cuisine and sake breweries. Check out the town's 600-year-old morning market and feast on some of the local delicacies including san sai, taiyaki and Hida beef.

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 until you drop), and indulge in the smorgasbord of delights on Dotombori - Osaka's 'eat street'. Don't miss the local treat of takoyaki (octopus balls), and those culinarily courageous diners can feast on fugu pufferfish.

Days 9-10 Hiroshima

Be inspired by the beauty of Itsukushima-jinja before sampling the city's famed okonomiyaki, an egg-based savoury pancake. Hiroshima is also renowned for its oysters and momiji manju, a treat filled with sweet bean paste.

Days 11-14 Kyoto

Revel in the opulence of Himeji-jo en route to Kyoto, a city steeped in tradition and which boasts incredible natural beauty and a noticeable lack of tall buildings. Learn to prepare traditional cuisine, which emphasises freshness, seasonality and elegance.