Taste Of Japan

All content by Intrepid

14 days (ex Tokyo)

Destinations visited: Japan, Tokyo, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

from USD$4,890

Book now

Description

Steeped in centuries of culinary tradition, Japan is nothing less than a treasure trove of exotic cuisine, potent sake and sweet delights. From Tokyo to Kyoto, our trip takes us into the heart of Japan enjoying a smorgasbord of treats in a variety of settings. To complete the recipe, we mix in plenty of culture and top it off with some of Japan's best attractions. Be tempted by tempura, savour your sushi and tickle your tastebuds as we discover the endless variety of Japan and its cuisine.

Highlights

Experience Osaka's neon nightlife.
Challenge your tastebuds with fugu.
Enjoy a cooking class in Kyoto.
Design and devour your own okonomiyaki in Hiroshima.
Feast on mountain views and traditional cuisine in Takayama.
Visit the famous Tsukiji Fish Market.
Combine Zen meditation with great food in Koya-san.
Tour a 600-year-old market.

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Tokyo

Arrive in Japan and travel beneath the neon lights of Tokyo city. Embark on an epicurean adventure through a city that dazzles with excellent restaurants, making it an ideal launching pad into the diversity of Japanese cuisine. Learn to make soba noodles and visit Tsukiji Fish Market, where more than 400 different types of seafood are sold.

Days 3-4 Takayama

Travel from Tokyo to Takayama. Nestled in the mountains, this beautiful town is a quaint cluster of traditional inns and sake breweries. Check out Takayama's 600-year-old morning market, visit the outdoor museum of the Hida Folk Village and sip on some local sake.

Days 5-6 Koya-san

Steeped in mysticism and religious history, the Koya-san temples provide a tranquil setting for trying its shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine) and joining the resident monks in meditation. Visit the temple of Kongobu and the delightful rock garden of the Shingon complex.

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), while the culinarily courageous can feast on fugu (pufferfish).

Days 9-10 Hiroshima

Be inspired by the beauty of Itsukushima-jinja on the island of Miyajima before sampling the city's famed okonomiyaki, an egg-based savoury pancake. Hiroshima city 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 that emphasises freshness, seasonality and elegance. Finish up the adventure by exploring the many Kyoto temples and a group dinner.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nts), Ryokan (2 nts), Monastery (2 nts)

Transport

Bus, Train, Train (bullet)

Budget

Allow USD $250 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$4,890

Book now

Traveller reviews for Taste Of Japan (0)

To write a review sign in, register or

Recommend

Add your experience Your experience “ ”
Say more…
Write your review Your review

Tags

Good for…

Not good for…

Photo Upload

Add a photo

Note: when you submit posts to our site (including images), you’re giving us permission to reuse your material elsewhere and also to pass it to others for use. Full website terms here.