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Japan with Matthew Biancaniello
Sold Out | Join the Waitlist Below
Celebrate Every Sense
Experience Japan at its most timeless and delicious with Matthew Biancaniello
Sept 28 - Oct 5, 2023
One exclusive departure — Join the waitlist or call us to check for availability, additional last-minute rooms may be available
8 Days, 7 Nights
The best of Tokyo, Izu, Osaka, Kyoto
Price from
$14,000
Per person based on double occupancy
Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018
SOLD OUT — JOIN THE WAITLIST
Join our waitlist or call us directly,
we will contact you if and as space becomes available
You feel Japan’s ancient beauty in each fleeting moment. Each step has been a transient gift connecting you to the present. The azure, mineral-rich sea foaming at your feet, tiered temples alongside a matcha-colored river, misty forests and mountaintop meditations. You’re learning from local masters as you go—all about Japan’s enduring art of the simplest things: ceramics, sake, soy and even wasabi. Soon you’ll find yourself outside Kyoto, dining on a platform between waterfalls—the air fragrant with umbrella pine and the boar hot pot on your table. This is Japan, a place like nowhere else on the planet with a culture that rewards those willing to breathe in, look close and savor each moment.
You’re joined by ‘cocktail chef’ and Eat Your Drink author Matthew Biancaniello. He’s known around Los Angeles for shaking up innovative drinks — and dishes — that have garnered the attention of the New York Times, Forbes and the Los Angeles Times among others. (He also happens to be Martha Stewart’s favorite bartender.) Together in Japan, Matthew will introduce us to the art of omakase, a Japanese style of dining that can be interpreted as “chef, I trust you.” We couldn’t think of a better person to curate our culinary exploration on this unforgettable adventure.
If you find joy in immersing yourself deeply in Japanese culture and cuisine, this trip is for you. If you’re fascinated by ancient rituals and artisans who’ve been perfecting their crafts for centuries, join us in Japan alongside Matthew Biancaniello.

Connect
With Matthew, and with some of Japan’s most inspiring chefs and working artists
Savor
Tokyo and Osaka—the most exciting, dynamic food cities in the world. We'll eat everything
Experience
Kyoto's layers of history, back-alley noodle joints, bustling markets, swanky cocktail bars
Honor
Grace, beauty and centuries of history at monumental shrines and traditional ryokan inns
3 Reasons to Travel with Matthew
When it comes to a creative philosophy, Matthew Biancaniello fully embraces the Japanese concept of omakase, which translates literally to “I’ll leave it up to you.” For Matthew, being in the moment opens up a world of possibility, one he’s explored behind the Library Bar at The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, on screen for his A&E show Good Spirits, and in the pages of his recipe books Eat Your Drink and the upcoming Omakocktail.

Break the Rules
Matthew is the embodiment of the term 'connoisseur.' And he’s a rebellious one at that. If someone tells him certain flavors are not meant to be paired together, he’s going to find the right ingredients and prove them wrong.
Farm to Glass
Matthew is someone who can elevate any drink or dish he creates with the ingredients he’s foraged in the creeks of Malibu’s Solstice Canyon, and the stalls of Los Angeles farmers’ markets. You might even find sea moss sourced from his local beach on his ultra seasonal menus.
The Mad Hatter
A guava and curry infused old-fashioned, hard-boiled quail eggs as a garnish, mushroom-infused bitters. These are just some of the “did I read that correctly?” concoctions that put him in a league of his own.
Your Experience

“Japanese cuisine has a vibrancy and simplicity all of its own.”
Tokyo, Izu, Osaka, Kyoto



“I'm looking forward to being surprised and looking forward to trying things I've never tried before.”
Unique access to people and places. This was a trip we could not have done without Modern Adventure.
One of the best weeks of my life. I definitely want to do another trip with MO/AD.
Everything was perfectly planned and amazing. We were able to explore places that most people never see.
Where We Sleep

We blend the luxurious, modern world with ryokan-style rooms with a restoring dose of Japanese shibui, that notion of striking a peaceful harmony with nature.
Capital Tokyu
TokyoThis skyscraper hotel boasts panoramic views of the city below, with traditional Japanese-style architecture design that lets guests rearrange the sliding doors and shoji paper screens to suit their changing moods. It’s the perfect oasis for resting and recovering from a long flight and the tumult of the buzzing city streets below.

Arai Ryokan
IzuAncient traditions are alive and well at this luxurious 150-year-old ryokan, its traditional architecture and sleeping quarters providing an oasis of calm and a respite from the cares of the world. Legend has it that this ryokan's on-site hot spring was brought forth 1,200 years ago to allow a devoted son to wash his ailing father’s back. Today the gentle, mildly alkaline waters continue to soothe the spirit.

The Mitsui Kyoto
KyotoAn ode to ancient Japanese tea ceremonies, each room translates centuries of tradition into quiet luxury—spacious bathrooms carved with stone and artisanal cypress accents flow into the hotel’s majestic courtyard and breathtaking spa. It's a true sanctuary in the heart of Kyoto, with the historic Nijo-jo Castle just across the street.


Book Japan with Matthew Biancaniello
Make It Private
We understand that certain dates can work better than others, or sometimes a more private experience is more appealing. We’d be happy to modify this departure so it fits the needs of you and your group.
Start HereQuestions?
That’s OK, we have answers. Read our FAQs below. Or text or call us at +1 (855) 219-8018 to speak with a Modern Adventure Trip Specialist.
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What does the price include?
Seven nights at unique four- and five-star accommodations; private travel for all day trips and excursions; departure airport transfer; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities, adventures and expeditions; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, most lunches and dinners; local beverages with meals.
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What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary; all gratuities for tour leaders and local guides.
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Where does the trip start and end?
Our adventure begins at the Capital Tokyu Hotel in Tokyo, Japan. There are two airports servicing Tokyo – Narita International Airport (NRT) and Tokyo International Airport, Haneda (HND). Our adventure ends in Kyoto, Japan. Your flight home from Kansai International Airport (KIX) should be scheduled to depart at 2pm or later on our final day.
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What travel documents are needed?
US citizens do not need a visa to visit Japan for Business or Tourism purposes. Requirements are subject to change and we will reach out directly with full details and updates.
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Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
For solo travelers, there is a $2,950 single-supplement fee—paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. These spots are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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Who is going on this trip?
This adventure has a maximum of 12 guests. Our experiences are fun and inclusive and you can expect to be joined by a diverse group in terms of age, background and interests—including solo travelers, couples and friends traveling together. This adventure is for travelers age 18 and above.
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Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by an expert Modern Adventure trip leader. They’re an experienced travel guide, a representative of Modern Adventure and your go-to person for questions or concerns on the trip. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
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What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel 120 days or more before departure and receive a full refund minus a $1500 per person service fee ($500 of which may be retained as a future travel credit, valid for one year after cancellation). If you cancel on or after 119 days in advance, there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after 59 days in advance, there is a 100% cancellation fee. See our full terms and conditions for details.
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Do I need Travel Insurance?
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement for your trip costs; if your trip plans change for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to get medical help, emergency transport, and for theft, loss or damage of items while traveling. For best coverage, always insure the full trip cost within two weeks of your initial trip deposit and note that most ‘Cancel For Any Reason’ policies must be purchased on the date of your initial deposit.