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Japan with Michael Cimarusti
Sold Out | Join Waitlist Below
Heritage & Tradition
Experience Japan at its most timeless and delicious with chef Michael Cimarusti
June 18 - 24, 2023
Sold out — Join the waitlist
7 Day, 6 Nights
The best of Kyoto, Shodoshima, Ine Village, Sea of Japan
Price from
$11,500
Per person based on double occupancy
Questions? Text or call us
+1 (855) 219-8018
SOLD OUT — JOIN THE WAITLIST
Join our waitlist, and we will contact you if and as space becomes available.
With every step you feel Japan’s ancient Wabi-sabi sense of finding beauty in fleeting moments, transient gifts connecting you to the present. You take in buttery cuts of fresh sashimi, tiered-temples alongside a matcha-colored river, misty forests and mountaintop meditations. You’re learning from local masters as you go—all about Kyoto’s enduring art of the simplest things: tea, miso, soy, sake, calligraphy. Kyoto, like no place, rewards those willing to breathe in, look close, feel deeply.
You explore with incredible company: chef Michael Cimarusti, a star of the Los Angeles food scene, whose brilliant takes on seafood have won him Michelin stars and James Beard awards. Michael studied in Kyoto under renowned chef Yoshihiro Murata. In our week together in Japan, Michael will introduce us to some of his favorites: local delicacies, markets selling the freshest ingredients, restaurants anchored in tradition and craft. Yes, we will be eating very, very well.
If your idea of the perfect vacation involves slowing down and experiencing a place deeply—and if you love really good seafood—this trip is for you. We take it at a village-like pace, dining in traditional restaurants, reflecting in lush gardens and staying in traditional ryokan inns. If you’re fascinated by ancient rituals and artisans who’ve been perfecting their crafts for centuries, join us in Japan!

Savor
The best of Japanese cuisine with award-winning chef Michael Cimarusti by your side
Experience
Kyoto’s layers of history, escape to local fishing villages and quiet lesser-seen temples
Embrace
The quest for a perfectly imperfect life at serene ryokans and mountaintop meditations
Honor
Buddhist shrines, traditional tea ceremonies, and the timeless rituals of an ancient civilization
3 Reasons to Travel with Michael Cimarusti
Think of Los Angeles seafood and one name comes to mind: Michael Cimarusti. He's credited with taking LA's fine-dining scene to another level when he opened his modern American seafood restaurant, Providence, in 2005. His creativity and dedication to craft have earned him a James Beard award, two highly coveted Michelin stars, top spot on Jonathan Gold’s “101 Best Restaurants” list and a Gourmet magazine Top 50 Restaurants nod. Best of all he's personable, passionate and he loves Japan.

Passion for Seafood
“Seafood has inspired me in a personal way from the very start,” says Michael. “It is my duty to support its conservation and best practices, and it’s my privilege to showcase it on a nightly basis.”
He Loves Japan
Michael first visited Japan on a culinary fellowship, going deep into seafood with Michelin-starred Kyoto chef Yoshihiro Murata. Since then, Michael’s only become more inspired by Japanese culture and cuisine.
Focus on Tradition
A native of New Jersey, Michael grew up fishing with his grandfather and eating his grandmother’s Old World Italian dishes. His interest and appreciation for tradition, heritage and respect for food has grown into a storied career.
Your Experience

“Kyoto feels like an egg that takes a while to crack. Every time you go, you learn and see a little bit more.”
Kyoto, Shodoshima, Sea of Japan



“There’s a greater reverence for seafood in Japan. They’re so good at caring for wild seafood and bringing it to market.”
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 of tatami mats and sliding doors. And it all comes with a restoring dose of Japanese shibui, that notion of striking a peaceful harmony with nature.
The Hotel Mitsui
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.

Shimayado Mari
ShodoshimaThe epitome of elevated minimalism, the Mari embodies the effortless grace of Japanese onsen culture. Its pine accents are understated, its kaiseki meals, simple and exquisite and the spa, serene and restorative.


Book Japan with Michael Cimarusti
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?
Six 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; gratuity for tour leader.
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Where does the trip start and end?
Our adventure begins at the Park Hyatt Kyoto in Kyoto, Japan. The closest airport is the Kansai International Airport (KIX). Our adventure also ends in Kyoto, Japan. Your flight home from KIX airport should be scheduled to depart at 2pm or later on our final day.
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What travel documents are needed?
US citizens are currently required to have a visa for tourist visits to Japan for visits under 90 days. We will reach out directly with full details and requirements.
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Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
For solo travelers, there is a $2,750 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.