Japan with Michael Cimarusti

Yōkoso to Kyoto! Our journey begins early, as we meet Michael, then go deep into timeless Kyoto. We begin with one of the city’s beloved arts. In our lesson of shodo calligraphy, we learn beauty and balance comes not just in what you write, but how you make flowing strokes with a deft brush.

Buoyed by the joy of the workshop, we’ll float down the street for a bento lunch and Michelin-starred, Shimogamo Saryo. After savoring dishes like steamed tilefish and grated turnip, we’ll make room for gratitude and contemplation at the 6th-century Shimogamo shrine.

To round out this exquisite introduction to Kyoto, we’ve been invited to Honda Miso, the exclusive provider to Japan’s royal family since the 1400s and with a miso-brewing program that changes according to the seasons.

As the evening descends on tranquil Kyoto, there’s still one more thing—a elaborate welcome dinner designed to awaken our senses to the dazzling intricacies of Japanese cuisine.

We start the day in pious repose at Kennin-ji, the oldest Zen Temple in Kyoto. Whether you choose to stroll the serene grounds lost in thought or immerse yourself in meditation, we’ll have ample time to reset and relax.

Our minds clear and hearts full, we’ll follow Michael to one of the region’s most renowned tofu facilities, and we’ll learn the nuances behind its meticulous preparation. After an immersive tour, we dive right back into the bustle of Kyoto for a walking tour of the always vibrant Nishiki market. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to the hotel for some relaxation, for a truly epic evening awaits us.

Japanese cuisine changed Michael’s life, and will change ours during our dinner feast created by Michael! He’ll walk us through how to build a masterpiece, beginning by choosing local ingredients, then assembling a banquet step by step. Then, we eat in an unforgettable setting as the Kyoto night envelops us.

Our journey into serenity deepens today, as we relocate to Shodō island and settle into our truly stunning ryokan—a traditional inn and the epitome of elevated minimalism: our lodging 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.

Before we check in, however, we’ll make time for a visit to a soy sauce factory. Here, Michael will talk us through the myriad uses for this miracle marinade. 

We’ll have the afternoon to recharge at our ryokan before indulging in a meticulously plated multi-course feast designed to embody omotenashi, or wholehearted hospitality.

We wake to a light and lively breakfast, and we’re promptly out to explore the dizzying sights of Shodoshima—from art installations and olive groves to staggering ocean vistas.

Our appetites worked up, we’ll duck in to a local cafe for one of Japan’s most famous exports, sashimi. With memories of yesterday’s soy sauce experience, we’ll treat ourselves to slice upon slice of this raw delicacy.

Our adventure continues as we go behind the scenes at a local Sake brewery to see (and taste) how its iconic rice wine is made. Our next stop on our thematic afternoon, is another local brewery, but this time we’ll dive deep into the burgeoning beer scene on the island. We’ll learn the ins and outs of the fermentation process and sample a flight of truly original beers. 

After a few toasts with the local brewmaster, we’ll cozy up to a no-frills, casual izakaya dinner—here we’ll cast aside the formality of fine dining and belly up to the counter for the ultimate Japanese comfort food.

Today, we pack up and say sayonara to the sea and return to Kyoto with one special pit stop along the way. First, we ferry to Himeji for a guided tour of the best preserved castle in Japan. Completed in 1609, Himeji castle has never been destroyed, and it’s the most elegant of the country’s original 12 castles.

After spending some time on these majestic grounds, we’ll take the bullet train back to the city. Soon enough, Kyoto will welcome us back with open arms, and the afternoon and evening is yours to embellish.  See you in the morning.

It’s our last day together, but our immersion is far from over. Today, we’ll spend the morning exploring the fabled Arashiyama district. Located on the fringes of towering mountains, we’ll visit the photogenic bamboo grove and seek out the district’s lesser known majesties like the poet’s house, imperial villas and monkey-filled parks.  

To commemorate our last full day in Japan, we’ve arranged a meditative lunch and tea ceremony at Daitokuji Temple. There’s nothing quite like the quiet beauty of a tea ceremony in Japan. It’s considered one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement, as well as a transformative practice that’s a fundamental step on the path to enlightenment.

After sharing our gratitude for such a rewarding week, we’ll finish the ceremony with a light lunch. The afternoon is yours to explore Kyoto and say your goodbyes to this magical city.

In the evening, we’ll meet up at the hotel and walk to our farewell dinner at Michelin-star restaurant, Koke. Expect a few rambling toasts and course upon course of simple and exquisite cuisine.

After a thrilling experience, we meet for breakfast, then pack our things and newly made impressions, and transfer to the airport for our flights home where we’ll approach every endeavor with a new sense of calm and care. Until next time!