Japan Tour with David Utterback

Welcome to Tokyo, the world’s greatest food city, and home to more Michelin stars than any other city (even Paris).

We kick off our journey with a warm welcome as we gather for a cocktail reception hosted by our tastemaker. This is your chance to mingle with fellow travelers and soak in the excitement of the adventures that lie ahead. As the evening unfolds, we invite you to join us for a group dinner at a nearby locale, where you can savor local flavors and unwind after your travels.

Our first stop takes us to a quaint ramen workshop, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn the art of crafting this beloved Japanese dish from scratch. Under the guidance of seasoned ramen masters, roll up your sleeves and knead the dough, simmer the broth, and assemble your own mouth-watering bowl of ramen, bursting with umami flavors.

Afterwards, we’ll ascend to the heights of Shibuya Sky, an architectural marvel offering panoramic views of Tokyo’s iconic skyline. From the sprawling cityscape to the distant silhouette of Mount Fuji, soak in the breathtaking vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.

And finally for a quintessential only-in-Tokyo moment; in the late afternoon, we’ll indulge in a cutting-edge blind sake tasting led by AI technology, where we’ll unravel the nuances of Japan’s revered rice wine through a sensorial journey of taste and aroma. As evening descends upon the city,  we’ll convene for an intimate dinner at a traditional Japanese restaurant, where each dish is a masterpiece of culinary artistry.

Today we rise very early (before sunrise!) for an exclusive visit to the fish market, immersing ourselves in the vibrant world of one of the largest wholesale fish markets. Here, we witness the hustle and bustle as some of the world’s finest tuna changes hands, surrounded by the sights and sounds of bustling trade.

Returning to our charming basecamp, we take some time to unwind before embarking on a culinary adventure through Kappabashi Dougu Street, known as “Kitchen Town”. Here, we’ll explore a paradise for food enthusiasts and chefs alike, discovering a plethora of culinary tools, gadgets, and specialty ingredients.

Next on our agenda is a visit to Sensoji Temple and Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street, where traditional charm meets bustling commerce. We’ll take in the serene atmosphere of the temple grounds, adorned with vibrant colors and intricate architecture, before strolling through the bustling shopping street, lined with vendors selling everything from souvenirs to traditional snacks and sweets.

With lunch at our leisure among a plethora of dining options tantalizes our senses. Too many options? Our tastemaker and expert guides are happy to point you in the right direction.

As the day winds down, we seek out an authentic Japanese pizza experience, where carefully crafted offerings pay homage to tradition while embracing innovative flavors. Then, we venture into Tokyo’s vibrant nightlife, promising an evening filled with excitement and cultural immersion as we explore the city’s diverse entertainment districts and experience the pulse of urban life after dark.

After a short Shinkansen (bullet train) journey we’ll arrive in Izu. This is the wettest part of Japan, and the climate is ideal for cultivating wasabi (Japanese horseradish) in uniquely designed water terraces. We’ll tour behind the scenes at a local wasabi farm, and sit down to a family-style meal of sashimi and fresh seasonal vegetables.

The cable car up to Panorama Park gets us one of the finest views of Mount Fuji (assuming the weather is kind). After admiring her sacred summit, we’ll head to our lodging for the night: a traditional ryokan (inn). It’s a stunning 150-year-old architectural museum surrounded by nature, with its own natural hot springs. Here, bathing in the traditional baths, we commit ourselves to pure relaxation. Dinner is a traditional kaiseki meal, each small dish jewel-like in its presentation.

After a peaceful night’s rest, we embark on a journey to Mishima train station for a luxurious 1st class ride to Kyoto. Our day in this historic city commences with a sushi-making workshop, where our group, guided by a local chef, learns the art of crafting perfect sushi using the freshest ingredients sourced from Kyoto’s renowned market.

Following our sushi feast, we immerse ourselves in the time-honored tradition of a kimono tea ceremony. Here, we don traditional attire and partake in the serene ritual of preparing and savoring matcha tea, cleansing our spirits and aiding digestion amidst the tranquil ambience of Kyoto.

As the day draws to a close, we check into our centrally located hotel, providing a comfortable base for our Kyoto adventures. With dinner at leisure, guests have the freedom to explore Kyoto’s culinary scene and indulge in their preferred dining experiences after a fulfilling day of cultural immersion.

For an overview of Kyoto, we’ll venture just outside the central districts to Fushimi Inari Shrine. There’s time to explore the mountain trails, or simply to admire the thousands of bright red torii (wooden gates), curving in parallel rows along the trails. At this time of year the leaves are turning to autumnal scarlet. It’s a stunning sight. Next, we’ll delve into the artistry of ceramics during a hands-on pottery workshop at Kashogama, shaping clay into exquisite pieces under skilled artisans’ guidance.

Around noon, we tilt our focus to traditional food and drink. For lunch we’ll savor charcoal-fired chicken dishes at a nearby yakitori restaurant, honoring generations of tradition. Afterward, a visit to a local sake brewery awaits, where we’ll discover the rich heritage behind Japan’s beloved rice wine through various sake blends.

With the afternoon free for relaxation at our hotel, we’ll reconvene for an evening of traditional Japanese entertainment, culminating in a elaborate dinner at a local restaurant accompanied by the graceful presence of a Maiko (an apprenticing geisha). Her art is a deft balance of  dance, hospitality and tradition, and we’re fortunate to witness it firsthand.

We’ll embark on a scenic coach journey to Osaka, where we’ll have the unique opportunity to stop in Sakai for a captivating knife-making demonstration led by a master craftsman. Here, guests will witness centuries-old techniques passed down through generations, gaining insight into the meticulous artistry behind Japan’s renowned blades. Following this, our adventure continues with a visit to the Sakai Denshokan museum, offering a fascinating journey through Japan’s rich sword-making traditions, where ancient artifacts and historical exhibits bring centuries of craftsmanship to life.

Continuing our exploration, we’ll tour Douguya-suji, a historic street lined with artisanal shops crafting high-quality knives using traditional methods, where guests can witness the meticulous craftsmanship firsthand. For lunch, you’ll have time to  explore Kuromon Market—a bustling culinary hub known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse food offerings—on your own.

Afterward, we’ll return to our hotel in Kyoto, where you’ll have the evening to explore on your own.

In Kyoto, we kickstart the day at the bustling Daimaru Kyoto food hall, a paradise for food enthusiasts showcasing global culinary delights meticulously crafted by local experts.

Then, we delve deeper into Kyoto’s culinary scene at Nishiki Market, known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” renowned for its diverse offerings from preserved foods to duck specialties and Japanese sweets.

Following a delectable lunch featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients at a local restaurant, we embark on a leisurely stroll through the enchanting districts of Gion and Higashiyama, immersing ourselves in the historic ambiance of narrow cobblestone streets and traditional wooden machiya houses.

Our journey culminates with a visit to the revered Yasaka Shrine, steeped in Shinto traditions and known for its vibrant festivals and serene atmosphere.

Tonight, we bid farewell to Kyoto with a memorable dinner at an award-winning restaurant, indulging in a sumptuous spread of local delicacies paired with exquisite wines, a fitting conclusion to our gastronomic adventure in this culinary haven.

Alas, our journey has come to an end. As we say goodbye to our new friends, we know that we’ll have to return, and soon. In the meantime, the soul of Japanese cuisine and craft will travel home with us, helping us find the beauty wherever we look.