Traveling to Japan is a dream for any foodie—but with so many incredible flavors, neighborhoods, and culinary traditions, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start. From bustling fish markets to Michelin-starred sushi bars, there’s so much to taste and explore. That’s where EXO Travel comes in. With over 30 years of experience designing tailor-made trips, EXO creates custom itineraries for every type of traveler. This 12-day journey is perfect for anyone whose priority is tasting their way through Japan’s most iconic dishes while experiencing its rich culture and history.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo – Settle Into Luxury
Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport and enjoy a private transfer to Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, a five-star hotel with nine world-class restaurants serving everything from French cuisine to sushi. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax, explore, or enjoy your first taste of Tokyo’s culinary scene.
Overnight: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo – Tsukiji Market & Traditional Streets
Kick off your Japanese food adventure at Tsukiji Outer Market, sampling fresh sushi and street snacks. Wander the historic streets of Asakusa, Tokyo’s old town, and stop by Hama-Rikyu Gardens for a peaceful pause. Explore Kappabashi Kitchenware Street for Japanese cooking tools and food replicas, then finish the day at Ameyoko Market in Ueno, perfect for trying local bites.
Overnight: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Day 3: Tokyo – Soba Making & Geisha Dinner
Take a hands-on soba-making class at Tsukiji Soba Academy, learning the art of buckwheat noodles from mixing to cutting. In the evening, enjoy a rare geisha dining experience in Kagurazaka, with traditional performances, interactive games, and an authentic Japanese meal accompanied by sake and local drinks.
Overnight: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo
Day 4: Tokyo → Koya-san – Temple Cuisine
Travel to the serene mountains of Koya-san, home to over 100 Buddhist temples. Check into a shukubo temple lodging and savor shojin ryori, the refined vegetarian cuisine of Buddhist monks. As night falls, join a priest-led walk through Okunoin Cemetery, exploring centuries-old graves, towering cedars, and the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi.
Overnight: Soji-In Temple Stay
Day 5: Koya-san → Kyoto – Tea Ceremony & Evening Dining
After an optional morning temple service, head to Kyoto for a private tea ceremony in a master’s residence. Dress in a kimono and learn the Zen-rooted rituals of preparing and serving tea. In the evening, explore Gion and Pontocho on a curated dinner tour, sampling obanzai (Kyoto home-style cuisine) and local specialties in intimate, chef-led restaurants.
Overnight: The Mitsui Kyoto
Day 6: Kyoto – Temples & Japanese Culinary Traditions
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its thousands of torii gates, and explore Sanjusangendo, home to 1001 golden statues. Wander Nijo Castle, then end the day at Nanzenji Zen Temple. Along the way, enjoy opportunities to sample local snacks and delicacies, connecting culinary discovery with cultural immersion.
Overnight: The Mitsui Kyoto
Day 7: Kyoto – Nishiki Market & Sushi Making
Stroll through Nishiki Market, Kyoto’s famous food street, sampling fresh ingredients. Then, join a sushi-making class in a renovated machiya townhouse, creating maki rolls and delicate temari sushi balls. Pair your creations with a sake tasting and enjoy the meal you’ve prepared.
Overnight: The Mitsui Kyoto
Day 8: Kyoto → Fukuoka – Kyushu Food Scene
Take the bullet train to Fukuoka, Kyushu’s culinary capital. Join a food tour exploring the city’s fish markets, depachika food halls, tachigui (standing-eating shops), and famous yatai street stalls, tasting regional specialties from tempura to local favorites.
Overnight: The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka
Day 9: Fukuoka – Optional Culinary Experiences
Choose your adventure with a self-guided day or optional tours:
- Visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Komyozenji Temple
- Enjoy a guided bike tour through Fukuoka’s streets, parks, and coastline, ending with Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen
Overnight: The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka
Day 10: Fukuoka → Osaka – Night Food Tour
Travel to Osaka, Japan’s energetic food capital. Begin your evening with a guided dining tour, visiting standing tapas-style bars, izakayas, and homestyle restaurants serving kushikatsu, yakitori, and oden. Each stop pairs local dishes with drinks, showcasing Osaka’s fun-loving culinary scene.
Overnight: Four Seasons Osaka
Day 11: Osaka – Culture & Cuisine
Visit Osaka Castle, then take a scenic cruise along Okawa River. In the afternoon, explore Dotonbori’s backstreets, the Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum, and Hozen-ji Yokocho, sampling hidden culinary gems and experiencing Osaka’s unique vibe.
Overnight: Four Seasons Osaka
Day 12: Departure from Osaka
Enjoy a final morning at leisure before a private transfer to Kansai International Airport for your departure.
Travel Time: Central Osaka → Kansai Airport: 2 hr
Luxury Accommodations Included:
- Tokyo: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo – Deluxe Room
- Koya-san: Soji-In Shukubo – Temple Room
- Kyoto: The Mitsui – Premier Room
- Fukuoka: Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka – Skyline View Room
- Osaka: Four Seasons Osaka – Deluxe Room
Why Book This Culinary Journey with EXO Travel
EXO Travel is a master of experiential and responsible travel, with over 30 years of experience crafting authentic, tailor-made trips across Asia. They combine luxury accommodations, hands-on culinary experiences, and cultural immersion for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they want to taste, learn, and live the local culture. This 12-day itinerary is just one example of what EXO can create for food-loving travelers, blending Japan’s most iconic flavors with its rich traditions.
For travelers ready to taste Japan at its finest, reach out to your Coastline Travel Group Advisor to plan your personalized journey with EXO Travel. They’ll help craft an itinerary that fits your tastes, interests, and travel style—whether you’re a foodie, culture seeker, or luxury traveler.