Days 1-2 Tokyo
You can arrive at our joining point hotel at any time today as there are no
planned activities. Please note that check-in time at our joining point hotel
is not until 1.00 pm. Your leader will contact you to arrange a group
meeting for the evening of day 1 followed by dinner.

We will be up early on day 2 to visit the famous Tsukiji markets and will
breakfast there. The external market here is great souvenir-hunting territory.

Days 3-4 Takayama
Takayama is famous for its traditional inns, sake breweries and the outdoor
museum of the Hida Folk village. There is free time to explore the many folk
art galleries, local markets, museums or just wander the streets of this
delightful little town nestled amongst the Japanese Alps. One option is to hire
a bicycle to get around this peaceful town. We will also spend time in the
kitchen of a ryokan discovering the secrets of san sai, mountain vegetables
cuisine, miso, Hida beef, and soba noodles.

Days 5-6 Koya-san
We have an opportunity to stay in a Buddhist monastery for two nights at
Koya-san. It's a simple vegetarian fare here with a chance to help cook
(and clean up) with the resident monks whilst sampling delicious vegetarian
cuisine and taking part in Zazen meditation.

Days 7-8 Osaka
Osaka provides the adventurous with a chance to visit a Fugu (poisonous
blowfish) restaurant - at your own risk!! We also have the opportunity to
make our own buckwheat noodles in the back streets of this feudal hub.
The local Takoyaki (Octopus balls) are said to be the best in Japan.

Days 9-10 Hiroshima
Hiroshima is a bustling metropolis with a tragic history (approx. 5 hrs
from Takayama by train). We have free time to visit the ruins of the
A- Dome building, one of eleven structures left partially standing after
the nuclear bomb blast on 6th August 1945, left as a horrifying reminder
of the destruction of nuclear war. Around its perimeter is the peace park,
with monuments and a museum dedicated to Hiroshima and international
peace. You can spend an afternoon at the nearby island of Miyajima with its
famous 'floating' Torii Gate and the grand Itsukushima-jinja Shrine. Watch
out for the inquisitive and eternally hungry deer that roam the streets of
Miyajima.

Days 11-14 Kyoto
We travel on to Kyoto via Himeji-jo Castle, a sight to behold. Built in 1580,
this five-storey castle is not only a fantastic example of amazing architecture,
but a great insight into ancient life in Japan.
From Hiroshima to Kimeji-jo is approx. 1 hour, and then it's a further 1 hour
on to Kyoto. Once in Kyoto there is just so much to do, with over 2000 temples,
shrines and gardens. The magnificent gold-plated Kinkaku-ji Temple should
not be missed, nor should a cultural performance at Gion Corner (optional).
We can spend a day at Nara, home of Todai-ji Temple, the largest wooden
building in the world and home to a 16m high Buddha. Kyoto is also a great
place to get 'lost' in - walk the streets and soak in the wonderful atmosphere.
The city's lively nightlife provides plenty of options for our final evening.
There is so much to do in and around Kyoto youmight choose to extend your
stay here.
You can depart Kyoto at any time on day 14. We recommend you use your
JR rail pass to get back to Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya airports for departure.

Travel Style
Gourmet Travel is the perfect trip for food lovers. Travelling in countries
renowned for their delicious cuisine our Gourmet Adventure trips make the
most of "food glorious food" while not forgetting to explore the cultural
and environmental highlights. From elaborate banquets to street side stalls,
from busy markets to frenetic kitchens we taste and discover a country,
meeting its people and experiencing its culture as we get to know the locals
and enjoy an insight into their lives and palates!

Group Size
12 maximum

Accomodation
Traditional inns (12 nights), hotel (1 night)

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