JAPAN GOURMET TOUR

14 days Tokyo to KyotoTokyo, Takayama, Koya-san, Osaka,Hiroshima, Kyoto, cooking classes.A culinary journey into Asia's most enigmatic land. With so many different methods of Japanese cooking to sample, from Okonomiyaki to Sapporo crab, there is no end to the variety and beauty of the art that is Japanese cuisine. This is a trip through Japan's heart and kitchen.Days 1-2 TokyoYou 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 TakayamaTakayama 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-sanWe 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 OsakaOsaka 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 HiroshimaHiroshima 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 KyotoWe 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 localsand enjoy an insight into their lives and palates!