Tokyo and Beyond

Join Us In Japan to Discover the Culture

March 7-17, 2026

We'll start in Tokyo exploring the markets, street food, fine restaurants and neighborhoods of this vast city. Each area offers a unique ambience and all are different in character. Once we've discovered Tokyo, we'll board the Shinkansen for a fast ride to Kyoto Charming Kyoto offers perhaps the best culinary opportunities in Japan. We'll take it all in at the centuries old Nishiki Market, Gion and Pontocho plus the vast food halls in some of the iconic buildings.

MORE TO COME REGARDING THIS CULINARY ADVENTURE!

$10989 per person. Single supplement $2900

This 10-day itinerary balances under-the-radar luxury with authentic local flavors. We’ve curated 5-star boutique hotels that prioritize design and intimacy over scale, and restaurants that are beloved by locals for their history and craft rather than just their accolades.

Days 1–4: Tokyo — The Design-Forward Capital

Stay: Hotel K5 (Nihonbashi) Housed in a converted 1920s bank, this 20-room boutique is a masterclass in "Swedish-Japanese" minimalism. It’s intimate, cool, and sits in a neighborhood emerging as a creative hub.

Day 1: Arrival & The Nihonbashi Pulse
- Afternoon: Settle in and explore the craft shops of Nihonbashi.
- Dinner: Kojimachi Nihee. A sophisticated local favorite specializing in seasonal Japanese cuisine. It feels like a private club but with the warmth of a neighborhood haunt.
Day 2: Old Edo & The Master’s Blade
- Morning: Private tour of Asakusa backstreets. Visit Kappabashi (Kitchen Town) to find the tools professional chefs use.
- Lunch: Kanda Matsuya. A 140-year-old soba house. The atmosphere is bustling and historic; try the tempura soba with a side of cold sake.
Day 3: Modern Art & Architectural Wonders
- Morning: Visit the Nezu Museum for its private garden and pre-modern art.
- Afternoon: Walk through Omotesando for its world-class architecture.
- Dinner: Ukaitei (Omotesando). Located in a repurposed merchant’s house, this is high-end Teppanyaki at its most elegant—the local choice for a grand celebration.
Day 4: Travel to Kyoto
- Board the Shinkansen (Green Car) for a 2.5-hour journey to the heart of Japanese culture.

Days 5–7: Kyoto — The Soul of Japan

Stay: The Shinmonzen (Gion) Designed by Tadao Ando, this ultra-exclusive boutique (only 9 suites) reimagines the traditional ryokan. It sits on a quiet canal in the heart of Gion, offering a level of privacy large hotels can't match.

Day 5: Gion Twilight & Kappo Dining
- Evening: Wander through the Yasaka Pagoda area at sunset.
- Dinner: Mon (Gion). A "Kappo-style" counter restaurant. This is Kyoto dining at its most intimate—watch the chef prepare delicate plates using vegetables from nearby Ohara.
Day 6: Zen Gardens & The Tea Ritual
- Morning: Private "Zen Meditation" at a sub-temple of Daitoku-ji, led by a monk, followed by a viewing of their private moss garden.
- Lunch: Omen (Ginkaku-ji). Famous for its thick udon noodles served with an array of seasonal vegetables and roasted sesame.
- Evening: Enjoy a private Maiko experience (Geisha in training) in a traditional teahouse.
Day 7: Arashiyama & Tofu Artistry
- Morning: Visit the Bamboo Grove early to beat the crowds.
- Lunch: Shorai An. Tucked into the forest overlooking the river, this tofu specialist offers a "tofu kaiseki" that is both light and deeply traditional.
- Dinner: Kinmata. A "hidden gem" for Kaiseki in a 200-year-old building. It’s refined, welcoming, and far more accessible than the 3-star alternatives.

Days 8–10: Osaka — The Nation’s Kitchen

Stay: Zentis Osaka (Umeda) Designed by Tara Bernerd, this hotel is industrial-chic and boutique-scaled. It’s sophisticated and central, yet tucked away from the chaotic neon of the main entertainment districts.

Day 8: Merchant History & Hozenji Yokocho
- Afternoon: Explore the Sakai Knife District to see 4th-generation blacksmiths at work.
- Dinner: Naniwa Kappo Kigawa. Located in the stone-paved Hozenji Yokocho alley. This is "Osaka Soul Food" at a 5-star level—refined but unpretentious.
Day 9: Markets & Culinary Rebels
- Morning: A private chef-led tour of Kuromon Ichiba Market, tasting "Kobe Beef" and seasonal delicacies.
- Lunch: Mizuno. A local institution for Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). Order the "Yamaimo-yaki" for its unique, light texture.
- Dinner: Rokukakutei. A specialist Kushikatsu (fried skewer) restaurant that elevates the humble street food with ingredients like truffle and wagyu.
Day 10: Departure
- Private chauffeur transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX).

Included:

10 nights in luxury hotels and ryokans
Dinners at fine restaurants including Michelin rated
Japanese whiskey tastings
Street food
Shikansen train tickets
Local transportation
Entrance fees
Gratuities
Cocktails and whiskey

Not included:

International airfare
Travel insurance (we require travel insurance)
Visas
Items of a personal nature
Anything not specifically stated in the detailed itinerary

*Please note that activities, restaurants and hotels could change and be substituted for equal or better experiences.

Food and Culture of Japan

Call us at 925 785 2902 or email us at hello@envtravel.com to reserve your spot or for more information.

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