A Culinary Journey Through Japan
Travel with us on a deeply immersive culinary journey designed the Zingerman’s way: curious, generous, and rooted in real relationships. This trip blends extraordinary food experiences with cultural exploration, behind-the-scenes access, and plenty of shared meals around the table. From bustling cities to quiet countryside, we move thoughtfully and with intention—meeting the people who make the food we love, learning how and why it’s made, and savoring it together. This is not a whirlwind checklist tour, but a rich, layered experience meant to leave you well-fed, inspired, and deeply connected to place.
Japan Spring 2027
Location: Tokyo & Kyoto
Dates: May 20-30, 2027
(we suggest you arrive 1-2 days before the tour begins*)
5 Spots Available
Price: $13,000 per person
Who is this tour for?
This trip is pretty active and best suited for travelers who enjoy being on their feet and long city walks..Most days include walking through cities, markets, and historic sites, often on uneven surfaces, cobblestones, stairs, and hills. We typically walk several miles a day at a relaxed pace, with frequent stops for food, conversation, and rest. Public transportation is part of the experience, and some days involve longer outings with full schedules.
Our guests are curious, open-minded adults of all ages, eager to embrace new flavors, traditions, and experiences.
To keep the experience intimate, we will limit the size of the group to 8 travelers.
Accommodations
We’ve carefully curated a selection of four-star hotels around the country in an effort to balance our active days with comfort and relaxation. All of our hotels include bars or restaurants, and a few also offer spa facilities.
*Arriving Early
We strongly encourage guests to arrive one or two days early before the trip begins. This allows time to recover from jet lag, settle in, and start exploring on your own before our first group gathering. Arriving early helps ensure you’re rested and ready to fully enjoy the experience from day one—and gives you a little extra breathing room to ease into the rhythm of travel.
What’s Included?
Wonderful food – all breakfasts, most lunches, and several dinners. We will enjoy traditional regional specialties made from local, fresh ingredients, some of which we’ve made ourselves.
You will have a rich experience connecting with the Japanese people and culture, from the new vibrant capitol of Tokyo to the ancient capitol, Kyoto.
We will explore this beautiful country and experience the warmth of its people through the food, art and traditions.
Behind-the-scenes visits with artisanal producers, traditional artists, and local farmers, and hands-on cooking experiences.
A Zingerman’s tour host and our guides will always be at your disposal.
Public/Private Transportation
Hotel accommodations for 10 nights.
What’s Not Included?
Airfare
Alcoholic beverages (other than beverages with dinner or when they are specifically included in the itinerary)
Personal spending money
Transportation to Tokyo airport on the day of departure can be easily arranged through our hotel
Sample Itinerary
May 20
Day 1
Toyko
Arrive in Tokyo and settle into our centrally located hotel. In the evening, we’ll gather for a welcome orientation before heading out for our first shared meal—an izakaya dinner that introduces us to elevated Japanese bar food and sets the tone for the journey ahead.
Day 2
Today we explore Tokyo by foot, moving through neighborhoods such as Ginza, Tsukiji, and Shibuya. Along the way, we’ll dive into Japan’s famous convenience stores, visit standout bakeries, and taste our way through local markets.
In the evening, we’re welcomed into a private home for a hands-on sushi-making experience with master sushi makers—our dinner and a highlight of the trip.
We begin the day exploring a local Tokyo neighborhood known for its ramen culture, followed by a Michelin-recognized ramen lunch. In the afternoon, we board the Shinkansen (bullet train) and travel to Kyoto. After checking in and resting, we enjoy a comforting shabu-shabu dinner nearby.
Day 3
Tokyo to Kyoto
The day starts with a scenic river experience (weather permitting), followed by time to explore Kyoto’s famous food markets, where lunch is on your own—snack your way through dozens of stalls.
In the afternoon, we wander Kyoto’s historic districts before attending a special traditional performance. In the evening, we travel to Nara for an elegant sushi omakase dinner. (This is one of our dress-up nights.)
Day 4
We head into the countryside to visit a boutique tea producer in the hills outside Kyoto. Here, we learn about planting, harvesting, preparing, and tasting Japanese tea, enjoying a vegetarian tea-focused meal along the way.
On the return trip, we stop at one of Japan’s most iconic shrine complexes before dinner back in Kyoto at a beloved tonkatsu restaurant.
Day 5
We spend the day in Nara, Japan’s ancient capital, walking through historic streets, visiting monumental temples, and stopping at a centuries-old knife shop renowned for hand-forged cutlery. Lunch features premium tuna specialties.
In the evening, we return to Kyoto for a multi-course kaiseki dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant—an unforgettable expression of seasonality and craft. (Dress-up evening.)
Day 6
A day trip takes us to Osaka, where we begin with a casual dumpling lunch, then attend a live sumo exhibition. After exploring the city—including Osaka Castle and lively street scenes—we gather for a hearty hotpot dinner at a legendary sumo favorite before returning to Kyoto.
Day 7
Enjoy a relaxed morning before heading to lunch at one of the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurants. In the afternoon, we attend a seasonal cultural festival at one of Kyoto’s most famous temples. The rest of the day offers time to explore, shop, or rest before a lively yakiniku dinner.
Day 8
We begin with a guided introduction to sake, learning about its history, production, and flavors through tastings paired with food. Afterward, we return to Tokyo by bullet train, enjoying classic station bento along the way.
In the evening, we’re welcomed into a private home for a warm, personal dinner with local hosts.
Day 9
Kyoto to Tokyo
Our final day includes an immersive art experience followed by a uniquely Japanese sporting event. After time to rest and prepare, we come together one last time for a special farewell dinner—an elegant and celebratory close to our journey. (Dress-up encouraged.)
Day 10
May 30
Day 11
That concludes our week of flavors in Japan. We hope you have enjoyed your time here and have a safe journey home!
Please note: this itinerary is based on our local expert’s plan and recommendation. We will make every effort to provide the tours and experiences that are described above. The nature of the places we’ll be visiting — not typical tourist destinations — means that plans may change at the last minute. Also, you always have the option of skipping a particular excursion, but please note that we will be unable to make refunds for any missed meals or other events.
