Step inside the world of Japan’s food culture and artisan crafts.
“This Japan culinary tour has tremendously expanded my cultural awareness and knowledge. It helps to get you outside your comfort zone to experience new foods, Japanese traditions, all while giving you an inside look at the culture and the people.”
- Lindsay S.
Pricing
$13,450 per person based on double occupancy
$14,850 per person based on single occupancy
Dates
April 13 - 23, 2026 | SOLD OUT! Join the waitlist!
October 19 - 29, 2026 | 2 spots left!
October 29 - November 8, 2027
Destinations
Osaka
Kyoto
Countryside Onsen Town
Tokyo
Join our small group Japan cultural tour!
Our Japan culinary tour lets you focus on making lasting memories as you savor the flavors of Osaka, explore Kyoto's rich traditions, relax in serene onsen towns, and feel the vibrant energy of Tokyo.
✓ 4-5* Boutique Accommodations
✓ Airport meet and greet with private transfers
✓All ground transportation
✓ All meals listed in the itinerary
✓ Sake tasting and select alcoholic beverages with most meals
✓ All activities, experiences, tours, and sightseeing
✓ All taxes and tips for all drivers, guides, restaurants, and more
✓ 24/7 Tour Host
Exclusions: mandatory travel insurance (travel protection), transportation or airfare to/from Japan, hotel room incidentals, and premium alcoholic beverages
Imagine yourself…
ducking through Osaka backstreets for street food, sharing a quiet Buddhist meal in a secret tea house in Kyoto, hiking to a private wasabi farm, and rolling sushi with the freshest catch above the old Tsukiji Fish Market.
From Street Stalls to Artisan Studios
Our friendships in Japan open the door to experiences most travelers never have. Connect with artisans who have spent generations perfecting their craft and graciously welcome you into their world. Share meals with chefs who bring stories to life through their cuisine and explore traditions alongside locals eager to share their culture.
Daiki
Yasu
Michie
Katy
Mrs. Konishi
Kenji
Yoko
“The focus on food, interacting with the locals and the sightseeing was perfect. ..I would not hesitate to go on another adventure with TTLT.” - Leslie G.
“My husband and I have done two tours with TTLT and we are huge fans. Their organization and personal service are unmatched. They bring in experts with deep roots in the locations visited and help you fully experience the culture and cuisine of the country like no other tour I’ve taken.” - Annette S.
Trip to Japan Itinerary
Explore Japan like a local, slipping into small izakayas for a drink, soaking in hot springs, and speeding from one place to the next on the bullet train.
Day One - Osaka
Welcome to Japan!
Upon arrival at one of Osaka’s Airports (KIX or ITM), a driver will be waiting to take you into the heart of the city in a private car. Your tour leader will meet you at the hotel lobby to help with check-in.
We will have a short introduction and welcome before meeting our first local friend, Kenji, who will introduce you to the city on a mouth-watering walking Osaka food tour through his local neighborhood.
It’ll be a night on the town with friends as we hop from one izakaya to the next trying Japan’s most iconic street foods in some of the unlikeliest of settings.
Included meals: dinner
Day Two - Osaka
We’ll kick off our day with a market tour with our friend Yoko! We’ll spend the day experiencing and tasting all things Japanese cuisine - visiting markets, shotengai (traditional shopping streets), and even a few hidden spots you might not expect to find food.
We’ll also enjoy a hearty, hands-on hot pot lunch together before heading to a private knife sharpening lesson with our friends at Osaka’s most famous knife shop.
In the evening, we’ll meet up with Yoko, as she leads us through a cooking class where we will learn to make regional food and enjoy dishes that are special to Osaka.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day Three - Kyoto
We’ll journey towards a small tea town outside of Kyoto. We'll meet our friend for a special tour of a tea farm as we learn about Japanese green tea production before settling in at his cafe for a tea tasting and a light lunch (made from tea!) before continuing on to Kyoto.
We'll get to know Kyoto and settle into it's quaint charms as we tour the Gion District with Kenji. We'll enjoy light bites to start and end with a traditional kaiseki dinner, Japan's version of a course meal and the essence of Japanese haute cuisine — all while joined by a very special guest!
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day Four - Kyoto
We'll begin our day with a peaceful, private Zazen meditation session in one of Kyoto’s most important temples, guided by the head monk.
After finding inner peace, we'll enjoy a delicious shojin ryori meal in a secret tea house -- the traditional Buddhist cuisine highlights seasonal ingredients, mindfulness and other Zen principles.
In the evening, you have time to explore Kyoto on your own and venture out for dinner!
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day Five - Kyoto
Now that you're well versed in how Japanese green tea is made, we will see it in all it's glory as we drive to a Mrs. Konishi’s home to have a private tea ceremony with her and a trained tea-ceremony practitioner.
From our tea ceremony we'll head to the sake brewery district of Fushimi by train, towards the Uji River. We'll meet up with Kenji once again for a unique lunch and a casual introduction to sake. We’ll continue our dive in Sake by having dinner at a sake brewery.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day Six - Countryside Onsen Town
For Japanese people, visiting an onsen town is a very normal and nostalgic part of life. Many Japanese look forward to the experience of soaking in hot springs, enjoying a meal at a ryokan, and embracing the serene environment as a regular part of relaxation and rejuvenation.
We will make our way to Kyoto Station where we will catch a train for approximately 1-2 hours to a small, hot spring town. We will meet our passionate guide and dear friend, Yasu, who will give us an in-depth introduction to the town with a few very special local friends.
From there, we’ll enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town on our way to the ryokan. Once settled in, we’ll enjoy a beautiful representation of the season in a regional kaiseki meal.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day Seven - Countryside Onsen Town
We’ll meet artisans and producers around the peninsula, where we’ll have hyper-local experiences that you can’t find anywhere else in Japan — from making lacquerware in a tiny studio, to weaving on a loom, to hiking to a privately owned wasabi farm — all while meeting the locals who bring their craft to life!
The rest of the day is yours to explore the town and discover its gems on your own! We will equip you with recommendations on what to do and where to do some shopping in the town.
We will regroup at the end of the day to have a progressive dinner prepared by the owner of the 200 year old home where we enjoy our special meal.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day Eight - Tokyo
We’ll enjoy a local specialty for lunch before having a unique Shinto experience typically only done by locals! Then we’ll depart the onsen town together by private vehicle to the train station where we’ll catch our bullet train to Tokyo.
After settling into our hotel, we’ll head to an iconic Tokyo neighborhood for a progressive food tour dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day Nine - Tokyo
We will hit the streets of Tokyo for the day with our friend, Lauren, a Tokyo ex-pat who knows all the secret spots in the city! We’ll seek out some of the most popular destinations in the city, including the Shibuya Crossing, as well as a few quieter hip neighborhoods as we make our way to a private lunch.
We will end our day in a hip neighborhood with a farm-to-table lunch where the dishes are so good, you’ll be asking to lick your plate clean!
The rest of the day is yours to explore the metropolis!
Included meals: breakfast, lunch
Day Ten - Tokyo
It’s off to the Fish Market for a tasty food tour through the market and getting to know the vendors with our dear friend Michie. We’ll pick up in-season provisions at the market before heading to our cooking class for lunch where we’ll make sushi using some of the freshest fish in the world!
Gather with your fellow travelers to drive about 30 minutes to one of our favorite restaurants in all of Tokyo for a memorable dining experience! We’ll have the place to ourselves for our final meal together as we enjoy the chef’s creations focused on high-quality, seasonal ingredients blending Western and Japanese culinary techniques with a dynamic, ever-changing menu.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day Eleven - Tokyo
On our day of departure, we will have an optional group breakfast at the hotel. You’ll be whisked away by a private transfer to Haneda or Narita International Airport for a seamless journey as you depart Japan.
Included meals: breakfast
Each of our trips is unique, and our detailed itinerary will change based on seasonality, constant research and the availability of our local friends. This itinerary is a great resource for getting an idea of what kind of experiences you’ll have when you travel with us to Japan.
Questions? Ask anything!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you can travel to Japan without knowing Japanese, but knowing some basic phrases and vocabulary can be helpful. You will also have a 24/7 tour host with you the entire time to help you navigate the language and the areas you will be visiting.
But here are a few points to keep in mind if you plan to travel to Japan without knowing Japanese:
English Signage: In major cities and tourist areas, you will often find signs in both Japanese and English, making it easier to navigate public transportation systems, streets, and attractions.
English-speaking Personnel: Many hotels, airports, and popular tourist spots have staff members who can communicate in English.
Learn Basic Phrases: While not necessary, learning a few basic Japanese phrases can be helpful and show respect to the locals. Simple greetings like "hello" (konnichiwa) and "thank you" (arigatou gozaimasu) can go a long way in making a positive impression. Learn 8 useful Japanese phrases for dining out or 7 important Japanese phrases for visitors.
Japanese Hospitality: The Japanese are known for their hospitality and willingness to assist visitors. Even if you encounter language barriers, locals often try their best to help you find your way or understand your needs. Read our complete guide on how to successfully navigate Japanese hospitality.
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Traveling to Japan in a small group is an incredibly rewarding experience, providing numerous advantages that make it the best way to explore this captivating country. One of the most significant benefits is the opportunity for enhanced cultural immersion. With a smaller group of fellow travelers, you can delve deeper into Japanese culture, participating in authentic activities and interacting with locals on a more personal level. Whether it's learning traditional tea ceremonies, trying your hand at calligraphy, or joining a local festival, being part of a small group allows for more meaningful experiences and genuine connections. We’ve answered your most common questions about our Japan trip to help you decide if it’s the right trip for you!
This isn’t the only way to travel to Japan though and have a wonderful experience.
Travel Consulting - Great if you’re looking for personalized recommendations from a Japan expert and want to travel confidently, but want to manage bookings and trip logistics on your own.
Private Trips - Great if you want a Japan expert to build out a personalized itinerary full of quality experiences based on your interests and preferences, handle all bookings from experiences to hotels, and arrange all transportation. By letting us handle trip logistics, you don’t need to spend time building your own trip.
You can also check out our free resources for traveling to Japan, Japan airport questions, and more!
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Travelers should be comfortable engaging in activities like city tours with a few hours of walking, exploring historical sites, taking light hikes in scenic areas like a tea farm or temple with varying terrain, as well as walking up and down stairs as we occasionally utilize public transportation in the city.
Travelers should be prepared for a mix of activities that involve moderate walking distances, standing for extended periods, sitting on the floors, and a range of engaging experiences suitable for those with average physical abilities.
If you have any specific questions you’d like to discuss with the tour host, contact us!
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There are only 6 - 12 travelers on this group trip. With fewer travelers, we can explore unique, off-the-beaten-path spaces that larger groups can't access, such as family-owned kitchens, bustling markets, and private homes.
This small size also fosters meaningful connections - whether it’s sharing stories over a meal with a local host or bonding with fellow travelers, our trips feel more personal.
