Japan with Chelsea McCurdy

Dinner - Get to know your group and toast to the adventure ahead! Dinner at a local restaurant is included. Dinner is typically a set menu of Japanese cuisine. No drinks included. Additional food and beverages are at your own expense. To get to the restaurant you’ll be taking public transportation for about 15 minutes. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Hop on public transportation for 20 minutes to arrive at Meiji Shrine. Connect with Japan’s heritage as you enter the nearly 40-foot high gate that leads into tranquil grounds dedicated to Emperor Meiji (1867-1912) and his wife. You’ll wash your hands in accordance with the Shinto ritual of cleansing, then observe the rituals and prayers that take place here.

After visiting the Meiji Shrine, you’ll walk across to Harajuku Takeshita Street. Experience the vibrant energy of Tokyo's Harajuku district as you stroll along Takeshita Street, a bustling hub of fashion and culture. Immerse yourself in the eclectic atmosphere as you browse through trendy boutiques, quirky cafes, and colorful street food stalls. From fashion enthusiasts to foodies, Takeshita Street offers a unique and memorable shopping and dining experience in the heart of Harajuku. The guide will take you around the area as well as give you some time to explore on your own. You’ll then take 20 minute public transportation back to the hotel for some downtime before this evening’s street food tour.

This evening you will explore the lively Shinjuku area on foot for a fascinating foodie adventure! Beginning either from your hotel or meeting spot pre-determined by your guide, you will join local crowds in this world-famous foodie’s paradise to hunt for iconic and unique local snacks that will fill up your dinner experience. Three stops will be made at various Japanese pubs and eateries where you will sample izakaya food such as Yakitori, Tempura, as well as some other surprising unique local treats that you normally would not encounter. The type of food items sampled during this tour will largely be meat-based with a few vegetable & seafood items. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Dinner is included as a part of the Meguro Evening Street Food Tour. You’ll be making 3 stops tonight to try Tempura in an Izakaya, okonomiyaki or seafood depending on the availability of the day, and ramen. Note that the food stops are subject to change. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Be prepared to drop off your luggage at 7:30am in the lobby before today’s activities as a luggage transfer will take your bags to Kyoto. Please pack a small overnight bag of necessities.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

In the morning, take a 40 minute public transit to Tsukiji Fish Market, once the world's largest wholesale fish and seafood market, renowned for its bustling atmosphere and the wide array of seafood available. Though the wholesale market moved to Toyosu in 2018, Tsukiji's outer market continues to thrive, offering a rich selection of fresh seafood, produce, and a variety of Japanese food stalls and restaurants. This area remains a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in Tokyo's vibrant culinary scene.

From the Tsukiji Fish Market takes a 40 minute public transit to the Nigiri Sushi Making Class. Dive into the world of sushi artistry! Explore the global phenomenon of sushi before putting your skills to the test under the guidance of a seasoned instructor. You'll learn the intricacies of preparing and constructing this quintessential Japanese dish. Together, the group will craft a variety of Nigiri, featuring sushi rice crowned with choices like raw fish, squid, shrimp, or octopus, embracing the rich diversity of this culinary tradition. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

You will enjoy the Nigiri you crafted during the sushi making class for lunch, with tea included. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

From lunch you’ll take public transit for 45 minutes to arrive in Asakusa. Discover Tokyo's traditional shitamachi atmosphere by exploring this unique area. Wander through Nakamise Street, one of the city's most venerable shopping lanes, then take in the culinary delights and souvenir offerings of Kappabashi Kitchen Street. Your journey will lead you down Nakamise Street, a thoroughfare dotted with vendors offering charming trinkets and local snacks, all the way to the historic Sensoji Temple. Following this cultural immersion, the adventure continues to Kappabashi Street, renowned for its extensive collection of kitchenware—from plates and knives to pans and even meticulously crafted fake food. Then take 45 minutes public transfit back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Overnight in Tokyo.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Take 45 minute public transit to the Tokyo Station where you will board the Shinkansen Train for 2 hours and 40 minutes to arrive in Kyoto. Once in Kyoto, you’ll take a short 15 minute public transit ride to the hotel for check in.

Take 15 minute public transit to Nishiki Market. Nishiki Market, often referred to as "Kyoto's Kitchen," is a vibrant five-block long shopping street lined with more than one hundred shops and restaurants. This bustling marketplace is famous for its unique and diverse offering of seasonal foods, local specialties, and Kyoto's traditional dishes, providing a feast for the senses. Visitors can indulge in the lively atmosphere, sample local delicacies, and witness the rich culinary culture of Kyoto, making it an essential experience for food enthusiasts exploring the city. You’ll have free time here to explore and have lunch at your own expense.

From the hotel you’ll take a 30 minute public transit to the Higashiyama area. Discover Kyoto's historical and cultural essence with a visit to the ancient Yasaka Shrine, a serene and spiritually significant site over 1,350 years old. Wander through Kyoto's carefully preserved streets, lined with historically restored shops that reflect the city's rich past and vibrant former life. Your exploration leads to Yasaka-jinja Shrine, one of Kyoto’s most cherished and revered religious landmarks. Nearly always alive with energy, the shrine draws countless devotees who come to seek blessings and pray for good fortune. A visit to this iconic Shinto shrine not only offers a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual traditions but might also bring a bit of good luck your way.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Be prepared to drop off your luggage at 9:30am in the lobby before today’s activities as a luggage transfer will take your bags to Osaka. Please pack a small overnight bag of necessities.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

This morning, take public transit 45 minutes to the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kiyomizu Temple. The shrine is known as the Pure Water Temple due to its location by Otowa Waterfall's three streams, each offering blessings for love, success, or longevity. Engage in the ritual of drinking from these streams with traditional cups, but heed the advice against consuming from all three to avoid being seen as greedy, emphasizing the importance of selective blessings that align with your life's desires, thereby connecting you deeply with Kyoto's spiritual heritage and natural beauty. Explore the temple grounds, then take 30 minute public transit to enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

From Kiyomizudera, you’ll take public transit 30 minutes to participate in a Japanese Tea Ceremony. Delve into the heart of Japanese culture with the Sao or Cha-no-yu, a ceremonial tea service that embodies a profound display of spirituality and meticulous skill honed over centuries. This traditional ceremony is more than a mere act of serving tea; it is a spiritual journey that aims to cultivate harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Practitioners of Cha-no-yu meticulously prepare tea using time-honored equipment, from the careful selection of the tea leaves to the precise temperature of the water, each step is performed with deliberate mindfulness and grace. The intimate setting of the ceremony allows guests to immerse themselves in the moment, experiencing a sense of inner peace and connection as they savor the warm, freshly prepared tea. Then take a 20 minute transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight in Kyoto.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Take 10 minute public transit to the train station and then take a 30 minute train from Kyoto to Osaka. Upon arrival, take a 20 minute public transit to the hotel in Osaka.

Take a 20 minute public transit to embark on an enticing Osaka Street Food Tour, where your taste buds will be treated to the vibrant flavors of the city's bustling streets. The adventure begins in Shinsekai, a nostalgically retro downtown area, where you'll savor kushikatsu, delicious Japanese-style skewers that are a must-try local delicacy. From there, the journey takes you to the heart of Osaka's food scene, Dotonbori, to indulge in takoyaki, the iconic octopus balls that epitomize the city's street food culture. The tour ends with a sit-down farewell dinner, consisting of 8-9 courses that showcases the finest of Japanese cuisine, including a Wagyu Hot-pot, Chicken Sashimi, and Chicken Karaage, among other exquisite dishes. This culinary exploration not only offers a taste of Osaka's rich food heritage but also provides a memorable farewell to the city's gastronomic delights. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Dinner at a local restaurant is included as the last stop of the Osaka Street Food Tour. Dinner will typically be an 8-9 course that showcases the finest of Japanese cuisine, including a Wagyu Hot-pot, Chicken Sashimi, and Chicken Karaage,etc. All you can drink (soft drinks) is included. Menu and restaurant are subject to change. Then walk 15 minutes back to the hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.

Overnight in Osaka.

Breakfast at the hotel is included. Typical hotel breakfasts are continental full/America, or buffet style. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel. *Please note that Japanese cuisine frequently uses ingredients with animal products and/or gluten, therefore vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free diets CANNOT be accommodated.