Japan with Kevin Lee

Dates

Sep 20–26, 2023

Group Size

8–24 Travelers

Duration

7 days, 6 nights

Activity Level

Exploration

About This Trip

If you believe that food tells a story, represents a culture, or reveals a country's history, there is no place like Japan. Whether you are examining the relationship between spirituality and tea, meditation and sushi, or simply eating and drinking your way through tiny Japanese back streets and alleyways, Japan is a paradise for the curious eater.
$3,600USD
$3,800USD
Sep 20–26, 2023
7 days
Trip Closed

Meet Your Host

chefboylee
chefboylee

Hello, my name is Kevin! I'm a trained chef turned food content creator. I currently live in LA, and love to travel. I enjoy meeting new people, exploring different cultures, and teaching people what I know about food/cooking.

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Trip Activities

  • Tokyo Nights Street Food Tour

  • Tokyo City Tour

  • Tokyo Gourmet Walk

  • Asakusa Old Town Tour

  • Sushi Making Class

  • Traditional Kyoto Tour

  • Higashiyama Walking Tour

  • Izakaya Cooking Class

  • Nishiki Market Tour

  • Gekkeikan Sake Museum

  • Osaka Walking Tour

  • Flavors of Osaka Experience

Included in Your Trip

  • Double occupancy in 3-star hotels

  • Local Guide throughout trip

  • All city transfers

  • Arrival airport transfer (until 5 pm on first day)

  • Departure airport transfer (morning of last day)

Not Included

  • International flights

  • Food & alcohol (except as noted)

  • Visas & travel insurance

  • Airport transfers outside of designated times

  • Tips for Guides

Itinerary

*All durations are approximate

Day 1

Info

Welcome to Japan - the Land of the Rising Sun! Settle in and get ready for an incredible week.

Airport Transfer

1 Hour 30 Mins

TrovaTrip will provide 2 transfers from Narita International Airport (NRT), between 8 am and 5 pm.

Tokyo Nights Street Food Tour

3 Hours

You will meet your new travel buddies and set out for the bright lights of Tokyo on a street food tour and toast to the culinary adventure ahead. You will be accompanied by a local food expert who will take you down side streets and alleys in search of Tokyo’s best-kept secrets.

dinner

Your welcome dinner on the street food tour is included.

Shinjuku Washington (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/3

Overnight in Tokyo

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Day 2

Info

You will have a half-day tour of Tokyo visiting sites like Meiji Jingu, the Harajuku district, and walking down the quirky Takeshita Street. In the afternoon you will go out for a walking food tour in a traditional neighborhood.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Tokyo City Tour

4 Hours

Visit Meiji Jingu, a shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. You’ll then visit the Harajuku district and walk down Takeshita Street, the quirky, loud, and eccentric central fashion district for Tokyo’s youth.

Tokyo Gourmet Walk

3 Hours

You’ll join your local Guide for a food crawl through Tokyo’s traditional neighborhoods. Visit bustling markets and learn about local produce and ingredients while snacking on little delights along the way. You’ll sample handmade noodles, Japanese sweets, and local drinks.

Shinjuku Washington (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/3

Overnight in Tokyo

Show DetailsHide Details
Day 3

Info

Today you will have a walking tour of Asakusa, one of the few remaining old towns of Tokyo that still represent the atmosphere of the Edo period. Late, you will join a sushi chef to learn the art of sushi making.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Asakusa Old Town Tour

4 Hours

You will head to the neighborhood of Asakusa, home of the oldest temple in Tokyo, Senso-ji. Despite suffering extensive damage during the Tokyo bombings that took place during the Second World War, the area was rebuilt and the preserved historical shitamachi (downtown area) of Asakusa is now one of the most visited tourist spots in the city.

Sushi Making Class

2 Hours

You will join a sushi chef who give you a class on sushi making.

lunch

Lunch after the sushi-making class is included.

Shinjuku Washington (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 3/3

Overnight in Tokyo

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Day 4

Info

The morning is free and at leisure to do any last-minute shopping in Tokyo. In the early afternoon, you will head to Tokyo Station and board the bullet train to Kyoto.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Bullet Train to Kyoto

2 Hours 40 Mins

lunch

Included bento lunch on bullet train

Traditional Kyoto Tour

2 Hours

You will visit Nijo Castle, built in the 1600s under Momoyama-style architecture. You’ll visit temples like the Ryoan-ji and have a stroll through the zen rock gardens maintained by the Rinzai Buddhists.

Higashiyama Walking Tour

2 Hours

You will also visit the Higashiyama District a beautifully preserved historic district that fully captures how feudal Japan looked. This historic district is filled with traditional homes and shops, including tea houses and pottery stores, and is also home to restaurants, historical temples and shrines.

Izakaya Cooking Class

2 Hours

Discover the culture behind ‘izakaya’ Japanese dining which is similar to pub food in other countries. Learn how to prepare, and of course sample, some of these traditional tasty treats.

dinner

Dinner at your cooking class is included.

Gracery Kyoto Sanjo Hotel (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Overnight in Kyoto

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Day 5

Info

Today you will tour Kyoto's local food scene with your fellow Travelers.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Nishiki Market Tour

1 Hour

The mile-long covered food market is central to the culinary world in Kyoto and you’ll have an opportunity to learn about local Japanese produce and snap some photos of goods unique to the region.

Gekkeikan Sake Museum

1 Hour

At the Gekkeikan Sake Museum, an old sake brewery dating back to 1909, you will have the chance to learn about the production process and of course sample some sake.

Gracery Kyoto Sanjo Hotel (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 2/2

Overnight in Kyoto

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Day 6

Info

In the afternoon you will depart from Kyoto and head to Osaka.

breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

Osaka Walking Tour

5 Hours 30 Mins

On your tour of Osaka, you will head directly to Tenjinbashisuji Street, a covered shopping arcade with major retro vibes with quaint family-owned stores and little snacking stations where you can sample local specialties like takoyaki balls.

Flavors of Osaka Experience

1 Hour 50 Mins

Live the local motto of ‘kuidaore’, which translates to ‘to eat oneself bankrupt.’ During the night food tour of Osaka, you will join a local Osakan food expert who will help you navigate the food stalls, tiny bars, and eateries tucked away in hidden side streets.

dinner

Farewell dinner with your group is included.

Gracery Osaka Namba (or similar)

Accommodations may vary based on availability or group size, but no matter what, you can expect the same comfort and quality.

Night 1/2

Gracery Osaka Namba

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Day 7

Info

Breakfast at the hotel is included.

breakfast

Included breakfast at hotel

Airport Transfer

1 Hour 30 Mins

Kansai International Airport (KIX)

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Physical Activity Level:Exploration

These trips require some movement, but slow and steady is the name of the game. Maybe a mid-length walking tour or at-your-pace sightseeing. No rush.

Cancellation Policy

We get it—life happens. Here's how cancellations work depending on where you're at in the process:

Spot Pending

100% refundable
Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.

Spot Confirmed With 91 or More Days Before Your Trip

Partially refundable + credit towards a future trip
You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment.

Spot Confirmed With 90 or Fewer Days Before Your Trip

Non-refundable
At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure-Invest in Peace of Mind

We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events—from illness to emergencies—that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

Join 30,000 Travelers Who've Booked With TrovaTrip

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Flexible Payment Options

Reserve your spot with just 25% down, pay in full, or apply for a payment plan at booking. Your dream trip, your way.

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FAQ

Traveling with TrovaTrip

What's it like to travel on a Trova Trip?

Trova Trips are curated group travel experiences designed to help you see the world, meet new people, and connect over shared interests. Each trip is hosted by a community leader you know and trust, and run by professional local Operators who handle the logistics. Expect meaningful experiences, authentic activities, and a like-minded group to share it all with.

What's the difference between the Host, the Operator, and Trova?

Great question! Each plays a key role in bringing your experience to life:

  • The Host is your community leader who brings the group together, fosters connection, and perhaps leads a workshop or two. They're there to bring the vibes, not the logistics. That's the Tour Operator's job.
  • The Operator is the professional travel company that runs the trip on the ground. They handle it all—accommodations, local Guides, activities, and safety. Every Operator we partner with is licensed, insured, and vetted to deliver high-quality group travel.
  • TrovaTrip is the platform who connects it all. We help design the trips, partner with Hosts with Operators, and support you before and during your journey to ensure everything runs smoothly.

In short: The Host brings the vibe, the Operator runs the trip, and we make it all happen. Read more about who does what here.

I'm nervous to book. How can I feel more confident?

First, let us say—it's totally understandable, and you're not alone! Travel can feel intimidating, but we built Trova to take the guesswork out of group travel and earn your trust every step of the way:

    • Every trip is run by licensed Tour Operators with vetted local Guides.
    • Hosts are there to foster connection, meaning you'll arrive solo but never feel alone.
    • Itineraries are clearly outlined so you know what to expect, including activity level, example accommodations, and what's included.
    • Our team is available to support you pre-departure, and Operators—plus your local Guide—are on the ground to assist during the trip. And rest assured, all our Operating partners are trained in crisis management.
    • We always recommend travel insurance for extra peace of mind, whether you're traveling with Trova or solo. It can cover medical issues, lost luggage, or even cancellations.

We know it takes trust to book a trip with new people, and we're here to make sure you feel ready, supported, and excited!”

Can I book solo?

Absolutely! As of 2025, almost 84% of TrovaTrip Travelers go solo. (And yes, we may be a little biased, but we think group travel is one of the best ways to meet new people!) You'll have your own bed and the option to book a private room on most trips. Plus you'll be traveling with others who are just as excited to explore and connect.

What if I need to cancel?

We understand that life happens. Our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility while balancing the logistics of group travel:

  • Spot pending100% refundable. Not confirmed yet? No worries. You can cancel at any time for a full refund.
  • Spot confirmed with 91 or more days before your tripPartially refundable + credit towards a future trip. You'll receive a future trip credit for the amount of your down payment (minus a $100 cancellation fee per Traveler). This trip credit is valid for one year from the date it is issued. Additionally, any payments made beyond the original 25% down payment will be refunded to your original form of payment. 
  • Spot confirmed with 90 days or fewer before your tripNon-refundable. At this point, all payments are non-refundable because your experience is already in motion behind the scenes. By this time, our operating partners will be working with local businesses to secure your accommodations and finalize your activities.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Protect Your Adventure–Invest in Peace of Mind
We strongly encourage purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage to safeguard your investment. With travel insurance, you're covered in case of unexpected events–from illness to emergencies–that could affect your plans. Life is unpredictable, but your dream trip doesn't have to be.

After booking, you'll receive a personalized recommendation for coverage tailored to your trip. For full details on our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.

What's included in the trip cost?

Most trips include accommodations, daily activities, ground transportation, some meals, and a dedicated local Guide. Because Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Each trip page breaks it all down for you.

Will I have free time?

Yes! While we pack in incredible experiences, most itineraries include built-in free time so you can relax, wander, or check out personal must-sees.

What do the activity levels mean?

Every trip has a physical Activity Level from 1 to 5 so you can find the right fit for your travel style:

  • Level 1 – Relax + Unwind: Minimal movement (spa days, beach lounging, local markets)
  • Level 2 – Low-Key Movement: Light, easy-paced activity (snorkeling, boat tours, gentle hikes)
  • Level 3 – Moderate Activity: Ready to move (multi-day hikes, skiing, camping)
  • Level 4 – Get Your Heart Rate Up: More intense movement (long hikes, biking, active days)
  • Level 5 – Extreme Adventure: High-adrenaline travel (challenging hikes, dives, technical climbs – experience may be required)

You'll find the Activity Level clearly listed on each trip page, and a more in-depth explanation of each level here.

Who can I contact with more questions?

Our support team is here to help! Visit trovatrip.com/company/contact-us to reach out. You can expect to hear back within 2 business days, but probably sooner—our Trova elves are pretty speedy!

Accommodations

What does "or similar" mean next to the accommodations?

When we say “or similar,” it means the hotel listed is an example of what you can expect—not always the exact spot you'll be staying. Sometimes Operators adjust accommodations due to seasonal availability or group size. But rest assured: the quality and comfort will match what's shown.

Why would the accommodations change from time of booking?

Flexibility allows Operators to choose the best-fit accommodations closer to your trip—based on availability, logistics, and what works best for the group (like the number of Travelers and room configurations). This ensures a smooth experience without sacrificing comfort or quality.

Finalized hotel info is typically shared about 30 days before departure in your Traveler Portal, along with your final itinerary.

Trip Operations & Compliance

Who actually runs my trip, and how does Trova keep things safe?

Your trip is operated by licensed, certified Tour Operators who manage all trip logistics and safety—from accommodations and local Guides and day-to-day logistics. All trips comply with local legal and regulatory standards. We vet each Operating partner carefully so you can travel with confidence.

Who do I talk to if I have questions about safety or compliance?

If you have any questions about safety protocols or trip compliance, reach out to us at safety@trovatrip.com. We're here to help.

General Travel Questions

Do I need any documentation to travel?

It depends on where you're headed. Though it is not a universal requirement, many countries require that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. This ensures Travelers have sufficient time to return home even if their visas are extended or if unexpected circumstances arise. 

Some destinations may also require a visa. Check our visa page to consult your country's travel resources.

Do I need any vaccines?

It's always best to check with your healthcare provider or a travel doctor before your trip. You can also visit the CDC website (or your local government's travel health resource) for destination-specific vaccine guidance. Health and safety first!

Are flights included in the trip cost?

Because our Hosts and Travelers are coming from all around the world, flights to and from your destination are not included. Some trips include internal flights (like a short domestic hop), and those details will always be listed on the trip page if applicable.

Can you accommodate my dietary needs?

We’ll do our very best! Our Operators aim to accommodate dietary restrictions, though availability varies by destination. For example, some places offer plenty of vegan and vegetarian choices, while others might be quite limited. The earlier you let us know—through your trip form or by contacting our support team—the better we can prepare. Once you arrive, be sure to remind your local Guide about any allergies or restrictions so they can help you enjoy your meals safely and comfortably.