Japan with Sharmaine Nobriga

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.

We continue to 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 public transport back to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

Visit one of my favorite immersive museums in Tokyo with me! TeamLab Planets, situated in Tokyo, Japan, is an immersive digital art museum crafted by the innovative collective, teamLab. Here, visitors engage with interactive installations merging digital projections, light, sound, and more, blurring the lines between physical and digital realms. It's a sought-after destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a unique and unforgettable art experience. Please note that participation in this activity is entirely optional and available at an estimated additional fee of $25. Travelers are responsible for purchasing their own tickets for this experience. Your host will provide further details as the trip date approaches.

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 10 minute public transit ride to the hotel for check in.

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 the UNESCO World Heritage site, Kiyomizu Temple, 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. Then take 30 minute public transit back to the hotel to settle in.

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.

Today, we'll start our day with a lovely walk through the renowned Arashiyama Bamboo Forest!

After your visit to the Bamboo Forest, we’ll stop by Ōkōchi Sansō for a delightful garden stroll! Including a viewpoint of the city. At the end of the garden there will be a rest area to enjoy a nice hot cup of matcha latte, included in your ticket admission fee. Please note that participation in this activity is entirely optional and available at an estimated additional fee of $9. Travelers are responsible for purchasing their own tickets for this experience, tickets will be available for purchase at the garden entrance.

Enjoy your free time exploring the vibrant Main Street of Arashiyama, where you'll discover souvenirs, street food, and cozy restaurants. From strolling by Togetsukyo Bridge to visiting the monkey park or enjoying a boat ride, there's something for everyone. Embrace the endless options and have fun exploring this charming town!

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.

Come along with your host for a post-dinner adventure to Don Quijote! Known for its incredible variety of goods, including quirky finds, souvenirs, and snacks galore, Don Quijote is a hotspot you won't want to miss. It's like stepping into a treasure trove of Japanese delights! Plus, with its fantastic discounts, it's a shopper's paradise. If you want to bring home a piece of Japan, this is the place to be!

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.