Compare Japan Real Food Adventure by Intrepid Travel vs The Cultural Highlights of Japan by Road Scholar

Day 1 Tokyo

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Japan. Between the freshest ingredients and generations of culinary know-how, this is a country that celebrates the art of eating well. Your adventure begins in Tokyo – a food lover’s dream. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. If you get to Tokyo with time to spare, you may like to head out to explore the different sides of the city, from fascinating museums to neighbourhood backstreets lined with izakaya and karaoke bars. After your meeting, it’s time to get acquainted with local cuisine over a welcome dinner with your group. Fancy some perfectly grilled yakitori skewers or super tasty soba noodles? You’re in the right place. Once dinner’s done and stomachs are full, maybe head out to explore Shibuya's backstreets in search of sake or a couple of local cocktails.

Day 2 Tokyo

Kick off the day with a walk around the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, where seafood from Tokyo's largest wholesale fish market is delivered and ready to sample daily. After, learn the art of sushi making firsthand – it's the quintessential Edo-era specialty and possibly Japan's most famous culinary gift to the world. Hear about the history of sushi, how to choose the best fish, learn proper slicing and rice-making techniques and sample some seriously fresh sushi. Then, enjoy free time to explore the historic Asakusa area. Stop by Senso-ji, the city’s oldest temple, founded almost 1400 years ago. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, then Asakusa is the place to get your sugar fix. Try fried sweet potatoes tossed in sugar and soy or sweet red bean paste sandwiched between baked pancake batter (yes, it’s as good as it sounds!). Tonight, why not head to Tsukishima to tuck into one of Tokyo's most traditional dishes, monjayaki (a type of savoury pancake).

Day 3 Kanazawa

Take the train towards Japan's northern coastline to the historic city of Kanazawa. Having avoided much of the destruction of World War 2, it's a place where modern and traditional Japan go hand in hand. On the train, you’ll be treated to ekiben for lunch – a bento box popularly sold on trains in Japan – yum! When you arrive in Kanazawa, join your leader on an orientation walk around the city, followed by a visit to the Chaya Gai district. With its well-preserved streets and old wooden tea houses, this is where geisha perform music and dance for small private functions. In the evening, join your leader for an optional dinner to sample local dishes bursting with regional flavour, particularly fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. The unique blend of warm and cold currents creates the perfect conditions for a wide variety of fish and shellfish year-round, including the famed Kano crabs and sweet prawns.

Day 4 Kanazawa

This morning after breakfast, visit the lush, 17th-century Kenroku-en Garden – a highly intricate landscaped acreage of bridges, ponds, waterfalls, fountains and tea houses that are beautiful no matter the season. Perhaps stop for a cup of freshly whisked matcha tea on your stroll through the extensive grounds. Then, take a walk around Omicho market – the hub of Kanazawa’s food culture. Explore the stalls and seek out the best seasonal ingredients, learning how to spot the freshest seafood and vegetables along the way. Then head to a local home for a cooking class with an expert foodie. Pick up some tips and tricks on how to cook local cuisine, learn the history of Kanazawa’s favourite foods and then enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch. This afternoon, you’re free to explore Kanazawa at your leisure.

Day 5 Kyoto

Today, you’ll make your way by train to Kyoto – a city regarded as the cultural heart of Japan. Before Tokyo, Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1000 years. When you arrive, get acquainted with this gorgeous city on an orientation walk with your leader, making your way to the narrow streets of Kyoto's charming Gion district. Here, you’ll learn about the city’s geisha culture. If you’re lucky, you might spot geiko (geisha) or maiko (apprentice geisha) in their elaborate dress and makeup. Join your leader for an optional dinner to sample some of Kyoto's trademark cuisine, like nishin soba (soba noodles with dried herring) or gyu katsu (beef cutlet).

Day 6 Kyoto

Today, gear up for a fun daytrip to Uji – this small city between Kyoto and Nara is a cultural hub famous for its green tea. The Ujigami Shrine is the oldest extant shrine in Japan and was constructed here (along with the historic Byodoin Temple) during the height of the Fujiwara clan’s power, between 794 and 1192. Known for its superior quality since the 1100s, a hot cup of Uji’s green tea is a must-have while you’re here, so you’ll be taken to a local farm for an insight into the growing and harvesting process. The farm grows and produces its own green tea and matcha, and you’ll get to taste a cup of the finest! Find out which other popular Japanese vegetables they're growing - perhaps radishes or turnips. Learn about the agricultural industry firsthand from the local farmer, then sit down for a bento box lunch with your group. Return back to Kyoto for a free evening.

Day 7 Kyoto

Tuck into some breakfast this morning, then head out for another day of exploration around Kyoto. You’ll first visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, where you’ll have some time to wander through the iconic torii gates. Snap a few pics, then refuel your energy at a local sake brewery, where you might like to pick up a bottle to take home. Continue on for a food crawl through the glass-covered Nishiki Market. This 400-year-old market is the perfect spot to pick up a few local street eats for lunch, so you’ll follow your local leader and pick out a few favourites – maybe try tako-tamago (translating to octopus egg, this must-try is a savoury surprise of baby octopus with a quails egg inserted into the head after cooking!), beef sushi, matcha sweets or tamagoyaki (an omelette filled with cabbage, carrots, green and white onions and pickled ginger). The rest of the day is free to enjoy Kyoto, whether that means walking off your food baby or heading to a local park for a rest in the sun.

Day 8 Koya-san

Rise early, hop on the train and venture into an important region for Shingon Buddhism. Founded in the 8th century by the revered Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi, Koya-san has been a centre for religious activities for over 1200 years. When you arrive, visit Okuno-in – the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi. Your unique accommodation tonight is in one of the many temples still operating here. You’ll stay alongside Buddhist monks and follow their routine of evening meditation and morning prayers. Tonight, enjoy an introduction to shojin ryori, or monastic cuisine, prepared by novice monks. Shojin ryori was popularised in Japan in the 13th century by Zen monks from China. Shojin ryori is plant-based and prohibits the inclusion of meat and fish, following the teaching that it is wrong to kill living animals. Instead, meals are prepared with seasonable vegetables and wild plants from the mountains.

Day 9 Osaka

Hop on public transport this morning to Osaka – Japan’s third-largest city and the unofficial culinary capital. Sprawling shopping hubs and tiny backstreets full of restaurants and bars serve up local delicacies here, as well as Japan's answer to fast food (Osaka is credited with the first kaiten-zushi, or conveyer belt sushi restaurants). When you arrive, visit the lively Kuromon food market for a morning walk through the quirky Doguyasuji Arcade, where you can pick up some kitchen gadgets (or plastic food!) and all the Japanese bowls you’ll ever need. You’ll also learn about one of Osaka’s signature dishes and try your hand at perfecting okonomiyaki. This evening, maybe dive into Osaka’s twisting back alleys and experience one of the city’s typical tachinomi bars (drinking while standing), maybe sharing a few drinks with your travel pals.

Day 10 Osaka

Have some breakfast this morning, then pop into a depachika – the food basement hall of one of Japan's department stores. This is a treasure trove for food lovers, given the endless range of products beautifully displayed. It’s also one of the best ways to understand what the locals eat on a daily basis. Wander the Dotonbori district with your group this afternoon at the heart of Osaka. This bustling district, known for the iconic glowing signs all over the canal, is the go-to destination for local nightlife, delicious cuisine and diverse shopping options. Enjoy a few included snacks along the way, then you’re free for the afternoon to continue exploring at your own pace. Regroup with your fellow travellers tonight for a farewell dinner of kushikatsu (skewered meat and vegetables, battered and deep fried).

Day 11 Osaka

With no further activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. You’re free to leave anytime after check-out, but your adventure doesn’t have to end here! Osaka has so much to explore, it’s recommended that you stay a few extra days and continue to feast on the city’s many foodie favourites.

Day 1 In Transit to Program In Flight

Day 2 Arrival Tokyo, Orientation, Welcome Dinner Tokyo

Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m., meet group in hotel lobby at 6:45 p.m.

After some time to relax and get settled, we’ll meet in the hotel lobby and walk to a nearby restaurant where we will go over program logistics and have dinner.

Orientation: The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. This program will be accompanied by both a Group Leader, who will primarily handle logistics, and a Study Leader who will lead most lectures and field trips, unless otherwise specified. Meals will include water and tea; other beverages will be available for purchase, unless specified otherwise. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. We’ll then return to the hotel. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

At a restaurant near the hotel, we’ll enjoy a family-style meal together for our Orientation Dinner, with one Welcome Drink (beer, wine, coffee, tea) and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 3 History Overview, Imperial Palace Gardens, National Museum Tokyo

Walking approx. 2 miles throughout the day; mostly flat, pavement, some steps, elevators and escalators may not always be available. Driving approx. 10 miles total throughout the day, with stops; about 2 hours.

We begin the day with a lecture on not only Tokyo’s, but also an overview of Japan’s history by our Study Leader that will set the stage for our exploration of Japanese culture. Boarding our motor coach, we go for an exploration of the Imperial Palace East gardens, the site of the Shogun’s castle, with your Study Leader. Residence of the Tokugawa shogun between 1603 ~ 1867, the Imperial Palace East Gardens are one part of the inner palace area that is open to the public. Here will see the former defenses of the castle including the moats, walls, entrance gates and guardhouses.

After lunch we transfer to the Tokyo National Museum. The oldest and largest in Japan, the museum houses over 110,000 objects including 600 Important Cultural Properties. The museum is located on the edge of Ueno Park, a very pleasant park to stroll through.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a tasty breakfast buffet with juice, coffee, tea, water.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have a family-style meal with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 4 Cultural Entertainment in Japan Tokyo

Walking approximately 1 mile; gentle pace. Use of public transportation; about 1 hour of assorted rail and subway transfers; some stairs, elevators and escalators may not always be available.

During a morning lecture given by an expert in Kabuki, we’ll learn about this classical Japanese dance-drama that has been performed in Japan since 1603. Afterwards, a visit to the Kabuki-za theater's kabuki museum for an examination of the art form's inner workings.

Free time to explore the area independently beginning in the mid-afternoon.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

A light lunch at a restaurant in Kabuki-za; tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Day 5 Japanese Feudal Castle Towns, Matsumoto, Miso Manufacturer Matsumoto

Driving approx. 145 miles; about 3.5 hours to Matsumoto. Walking approximately 1.5 miles in and around Matsumoto Castle; some very steep flights of steps and polished wooden floors. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.

After checking out of the hotel, we’ll leave Tokyo and travel into the heart of central Japan to Matsumoto, a pleasant regional city surrounded by the Japanese Alps. As we travel, we’ll learn about the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate through a lecture delivered by our Study Leader. Upon arrival in Matsumoto, we’ll go straight to a traditional miso manufacturer’s facility to learn and see how this essential Japanese foodstuff is made.

We’ll then explore the city of Matsumoto we go on a visit to the city's castle. The keep of Matsumoto Castle, an impressive and imposing structure, is an original which dates back to the late 16th century and is one of only five in Japan to be designated a National Treasure. While here, we’ll be given insights into the establishment and the importance of castle towns under the Tokugawa Shogunate. We’ll also delve into the facts with our Study Leader and compare them to common myths surrounding samurai. Carrying on, we’ll then check into the hotel.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At the miso manufacturer’s establishment, we’ll enjoy a delicious plated lunch featuring their product with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At the hotel, we’ll have plated meals with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 6 The Nakasendo Way, Narai, Kiso-Hirasawa & Lacquerware Matsumoto

Transferring approx. 30 miles one way; about 2 hours total. Walking about 2 miles; approx. 1.5 hours; flat terrain around Narai and Kiso Hirasawa. Sitting on the floor on tatami mats for lunch. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.

Setting out for a full-day field trip, we’ll first go to Kiso-Hirasawa, a center for hand-crafted, high quality lacquer ware. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the workshop of one of the top lacquer craftsmen of Japan to learn about the painstaking process of his exquisite art.

Continuing, we’ll travel to Narai, one of the best-preserved post towns of the old Nakasendo Highway. Lying at the foot of the difficult Torii Pass (4200 feet), Narai prospered from the travelers who would rest there in order to prepare for the difficult journey ahead. While here, we will view the distinctive wooden houses with their overhanging roofs and the many well-preserved features of an old post town. We’ll then return to Matsumoto.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a Western plated breakfast with juice, coffee, tea, water.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have plated meals with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to sample the local fare.

Day 7 Japan Central Alps, Takayama Festival Floats Takayama

Driving approx. 50 miles; about 2.5 hours to Takayama. Walking of about 2 miles total throughout the day. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today as well as upon arrival at the hotel.

After checking out of the hotel, we’ll leave Matsumoto via motorcoach and drive through the spectacular scenery of Japan’s Central Alps on our way to Takayama, also known as ‘Little Kyoto’ by the locals. Upon arrival, we’ll explore this compact, delightful town on foot with our Study Leader.

Our arrival in Takayama will take us to the Festival Floats Exhibition hall, where 11 of the floats for this famous festival are kept and displayed on rotation, four at a time. These floats date back to the 17th century, and their detailed wood carvings and metal work reflects the districts of Takayama that they represent. We’ll then check into the hotel with some time to freshen up and relax before dinner.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

Hotel plated meal.

At a local restaurant, we’ll have tasty plated meals with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a traditional plated Japanese-style dinner. Tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 8 Regional Architecture, Jinya, Kanazawa Geisha Quarters Kanazawa

Driving approx. 75 miles; about 2 hours. Walking approx. 2 miles throughout the day, half in the morning in Takayama and half in Kanazawa in the afternoon; mostly flat terrain on pavement.

Largely isolated by the surrounding mountains, Takayama fiercely protected its independence under pressure from the Shogunate, which eventually had to resort to direct rule. Through a visit to the historic Jinya, the Shogunate’s local headquarters, we’ll gain insight into Takayama's proud history and daily life in the provinces. As we continue, we’ll take in the picturesque Sanmachi district of town where the streets are lined with many beautifully preserved traditional shops, inns, restaurants, cafés, private homes and museums. Along the way, we’ll see the sake breweries where this very palatable drink is made and sample a glass or two. Our Study Leader will show us around and answer any questions.

Then we will board our motorcoach for transfer to Kanazawa. Spared from large scale bombing during the Pacific War, Kanazawa retains much of its distinct charm. Upon arrival we explore one of the former Geisha quarters before transferring to our hotel.

At leisure.

At the hotel, we’ll enjoy a delicious buffet featuring Western and Japanese dishes, plus coffee, tea, water.

Plated meal at a local restaurant.

At the hotel, we’ll have delicious plated meals featuring Kaga cuisine, well-known throughout Japan. Tea and water included; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 9 The Samurai & Their Domains Kanazawa

Walking approx. 2 miles during group activities throughout the morning; mostly flat with some slopes and steps; more depending on personal preference.

In the Edo Period, Kanazawa flourished economically and culturally under the powerful Kaga Clan. With the exception of the Shogun’s family, the Kaga Clan was the wealthiest family with a worth of more than one million koku - one koku (about six US bushels) was defined as enough rice to feed one person for a year. The city’s glorious past is still palpable in its samurai quarters, former pleasure quarters and temples. The Kenrokuen Gardens and the imposing, recreated castle buildings, which we will walk through led by our Study Leader, attest to the power of the Clan’s wealth and evoke their grand lifestyle.

Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You may wish to check out the lively and warren-like central food market, the Samurai Quarter or, for a change of pace, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art is an acclaimed, ultra-modern structure that is as much of an attraction as the art housed inside.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the hotel we’ll enjoy a breakfast buffet with juice, coffee, tea, water.

On your own to enjoy local regional fare.

On your own to explore the local fare.

Day 10 The Japan Sea Obama

Walking approx. 1.5 miles in Kanazawa throughout the morning; mostly flat with some steps. Driving approx. 110 miles; about 2 hours to Obama. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.

After checking out of the hotel, we’ll take a stroll through a nearby samurai quarter and visit a samurai residence built in 1583 that has recently been awarded two Michelin stars. After returning to the hotel to board our motorcoach, we’ll then set out on our driving transfer along the coast to the seaside town of Obama.

Upon arrival in this charming seaside town, we visit the Tobaya vinegar factory, currently run by the families 12th generation, to discover the secrets behind the production of Japanese vinegar. Later we check into our accommodations and have some time to relax and enjoy the hot spring baths.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

On your own, choose from various options at a Service Area on route to Obama.

At the inn, we’ll experience Japanese hospitality at its best with a Kaiseki multi-course plated meal, with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 11 Seaside towns, cruise and food museum Obama

Cruise trip approx. 50 minutes. Walking approx. 2 miles throughout the day; extended periods of standing in the afternoon. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.

Free time to relax in the morning or optional walk around the town with your Study Leader. Late morning we take a cruise from Obama Bay around the peninsula to see the beautiful scenery along the Japan sea coast.

In the afternoon we visit the Food Culture Museum, an interesting combination of museum, cooking studio, crafts activity area and hot springs. We enjoy a hands-on experience making Japanese paper postcards. Afterwards, depending on the time of year, we will either visit a high school or we will spend some time meeting other local Obama residents.

At the inn, the remainder of the evening at leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.

At the inn we’ll have a traditional plated Japanese breakfast with juice, coffee, tea, water.

A plated meal in a local restaurant.

At the inn, we enjoy our second Kaiseki multi-course plated meal, with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 12 Small-Scale Agriculture & Rural Ecology in Japan Kyoto

Driving approx. 70 miles; about 1.5 hours to Miyama and 1.5 hours to Kyoto. Walking approx. 2 miles throughout the day; gentle pace with short bus transfers between sites. Extended periods of standing in the afternoon. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.

Once checked out of the hotel, we’ll drive to Miyama where we engage in a cooking class with some local residents in a community group and learn to use some fresh local ingredients to make some regional favorites.

Our day continues with a visit to the Kayabuki no Sato thatched village. When we get there, we’ll go on a stroll around the houses led by our Study Leader before visiting the indigo gallery.

At leisure.

At the inn we’ll have a traditional plated Japanese breakfast with juice, coffee, tea, water.

Enjoy the food you have made.

After arriving into Kyoto, at a local restaurant we will enjoy nice dinner with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

Day 13 Japanese Tea Ceremony, Daitoku-ji Temple, Raku Museum Kyoto

Short transfers via taxis. Walking approx. 2 miles throughout the day; extended periods of standing in the afternoon. Siting on either tatami mats or small chairs on the floor during tea ceremony. Space is limited at the tea room, and that large groups will be split into two, reversing the daily itinerary. Sitting on the floor at lunch. Shoes will need to be removed to enter some of the attractions today.

We’ll start out by exploring the massive 56-acre Daitoku-ji temple complex associated with Sen no Rikyu, the ultimate master of the tea ceremony. While here, we’ll explore the meaning of Zen Buddhist rock gardens and the origins of some notable Japanese architectural features. Rounding off the main theme today, we’ll then experience a tea ceremony in the informative and enthralling company of a tea master. We’ll delve into the ceremony, a delightful and deeply meaningful practice far from the rigid image it often has, and also make tea for each other.

After lunch, we’ll go on a field trip to the Raku Museum to see more examples of ceramics and utensils associated with tea ceremony. We’ll then return to the hotel.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

At a Shojin Ryori, a temple vegetarian restaurant located by the 56-acre Daitoku-ji temple complex, we’ll enjoy a tasty plated meal with tea, water; other beverages available for purchase.

On your own to explore the regional cuisine.

Day 14 Ashikaga Yoshimasa & Japanese Arts Kyoto

Walking approx. 2 miles throughout the day; gentle pace, some stairs, elevators and escalators may not always be available. Short transfers via taxis.

Setting out from the hotel, we’ll begin a comprehensive multi-stop field trip led by our expert Study Leader. First, we’ll arrive at the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts and begin with an introduction to the city’s splendid artisan crafts before walking to nearby Heian Jingu, a vast Shinto shrine complex that was modeled on an ancient imperial palace. Our next stop will be Ginkaku-ji temple (Silver Pavilion), built by the 8th Ashikaga Shogun Yoshimasa. Like his grandfather, Yoshimitsu, Yoshimasa was a great patron of the arts but a poor governor of the nation. While Kyoto was engulfed in the internecine and destructive Onin Wars, the Higashiyama culture began and flourished at Ginkaku-ji. Based largely on the ideals and aesthetics of Zen Buddhism and the concept of wabi-sabi, which can be translated as beauty in simplicity, Higashiyama culture centered on the development of the Japanese tea ceremony, ikebana flower arranging, Noh drama, and sumi-e ink painting.

Then we’ll travel to explore the world-famous geisha quarter of Gion. The area emerged in order to accommodate the needs the many travelers and pilgrims coming to visit nearby Yasaka Shrine. A short walk away is the extensive Teramachi shopping arcade, for those wanting to sample some of Kyoto's more modern wonders.

At leisure.

Hotel buffet.

Local restaurant plated meal.

Local restaurant plated meal.

Day 15 The Mystery of Noh Theater, Free Time, Farewell Dinner Kyoto

Short transfer via taxis to lecture. Walking approx. 1/2 mile during group activity; mostly flat terrain. More dependent on personal preference.

Setting out via taxi and on foot, we’ll transfer to a lecture hall to learn about the traditions and symbolism of Noh theatre from one of its leading Western students.

Free time.

At leisure. Be sure to prepare for check-out and departures in the morning.

Hotel buffet.

Plated meal at a nearby restaurant.

At a restaurant near the hotel, we’ll celebrate our journey over a delicious plated farewell dinner. Tea, water included; other beverages available for purchase. Share some of your favorite experiences from the program with new Road Scholar friends.

Day 16 Program Concludes In Flight

Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s travel details regarding transfers.

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Hotel buffet. This concludes our program.