Japan Tour Itinerary Days 1 – 2: Tokyo: Enjoy the sights and sounds of Tokyo by night. With its many fine restaurants, it is the perfect place to discover the diversity of Japanese cuisine. The members of the tour group can learn the age-old art of making soba noodles and will have plenty of time to browse around the exciting Tsukiji Fish Market, where over 400 different types of seafood are sold. Japan’s capital city, Tokyo, is the place where the traditions and culture of Japan come together with the hustle and bustle of urban civilization, in stunning contrast.
Days 3 – 4: Travel to Takayama:
This quaint town, nestled high in the mountains, is home to various sake breweries and has several traditional inns where you can enjoy the highly specialised cuisine. An early morning visit to the market is an experience not to be missed. The market is 600 years old, and still going strong. Enjoy some of the local specialities such as san sai, taiyaki and Hida beef. Days 5 – 6: Explore Koya-san: The ancient temples of Koya-san are bathed in mysticism and religious history, and radiate peace and tranquillity. You will have the opportunity to try the special vegetarian cuisine, known as shojin ryori, and if you want to, you can join the monks in meditation.
Days 7 – 8: Visit Osaka: Here you can partake in the local custom of kuidaore (to eat until you drop), and indulge in the smorgasbord of delights in Osaka’s “eat street”, Dotombori. Try out the local delicacy, takoyaki (octopus balls), and if you feel brave enough, you can try out the legendary fugu (puffer fish). The enthralling shopping areas of Osaka are spread out throughout the city, and if shopping is not for you, there are many puppet and kabuki theatres, amusement parks, and a wonderful aquarium, that rates as one of the largest in the world
Days 9 – 10: Travel to Hiroshima: Enjoy a visit to the beautiful Itsukushima-jinja before trying out the city's famous okonomiyaki, an egg-based savoury pancake. Oysters are another speciality of Hiroshima, as is momiji manju - a treat for the taste buds, filled with sweet bean paste.
Days 11 – 14: Visit Kyoto: En route to Kyoto, you can revel in the opulence of Himeji-jo, a wonderfully traditional city that boasts incredible natural beauty and a virtual absence of tall buildings. Learn how to prepare traditional Japanese cuisine, which is based on an ethic of freshness, seasonal ingredients and stylish elegance.
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