Luxury Gourmet Tour of Japan
Trip highlights
- Learn how to choose the freshest catches at a busy fish market
- Try your hand at chef-led sushi and soba noodle making classes
- Take part in a traditional tea ceremony
- Visit the famous Fushimi sake breweries
- Stop in Osaka, the 'Kitchen of Japan' to taste its celebrated street food
- Explore ornate shrines and sites of cultural importance all along the way
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
- Days 1–4 Tokyo
- Days 4–7 Kyoto
Itinerary in detail
Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.
A taste of Tokyo
Tokyo is a city with an infectious energy that is like no other. Enjoy your time exploring this incredible metropolis visiting the city’s fascinating food markets and enjoying the freshest of sushi, discovering ornate shrines, ancient temples and touring small craft breweries. Be sure to make time to visit the Nihonbashi district to enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. And head to the Ginza district for a tour of the Food Courts, called ‘depa-chika’ in the basements of high-end department stores.
Where you could stay
Tokyo
Highlights
- 84 rooms and suites
- Restaurant and bar
- Pool and fitness centre
- Spa
- Visit the Senso-ji Temple
Overview
Embracing the minimalism of traditional Japanese architecture, Aman is a stylish, bespoke hotel that will offer you an array of amenities and easy accessibility to the city’s sights.
Each of the 84 guest rooms and suites have unique layouts with uncompromising city views and every contemporary convenience. You’ll find the design inspiration evident throughout the hotel, from traditional Japanese residential structures to the use of classical materials such as camphor wood, washi paper and stone alongside modern luxurious fabrics. The hotel also offers an exquisite dining experience in their elegant mediterranean fine dining restaurant on the 33rd floor with views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and Mount Fuji.
Take a dip in the infinity pool on the 34th floor, high above the hustle and bustle of the city or head to the spa to relax after a long day of exploring the city. You’ll also enjoy Ginza, the upmarket shopping area just a pleasant 15 minute walk away.
→ Find out moreTokyo
Overview
After a smooth and speedy trip on the world-famous bullet train, you’ll find yourself at the elegant Shangri-La Tokyo, a haven of refinement set amid the relentlessly buzz of Tokyo, just opposite Tokyo Station.
With some of the largest rooms in the capital, the Shangri-La is a calming, sleek retreat from the 24-hour energy of Tokyo. There’s one lobby bar and two restaurants, including the Japanese restaurant Nadaman, located on the level 29, where you can sample Chef Takehiro Yoshida’s sautéed eggplant wrapped in thin slices of Wagyu beef.
The palette of dark wood, chocolate brown and burnt orange is complimented by low, amber lighting, exuding a sense of elegance and sophistication. Many of the spacious rooms have views across Tokyo, a scene that is best viewed at night.
That’s ideal, because you’ll be spending your days out and about exploring the endless fascinations of Tokyo. Within walking distance of the hotel, you’ll find the Ginza shopping district and the Imperial Palace in its park surroundings, and a 20-minute train ride will deliver you to the Buddhist Asakusa Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple.
→ Find out moreTokyo
Overview
Built of amber Namibian granite, The Peninsula Tokyo is a construction of sheer opulence occupying a covetable position opposite the Imperial palace and Hibiya Park in the business district of Marunouchi. The hotels offers you commanding city views, elegant design, luxurious comfort, sophisticated facilities and extraordinary dining.
With 314 spacious guest rooms, this hotel is as large as it is luxurious. Designed by the renowned interior designer Yukio Hashimoto, the hotel intertwines rich earth tones, woods, stone and lacquers with modern design and functionality to create a stunning luxurious living environment. Customise your space with the use of the bedside panels allowing you to tweak the room’s ambience from the comfort of your bed.
Taste the delicious European Cuisine at Peter with stunning views from the hotel’s 24th floor over the Imperial Palace, or visit the Hei Fung Terrace for a sophisticated Cantonese dining experience. Make sure you don’t miss out on the sensational Japanese cuisine at Kyoto Tsuruya where you can watch the skilled chefs prepare Japan’s oldest and most loved culinary delights.
→ Find out moreTokyo
Overview
Relax in contemporary luxury at the Mandarin Oriental. Located in the heart of Tokyo, this hotel offers serenity above a ever-growing metropolis.
When you arrive in the 38th floor lobby, you’ll find yourself stunned by the dramatic views over the city’s skyline. The 157 guest rooms and 21 suites are heavily inspired by the Japanese aesthetic, blending futuristic luxury with a typical Japanese understanding of sense of space, aesthetically capturing the country’s rich culture within the modern luxury that Mandarin Oriental are renowned for.
Step out of your hotel and you’ll be in the middle of Tokyo’s metropolis, just a five minute walk from Ginza shopping district. After a busy day enjoying the buzz of Tokyo, relax in the Sense Tea Room or head to the Mandarin Bar and enjoy a signature cocktail by their award-winning chief bartender whilst listening to live jazz.
→ Find out moreTokyo
Overview
An innovative collaboration between award-winning designers Tony Chi and Shinichiro Ogata, the Andaz Tokyo is a hotel that reflects Japan’s cultural emphasis on beauty and purity of form. Found in the heart of the metropolis that is Tokyo, this hotel sets the standard for design and luxury.
With 164 spacious guest rooms and suites located between the 47th and 50th floor, find yourself awestruck at the unparalleled panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline. The decor emphasises the Japanese love for natural materials such as washi paper and wood and the bespoke design also includes partitions, allowing you to customise the space based on personal style.
When you are ready to dine, head to the Andaz Tavern for refined European provincial cuisine prepared with indigenous Japanese ingredients or enjoy sushi in the Rooftop Bar. For those wanting something more relaxed head to Bebu for their signature burger, tapas and grill menu.
With historic landmarks such as the Atago Shrine, Zojoji Temple and Hamarikyu Gardens on your doorstep and some of Tokyo’s best shopping just a stones throw away, discover the charm and uniqueness of this eclectic city.
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Sushi time
On tap
Noodle know-how
Noodle know-how
Market visit and sushi class
Visit the famed Tsukiji fish market which imports fish and seafood from 60 countries. A well-known Japanese sushi chef will take you into the wholesale area and help you to choose the freshest seafood for your sushi lesson at one of Japan’s finest restaurants. Make nigiri sushi, temari and seaweed wrapped maki sushi, as well as miso soup.
Craft brewery tour
You will visit one of the newly opened craft-beer bars offering 10 to 15 different varieties of beer, all crafted by small operating breweries using the highest quality malts, hops and yeasts and traditional techniques.
Soba noodle making class
Begin with tour of Asakusa, one of Tokyo oldest and best-preserved districts, seeing typical snacks and sweets on offer at various stalls along the way. Then enjoy a private soba noodle making class. Made of buckwheat flour, soba noodles have a very distinct taste.
Kyoto flavours
Spend your time in Kyoto admiring the impressive imperial beauty of the city, evident in the abundance of prewar buildings such as grand palaces, traditional “machiya” townhouses and ornate shrines. Savour the tastes of the city with special cooking classes, traditional dinners and street market tours. See kimono-clad geisha on their way to engagements and stroll in the celebrated Ryoan-Ji rock garden. Make sure you visit the magnificent wooden Kiyomizu-Dera and the Golden and Silver Pavilion Temples. Your travel designer can help you to experience the city at its best with private guided tours and excursions.
Where you could stay
Kyoto
Highlights
- 134 guest rooms and suites
- Spa
- Four dining outlets
- Indoor pool
- Niko castle
- Imperial Palace
- Retail and entertainment in downtown Kyoto
Overview
With 134 guest rooms, the Ritz-Carlton is Kyoto’s first urban luxury resort. Sitting on the banks Kamogawa river, the hotel boasts astounding views of the famous Higashiyama mountains.
The hotel has four restaurants and you can take your pick from traditional Japanese dishes, Italian cuisine or go for the seafood private dining option. Enjoy brunch or sweet treats by the French patisserie Pierre Hermé Paris next to a cascading waterfall in the terrace, or retire to the library where a range of Japanese art and architecture books are available for you to thumb through at your leisure.
Situated in close proximity to Kyoto’s popular downtown areas, retail and entertainment districts, this hotel will allow you to enjoy the rich culture of Japan’s ancient capital within modern luxury. Explore the Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle or the atmospheric dining of Pontocho, all of which will be on your doorstep.
→ Find out moreKyoto
Overview
Sail along the banks of the Hozugawa River and tucked away in the hills of the Arashiyama district, you will find a series of traditional Japanese-inspired houses clinging to a mountainside, which make up the HOSHINOYA luxury hotel. Upon entering the hotel changed into slippers and silk robes and unwind in this retreat, which will make you feel miles away from the bustle of Kyoto.
The 25 rooms at this exclusive resort infuses classic Japanese interiors with contemporary style, creating a tranquil, comfortable atmosphere. During your stay savour the creative multi-course Japanese kaiseki dinner, combining Japanese and foreign flavours for a totally unique culinary experience.
Explore the local Arashiyama district and marvel at the famous cherry blossom or venture into Kyoto itself and discover the rich culture of this city. After a busy day treat yourself to a spa treatment at the hotel, relax in the gardens or visit the tea rooms. Unwind at the luxury, peaceful oasis.
→ Find out moreKyoto
Overview
Located in the heart of Kyoto, the stylish Hyatt Regency offers spacious rooms and excellent hospitality. This hotel is perfect for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere whilst exploring the rich culture of Kyoto.
Each of the elegant 189 guest rooms and suites are decorated in light neutral tones combining the aesthetics that Japan is famed for with the style and comfort of western living. During your stay marvel in the culinary excellence offered by the Hyatt, from authentic Italian cuisine to a French grill to flavourful Japanese dishes, there is something for everyone at this luxury hotel.
Explore the wonders of Kyoto, with countless temples and shrines and other historical structures, marvel in this city’s fascinating culture. After a busy day of exploring why not visit the hotel’s spa for a relaxing massage or visit The Touzan Bar to taste the hotel’s boutique sake collection.
→ Find out moreMake it mine
Shrines and sake
Home cooking
Street food
Street food
Fushimiinari shrine and sake brewery visit
Fushimiinari Shrine was founded in the 9th century in honour of a fox that farmers believed was the messenger of the harvest god. Visit the base or walk under the red gates to the top of the hill. The area is also known for its sake breweries. Learn the process of polishing rice, adding enzymes and yeast and the maturation process that is involved in sake production. And of course, enjoy samples.
Temple visit and cooking class
Travel to Kinkaku-Ji Golden Pavilion temple and the serene Ryoan-Ji temple with its celebrated rock garden, before participating in a private cooking class at a Japanese home. Learn how to use Japanese ingredients to bring out an ‘umami flavour’ and then enjoy them.
Osaka tour with visit to Shinsaibashi
In Osaka, affectionately known as the ‘Kitchen of Japan’, you’ll visit the ancient Osaka castle. Then move on to the Shinsaibashi, the city’s main shopping area known for its street food. Try favourites like takoyaki (balls of batter filled with minced octopus, tempura scraps, pickled ginger and green onion); kushikatsu (deep-fried and battered meat or vegetable skewers); and okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes).
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Geisha district
Shojin Ryori lunch
Ingredient hunting
Ingredient hunting
Gion geisha district tour
Visit the Geisha district of Gion, famed for its beautifully preserved traditional architecture. Keep your eyes open for Geisha on their way to an assignment. This is also a great opportunity for shopping in this craft-rich district.
Tenryu-Ji Temple and Bamboo Grove
Head to the beautiful district of Arashiyama for a welcome break from the city’s hustle and a visit to the Tenryu-Ji Temple. Take a relaxing stroll around the Bamboo Forests. Later at mountain retreat Okochi Sanso, you’ll enjoy a unique Japanese meal of Shojin Ryori, based exclusively on vegetables, beans and roots.
Adashino Mebutsji and Otagi Nenbutsuji temples and Nishiji market visit
See the 8,000 stone Buddha and beautiful pagodas at Adashino Nembutsuji temple. Nearby is the quiet Otagi-Nenbutsuji temple, where you’ll find 1200 stone Rakan figures, carved by worshipers from 1981 to 1991. Return to Kyoto and visit the Nishiki market, a narrow shopping arcade with over 100 vendors. It’s an excellent opportunity to discover Kyoto’s distinctive culinary delicacies and stock up on ingredients.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive Impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.