This isn’t “see-everything” Japan. It’s a taste-driven trip for those who want to appreciate the difference between soy and shoyu — and go beyond the neon to experience it. From the backstreets of Shibuya to the cedar-soaked hills of Tochigi, to Osaka’s neon kitchen chaos balanced with the quiet green of Uji’s tea fields, this is a journey written in cultural flavor.

Private dinners in homes and hidden bars, conversations with chefs and farmers, workshops that leave you with more than souvenirs, and the kind of stories you can’t create by searching online — with a small group of people who love to 'travel a little deeper' through food, too.

5pm: Meet your Host and fellow group travelers at your Start Hotel.

Enjoy a welcome dinner with small plates and pairings in a private, secret location in Shibuya to set the tone.

Finish your first evening with a unique cocktail in a hidden Tokyo bar (non-alcoholic version available).

Breakfast is included at your hotel, but you might want to skip it (or just nibble lightly) — you’ll want plenty of room for all the tastings waiting at the Tsukiji Outer Market, our next stop.

Explore Japan's legendary Tsukiji Outer Market and get a behind-the-scenes tuna cutting demonstration like no other, with one of the few (if only!) female fish cutters (99% are male in Japan).

Get your hands sticky (in the best way) as a master sushi chef guides you through the art of crafting your own edible masterpieces.

Your own specially crafted sushi.

Enjoy a free afternoon to relax or explore either in the Ginza area or around your hotel.

It's time for a ramen tour! Join a local ramen expert through Tokyo’s backstreets on a steamy noodle crawl — discovering the soul (and soup) of Japan, one slurp at a time.

A guided street-food walk through Asakusa brings you face to face with the flavors of Old Tokyo — from sizzling bites to a centuries-old spice shop dating back to the 1600s. Here, you’ll discover shichimi, Japan’s beloved seven-spice blend. A sprinkle ignites the senses — fiery chili warmth, citrusy yuzu brightness, earthy sesame, and a whisper of seaweed.

Late morning stroll through Kappabashi 'Kitchen Town' - feast your eyes (or your wallet!) on cooking equipment, kitchen tools, and pottery shops.

Roll up your sleeves for a creative twist, making your own goshuin-style foodie journal using traditional Japanese paper. Think of it as your culinary passport: a place to collect recipes, stamps, doodles, and memories as the journey unfolds — one flavor, one page at a time.

Bento lunch together.

Stay and explore Kappabashi or drop back at the hotel.

Evening free with our curated dining recommendations or join us for dinner at a Michelin star restaurant (optional add-on).

At your hotel.

Sit back and enjoy the ride by private coach to Nakagawa-cho, a hidden gem in the tranquil countryside of Tochigi Prefecture.

Visit the famous sake and pottery town of Mashiko, where the owner of a the Tonoike brewery will lead you through a tour and tasting.

Love what you try? Go ahead and treat yourself to a few bottles to take home with you...Tonoike offer shipping all the way to the US!

Sake shines most when paired with food, lunch is served on brewery grounds by a local chef.

Continue with a scenic arrival at Iizukatei, a restored Edo-era residence.

After a light welcome snack, you're welcome to visit nearby temples and shrines, stroll the village, or simply relax and enjoy the sauna.

Dinner is seasonal, served in intimate groups across the peaceful Iizukatei grounds. A taste of the countryside, crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

A catered meal made with locally sourced ingredients brought to you at the hotel.

Late-morning, hands-on soba-making class — roll, cut, and slurp your way to the perfect noodles under the guidance of a local master.

Well some soba noodles, of course! Carefully prepared and served by yours truly.

Take your pick of local, family-run workshops. Try your hand at pottery or traditional washi paper making — or simply kick back and soak up the slow charm of your countryside stay.

We’ll share a home-cooked meal at a local farm, where the family welcomes us to their table. Expect seasonal, homegrown dishes made with heart and stories that bring each bite to life — simple, genuine, and soulful.

Sip on homemade plum wine as you cozy-up for another evening in the countryside.

At your hotel.

Check-out of Izukatei and travel north by private coach to Nikko.

At Nikko, freely explore this UNESCO World Heritage site and discover the hidden Moss Buddha Haven, which is also the memorial site of the first Shogun.

Continue with an afternoon transfer to Utsunomiya, Japan’s gyoza capital — famous across Japan for its delicious grilled, fried, and steamed dumplings.

Gyoza tour as you savor the flavors, colors, and aromas of Utsunomiya

Enjoy an evening of jazz and locally inspired award-winning cocktails before heading to Kyoto tomorrow.

At your hotel.

Pack the bags because this morning we're going to ride the Shinkansen, Japan's legendary bullet train to Kyoto.

Grab a ekiben on-board the Shinkansen if you'd like. They're the iconic lunchbox meals that locals here eat on the railways.

Time to check-in and refresh, followed by a welcome drink and some small bites.

Host-led evening casual food tour in a hidden neighbourhood.

At your hotel.

Hop on board a morning train for a day trip to Osaka, AKA: “Japan’s Kitchen”.

Discover how Osaka’s food culture legacy lives on today as you explore the vibrant street food and fresh ingredients of the Dotonbori and Shinsekai neighborhoods.

Tastings of Osaka’s top soul and street food icons… Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu.

In the afternoon, make your own truly unique keepsake at Osaka’s famous wax/plastic food workshop — before any last minute souvenir hunting.

Stay in Osaka or return to Kyoto (with our list of favourite eats for either, if you haven’t got anything planned!)

Take your pick, tonight dinner is on your own.

At your hotel.

Morning departure to Uji, the historic home of Green Tea.

Get ready to step into a postcard as you stroll along the Uji River with its stone paths, bridges and riverside benches.

Keep strolling to explore Byōdo-in Temple (UNESCO) and masterpieces of Buddhist architecture like the Pheonix Hall.

Satiate your taste for culture at Ujigami Shrine — Japan's oldest standing Shinto shrine, surrounded by forest paths — as your learn about The Tale of Genji.

Bringing everything full circle with matcha-inspired dishes, sweets and snacks

Return to Kyoto with enough time to rest up or freshen up for a dinner you won’t soon forget.

Your final evening together will be over a traditional Kaiseki dinner — elegantly plated courses of sashimi, grilled fish, clear broth, fragrant rice, and crisp seasonal pickles… And a private Maiko/Geisha performance.

Your last bite of Japanese tradition with a coffee shop kissaten breakfast plus a bit of last minute souvenir shopping before we say "mata kondo" (until next time).

Your Salt Caravan Team is always just a message or call away.

👉 Trip Help Process

👉 Guest Participation Guidelines

👉 Communicable Disease Policy

👉 Terms & Conditions