Culinary Discovery of Japan & China: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka & Shanghai - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo (Japan), Half-Day City Tour, Shinjuku Food Tour

Welcome to the vibrant capital of Japan, Tokyo! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel. After refreshing, meet your guide in the lobby for a half-day tour of the city, starting at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the only part of the complex that's open to the public. Stroll along the meandering paths and look out at the traditional tea houses, scenic ponds, and picturesque stone bridges. Continue to Senso-ji, the oldest temple in the city, built in 645 CE. Enter at the iconic Thunder Gate adorned with a colossal red lantern, then explore the main hall full of sacred artifacts.

In the evening, set off on a food tour in the bustling district of Shinjuku. Head to an omakase sushi restaurant, where skilled sushi chefs curate a personalized tasting menu. Take a seat at the counter and watch as the chef meticulously prepares each piece of sushi using the freshest seasonal ingredients. Test your own cooking skills next as you learn how to grill thinly sliced pieces of Wagyu beef, renowned for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. Hopefully, you're not too full yet, so you can end the night with a sweet treat and drinks.

Day 2: Fuji Five Lakes Tour, Whisky Tasting at Fuji Gotemba Distillery

Trade the city for the countryside this morning as you transfer 1.5 hours to the Fuji Five Lakes region to see Mount Fuji from Arakurayama Sengen Park. Ascend to the Chureito Pagoda perched on the hillside for panoramic views of the snowcapped mountain against the backdrop of seasonal foliage (like pink cherry blossoms if you visit in spring). In the afternoon, jump on a boat and cruise across Lake Kawaguchi to appreciate Mount Fuji from the glassy waters. If you're not a fan of boats, you can take a ride on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Ropeway instead.

As the cable car gracefully ascends, enjoy sweeping views of the lake, the lush greenery, and the picturesque villages. When you reach the observation deck, look out at the snowcapped peak of Mount Fuji. After thoroughly appreciating the mountain's beauty, start the drive back to Tokyo, stopping at Fuji Gotemba Distillery on the way. Step inside and learn about the meticulous whisky-making process, from the malting to the fermentation and distillation stages. Sample the different malt and grain whiskies before returning to your hotel in the city.

Day 3: Train to Kyoto, Partake in a Tea Ceremony, Visit the Samurai Ninja Museum

Say goodbye to Tokyo as you head to the station this morning to catch a 2.5-hour bullet train to Kyoto, the former capital of Japan. Make your own way to the hotel, where you can refresh before the tea ceremony at Kyoto Maikoya. When you arrive, change into a kimono and learn about the ceremony, called sado or chanoyu. Sit down on a tatami, a type of straw mat, and join in the ritualistic preparation and consumption of matcha led by a knowledgeable tea master. 

After the ceremony, walk five minutes to the Samurai Ninja Museum. Browse the collection of authentic samurai armor, weapons, and artifacts, all showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship of these revered warriors. Watch the multimedia presentations to gain a deeper insight into the lives and philosophies of the samurai and ninja. Before you leave, try on a full samurai armor and choose from a selection of replica swords to take a commemorative picture.

Day 4: Full-Day Tour of Kyoto, Sample Local Dishes at Nishiki Market

Although Kyoto is no longer the capital of Japan, it's considered the country's cultural capital, as it's home to numerous shrines, temples, palaces, and gardens. Spend half the day exploring some of these sites, starting at the UNESCO-listed Kinkaku-ji, better known as the Golden Pavilion, as it's covered entirely in gold leaf. Stroll through the landscaped gardens and look out at the golden structure reflected in the surrounding ponds. Since you can't enter the temple, continue to another UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijo Castle, home to the first shogun (military leader) of the Edo period.

Day 5: Train to Osaka, Local Foor Tour in Shinsekai & Dotonbori

This morning, make your own way to the station to catch a 30-minute bullet train to Osaka, the perfect place for food lovers as it's often called the "Kitchen of Japan." After settling into your hotel, you can explore on your own before this evening's food tour. A good place to start is Osaka Castle, a grand structure that served as both a castle and fortress in the 16th century. Cross over the moat to get to the main tower, adorned with gilded embellishments and imposing stone walls. Ascend to the upper floors for panoramic views of the modern skyline and discover the museum within.

Day 6: Visit the Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum & Himeji Castle

After breakfast, transfer 30 minutes along Osaka Bay to Kobe, Japan's seventh-largest city. Head to the Hakutsuru Saké Brewery Museum to learn about the rich history of this traditional Japanese rice wine. Discover the saké-making process, from rice polishing to fermentation and bottling, and sample one of the premium sake varieties before continuing to Kobe Harborland, nestled along the city's scenic port area. Explore the sprawling shopping complexes or just take a walk along the waterfront promenade. When you get hungry, sit down for lunch at one of the many local and international restaurants. 

In the afternoon, visit the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, often called the "White Heron Castle," as it resembles a majestic bird in flight. Ascend the steep stone path and navigate the labyrinthine interiors to discover the castle's ingenious defensive features, such as hidden staircases and strategic openings for archers. When you reach the top floor, take in the panoramic view of the expansive castle grounds and bustling cityscape. After exploring the castle, return to your hotel in Osaka for the night.

Day 7: Fly to Shanghai (China), Try Traditional Benbang Cuisine

Bid farewell to Japan this morning as you catch a 2.5-hour flight to Shanghai on China's central coast. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel, where you can relax until dinner. When you get hungry, visit a local restaurant on your own to try Shanghai's traditional benbang cuisine, which originated in the Ming and Qing dynasties. There are plenty of delicious dishes you can try, from savory braised pork belly to delicate xiaolongbao, dumplings filled with soup and pork. End the night with a sweet treat of eight-treasure rice, glutinous rice adorned with candied fruits, nuts, and red bean paste.

Day 8: Visit The Bund, Yuyuan Garden & the Former French Concession

Spend a full day exploring the city, starting at The Bund, a historic waterfront promenade nestled along the Huangpu River. Admire the striking lineup of colonial-era buildings on one side of the water and the futuristic skyline of Pudong on the other. Visit Yuyuan Garden next, a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming dynasty. Wander along the winding pathways and look out at the ancient pavilions, arched bridges, and scenic ponds full of vibrant koi fish. Head outside to peruse the stalls full of local snacks, handicrafts, and antiques in Yuyuan Bazaar. 

After a delicious lunch, take a relaxing walk in the former French Concession, starting at Fuxing Park. Follow the tree-lined avenues, admiring the charming rose gardens, historical sculptures, and picturesque ponds. Continue to Xintiandi, a pedestrianized zone full of upscale shops, charming boutiques, and quaint art galleries to shop and admire the European mansions. In the evening, follow your guide to some of the best restaurants in the neighborhood to sample more benbang food or haipi cuisine, which blends Western and Shanghainese styles of cooking.

Day 9: Explore the Humble Administrator's Garden & the Water Town of Tongli

Leave the city behind as you transfer one hour to the UNESCO-listed Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou, one of 69 preserved gardens in the city. Originally built in the early 16th century, the sprawling garden has become a masterpiece of Ming dynasty horticulture. Walk through the meticulously arranged landscapes, across delicate bridges, and over lotus-filled ponds. Depending on the time of year you visit, you may see delicate plum blossoms or vibrant flowers blooming on the trees.

Once you've explored the garden, transfer one hour south to Tongli, an ancient water town known as the "Venice of the East" because of its labyrinthine waterways and arched stone bridges. Walk along the narrow cobblestone streets and browse the charming boutiques, artisan workshops, or quaint tea houses. Then, jump in a boat to navigate the canals, gliding past ancient residences and under intricate bridges. After three hours in the town, return to your hotel in Shanghai to relax.

Day 10: Depart Shanghai 

After 10 days of eating your way across Japan and China, your culinary tour comes to a close today. If you have some time before your flight, head to Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Browse the array of luxury boutiques, department stores, and local shops to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Visit one of the street food stalls to try some more Shanghainese dishes before you go, like shengjian bao, pan-fried soup dumplings filled with meat. When it's time, return to the hotel to grab your bags and meet your driver to transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!