http://www.mandarinjourneys.com

Japan | Sample Itinerary  Despite its long history and prominent position on the global stage Japan remains a tantalizing mystery to most of the world. Boasting a truly unique cultural heritage and rich in scenic wonders Japan offers all the ingredients for a memorable and invigorating holiday in the Far East.  

The Culinary Wonders of Japan

STAY IMMERSE INDULGE SAVOR

http://www.mandarinjourneys.com

Day 1 International Arrival in Tokyo Konichiwa! You will arriveat Narita Airport and be greeted by airport staff who will direct you to your seat-sharing shuttle mini-van. From here we will transfer you to your hotel. If an airport assistant is required to attend your clients before 8:00AM or after 8:00PM, there may be a surcharge. Your first day in Tokyo will be unguided. We will be making you expert PDFs on the city and dining so you may explore on your own. Overnight in Tokyo

Day 2 Tokyo Today experience a two-pronged food tour. First, we will take you outside of Tokyo’s city centre to visit an authentic Sumo stable. Here you will be able to watch these huge warriors during their asageiko (a morning training session). As they spar, work out, and communicate with their coaches. Afterwards, we will take you out to lunch like a sumo! The Sumo wrestlers’ diet typically consists of Chankonabe, (a one pot protein rich stew) served with sides of rice. Don’t worry, the stew is actually quite healthy unless you consume an entire pot each! In the evening,we will move from rich fare to light, taking you to one of Tokyo’s premier Sushi restaurants. Typically the Japanese eschew restaurants that Westerners have colonized. Your experience will be Michelin starred but fully Japanese in terms of atmosphere and clientele. This will not be dining at Sushi Jiro, but a much more ‘local’ and in-the-know restaurant. Overnight in Tokyo

Day 3 Tokyo

Rise early so you may hear the calls of ‘irasshai’ (welcome) beckoning you from merchant and fishmonger stalls. Today enjoy a guided tour of the Tsukiji fish market. You will be able to explore rows of fresh fish, sample freshly caught & prepared sushiand see where the Sushi masters of Japan, and the world, get their fresh catch. This venue is a must visit before it closes and relocates in 2016. Afterwards,visit a sushi-making workshop in a stylish classroom in central Tokyo. Here you will have the chance to try and master the perfections of this ancient art-form, under the skillful eye of a master Sushi Chef. Your afternoon is free to explore Tokyo as you see fit. In the evening, we will go from the minimalist style of cuisine to the ‘maximum’ style of entertainment Tokyo is famous for. You will be heading to the gaudy district of Shinjuku for a meal unlike any other at Robot Restaurant. While the meal is standard, the service is anything but boring. You will witness an hour-long stage show of flashing lights, futuristic cheerleaders and yes, robot combat on a glittering LED stage. This is a truly an otherworldly experience that combines Japan’s love of tech and manga. Afterwards, roam the glittering streets of Shinjuku before returning to your hotel for your next adventure.  

http://www.mandarinjourneys.com

Day 4 Tokyo – Kyoto Today, you will meet your guide at your hotel. They will take you by taxi or metro (Please pay locally) to the Tokyo Central Station where you will take a Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Kyoto. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your accommodation, we recommend a stay in a Ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn) here you will be able to experience the traditional Japanese hospitality and environment which makes Kyoto such a restorative environment.

In the late afternoon take a tour of Kyoto’s beautiful Zen gardens. Here you will have a simple lunch with a Buddhist monk, who will go over the finer points of Japanese Zen with you and the meaning behind the unique arrangements of sand and stone.

In the early evening, return to your Ryokan, where you will enjoy a kaiseki (set meal) feast. Ryokans are famous for using the freshest local ingredients, which create a progressive story as the meals are consumed.

Overnight in Kyoto

Day 5 Kyoto

Today, after breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of beautiful temples and parks. These beautiful structures will evoke the peace and serenity the city of Kyoto is famous for. During the afternoon explore the city on your own, discovering its many streets and alleyways. We are happy to give you recommendations as to which restaurants are worth your time. In the evening, you will be taken to the ultimate in Japanese culture & dining: an authentic Kyoto-Geisha experience. Located deep within the famed Gion district, this venue will offer you privacy and authenticity as you witness the elaborate rituals of the Geisha. Tea-pouring rituals, songs, musical performances and story-telling, this will be an unforgettable meal. Overnight in Kyoto

Day 6 Kyoto - Osaka

Today by bullet train, you will transfer from Kyoto to Osaka. Upon arrival you will be met by your private guide and be taken to your hotel to rest. In the afternoon, take a full day tour of Osaka’s many foodie landmarks. Your tour will wind through the district of Doguyasuji, where you can see the stunning array of cooking utensils and instruments Japanese chefs normally purchase. Afterwards, enjoy a guided tour of the Dotonbori district. You will have a chance to mingle with locals as you dine on Japanese street food classics like Takoyaki (fried octopus balls), steamed pork buns, and Okonomiyaki (griddled seafood pancakes).

As a rousing nightcap to your evening, have your guide drop you off at either a vibrant Haishin Tigers’ game, or to the pub Beer Belly, which will offer an array of Japanese microbrews to sample.

Overnight in Osaka

http://www.mandarinjourneys.com

Day 7 Osaka

In the early afternoon, you will depart byJR rail for Japan’s famed Suntory whisky distillery. Here, you will have a chance to sample drams of Japan’s finest whiskies, as well as examining the labor-intensive process that produces such fine spirits. Afterwards, we will return you to Osaka for lunch at one of its quirkiest venues, the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum. Here you will see a tribute unlike any other to the founder of the ‘instant noodles’ college students all over the world have come to love (and loath!). For your lunch, you will be able to personalize your own instant ramen flavours.

In the evening, we will book you a table at a revered Kappo-style restaurant. These restaurants are unique for their pride in small intimate settings, where the chef cooks every meal before your eyes. This style has begun to spread beyond Osaka and influence different cuisines world-wide.

Overnight in Osaka

Day 8 Osaka - Kobe  Today please take the short bullet train ride from Osaka to Kobe. Upon arrival your private guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Afterwards, visit several Sake breweries in and around Kobe. Known for its crystal-clear spring water, Kobe is the largest sake-producing region in Japan. Try several varieties of this delicious and potent brew before returning to Kobe. In the evening, a dinner will be arranged for you to try the famous ‘Kobe beef’. The term ‘Kobe Beef’ refers to several types of cattle; the difference is in how they are raised and how their meat is marbled. No matter what variety of this delicacy you select, it will be a melt-in-your-mouth food experience unlike any steak you’ve ever had. Overnight in Kobe  

Day 9 Kobe - Departure Your foodie tour of Japan concludes today. If you would like,we can, of course, extend your experience. Would you perhaps, like to fly to Hokkaido to sample some of the best Uni (Sea urchin) in the world, or arranging for a final meal in Tokyo of the dangerous (yet delicious) FuguSashimi. Please let us know if you have further culinary options and we will be happy to assist you in any way possible.

*End of Proposed Itinerary*

http://www.mandarinjourneys.com

Values | What Makes us Tick

Our founder’s vision was to build a cultural bridge between the developed Western world, his world, and the often-misunderstood Oriental world, a region he remains passionate about to this day. While a sustainable bottom line and growth matter in every business venture, we deliberately stay small and boutique, passing over high passenger volume for an artisanal approach to travel. D I S C R E T I O N We do not sell, disseminate or manipulate any information you provide us with. Any discussions we have with you before, during or after the tour are private and will remain so indefinitely. Our branding is very discrete and mostly invisible so that you don’t feel like a customer, a tourist, but rather a respected guest in the old-fashioned sense of the word.

I N T E G R I T Y We understand that an honest business is a sustainable business. We will never allow ourselves to compromise on quality, value or sincerity. If we can’t or won’t do something, we will tell you upfront. If we make a mistake, we will own up to it. If we think you are making a wrong travel decision, we will tell you directly, and explain why.

F L E X I B I L I T Y When you engage Mandarin Journeys to plan your travel, you are not buying a product and we simply don’t offer prepackaged trips, as it would be an insult to your individuality. Trip planning starts with a dialogue, so we may get to know your expectations, wants and desires. Only then do we plan a suitable holiday and suggest the individual experiences that make up a great journey. During your trip, we are open to changes as much as the logistics will reasonably allow, so that once again, you feel like a guest, an explorer even, not a tourist. We may charge a modest fee for changes, but those will fade in comparison with the value and enjoyment you get from working with a flexible partner.

Mandarin Journeys is a low-impact company; by limiting our passenger volume and working exclusively with responsible local partners, our environmental footprint is extremely low for a travel company. Every guide must abide by our strict service guidelines and we lean heavily towards hotels with LEED certification or at the very least a verifiable sustainability policy.

• From Travel Dream to Reality • You know that trip you've been talking about for years? That life changing experience you've been dreaming about? That family bonding journey? It starts here... Mandarin Journeys is in the business of fulfilling life long travel dreams and ambitions. Don't miss out. Even if you have doubts, concerns or simply don't know where to start, contact us, you will be impressed.

Please enter your information below so we can be in touch. We won't sell your information, you will not be hassled and there is no obligation. Just the start of a pleasant conversation...

Destination(s) Japan China VietnamTaiwan Laos CambodiaTibet Thailand MongoliaIndonesia Burma Bhutan

Primary Contact Information

First Name Last Name

E-mail Phone

Job Title Company

Address

Address (Line 2)

City Country

Please tell us about your trip plans or ideas

What is the duration of the trip you are considering?

Please tell us about your preferred style of travel (active, cultural, epicurean, etc...)

Please tell us about your group size, group members and preferences.

E-magazine Opt in to receive our promotions and hottest destination news