10 Day Deluxe Independent Japan

Master the delicate art of authentic Japanese sushi making and learn everything there is to know about dashi, miso, mirin and sake. Impress friends with your ability to prepare traditional rice and toppings, creating a multitude of colourful and delicious sushi, including Rolled Egg, Sushi Rice, Inari Sushi, Tuna Roll, Cucumber Roll, California Roll, Nigiri Sushi and Miso Soup.

After being welcomed by the courteous staff and enjoying a cup of traditional Japanese green tea, you will receive a short introduction to the importance of quality ingredients in Japanese cuisine. Learn about the subtle flavours of dashi (Japanese soup stock) and how to pick the best seasonings. (soy sauce, sake, miso etc.)

After creating a variety of nigiri, inari and hosomaki, it is time to eat and enjoy. This cooking class will not only provide you with an unforgettable memory, but also offers a great opportunity to learn a new skill, that you can bring home and share with your family and friends.

**Note: It is possible to arrange for vegetarian, halal or all sorts of dietary requirements**

Meeting Point: Cooking Lesson Venue at 1:30pm
Drop off: Cooking Lesson Venue at 4:30pm

Discover the strong, captivating rhythm of Taiko, the traditional Japanese drumming in a hands on course with a professional.

Get ready as you roll up your sleeves for your hour-long lesson, as your teacher explains and demonstrates the techniques. Learn about the culture and history surrounding this pounding musical form, while trying your hand at it! No experience is required and by the end of the course you’ll be able to play a traditional song on your own. 

Next, sit back as you enjoy a live performance by the masters, taking in the wonder and skill. Be sure to capture the action with a photo, to commemorate this memorable experience.

Meeting Point: Taiko Drumming Lesson Venue at 10:30am
Drop off: Taiko Drumming Lesson Venue at 11:30am

This 3-hour Osaka Night Food Tour will take you on an unforgettable eating excursion through the busy streets and the hidden, less frequented parts of Minami (South) Osaka. Starting on the the bright and busy Doutonburi area we will learn about Glico man, a Filipino sprinter named Fortunato Catalon who inspired a nation and a company! Similar to Shibuya (its counterpart in Tokyo) the lights and sounds of Dotounburi often lead you astray to overly-commercialised restaurants with queues of tourists outside. We want to take our guests to places they would certainly miss without a locals guidance. We will take secret alleys not long after we begin the tour toward the shrine wedged out of sight from the average passerby.

We will sample , Kushikatsu, (deep fried meat and veggie skewers) a local take on Yakitori and we will surprise you with a Michelin rated street food stop for Osaka’s favorite snack- Takoyaki! (a kind of grilled octopus fritter)  Next, travel down a more narrow alleys and see some of the more unconventional restaurants and pubs. Your guide will then lead you to a local dinner spot. This shop is an Izakaya or local pub with seasonal dishes that will intrigue and delight.  You will enjoy yakitori (grilled skewers), sukiyaki (a delicious simmered beef hotpot), tempura other regional dishes and 1 drink. This spot is very local, you will not find tourists here! Try a draft beer or Nihonshu (rice wine) with your tasty meal.

Please be aware there maybe substitutions and changes on the food in this tour based on season and availability.

From there, we will show you a famous building full of hidden unorthodox bars, one after another. Every 5 feet there is a new door with a new adventure to be had. This area gives you the retro, artsy feel of a very hip and very unique cluster of bars. Finally finish off with a tasty local street food dessert! As you say farewell to your guide you can explore more on your own in this fascinating part of town.

Inclusions:

- 4 food stops
- 1 drink
- dessert

Meeting point: in front of Starbucks Tsutaya Ebisu-bashi in Dotonbori (1-8-19 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka) at 4:45pm

Discover a different side to Kyoto on this half-day bicycle adventure of the city. 

Start at the cycling terminal near Kyoto Station and whizz through the hidden backstreets and winding alleyways of this atmospheric town. Listen to the knowledgeable tour guide and learn about the captivating history and cultural heritage of the former Japanese capital. 

At a slower pace, pedal through two renowned geisha districts, Miyagawacho and Gion. Lined with hundreds of teahouses, take a break and spend some time people watching. Next, cycle along the Shirakawa River past beautiful wooden houses and willow trees, before taking a trip through the spacious Kyoto Imperial Palace Park, home to two Imperial Palaces. 

End the journey with tired legs and unforgettable memories at the cycling terminal. 

Meeting Point: KCTP Kyoto Station Cycle Terminal at 1:30pm
Drop off: KCTP Kyoto Station Cycle Terminal at 4:30pm

Partake in a Japanese Tea Ceremony called Sao or Cha-no-yu which has more than 400 years of history. 

Spiritually and physically, we would like you to feel the air as well. As a quote says, Ichigo-ichie, we praise our only once-in-a-lifetime moment with you in a beautifully decorated tea room. Please come by and have a bowl of tea.

In my own hands I hold a bowl of tea; I see all of nature represented in its green color. Closing my eyes, I find green mountains and pure water within my own heart. Silently sitting alone and drinking tea, I feel these become a part of me.

- Sen Soshitsu, Urasenke Tea Master XIV, Urasenke School of Japanese Tea Ceremony

Explanation, demonstration and a hands-on experience of making a matcha green tea by yourself with a formal tea ceremony sweet (gluten free).

Meeting Point: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotoku-ji at 11:00am
Drop off: Tea Ceremony Ju-An at Jotoku-ji at 11:50am

Hop on a short train ride to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nara with your private guide. For 74 years during the 8th century, Nara was Japan’s first capital, and became the centre of power. With great prosperity it became the face of Japanese culture and politics and ushered in a great number of changes. Therefore, Nara is home to some of the most impressive and ancient historical landmarks in the country.  

Start off your adventure in this historic area at the jaw-dropping Todaiji Temple, the world’s largest wooden building. Enter the enormous wooden gateway, towering over 25 meters high and fashioned from 800 year old trees, passing the guardian king statues of the temple. Take in the stunning complex grounds, as you gaze upon this impressive structure. Next, head inside to see the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue enveloped in a golden halo. 

Next, head off to Nara's most celebrated shrine, the bright and beautiful Kasuga Taisha. This grand Shinto shrine was established in 768 AD, when four deities were invited to live here. Kasuga Taisha is not only ancient, but architecturally stunning with bright vermillion buildings and halls surrounded by Nara’s beautiful woods. Be sure to walk through the hallways which house hundreds of bronze and stone lanterns donated by worshipers over the centuries.  

Now, before returning to Kyoto, take a wander through Nara Park. One of the oldest parks in Japan, over a thousand tamed yet wild deer freely roam its grounds. Considered in Shintoism to be sacred messengers of the gods, the deer are still protected as national treasures and they call this park home. Stroll through “deer park” as the locals call it, as you take in the quaint yet ancient charm of the grounds. 

Inclusions:
English-speaking Local Guide
Public Transportation
Entrance Fee

Pick up: Kyoto Hotel at 9:00am 
Drop off: Kyoto Hotel at 2:00pm 

Start by visiting Fushimi Inari, an important Shinto shrine in Kyoto and famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. 

Next, visit Sanjusangendo Temple, the name literally stands for "Hall with thirty three spaces between the columns". Here you can find historical architectures as well as sculptures impressive sculptures. 

Finally, head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Japan.

Pick up: AVANTI Sunrise Tour Desk at 1:30pm
Drop off: Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit approx. 6:00pm