Japan Culinary Trekking

Culinary Delights in the Land of the Rising Sun

Overview

Japan Culinary Trekking - Culinary Delights in the Land of the Rising Sun

Japan is known for its clashing philosophies; traditional meets futuristic. To truly understand this fascinating country, you’ll need to totally immerse yourself in the culture. You have designed the perfect unique adventure for you to immerse yourself in the traditions, the landscape and awaken the epicure in you.

The Adventure Boutique prides itself on opening up a world of adventure, delivering bespoke and unique trips which not only satisfy the traveller in you but also your desire to broaden your mind. All of our adventures are built with exclusivity in mind. Our local knowledge and connections will unlock possibilities which are only available to you.

Our ethos is to take you on a once in a lifetime trip which you will want to repeat again and again, enriching your life in ways you didn’t think possible.

Japan Culinary Trekking - Adventure Highlights

  • Tokyo – the world’s most populous metropolis will be a delight for your five senses – especially during the helicopter tour!
  • Trekking through the Yatsugatake Mountains
  • Visiting a Sake Brewery as well as a Hakushu whiskey distillery – including the tasting!
  • Learn how to make Soba noodles and Sushi in carefully selected workshops
  • Take part in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
  • Visit scenic rice fields and learn about the growing and harvesting processes

DURATION

14 Days

TECHNICAL AND FITNESS LEVEL

No special technical skills needed but a good level of fitness is required

RECOMMENDED GROUP SIZE

4-12 People

ACCOMMODATION

A range of luxury accommodation; luxury and boutique hotels chosen for their style and service, not just their amazing locations.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Japan is a year round destination but fall time (September to November) and spring (March/April/May) when the cherry trees blossom are the best times to experience the regions on our itinerary; If you have a pre-formed group (family, friends or an organisation), we would be delighted to organise an expedition around dates that suit your group.

Brief itinerary

Your itinerary at a glance

Day Destination Accom. (B/L/D) Highlights
1 Arrive in Tokyo Small Boutique Hotel (D) Enjoy your first evening in Tokyo
2 Hokuto, Yatsugatake Mountains Keyforest Hotel or similar (B/L/D) First view of Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps
3 Hokuto, Yatsugatake Mountains Keyforest Hotel or similar (B/L/D) Trekking within Yatsugatake Mountain Range
4 Hokuto, Yatsugatake Mountains Keyforest Hotel or similar (B/L/D) Visit to Sake brewery and Wagashi workshop
5 Hokuto, Yatsugatake Mountains Keyforest Hotel or similar (B/L/D) Trekking within Yatsugatake Mountain Range
6 Hakushu Keyforest Hotel or similar (B/L/D) Visit of the Hakushu Whiskey Distillery
7 Hokuto, Yatsugatake Mountain Range Keyforest Hotel or similar (B/L/D) Trekking within Yatsugatake Mountain Range
8 Hokuto, Yatsugatake Mountain Range Keyforest Hotel or similar (B/L/D) Soba noddles factory and workshop
9 Hokuto, Yatsugatake Mountain Range Keyforest Hotel or similar (B/L/D) Final trek in the mountains
10 Hokuto, Yatsugatake Mountain Range Keyforest Hotel or similar (B/L/D) Participation in traditional tea ceremony and visit of rice fields
11 Ginza, Tokyo Small Boutique Hotel (B/L/D) Evening in Tokyo
12 Tokyo Small Boutique Hotel (B/L/D) Helicopter flight of Tokyo
13 Tokyo Small Boutique Hotel (B/D) Free Day
14 Return home (B)

*B= Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner

Detailed itinerary

Japan Culinary Trekking - Your Itinerary in Detail

DAY ONE

Tokyo is one of the world’s most interesting cities. Tradition meets contemporary with shrines and space age buildings standing side by side.  You will have the opportunity to relax post-flight or explore this very special city of your own accord ahead of the start of your trip. Tokyo is the perfect place to get lost in.

DAY TWO

After breakfast you will make our way by vehicle to the wonderful Keyforest hotel, the base for your adventure. Sitting 1,000m above sea level at the foot of Mount Yatsugatake, you will be treated to stunning views of Mt Fuji, and the southern alps in the distance during the day and the starriest sky at night viewed from the hotel’s rooftop. Featured in Harper’s Bazaar, this boutique hotel will delight you with amazing scenery, excellent food, a spa and a relaxing base for your trip.

DAY THREE

Mt. Fuji may be higher than Yatsugatake, but when it comes to stunning alpine landscapes, the Yatsugatake Mountains reign supreme. After breakfast you will start to explore this specular mountain by starting with the wonderful waterfall walk. The streams are crystal clear, the hills will reveal themselves to you as you make your way along the path. You will experience magical forests which have been here for thousands of years.

You’ll arrive at the waterfall just before lunch. This fairy-tale natural force is powerful but soothing. The thundering noise of the water tells you just how formidable it is, but it relaxes you at the same time. Following lunch, you will start to make your descent, where you’ll observe rock formations on the trail.

This area is home to some charming wildlife including deer, flying squirrels, raccoon dogs and Japanese serows. Once back at the hotel you will be free to use the facilities such as the spa or take advantage of a massage to revive your tired limbs. The hotel also offers guests private use of its outdoor onsen, natural spring baths, in the forest.

DAY FOUR

Today’s activities are very special and exclusive. After breakfast you’ll leave the hotel and travel to the sake brewery. You will be given a private tour of the Emperor’s home by the owner. This home was used by the Emperor in the 1800’s.

This is a very history rich home with many stories from times gone by. Once you have finished the tour you will begin the sake tasting. There are many different types of sake, each with a unique flavour.

Following the tasting we have arranged a private lunch sitting with an array of Japanese foods buffet style for you to enjoy. Once tummies have been satisfied, you will move to the Wagashi making. Calling wagashi ‘sweets’ is rather misrepresenting them, they are more than just candies. Made to compliment green tea, wagashi are beautiful and intricate in their design. Reflecting the delicacy culture of Japan, wagashi are typically made from plant-based ingredients.

DAY FIVE

You will spend another day exploring the countryside. You will also visit a Buddhist shrine that is maintained by a single monk. You will spend the day surrounded by specular landscapes with some more wonderful photographic opportunities, all the Japanese topography can offer. You will continue on after lunch for an afternoon of trekking enjoying more sounds, smells and sights of the woods.

DAY SIX

Another different day is in store for you as you visit Hakushu whiskey distillery. The distillery has been operating since 1973 and is surrounded by the forest of Hakushu. It co-exists with the forest and its abundant wildlife. You will start the day with a tour of the facility and once complete will move on to the tasting part of the day. You will learn how important the correct water is in the quest for the perfect whiskey.

The water for the Hakushu makes the prolonged passage from the mountains in the Southern Alps picking up just the right amount of minerals along the way.  You will enjoy 6 whiskey samples on the day to enjoy. There will also be an opportunity to shop so you can take away mementos of the day.

DAY SEVEN

Today you will take you on another magical adventure. The Japanese forest is so vast you don’t think you could ever cover it all or see the same vista twice. You have a number of heavenly paths you can take you on today all of which will swathe you in nature.

DAY EIGHT

Today you will add a skill to your repertoire, Soba is the Japanese name for buckwheat. It usually refers to thin noodles made from buckwheat flour, or a combination of buckwheat and wheat flours. Soba noodles are served either chilled with a dipping sauce, or in hot broth as a noodle soup.

Making soba noodles is surprisingly simple but defiantly has an art to it and can be a little tricky. You have the experts to show you how to construct the perfect noodle which will allow you to wow your friends and family when you return home. Once you have completed the museum tour you’ll make and hopefully enjoy our own lunch.

Following lunch, you’ll be free to relax and use the hotel facilities. And explore the superb Nakamura Keith Haring Collection – the only museum in the world devoted to the New York street artist.

DAY NINE

Final trek today, conclude this part of your trip by feeling the sway of the trees, the astonishing colours and feeling of calmness surrounding you as you make your way along the path. Saying goodbye to the mountain and everything she has shared with you can be an emotional experience. It’s days like this which will stay with you for a very long time.

DAY TEN

What better to conclude your forest adventure than to be schooled in crafting one of nature’s specular materials. Bamboo according to Feng Shui, is a lucky plant which attracts positive energy that is supposed to bring good health, peace, happiness, prosperity, longevity and good luck into any home that has this plant. Following this pursuit, you will move to a traditional tea ceremony also called the Way of Tea. This is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha, powdered green tea.

Dating back to the 9th century CE, the Japanese tea ceremony represents harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity. This is a beautiful tradition and steeped in history where each movement has a different meaning.  Chadō is counted as one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement, along with kōdō for incense appreciation, and kadō for flower arrangement.

To complete this wonderful day, you will spend some time at the rice fields. Rice is the main crop in Japan. It has been cultivated for more than 3,000 years in Japan and its husbandry is fascinating. A paddy field is a flooded parcel of arable land used for growing semiaquatic rice. They can require a great deal of labour and materials to create and need large quantities of water for irrigation. Rice is the most important human food crop in the world feeding more than 3 billion people every day, unique because it can grow in wet environments that other crops cannot survive in.

Finally, you will make our way back to the hotel to relax and use the facilities one more time ahead of leaving the hotel and travelling to Tokyo the following morning.

DAY ELEVEN

This evening you will arrive in Ginza. Ginza is one of the major shopping districts in the city, filled with smart boutiques, as well as glamorous bars. Fine jewellery is sold in Wako Honkan a department store from the 1930’s, while futuristic Ginza Place deals in high-tech goods. Traditional Japanese dance and drama is staged at the landmark Kabuki-za theater.

DAY TWELVE

An exhilarating start to the day, a helicopter tour over Tokyo; you will get a bird’s eye view of the unique city from the air and get a real understanding of how tradition and modern are intertwined.

Once you land you will make our way to the Imperial Palace. This is the principal residence of the Emperor of Japan. Located in a specular park in the Chiyoda ward of Tokyo and comprises of the main palace, the private residences of the Imperial Family and a museum. A true oasis in a bustling city.

We finish the day with another culinary delight, an exquisite sushi making workshop giving you an insight and taste into one of Japan’s most famous dishes.

DAY THIRTEEN

You have a free day today to explore Tokyo.

DAY FOURTEEN

Depart Tokyo.

Pricing information

Pricing Information

This adventure will depart with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 12*.

* We can accommodate private groups less than 4 or more than 12 people. Please ring for further information.

Included

  • Expedition Leader from ‘The Adventure Boutique’
  • Local guides, local chefs and porters
  • All scheduled accommodation
  • Scheduled meals
  • All scheduled transfers

Excluded

  • Travel insurance
  • International Flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips

A non-refundable deposit will be required.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

How are we catered for?

We will be staying in Luxury accommodation throughout our adventure in Japan and you will be dining within them and occasionally have lunch while on day trips. Any dietary requirements will be taken into account. Some days will see us supplied with a packed lunch while we are travelling on our adventure.

What clothing/equipment do I need?

The Adventure Boutique team will give you a full comprehensive kit list when you sign up and be on-hand if you have any questions before the trip.

Do I need to tip our local staff?

You do not need to tip the local staff. Unlike other companies, we have included the tipping into the price so there are no hidden surprises when you arrive in the country. However, should a particular member of local staff give you extraordinary service then an individual tip, should you wish, will be a nice gesture. Tipping the Expedition Leader is at your discretion but will be much appreciated, especially after you witness their dedication and professionalism in looking after you and ensuring your enjoyment of the trip.

How much spending money would you recommend on bringing?

It is difficult for us to recommend a set amount of spending money for you to bring. We can say it is better to bring more rather than less, as any unspent money can be exchanged later back into your usual currency or taken home with you. Past experience has shown us people can be short of money rather than have too much, especially when they find a desirable souvenir they wish to buy. Please don’t let this happen to you. Although all accommodation, scheduled meals and travel are included in the total price of the trip you may wish to spend on souvenirs, beverages, use of satellite phone or tipping of your Expedition Leader.

Do I need special insurance?

You will need to have travel insurance that will cover you for your destination, activities undertaken and the duration of the trip. Please ensure you have appropriate cover. If you do not have adequate insurance cover, The Adventure Boutique team can help arrange this by referring you to appropriate insurers.

Do I need a visa?

This is dependent on your nationality, our team can advise you on this before signing up. British Citizens do not currently need a visa to visit Japan as a tourist.

Do I need any vaccinations?

Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide. You should take health advice about your specific needs as early as possible. Sources of information include: www.fco.gov.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, www.nathnac.org, your General Practitioner or a travel clinic. For truly specialist travel health we have partnered with The Centre For Health & Human Performance in London where a specialist travel health appointment can be booked.

How large are the groups?

The group size should be a maximum of twelve people. The number of participants is kept to a level where quality can be maintained. We normally have a maximum number so as not to allow the groups to become too large. We believe that by doing this, the Expedition Leaders will be able to look after you more carefully, in turn you will find the group dynamics work better and your success rate and enjoyment level increases immeasurably. If you are a group of friends of more than twelve, then obviously we will work together to accommodate you. If you would like to have a more personalised trip below the recommended group size, we would happy be to facilitate this for you too.

What is the minimum age a person has to be to go on this adventure?

The minimum age is 16 years old accompanied by a legal guardian or 18 years old otherwise. If you do have children and want to bring them, we would be happy to facilitate this. We would be happy to make necessary arrangements to accommodate a young person into a private group.

Is there a maximum age?

There is no maximum age limit, providing you are fit and in good health. The office can advise on your suitability for this trip in terms of fitness level.

Will my mobile work? Can I stay in touch with the office or my family?

You’ll generally find phone reception during your trip, however the signal might be weak when in the mountains. We specially carry a satellite phone in case of emergencies, but we also realise people may need to keep in touch with their loved ones or have some work commitments to deal with. The satellite phone can be used for a charge.

Can I organise this trip exclusively for myself, my friends and family?

If you have a group of friends or family who want to travel together, a bespoke date can certainly be arranged to suit your party. If you do have your own group and want to discuss any variations in the schedule or particular objectives, feel free to discuss this with The Adventure Boutique team.