Japan: Made by Masters

Coming soon

10 days, 9 nights

Group size: 8 Maximum

Physical Rating: ①◯◯◯ (Easy)

$TBC USD Double Occupancy

$TBC USD Single occupancy

Not suitable for dietary requirements

Coming soon

Tokyo | Mashiko | Nakagawa | Nikko | Kyoto | Osaka

Japan’s culture, spirit, and food are impossible to untangle from each other. Food-making rituals are passed down from generation to generation, weaving faith, heritage, and connection with the land and its ingredients into food that arrives at your table more like edible ceremony. 

This itinerary isn’t about sightseeing Japan’s top spots. It’s a taste-driven adventure for curious travelers looking for what’s beyond the guidebooks – who want to sit across the table from the masters who have dedicated their lives to Japan's food culture.

From the backstreets of Shibuya to the cedar-soaked hills of Tochigi, from Osaka’s street kitchen chaos to the quiet green of Uji’s tea fields, this is a journey written in cultural flavor – Japan as it's rarely experienced.

You’ll share a meal around locals’ kitchen tables, get into deep conversations with chefs and farmers, try your hand at making meals and crafts, returning with can’t-buy-them-in-stores souvenirs that look more like stories no ordinary visitor could tell. 

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YOUR HOST

Lauren Shannon

Restauranteur, contributor, cultural bridge

Lauren Shannon

YOUR HOST:

With nearly three decades of guiding food-focused travelers through Japan, American-born Lauren is the person to bring you off the tourist path to the intersection of food and culture. She’s one of the best in the business and that’s why we love her. Through her connections, you’ll meet the people behind the meals. Through her on-the-ground experience you’ll get authentic insights and access to secret locales you couldn’t spot from the street. Plus, she swears she can make you fall in love with sake.

  • All accommodation for tour nights

  • Most meals

  • Expertise and services of our experienced English-speaking hosts: at least one per trip

  • Arrival and departure transfers

  • Additional guides and experts from the region

  • Salt Caravan gifts related to the themes, activities and narratives of each trip

  • All transfers between itinerary destinations

  • All scheduled activities, including workshops and tastings

  • Drinks within included tasting activities, pairings, or hosted meals

WHAT'S INCLUDED

  • International airfare to and from the journey

  • Visas or entry documentation required for travel

  • Personal travel insurance

  • Any meals not specified as “included” in the itinerary

  • Drinks beyond what’s covered in tastings, pairings, or hosted meals

  • Personal spending, including laundry, room service, bar tabs, etc.

  • Tip kitty (See FAQs for more information)

WHAT'S NOT

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the respective exchange rates. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.

    A deposit is required to hold your spot.

    There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made at least 120 days before trip departure.)

    We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.

    The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.

    Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.

  • This Trip has a Physical Rating of: 1 - Easy

    Participating in this tour means you are capable of the following:

    • Able to regularly walk for an afternoon (2-4 hours at a time) at a reasonable pace, unassisted.

    • Have the mobility and balance to walk over hilly and uneven ground (e.g. cobblestones, cracked pavements).

    • Have the energy levels to regularly enjoy busy days on your feet.

    • Can handle own luggage; up and down stairs, on and off any mode of transport, and lift into/out of luggage racks.

    • Could negotiate a shower over bath in hotels, if needed.

    • Can handle own luggage, up and down stairs, and on/off transport luggage racks.

    • Could use a squat toilet, if necessary. Or willing to train on strength to do so.

    • Does not have mobility issues (e.g. knee/hip problems).

    • Does not use walking aids.

    Not quite sure - or have some questions first? Chat with one of our Salt Caravan Booking Managers to discuss a trip before booking if you have questions about trip suitability.

  • This will depend on the passport you travel with:

    • Check entry requirements for your nationality well in advance.

    • Confirm if a visa is needed for your trip: Check your official government travel site, or contact your nearest embassy.

    • Remember to also consider countries you traveling - to and transiting through.

    • A handy place to start is AnyVisa

  • Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.

    You will be notified about the tipping amount and how it’s distributed, by 120 days pre-trip.

  • This trip begins in Tokyo, and you can fly in to Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT) airports. The trip ends in Kyoto, so the most convenient option for your departure would be Kansai International Airport (KIX).

  • Try to arrive before midday on the start day, although earlier would be recommended. If possible, come one day early to settle in.

  • Opportunities to do laundry during your trip may be unpredictable. However, your guide will be able to assist with this during your trip.

  • Your guide will be with you throughout your trip, and is your first point of call for any help you might need.

    In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.

    Read our Trip Help Process for more detail.

  • People who join our trips tend to be well travelled, curious, and comfortable with a bit of looseness in the plan if the food or the moment leads us somewhere better. They care more about what’s real than what’s polished, and they’re happy trading Michelin stars for access, stories, and meals with a point of view. That is, not all white tablecloths and perfectly composed plates; it might mean a plastic stool, a smoky kitchen, a cook who knows their regulars by name, and a dish that carries a bit of history.

    We also expect guests to follow our Participation Guidelines; they keep everyone happy, safe, and having fun throughout their adventure.