Flavors of Tokyo Cultural & Culinary Adventure

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Priced From

$4,998 USD *

(For One Person, Double Occupancy)

* Plus taxes. Tours sold on an availability basis.

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7 days | 6 nights

Cultural & Culinary Discovery in Japan’s Majestic Capital

Your home for the next seven days will be a room in the beautiful Park Hotel, a skyscraper overlooking the energetic downtown regions of Japan’s majestic capital. You are located in the heart of the city, and your complimentary metro pass will allow you to get anywhere and everywhere you need to be in a matter of minutes. Historic temples, delicious restaurants, remarkable shopping and traditional markets beckon the adventurous around every turn. From your first hands-on cooking class to your last delicate morsel, an abundance of taste will be your escort as you tour this incredibly rich culture.

Flavors of Tokyo Cultural & Culinary Adventure

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Itinerary Accommodations Map FAQ

VACATION HIGHLIGHTS

Please note: Tour inclusions can change depending upon seasonality and weather conditions.

•6 Nights 4 Star Accommodations

•Daily Breakfast Buffet

•Multi-Course Shabu-Shabu Dinner

•Soba & Ramen Cooking Class

•Guided Tour of Tsukiji Fish Market

•Hands-On Sushi Class

•Traditional Tea Ceremony

•Tempura Cooking Class

•Guided Mount Fuji Day Trip

•Guided Lake Kawaguchi Visit

•Traditional Washoku Lunch

•Wine Tasting & Fruit Farm Visit

•Cherry Blossom Viewing (March/April)

•Guided Tokyo by Night Foodie Tour

While our tours are designed as soft adventure experiences, walking, climbing stairs, and in rare cases mild hiking may be required. If you have mobility issues, you should speak with one of our culinary travel specialists to determine if this tour is appropriate for your situation.

AVAILABLE DATES

Sunday - Saturday throughout the year. Certain blackout dates apply.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Please note: Actual itineraries are subject to change due to seasonality.

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Day 1

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Traditional Welcome Dinner

After checking into your hotel in the heart of Tokyo, you will have the opportunity to explore the city before settling down at a traditional restaurant for a delicious shabu-shabu dinner. Shabu-shabu is a traditional Japanese experience in which you cook a variety of meats and vegetables in a simmering broth set over a burner on your table.

Day 2

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Morning Breakfast Buffet

Each morning, relax and enjoy breakfast with breathtaking city and mountain views. The hotel serves a Western and Japanese style buffet breakfast on the 25th floor in the ART Lounge. Breakfast is included in your tour.

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Visit to Tsukiji Fish Market | Hands-on Sushi Cooking Class

Tsukiji is home to the world’s largest fish market. More than 1,000 bustling food establishments line the streets of the market and its surroundings, filled with fresh tuna and hundreds of different types of fish. The freshest and finest foods from around the world can be found here. With your English-speaking professional chef, you will learn about all varieties of fish and natural produce, visit the auction floor, and even have the opportunity to sample different varieties of fish and sauces. In the afternoon you will proceed to your cooking class, where you will put the fish to good use, learning how to make a variety of sushi, nigari and sashimi dishes.

Day 3

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Morning Breakfast Buffet

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Mount Fuji Visit | Wine Tasting & Fruit Farm Tour | Traditional Washoku Lunch

This morning you will embark upon a journey through the Japanese countryside to glorious Mount Fuji. Cast your gaze on the majestic views from Tenjosan Park and enjoy a sweeping panorama of Lake Kawaguchi. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the shores of Lake Kawaguchi before traveling on to a nearby fruit orchard in the small town of Misaka. Here you will have the opportunity to pick and eat fresh grapes, peaches, strawberries and cherries (depending upon the season) and visit a local winery where you will sample some of Japan’s best wines. During March-April you might even witness the debut of the beautiful Japanese Cherry Blossoms.

Day 4

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Morning Breakfast Buffet

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Soba, Udon & Ramen Cooking Class | Tokyo City Tour

Did you know that noodles originated from the Eastern Countries of Japan and China before being brought over to Italy and transformed into what we now know as “pasta” today? In your hands-on cooking class you will learn about the origin of each variety of noodle, and what it has come to represent in Eastern culture. You will learn how to make the perfect Ramen broth (known as dashi) which is the staple to all Japanese cooking. From there you will learn how to cook the meats and eggs, and handcraft a variety of noodles. After your course, you will have the opportunity to sit across from your hosts, dine on delicious Japanese Ramen, and learn more about the culture of the Japanese people. In the afternoon you will spend some time exploring Tokyo City and visit the Askusa Temple and Meiji Shrine.

Day 5

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Morning Breakfast Buffet

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Washoku & Tempura Cooking Class | Tokyo City Visit

Your day will begin with a visit to the local market to select ingredients for your final cooking class. Today you will learn about the balance of a traditional Japanese meal – called Washoku cuisine (we know it as a Bento Box). Washoku cuisine is known as one of the most ancient (and healthiest) cuisines in the world, and is protected by the UNESCO world heritage organization. Washoku cuisine is based on rice with miso soup, and side dishes of fish, pickled vegetables, and vegetables cooked tempura style. In your cooking class you will have the unique experience of learning how to prepare a perfectly balanced Washoku meal, complete with Tempura vegetables. After your hard work, you will dine on the cuisine you helped prepare, followed by an evening out in Tokyo City.

Day 6

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Morning Breakfast Buffet

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Full Day Tour of Tokyo City | Tokyo by Night Foodie Tour

After a delicious breakfast, depart on a tour of Tokyo City. Here you will explore the iconic Tokyo Tower, the picturesque neighborhoods of Asakusa, the shopping streets of Nakamise and even stop by the Imperial Palace. You will be driven around Tokyo Bay and see many more incredible sites. In the evening you will embark on an evening tour of some of Tokyo’s most dazzling street vendors. As the center of the food trend in Tokyo, Ebisu is a huge theme park of food, with new restaurants emerging every day. Here you will experience the famous Japanese Izakaya (skewers), a similar concept to Spanish Tapas. You will experience both the old and new iterations of the food culture in Tokyo, trying dishes such as yakitori, edamame, sashimi, sake, okonomiyaki, and many other exotic dishes designed to mold your memories of this amazing tour of Japan’s capital city.

Day 7

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Morning Breakfast Buffet

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Check-Out and Departure

Time flies when you’re having so much fun, but alas…it is time to check out and depart this delicious, asian paradise. Remember, you can always extend your stay based on availability. Should you desire an extension, please let your culinary travel specialist know prior to your journey abroad. May your future travels come from sweet dreams, and create tasty memories!

Tokyo Park Hotel

Set in a bustling neighborhood, this upscale hotel is a 2-minute walk from Shinbashi Station, 1 kilometer (just over ½ mile) from Tsukiji fish market and 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) from Tokyo Tower. The modern rooms feature free WiFi, flat screen TVs with satellite channels, and work stations. They also offer seating areas and mini-fridge, as well as tea and coffeemakers. The hotel offers Japanese or western breakfast. There are three formal restaurants, and a lounge decorated with modern art, which serves cocktails and snacks. Other dining options include a chic bar with city views, and a bakery. There’s also a business center, a gym and a spa. [Hotel selection can change due to seasonality, such as holidays and cherry blossom season. All lodging offered in this tour will be 4 star quality or better.]

Tokyo, Japan

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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What Currency is being quoted?

The Currency Code is listed directly after the published amount. If it states USD, then the quoted price is in United States Dollars. If it states CAD, then the quoted price is in Canadian Dollars. If it states EUR, then the quoted price is in European Union Dollars…etc. However, please note that all charges are processed in USD, and Epitourean’s Merchant Bank automatically calculates the currency conversion on the day of the charge.

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What does Double Occupancy mean?

Two persons traveling together, and staying in the same room. Tour prices are normally quoted as “per person, double occupancy” in case two people are traveling together and staying in the same room, but paying separately. The cost of the lodging is also shared by two people, thereby reducing costs. This could be a married couple, two friends or relatives.

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What is a Single Supplement?

Whenever a person travels alone, the cost of their lodging cannot be shared by another person. When tour products are priced, they are normally stated as “per person, double occupancy.” Whenever a guest occupies a room as a solo, the whole cost of the lodging must be incurred by that one individual. Tour companies accommodate this by charging a Single Supplement. Epitourean does its best to keep the single supplement as low as possible, but it is a real cost that tour companies must absorb, and must pass along to the single traveler.

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If I am a Solo Traveler, will I be paired with another person?

Epitourean never pairs a solo traveler with another person without a special request. If you book Single Occupancy, you will have a room entirely to yourself. However, should you wish to be paired with another solo traveler to save on the single supplement, you may make this request. We cannot guarantee that we can accommodate such requests, since it would take another solo traveling on the same tour for the same dates. But if requested, we will certainly try.

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Are flights included in the tour price?

No. Flights are never included in the price of our land-only tours. Epitourean does not provide air, rail or sea travel, unless expressly noted in the itinerary.

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May I give a culinary tour as a gift?

Yes. Epitourean has a special program designed specifically for this purpose. Our Gift Packages come with features such as special messages to the recipient, gift box option, gift link (without pricing), and floating dates (should you not know when the gift recipient wants to travel). Contact a Culinary Travel Specialist at 800-390-3292 or customerservice@epitourean.com to receive additional information about this unique offering.

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May we request separate beds if sharing a room?

Yes. In most cases, Epitourean can accommodate a request for two beds to be placed in one room. Just make sure to make this request in the comments section of the reservation process.

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Does each guestroom have a private bathroom?

Yes. Epitourean partners with the best lodging options in each destination, and private (en suite) bathrooms are a requirement. However, you should inquire as to the configuration of bathrooms should you have a special need. For example, some tours include accommodations in medieval villages, where either a shower or bath(but maybe not both) are present.

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Can your tours accommodate my dietary restrictions?

In almost all cases, Epitourean can accommodate dietary choices and restrictions. But we do request that you ask a Culinary Travel Specialist prior to making your reservation so that we can assess your individual situation.

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If I am unable to use a portion of the tour, can I get a partial refund?

Unfortunately, due to vendor and supplier contracts, we are unable to provide partial refunds for unused portions of any tour or tour component.

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Are Transfers included in the Itinerary?

Round-trip transfers from the airport or train station are normally included in our international tours. Transfers to the destination (for both international and domestic tours) are not included in the tour price. Please see the Sample Itinerary. If it mentions that transfers are included, then yes, transfers are included at no additional cost.

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What meals and excursions are included in the tour?

The Sample Itinerary should be your reference. If the meal or excursion is described in the Sample Itinerary, then it is included at no additional charge. For those days where it expressly notes Free time, then any optional activities you elect to participate in might have an additional cost. In addition, if the itinerary states "evening on your own," it would imply that you have the opportunity to visit a restaurant of your own choosing, and at your own expense. If you have any question about inclusions, please submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button under the price section.

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Is it possible to book pre or post tours or stays through Edible Destinations?

Yes, we often do have optional 2 and 3 night excursions that are priced separately from the tour. We can also assist with pre and post night stays in a hotel if you choose to come in early before the tour starts, or stay on after a tour ends. The price of those hotel stays are not included in the price of the tour, but we would be happy to provide a quote. Simply ask your Culinary Travel Specialist, or submit an inquiry by clicking on the blue "Ask Us a Question" button.

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Are Guide or Host Gratuities included in the price of the tour?

Since tipping guidelines and customs vary widely between countries, we do not include gratuities in the price of the tour. Your Culinary Travel Specialist can provide you with recommendations. But the general rule is to tip modestly when you are pleased with a guide’s services, either at the end of the tour, or at the conclusion of a specialty day excursion where you will only be with that guide (or chef) on that day.

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Should we plan on any personal expenses during the tour?

All lodging, meals, transfers, classes and excursions mentioned in the Sample Itinerary and Vacation Highlights are included in the price of the tour. However, we highly recommend taking local currency for purchasing personal items, souvenirs, tipping, etc. You can either get the local currency at an airport exchange service, ATM or from your local bank prior to travel. However, you should note that many hosted destinations do not accept credit cards for personal purchases.

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Do you recommend Travel Protection?

We recommend that you purchase a travel protection plan to help protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected. Travel protection plans can include coverage for Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Emergency Medical and Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, Trip Delay, Baggage Delay and more. For more information on the available plans or to enroll, click on the link below or contact Travelex Insurance Services at 800-228-9792 and reference location number 06-0248.

The product descriptions provided here are only brief summaries and may be changed without notice. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, are contained in the insurance policy. Travelex CA Agency License #0D10209. All products listed are underwritten by, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Company (formerly known as Stonewall Insurance Company), 1314 Douglas Street, Suite 1400, Omaha, NE 68102. 11.17 E7N

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OUTSTANDING
CULINARY TRAVEL
Category Member of ASTA