Ramen, sake and takoyaki From Kyushu to Mount Fuji, a gastronomic tribute to Japan

In Japan, more than a century ago, a fifth miraculous flavour was added to the famous quartet of salty, sweet, sour and bitter: umami:, which could be translated as “savoury taste”. Umami is difficult to describe. It's the flavour found in traditional kombu dashi (seaweed broth), miso or soy sauce, but also in tomatoes, salt cod, parmesan, tempeh or certain types of ham. In daily life, this is reflected in Japan by a constant pursuit of perfect harmony in meals. However, it is impossible to sum up Japan with just one type of cuisine, and this trip is designed to show you just that. So you’ll be making a stop on Kyushu Island before exploring the south of Honshu, like explorers of taste. Introduction to Fukuoka the largest city in Kyushu, still imbued with Chinese and Korean influences. The architecture is striking, the craftsmanship vibrant, the atmosphere gentle, and theyataisplentiful. These mobile street food stalls set up every day in the neighbourhoods of Tenjin, Nakasu and Nagahama,serve Hakata ramen, gyoza and udon. By train, you reach Honshu Island and Hiroshima, a city whose story goes far beyond the memories of World War II. Here, you can savour the local art of living (and eating): oysters, anago (fish) and ramen tantanmen, between visits of exhibitions and a getaway to the sanctuary island of Miyajima. Next stop: Kobe,whose beef has long been renowned for its quality. As you wander through charming alleys lined with historic buildings, the secrets of this dish are revealed. The whole world is talking about the immense privilege of tasting it on site. Next, head to Osaka,, often overlooked by travellers but in fact a major foodie destination. For it was in Osaka that takoyaki, the the famous crispy octopus balls, were invented, as well as okonomiyaki, delicious yam flour pancakes topped, among other things, with shredded cabbage. Tadao Ando’s home town also presents a constant urban spectacle, blending futuristic skyscrapers, lively neighbourhoods, and peaceful riverside parks. The culinary journey continues inShizuoka, on Suruga Bay. A region covered in forests, tea plantations and wasabi fields, set against a blue backdrop - the sky, the sea and the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji. At the foot of the sacred mountain, visitors learn how some of the basic ingredients of the national cuisine are cultivated and distilled. A thrilling, bold, innovative and sometimes excessive epilogue to the trip, Tokyo makes your head spin like fine sake. In the capital, flaunting the most Michelin stars,, every type of cuisine is represented. Sometimes quite eccentric dishes can quickly become the talk of the town. Harajuku and its cosplayers, Shinjuku and its pocket-sized bars, Tsukiji Market and its fish, Omotesando and its boutiques, Shibuya and its karaoke bars… Each district is fascinating and has its own particular flavour. Feel free to help yourself to more. 

Your trip

Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kobe, Osaka, Shizuoka, Tokyo… An irresistible trip awaits! And, moreover, it is not something everyone does. Because we want to take you to the heart of things, where everything sizzles, browns, simmers and bubbles. We want to introduce you to cities and regions that are sometimes a little overlooked or approached from a more conventional perspective. And while the focus is on Japanese cuisine, it serves as a wonderful pretext to meet new people, explore the countryside or nearby peaks, or simply indulge in contemplation. We take care of the logistics - flights, comfortable and well-located hotels , and portable Wi-Fi. Just let yourself go. You travel everywhere by train, thanks to your JR Pass, the precious key that unlocks Japan's remarkable rail network. In a quick train ride, you find yourself in the heart of the cities, never far from something to eat. It’s incredibly convenient. We have also added some amazing foodie experiences to your itinerary , day and by night, featuring tastings of local products and dishes: Hiroshima street food, Kobe beef and sake, Shizuoka green tea and wasabi, Tokyo specialities and whisky. Each time, a guide will be there to share insights and facilitate exchanges. As for anything we cannot plan ahead - minor setbacks or last-minute whims - you can rely on the expertise of our Concierge and their team, who are on site.