This is exciting news! My good friend Chef Tony Howell has partnered with Japanese specialist travel agent Kuroko Boutique Tours to lead a seven-day culinary tour of Japan from May 28 to June 4, 2024, and it’s limited to just 12 people.
Forget hectic Tokyo and Osaka, this tour is off the beaten track and will immerse travellers in authentic tastes, both modern and traditional, while learning about the diverse and balanced Japanese diet.
Tony will host the tour with Japan travel expert, Rika Nishimura, owner of Kuroko Boutique Tours.
From Kyoto to Kochi, the itinerary includes a visit to see the centuries-old tradition of making Somen noodles, a renowned Sake brewery and to one of the most revered soy sauce producers in the world.
Tony said that the tour goes to places otherwise inaccessible to visitors.
“We’ll be experiencing a truly authentic side of Japan, away from the tourist traps, visiting farms, exclusive restaurants and I’m most excited about visiting family-run food businesses that have been passed down through the generations,” Tony said.
“We’ll be participating in cooking classes and I’ll be cooking alongside esteemed Japanese chefs with fresh local produce that we pick up at the markets that morning.”
“We’ll be eating well in Japan and going to restaurants and places that Rika, who is Japanese and has been leading small tours to Japan for many years, can access but we, as visitors, would never be able to – it’s going to be epic.”
The tour also includes indulgences like a visit to an Onsen, a Japanese traditional hot spring bath.
Rika said that she chose to run this tour in late May because it is a comfortable time to travel in Japan, with an average temperature of 20 degrees. Also, the scenery then is beautiful with young and lush greenery that creates a gorgeous backdrop in photos.
The tour is tailored to the gourmet traveller who wish to dive deeper into the culture and celebrate all food and ingredients. It looks like all the ingredients are there for this to be a once-in-a-lifetime food and culture travel experience.
Japan is still the one of the most popular destinations for Australian’s travelling overseas. It’s safe, clean and has a rich culinary tradition.
There are currently eight spots left on the Japan Culinary Tour with Tony Howell and it is expect to be fully booked soon – Book here.
For more information and the itinerary, contact Kuroko Boutique Tours, please contact info@kurokoboutiquetours.com.
About
Start: Kyoto
End: Kochi
Date: May 28 – June 4, 2024
Destinations: Kyoto, Himeji, Shodoshima, Kochi
More information click here
Bookings: Book here
Inclusions
7 nights in a mixture of Western style and Japanese style of high-quality accommodation.
Daily 3 meals except for lunch for Day 6
All-in-land transportation from the hotel in Kyoto to JR Kochi station or Kochi Airport. Private vehicle transfer
Experiences/Activities
Tony Howell & Japanese chef collaborate on dinner using seasonal and local produce
Private Japanese Tea ceremony
Kyoto Vegetable farm visit and farmer’s cooking
Private visit to Sake Brewery
Private visit to Soy Sauce brewer
Private visit to Somen noodle producer
Private Sawachi cooking class
Katsuo No Tataki making
Rice farm visit
All entrance fees included in the itinerary
For more information, visit Kuroko Boutique Tours