Japanese people all over the country take the selection of the ingredients very seriously. This will become apparent should you wander into any grocery store and have a look at the fruit section in particular. Not only are the fruits huge, magnificent, and perfect, but they are priced as such. And it’s a price that most Japanese people are willing to pay, for an exceptional product. The demand for excellent cuisine has made Japan the location of many of the top restaurants in the world. Tokyo currently holds more Michelin 3-star restaurants than Paris and dominates the list of the top 50 best eateries in Asia. Experience these world-class options for yourself from the famous sushi of Jiro to the intricate delicacies of Kojyu.
Osaka
Sushi Minazuki serves a unique and memorable sushi dining experience to guests at a restaurant in the Kita- Shinchi area of Osaka. The Michelin 1-star restaurant creates a quiet and contemplative atmosphere from the moment one draws back the noren curtain and enters the wood and bamboo furnished room. Chef Saki prepares such delicious favorites as his signature "torotaku" - an original sushi recipe involving fatty tuna laid atop sweet vinegared rice, then wrapped in shiso leaf and crowned with a hat of pickled daikon radish. This may be paired with his special sake infused with matsutake mushroom. Minazuki courses start at ￥20,000.
Osaka
Sushi Harasho, in the neighborhood of Namba, is one of the top sushi establishments in Osaka, with 2 Michelin stars. An elegantly minimalist touch is prevalent throughout the restaurant, with a bright hinoki wood counter and warm wooden backdrop framing a single decorative plate made of grey porcelain. Behind the counter, Chef Ishikawa extends his minimalist style to the sushi he prepares, believing that an excess of seasoning or overworking of the fish ruins the subtle delicacy of each cut. The chef relies on the natural flavors of his gizzard shad and fatty tuna, without additions, to win over his guests, in courses that start at ￥15,000.
Osaka
Honkogetsu is a Japanese kaiseki cuisine restaurant in the Namba area of Osaka, and is rated at 2 Michelin stars. Designed after the traditional tea house, the interior is inundated by such natural elements as artfully draped bamboo stalks, a seasonal flower arrangement, and a counter made of 600 year-old hinoki wood. Chef Anami constantly discovers new ingredients to incorporate into his artistic dishes, such as shoro - edible mushrooms also known as "false truffles". These ingredients appear alongside popular kaiseki offerings like sea urchin, greenling, bamboo shoots and fava beans, elegantly plated in courses starting at ￥20,000.
Osaka
Kashiwaya, in the Senriyamanishi region of Osaka, preserves the classical tea ceremony elements of Japanese kaiseki cuisine. This Michelin 3-star establishment offers diners an authentic and private dining experience by dividing the restaurant into seven small dining houses, each with its own tea room. Chef Matsuo offers masterfully prepared dishes in this time-honored style, delivering sea bream cured in kombu seaweed or seasoned and perfectly grilled tilefish and shrimp. His signature seasonal dessert of sweet and brightly colored squares lend a polished finish to Kashiwaya's courses, which start at ￥15,000.
Osaka
Taian, in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, presents Michelin 3-star winning kaiseki with a warm and inviting family atmosphere. Chef Takahata and his wife warmly welcome each guest to the smooth reddish wood counter to taste the mouthwatering dishes. While maintaining a firm grounding in the roots of kaiseki cuisine, the chef tastefully adds his own personal flair. The most popular dishes at Taian include their signature honey-soaked wagyu ribs, charcoal-roasted seaperch, and fried cod milt. This restaurant is known for expertly complementing the Japanese food with a good selection of European wines, in courses that start at ￥20,000.
Osaka
Shunsaiten Tsuchiya, in the neighborhood of Toyotsucho in Osaka, is a small but memorable tempura establishment rated at 2 Michelin stars. From behind a smooth counter of polished red lacquer, Chef Tsuchiya brings out a heavenly aroma in each dish through use of a local cottonseed tempura oil that brings out each piece's innate flavors while carefully avoiding oversaturation. The chef procures his ingredients only from local vendors to ensure the freshest produce possible. Delights such as the classic shrimp tempura, scallops, sweet tilefish, and fried puffer fish are well-liked among Tsuchiya's guests, who devour courses that start at ￥10,000.
Osaka
Kitashinchi Fukudatei, situated in Kitashinchi - Osaka's bustling heart - is a delightful wagyu dining experience. Rated at 1 Michelin star, this establishment excites guests from the moment they enter. The excitement builds on seeing the sleek polished wood counter, and just beyond, a magnificent brick oven hiding sumptuous cuts of beef behind its black iron door. Chef Ukai creates appetizing portions including a wagyu slider, a breaded beef cutlet still wrapped around bone, and at two tender cuts of different steaks, delighting guests with their respective textures and flavors, complemented with a curated wine list. Courses at Fukudatei start at ￥20,000.
Japan is known for having some of the most lavish spas, succulent cuisine, and of course, a rich history and culture to captivate any traveler. See below for examples of the luxury you can find in Japan. Browse our collection of exclusive Extraordinary Experiences carefully hand-elected by our professional Japan travel specialists. Our Luxury Hotel Collection lists Japan's grandest, most comfortable hotel accommodations with every possible amenity. Our collection of Luxury Ryokan offer the tranquil atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn paired with world-famous hot spring baths. Finally, check out our listing of Best Dining Experiences for world-class, Michelin-star restaurants in every major city to appeal to every taste.
Let AJT be your gateway to carefully curated experiences and high-quality travel services as you enjoy the best that Japan has to offer. Only the most authentic, traditional Japanese experiences.
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Stay at one of Japan's ultra-luxurious hotel accommodations. AJT has partnered with the best hotels Japan has to offer. Enjoy the top hotels at great locations to get the most out of your trip.
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After a long day of experiencing Japan, steep yourself in the relaxing atmosphere of a traditional Ryokan, complete with world-renowned hot spring baths.
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Japan offers some of the best dining scenes on the planet. Enjoy dining and culinary experiences you won’t want to miss when visiting Japan.
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We truly enjoyed our custom family of 10 tour!
The Sugino Group
This tour was a once in a lifetime experience and we are so happy and grateful we got to experience it. We learned so much about Japan and its culture. We got to stayed in traditional Japanese hotels and enjoyed traditional meals. Our guide and driver were very professional and always on time. They always made sure we were comfortable. We really hope we get the opportunity to do another tour with AJT
The Lam Family
Excellent trip with wonderful guides and drivers. Would not do it any other way! Thank you for listening to what we wanted to do for our trip and accommodating us! We loved that you could book our experiences for us! We will definitely use your company again!
Christine, Jamie, and Wendoyn
Complex itinerary. Perfectly organized logistics. Excellent people to work with.
Shakeel & Joan
Well thought out and the written itinerary was so helpful
Mr. Takasugi & Ms. Kubota
When you contact us through e-mail or phone, we will discuss the type of trip and services you're interested in. There are many things to consider when planning your trip to Japan, such as your travel date, length of stay, destination cities, points of interest, and budget. Based on this information, we will create an initial “sketch” itinerary that includes an outline of recommended travel routes, destinations, accommodations, transportation type, and services we can provide.
If you're not sure which Japan tour is for you, many of our clients select one of our existing itineraries and modify it according to their interests and budget. Other clients have their own ideas about what to see and do, or even a specific itinerary in mind. Please have a look through some of the itineraries for inspiration. Our itineraries are created by Japan specialists, all of whom have years of background working as a tour guide in Japan.
Our Inquiry Form is designed to give us a clear picture of your interests and preferences so that we can create the ideal vacation for you. If one of our itineraries is the ideal base plan for you, please mention so in your inquiry. We will customize the plan so that it will meet your specific needs and desires.
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