Journeying through Japan

Our tour leader was David, who was the first runner up in the 2023 Explore Tour Leader Awards. David was super knowledgeable and excellent at bringing us all together. He went above and beyond to find food or restaurants that suited everyone, including those with dietary requirements.

My vote goes to okonomiyaki. It's essentially a cabbage-based omelette or pancake packed with fillings of your choice. We also tried takoyaki (deep-fried balls of octopus), kushukatsu (deep-fried skewered meats and vegetables) and ramen at a Horigotatsu-style restaurant, where you sit on the floor around a low table. 

Another great dish to try in Japan is bento, which is served in a box-shaped container, or 'bento box'. Bento includes small poritions of different food, like rice, fish, meat and vegetables. Bento is a really convenient on-the-go meal - like when riding a Shinkansen bullet train!

Outstanding. Japan was a bucket-list tour for me - but it truly blew my mind away in terms of the culture. While you tick off the best things to see and do, you also get those insights into authentic life and learn about the way they do things and why. 

1. Tokyo: Navigate your way around bustling Shinjuku and trendy Harajuku.
2. Kanazawa: With its historic buildings, Kanazawa is like stepping back in time to 19th-century Japan.
3. Kyoto: Home to over 2,000 temples and shrines, Kyoto showcases the best of tranquil Japan - visit Nijo Castle and the famous geisha district of Gion.
4. Osaka: This is the food capital of Japan, so pay it justice on a street food tour!
5. Takayama: Enjoy samplings from traditional local sake distilleries in this mountain town.