Open Table:
Japan
Dates: September 5th - September 14th, 2027
Exploring Tokyo and Osaka to experience their food culture is a sensory sprint from refined precision to unapologetic flavor; Tokyo offers an elegant choreography of sushi counters, izakayas, and seasonal kaiseki where each bite is curated with exacting technique, while Osaka throws open its arms with street-level exuberance—takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu sizzling from stands and intimate alleyway stalls; move between Michelin-starred temples of taste and neon-lit food alleys, let a counter-seat chef guide you through knife cuts and sake pairings in Ginza, then chase the bold, comforting umami of Dotonbori’s crowds, trading formality for communal feasting, all the while discovering that Tokyo refines and Osaka celebrates, and together they map Japan’s full culinary soul.
ITINERARY
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![Wagyu beef]()
Day 1: Arrival in Japan
Nihon e yōkoso
(Welcome to Japan!)
Today you will arrive and get into Tokyo. You will have time to relax from your journey and settle in. Be ready for an adventure tonight as we start this food trip off with one the best options to have in Japan, wagyu beef!
Meals Included: Dinner
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![Ramen and tempura]()
Day 2: Ramen and Tempura
Today you have all day to explore around Tokyo. The morning will start with an early Ramen cooking class that will have you breaking your own broth bones and creating noodles personally. Lunch will have you personally eating your hard work. Learn about the history of ramen.
For dinner, you will dip into a personal tempura experience.
The rest of the night is yours to explore or relax.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
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![Japan Fish market]()
Day 3: Fish Market
An early day begins today to catch the fish auction and market on the outskirts of Tokyo. You’ll also partake in a market breakfast with the freshest catches possible!
After a quick rest at the hotel, you’ll experience a sushi making class. If you don’t know much about the art of sushi now, you' will by the end of this meal.
At night, see the neon lights around the city with a karting adventure around town!
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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![Mount Fuji]()
Day 4: Free Day
Take your time today to do as you like. Explore more of Tokyo or go on a adventure to other prefectures in Japan. The local transit system can take you around the island in just a few hours.
psst! Visit Mt. Fuji and eat some black eggs cooked from the boiling waters from the volcano.
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![Saki]()
Day 5: Kaiseki & Sake in Osaka
Today will move south to Osaka, the third largest city in Japan. It’s known for its modern architecture, nightlife, and abundance of street food. Board the world famous bullet train as we speed past the countryside and onto our next
A sake brewery tour and tasting await those interested in the time honored tradition, find information on this in the add-on section!
A Kaiseki dinner is what lies ahead of the group tonight. A structured dinner the showcases the traditional order of dining with focus on reflecting nature and the current season.
Meals Included: Dinner
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![Japan Tea]()
Day 6: Uji Tea
Today takes on a lighter side where you will get to explore the style of Uji tea (green tea). The three main types of Uji tea are Matcha, Sencha, and Gyokuro.
You will visit a tea farm and take a tour along with a tea tasting and lunch. After you may choose to explore the Byodo-in Temple and grounds nearby.
The night is yours to explore or relax.
Meals Included: Lunch
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![neon signs in Japan]()
Day 7: Free Day Osaka
Take on Osaka your way! Whether there’s something you want to explore and isn’t covered on the trip, or want to take the day to explore onsens and the streets of Osaka, it’s your adventure to choose!
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![foods of Japan]()
Day 8: Food crawl
Are you full yet? We hope you still have room for more!
There are beautiful restaurants all around town and hidden gems you would not expect around the corner.
The afternoon will be spent exploring convenience store culture with a unique spin on the day. Prizes may or may not be involved!
Tonight we will do a night market scavenger hunt, including ideas of what to indulge in while walking through the lively streets and seeing what you can find.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
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![Japanese Chef preparing a meal]()
Day 9: Omakase
The final day! This morning we will join a local guide to do “breakfast six ways” in the Kuromon Market.
You’ll have time to explore the local markets to pick up any last snacks and treats you would like to take home.
Saving the best for last, the Omakase dinner. Omakase translate to “I’ll leave it up to you”. So you will sit down and let the chef pick your food.
Meals included Breakfast, Dinner
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![flying away from Japan with cherry blossom trees]()
Day 10: Departure Day
Mata aimashou
(see you again)
Today the adventure wraps up for you.
What you’ll get
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✺Accommodations
Rooms will be included in the price during the duration of this trip.
*Accommodations on this trip are solo while in Tokyo and shared in Osaka.
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✺Meals
Most meals are included in the trip; Lunch and dinner most frequently. You will have a few opportunities to personally explore a new option or go back to your favorite spot you already found.
Breakfast is generally not taken in the morning or is better done the way the locals do, at a local conveinance store.
*reference the timeline above that tells you which meals are included.
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✺Transportation
Airport train from Tokyo airport to the hotel, bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka, unlimited local train passes in the Tokyo and Osaka areas are included.
*please note that transportation is not included at the end of the trip due to participants being able to leave from either Tokyo or Osaka,.
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✺Experiences
Cooking classes, dining experiences, and tours are all included in the cost of the trip.
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✺ Activities
Tokyo neon light kart tour, Tea farm tour and tasting, fish market auction and tours are all included.
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✺Trip Hosts
You’ll have 2 hosts available to you 24/7 during the trip. They’ll serve as a resource for the area, your guiding light on when to show up and when to get going, and people to hang out with. Anything you need, they are there for you!
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✺Transaction Fees
Transaction fees for your deposit and final payments are included!
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✺Unique Swag
All trips feature a unique piece of “swag” for the trip.
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✺Portal Access
Exclusive access to packing lists, trip details, and preparation guides for the trip, created specifically for this guided experience.
Tokyo Free Day Options
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Mt. Fuji Day
Experience one of Japan's most iconic landscapes with a full day dedicated to the Mt. Fuji region. Take in breathtaking views from scenic overlooks, explore charming lakeside towns, and discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site has inspired artists and travelers for centuries.
The day can offer a balanced mix of sightseeing, local culture, and free time. Wander traditional streets, browse artisan shops, sample regional specialties, and enjoy lunch with unforgettable views of Japan's most famous peak. Along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities for incredible photos and moments to simply soak in the scenery.
Whether Mt. Fuji is standing proudly beneath blue skies or wrapped in its signature veil of clouds, every visit offers a unique perspective on one of the world's most recognizable mountains.
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Trade the pace of Tokyo for a day along Japan's scenic coastline. Explore the charming island of Enoshima, where seaside walking paths, historic shrines, dramatic ocean views, and local street food come together to create one of the country's most beloved day trips.
Spend time wandering the island's narrow lanes, sampling fresh seafood and local treats, visiting centuries-old temples and gardens, or simply relaxing by the water with views of the Pacific. Depending on the weather, you'll even catch stunning views of Mt. Fuji rising above the coastline in the distance.
With a blend of coastal scenery, culture, and laid-back charm, Enoshima offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and experience a different side of Japan beyond the energy of its major cities.
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Create your own chopsticks alongside a traditional woodworker, cut an intricate design into an Edo Kiriko glass, restore pottery through the art of kintsugi, or sharpen and finish a Japanese kitchen knife to take home. Those looking for a more relaxing day can book a spa treatment, unwind at a local bathhouse, browse Tokyo’s independent shops, or spend the afternoon café-hopping.
*Please note that free day activities are merely suggestions and are note included or planned by Nomad Navigation. If you need guidance, we are happy to help!
Osaka/Kyoto Free Day Options
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Take an early morning train to explore Arashiyama Bamboo forest. Combine this with a day exploring Tenryu-ji Temple, Okochi Sanso Villa, and Togetsukyo Bridge.
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Meet the famous bowing deer at Nara Deer Park. Polite and free roaming, these gentle creatures know what to do to ask for their treats, much to the delight of those handing them out.
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Make a quick escape to Japan's largest freshwater lake, Lake Biwa. You can relax by the waterfront, take a lake cruise, or hike up Mount Hiei to explore the historic Enryakuji Temple complex.
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Combine temples and nature with this one! A short hike takes you along a scenic river until you reach Minoh Waterfall. From there take a short taxi ride to the Katsuoji Shrine and take in the sight of thousands of red Drama dolls.
✺ Frequently Asked Questions ✺
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Dates: Sept 5th- 14th 2027
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Air fare to and from Japan. Meals not mentioned as being included in the itinerary. Travel Insurance for the duration of the trip is not included in the listed price.
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No. We believe strongly in anything that is included in your pay package should be universally enjoyed by everyone. For this reason we do not pay for alcohol unless it is part of an activity.
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Dietary restrictions can be accommodated for the most part. Please make sure to reach out with any that you have to make sure we have enough time to make any adjustments for you!
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You can! We can customize a payment plane for you if needed.
*Please note that final payments are due in full by the deadline, so any payment plans will have to fit before that date.
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We are taking 10 people on this trip! You’ll have 2 trip hosts with you as well. Making the total group number 12.
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Everything listed for $4379.98
Currently only a “Spot Deposit” ( $500) is necessary to lock in your spot.
1/1/27 the full deposit amount is due (20% of total amount)
Final payment is due 100 days before trip begins.
* Please note deposits are non-refundable unless the trip is filled and someone takes your spot.
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The first 30 days of the trip launching, we are giving an early bird discount that takes $100 off of the trip. You’ll see this reflected on your final invoice for the trip.
There is also a cash discount.
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Absolutely! This trip is designed to be a great time whether you’ve traveled before or are in possession of a never before stamped passport. Trip hosts will always be with you and available so you are never navigating alone if you aren’t comfortable.
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Japan in September marks the transition from peak summer heat to the early signs of autumn. Average daytime temperatures range from the low- to mid-80s°F (27–29°C) in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka at the start of the month, gradually cooling into the '70s°F (21–25°C) by late September.
The Experience Highlights
Travel Japan
Traveling around Japan is a thrilling blend of hyper-modern cities and serene traditions, where neon-lit streets give way to centuries-old temples within train rides. The efficient rail network and punctual bullet trains let you cover vast distances quickly, so you can savor sushi in Tokyo, soak in an onsen in Hakone, and wander bamboo groves in Kyoto—all in one trip. Pack light, carry cash for small vendors, and embrace the customs: bow, remove your shoes when asked, and try the local specialties with curiosity and respect.
Eat Japan
Eating in Japan is a ritual of precision and respect, where every dish is crafted for balance, seasonality, and visual beauty. From steaming bowls of ramen and delicate slices of sashimi to the sizzling drama of teppanyaki, flavors are layered subtly and savored slowly. Mealtime etiquette—quiet slurps, shared plates, and a chorus of “itadakimasu” and “gochisosama”—turns eating into a communal, reverent experience.
Take Japan home
This trip will give you a large serving of Japan’s culture. 5 restaurants, 3 tours, 2 activities, 2 classes, and 3 different experiences is just an appetizer to the full adventure you are going to have.Be ready for even more with this one and get your spot before they are gone. The photos are not going to be the only thing you will be taking home from this trip.