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EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC FLAVORS OF JAPAN WITH WASHOKU TOURS

Savor The Seasons

Immerse yourself in the essence of Japan as we unveil the best of the four seasons, offering exclusive luxury tours limited to just 6 guests for an exploration of the country's rich culinary tapestry. Join us for an in-depth dive into Japanese culture. 

Washoku Wonders

Embark on a gastronomic adventure crafted exclusively for adults, where each tour is meticulously timed to capture the tastes of summer, autumn, winter, and spring. Indulge in the artistry of Japanese cuisine with Washoku Tours.

Bespoke Bliss

Experience the luxury of tailored experiences as we cater to the desires of true food enthusiasts. Our small-group tours promise an intimate journey into the heart of Japan's culinary traditions, ensuring an unforgettable encounter with its vibrant food culture.

Beyond Tourist

Elevate your travel experience with Washoku Tours, granting you access to the sights, sounds, and flavors that elude the average tourist. Join us on an exploration of Japan's gastronomic wonders, where every moment is a celebration of authentic washoku.

A Journey through Japan's Exquisite Cuisine
About Us

The Washoku Tours Experience

Washoku (和食) means Japanese food and serves as the major theme of tours. Our luxury experiences are curated for a maximum of 6 people per tour, enabling our guests a high degree of customization and attention from our guides.

Our experiences are scheduled at the height of summer, autumn, winter, and spring to take advantage of the traditional foods and drinks of each season. Washoku Tours are designed for those who want to take a deep dive into Japanese food culture off the overtrodden tourist path. We take pride in providing our guests with the opportunity to take in the sights, sounds, and flavors that average tourists never access.

If you're looking for an experience of a lifetime - Washoku Tours is your partner in adventure! Why not fill out the form below to let us know about your interest in joining one of our seasonal tours? We look forward to discussing our bespoke food-centric experiences with you!

2 men making Takoyaki in an outdoor food stall
open izakaya with youngish chef in an open kitchen izakaya
a master making soba
A TASTE OF WHAT YOU WILL SEE, DO, AND EAT
an image to represent the four seasons in Japan
Experience the Magic of Japan's Seasons

Celebrating The Four Seasons in Japan

Because of its spiritual foundations in Buddhism and Shintoism, Japanese cuisine appreciates nature and seasonality. Japanese people are fiercely proud of their four seasons and our tours are curated to celebrate the bounty of each season. All of our tours are named after one of the 24 sub-seasons called 24 Sekki (節気) which divides each season into 6 micro-seasons. This practice was adopted from the Chinese and was used to inform the timing of agricultural practices through the year. We are there for 新米 (shinmai) or "new rice" in the autumn, grilled unagi (eel) in the summer and everything in between. We look forward to introducing you to the distinct seasonal flavors of Japan.

Why Choose Us?

Kyushu & Hokkaido: The Best Eating & Drinking in Japan

Travel with us to the beautiful islands of Kyushu and Hokkaido for the freshest seafood, meat, vegetables and locally hand crafted sake and shochu. Our spring and autumn trips take us from the yatai (outdoor food stands) of Fukuoka, to the famous onsen (hot springs) in Kurokawa and Beppu, to sampling the locally crafted shochu in Kagoshima. Our guests can enjoy the best of the summer and winter seasons in Hokkaido, which means mounds of crab, uni, and fresh produce. Hokkaido and Kyushu offer our guests an opportunity to get off the beaten track of tourists to enjoy the best food and scenery Japan has to offer.

Maps with 4 seasons kanji
the Washoku Tours logo

Our Seasonal Food-Centric Tours

Image by Sora Sagano
Spring - 春

Experience the beauty and wonder of Japan during the springtime with Washoku Tours. Our cultural tours offer an immersive and personalized experience for discerning travelers who seek the very best. Explore the beauty and serene countryside of Kyushu with Washoku Tours in March 2025.

COHORT APPLICATION OPEN
A picture of a Summer Festival at Night
Summer - 夏

Get ready for an unforgettable trip to Japan with Washoku Tours. Our high-end culture tours are the perfect way to explore the country during the summer. With our expert guides and exclusive access to top attractions, you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity. Book your trip today.

cohort application open
An autumn season in Kyushu with brilliant fall colors
Autumn - 秋

Experience the beauty and wonder of Japan with Washoku Tours, where we bring together the best of Japanese culture with our tailored tour packages. During autumn, witness Japan's stunning foliage and immerse yourself in the country's vibrant culture and traditions. Take a look at our services below.

cohort application open
Mt Yotei on a perfect winter with skiers on Hirafu ski run
Winter - 冬

Washoku Tours provides a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of Japan during the winter season. Our bespoke tours offer an intimate glimpse into the country’s rich cultural history and dazzling winter landscapes. Join us for an unforgettable adventure.

Coming Soon.....
Discover Japan's Culture through Washoku

Is the Washoku Experience for You?

A small Izakaya in a narrow alley
WOW, I would have never found this place on my own!

Our primary goal is to offer authentic Japanese experiences that are challenging to achieve independently or through conventional tours. With a maximum group size of 6, we explore small restaurants with flexibility and spontaneity. Tailored for Japanese food and drink enthusiasts seeking a deep dive into the culinary culture, our tours extend beyond exceptional restaurants to include visits to farms, boutique food and alcohol producers, as well as engaging cooking demos and classes. 

A Japanese woman relaxing in an outdoor hot spring
Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore.

At Washoku Tours, our commitment is to deliver the most authentic Japanese cultural experiences. To ensure a perfect match for our curated groups, we seek adventurous eaters excited to try a variety of land and sea foods. Please note that picky eaters may prefer other tours. Given Japan's rich drink culture, we'll be exploring craft Japanese alcohol, making this experience less suitable for teetotalers. Enjoying natural hot springs (onsen) is a delightful aspect of Japan, and although not mandatory, provides a wonderful insight into Japanese culture.

Image by Galen Crout
Our Tours

How Do I Join A Washoku Tour?

Step 1
 
Complete Survey

​We want to learn about your travel and eating likes, dislikes and habits to help determine if you're a good fit for a Washoku experience.

Step 2
Google Meet 

The personal dynamics of our small group experiences are of utmost importance to us. A Google Meet conversation helps us in curating the perfect group.

Step 3
Confirm and Pay Deposit

Once we have all agreed that the Washoku experience is for you, we will have you register and pay a deposit.

Have questons or need help? Contact us Here
red wooden cross on gray concrete pathway

Please complete the survey.

LET'S TALK
the first step - getting to know you

complete The Form Below

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