Aman Japan Culinary Journey 2024

Route
Tokyo · Shima · Kyoto
May 14–23, 2024
10 Days, 9 Nights
Per Person
Amans
Aman Tokyo, Japan
Amanemu, Japan
Aman Kyoto, Japan

The Aman Japan Culinary Journey is an in-depth journey of discovery of Japanese cuisine. Staying at all three Aman properties in Japan — Aman Tokyo, Amanemu, and Aman Kyoto — enjoy highly-exclusive dining experiences while traveling by helicopter and Japan’s iconic bullet train. This journey is a must for foodies.

TRAVEL BY BULLET TRAIN AND HELICOPTER

The Aman Japan Culinary Journey eschews the private jet in favor of a quintessential Japanese experience – traveling aboard the iconic bullet train. At speeds of nearly 200mph, you will travel aboard the futuristic Shinkansen Nozomi #17 from Tokyo to Nagoya in Green class, which is the highest. Between Shima and Osaka, we will transfer you privately by helicopter.

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DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WHO DON'T DO GROUP TRAVEL

The Aman Japan Culinary Journey operates on a hybrid model. A small-group journey of just 16 to 18 people, it features a number of special shared experiences, yet also includes private touring where each couple or solo traveler has their own car, driver and guide. This approach ensures that the expeditions involve a fun social group atmosphere, while retaining the advantages of private travel.

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An urban sanctuary atop the shimmering Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo is a monument to the modern-day Japanese capital, a place where dynamism is tempered with serenity. History, commerce and culture fuse truly cosmopolitan yet intrinsically Japanese aesthetics, offering fascinating juxtapositions at every turn.

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Amanemu, set in a national park on the serene shores of Ago Bay, embraces the ancient Japanese tradition of onsen mineral hot springs and the culinary heritage of this ancient region. Nearby the holy Shinto site of Ise Grand Shrine draws pilgrims from all over Japan, while guests can also visit the Unesco World Heritage designated Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails.

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Set in a secret garden at the heart of a 32-hectare forest, Aman Kyoto lies at the foot of Mount Hidari Daimonji, a stone’s throw from Kyoto’s golden Kinkaku-ji Temple and 16 other UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A tranquil Aman Spa offers onsen, while serene restaurants overlook this verdant world apart. Spacious and light-filled, the resort’s 26 latticed rooms pay contemporary homage to the traditional Japanese ryokan inn, each framing spectacular natural surroundings.

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An Exploration of Jogai Market

Rise in the early morning for a visit to the famous Jogai Market. Jogai is the outer market area surrounding the famous Tsukiji Market. A variety of produce, freshly caught seafood, and kitchenware are sold here. The market is also home to some of the finest hand-forged steel kitchen knife craftsmen in Japan, if you wish to make a purchase.

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The Art of Sushi

Master the art of sushi making under the expert guidance of a fifth-generation sushi chef.  Learn how to prepare sushi’s basic rice with rice vinegar, slice various fish and vegetable ingredients, and roll, cut and display the pieces, before enjoying your own (as well as your professional instructor’s) creations for lunch. 

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A Time-Honored Tradition

Embrace 1,000 years of Japanese tradition with a special tea ceremony, known as Chanoyu. The ceremony is a choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese matcha green tea; traditional sweets are also served to balance the tea’s bitter taste. With roots in Buddhist traditions, Chanoyu is seen as a spiritual experience that embodies harmony, respect, purity and tranquility.

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Lessons of the Samurai

Join a Japanese blademaster for an interactive lesson in swordsmanship. Japan’s ancient samurai swords were once employed during battle, and their use is today considered an artform. During your sword lesson you will practice movements evolved from the techniques used by samurai in battle.

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Giants of the Dohyō

Meet with retired sumo wrestlers to learn more about the ancient artform. Sumo is a serious sport that combines weight, speed, intellect, technique and guile, and many ritual elements such as purifying the ring with salt. In this informational session, you will be free to ask questions and, if you wish, you can also don a ‘sumo suit’ and try your hand at the sport.

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Catch a Game

Head out in the early evening to catch a high-octane professional baseball game in Tokyo. A familiar yet distinctly different experience, baseball is an interesting cultural phenomenon and fun evening, even if you’re not a baseball fan. In-game snacks include yakitori, bento boxes, takoyaki, edamame, donburi and noodles. Beer is poured from the backpacks of mobile beer vendors, known as uriko, at your seats.

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Revered Regional Delicacies

Over the course of your journey sample ultra-traditional dining styles such as kaiseki and respected regional specialities such as hitsumabushi. Perhaps the highlight is Matsusaka, a coveted, well-marbled beef renowned for its high fat-to-meat ratio, originates from the Shima region and is one of the most acclaimed varieties of Japanese Wagyu beef.

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The Famed Divers of Ama

Get to know the legendary Ama divers and learn more about their unique 2,000-year-old lifestyle, while enjoying a fresh seafood barbeque. The waters of the Ise Shima region have long been a hunting ground for the Ama. It is said they came into existence due to their ability to resist the cold better than men.

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Private Geisha Evening

Be entertained by the graceful performances of a three-person troupe, typically comprising a geisha, a maiko and a jikata (shamisen player). Geisha are known for their wit, beauty and encyclopedic knowledge of traditional arts. They entertain their guests with traditional dances, jovial sake drinking games and lighthearted conversation. Traditionally, one is unable to enter the establishment unless referred by an existing patron.

Day 1–5

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Tokyo Aman Tokyo

Commence your journey in the inimitable Japanese capital, where we have arranged a hugely diverse schedule of culinary, cultural and traditional experiences for you. First up on the menu is a captivating exploration of Tokyo's culinary world. Join a top chef for a visit to Jogai Market, the outer market surrounding Tsukiji Market. Learn the art of sushi during a hands-on experience with a 5th generation sushi chef. Experience a millennium of time-honored tradition in a Japanese tea ceremony. In the evening, indulge in a whisky tasting experience guided by a local master, before enjoying dinner at a recommended local izakaya. 

The following day takes you to Asakusa & Nakamise Street, where you'll explore the iconic Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Participate in a soba noodle making class under the guidance of a professional soba chef. Join retired sumo wrestlers for a lighthearted lesson, where you can even try on a 'sumo suit.'

On day four, embark on a full-day excursion to explore picturesque Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchiko. Stop for lunch and tastings at Yamanashi Vineyards, Japan’s premier winegrowing region, and learn more about this burgeoning industry. Later, enjoy a fun night evening at a professional Japanese baseball game.

Day 5–7

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Mie Amanemu

Travel from Tokyo to Nagoya aboard the iconic Shinkansen Nozomi bullet train before transferring to the forested garden sanctuary of Amanemu. Along the way, visit Ise Jingu Grand Shrine, a sacred shinto monument dedicated to solar goddess Amaterasu, and enjoy the Nagoya-style regional delicacy of hitsumabushi, barbecue freshwater eel, for lunch. In the evening, savor an ultra-traditional kaiseki dinner. 

The following day, embrace centuries of Japanese tradition at Amanemu’s vast 20,000-square-foot spa and onsen. Designed around a vast hot-spring bath fed by mineral-

rich waters of Ise-Shima, soak in the steaming onsen pools until totally rejuvenated. Later on, visit the famed Ama divers for an immersive lesson in their diving traditions while enjoying seafood fresh off the grill. Visit the scenic Yokoyama Observatory, offering panoramic views of Ise-Shima Natural Park and Ago Bay, before gathering for a special dinner of highly-prized ​​Matsusaka Wagyu, a well-marbled beef renowned for its high fat-to-meat ratio, originates from the Shima region.

Day 7–10

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Kyoto Aman Kyoto

Arrive in the vibrant city of Osaka by helicopter and explore the highlights of this famous foodie city before transferring to Aman Kyoto. Wander the the neon-lit district of Dotonbori — sampling local favorites like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and kitsune udon — with your expert guide, enjoy a highly curated street food tour, explore the centuries-old Kuromon Ichiba market, and take in the iconic Osaka Castle.

The following day, explore beautiful Kyoto with your private car, driver and guide. The Remote Lands team recommends three action-packed options: first-timers should consider the highlights of Kyoto, which includes the Golden Pavilion, the Philosopher's Walk, the Fushimi Sake District, and much more. Option is a day trip to charming Nara, where you can visit the famous Deer Park, explore the charismatic old town of Naramachi, and enjoy shopping for artisanal products on Ujibashi-dori. Alternatively, take a half-day trip to one of Asia’s finest museums, Miho Museum, designed by I.M. Pei. In the evening, gather for a special evening with fellow guests for traditional geisha entertainment.

The final full day includes interactive activities such as learning the art of making wagashi sweets, sake tasting, and zen meditation with a monk. Visit iconic sites like the Unesco-listed Tenryuj and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for farewell cocktails and dinner.

Enjoy a leisurely morning at Aman Kyoto before a private transfer to Osaka airport when you’re ready.

Waitlist Only
Discover Southeast Asia
Vietnam · Laos · Cambodia · Thailand
Aman Jet Expeditions 2024

Discover Southeast Asia

At a Glance

Journey through iconic locations of Southeast Asia aboard our ACJ A319 private jet on this signature Aman Jet Expedition, staying at four Amans in four different countries.

Nov 10–20, 2024

11 Days, 10 Nights

Per Person

$74,888

Amans
  • Amanoi, Vietnam
  • Amantaka, Laos
  • Amansara, Cambodia
  • Amanpuri, Thailand
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Peter, Florida

I really love Japan. We did Japan once before and every opportunity I could get to come to Japan, we would love to do that. This Japanese experience was something else because it was customized, it was tailored for us and we did experiences we couldn't really do on our own in Japan.

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Japan, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Bhutan, India

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Natalie, California

The highlight of the trip was not needing to plan anything. It feels so freeing to just be able to get on a flight, not have to do any work for the trip, and have a far beyond amazing experience that's not so touristy and more localized. Another thing I loved was that we had a driver and a tour guide everywhere we go.

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Randy & Marina, New Jersey

We would love to share our Aman Jet Expeditions experience with the whole world! We loved it so much! See you sooner than later!

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Greece, Indonesia, Japan, Maldives, Turkey