OVERVIEW

Spend a day exploring the inextricably intertwined worlds of Japanese cuisine and culture. Embark on a gastronomic adventure that will see you visit one of the world largest fish markets, enjoy a fresh sushi breakfast and experience a synonymous tea drinking ceremony. Observe Tokyo from the perspective of the Sumida River on a boat cruise, delve in to bygone Tokyo and discover were the local businesses source their ingredients and tools from.  

PROGRAM DETAILS

An early start today as you head with a local guide to Tsukiji Fish Market. Best known as one of the world's largest fish markets, Tsukiji handles over 2,000 tons of marine products per day.

After exploring the outer market, you can 'sample the wares' at your included sushi breakfast in one of the market's sushi bars.

After breakfast, we stroll through nearby Hama-Rikyu Teien, a former private garden of an Edo Period lord.

Break up your walk with a stop in a tea house on a small island on the park's lake, where you will have the opportunity to witness a short tea ceremony.   Your macha (green tea) is accompanied by a Japanese sweet.

You will then have a chance to view Tokyo from a different angle as you take a boat cruise along the Sumida River.

Next stop will be Asakusa, part of Tokyo's Shitamachi, or old town. Asakusa is home to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple, and is also the city's oldest Geisha district. The streets around Sensoji have many traditional shops selling Japanese crafts and souvenirs and are a delight to wander through.

Asakusa is famous for Tempura, so you will stop at one of the area's local restaurants for a set course lunch.

From Asakusa, it is a short walk to Kappabashi, otherwise known as 'Kitchenware Town', which is lined with dozens of stores selling everything needed by restaurant operators.

You will find specialized stores for dishes, pots, pans, cooking utensils, stoves, tables, chairs, signs, lanterns and more. This is also the place where you will find for sale the plastic food models you can see in restaurants.

Last stop for the day is Ueno's Ameyoko-cho, a busy market street underneath the train lines. Originally the site of a black market after World War Two, this bustling market is filled with shops and stalls selling various products such as fresh fish, dried food and spices, and is a great place to try some local snacks. (B,L)

PRICING: in JPY per person

Rates are valid until 1 December 2012

Note: Please inform your travel agent of any special dietary requirements.

Our services include:

• Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner).
• English speaking guide (for other languages supplements apply)
• Tours and transfers as mentioned by public transport
• Entrance fees for mentioned visits

Our services do not include:

• Other meals than mentioned
• Other services than mentioned
• International and Domestic Flights
• Drinks
• Travel insurance