Japan's 4 Major Gastronomy Cities with Charismatic Chef - United Airlines Special

Embark on a phenomenal gastronomic journey by visiting Japan's major 4 gourmet cities and participate in numerous activities: discovery of Sake brewing, a guided tour of the Japanese hidden charm spot and evening of gastronomy.

Fukuoka Tour Organizer: Chef Abe

Chef Hiroki Abe comes from a family of culinary tradition with his father’s sushi restaurant in Fukuoka, Japan, as his first work experience in the kitchen at the young age of twelve.

He refined and sharpened his craft in all ranges of Japanese cuisine through a series of celebrated restaurants in Fukuoka’s most vibrant food scenes.

Chef Abe has called New York City his home since 2001. After the meteoric rise within the culinary scenes with his seasoned techniques and iconic showmanship, he was named Executive Chef at En Brasserie where it offered him the revered status as one of the most demanded chefs in the world.

In 2018, he stood at the helm of the new second restaurant by En, Chateau Hanare, in Los Angeles in collaboration with the famed Chateau Marmont, where he infused fresh vision in authentic Japanese cuisine to West Hollywood. He would continue on as executive chef for both locations until the fall of 2019.

Today, chef Abe has furthered his career as a private chef, to challenge and expand the guests’ perceptions of Japanese cuisine through his commitment to capture the essence of each dish with the freshest of local ingredients and cutting-edge modern techniques.

What’s Included

• Round trip international flights by United Airlines

  -Several departure cities are available. The airfares are based on availability.

• 10 nights accommodation (Tokyo, Fukuoka, Kyoto, Osaka)

  -Stay at hand-selected luxury accommodations.

  -Please ask for an additional night stay.

• Comprehensive escorted with professional English-speaking tour guide and vehicle on Day Tour in Tokyo, Fukuoka and Kyoto

  -Explore the temples, shrines, and landmarks of Tokyo and Kyoto with English speaking guides and private vehicle.

• A private kaiseki multi-course dinner and all-inclusive drinks with maiko and geisha dance performance at a Kyoto restaurant

Transfers between Destination Cities

• Domestic one-way flight Tokyo (HND) to Fukuoka

• Coach class bullet train transfers between Kyushu to Kyoto

• Mini bus transfer from Kyoto to Osaka

Meals

• Breakfast everyday

• Sushi dinner (Tokyo)

• Dinner at Restaurant Sola (Fukuoka)

• Lunch at Kayanoya (Fukuoka)

• Dinner at Chikaei (Fukuoka)

• Lunch at sake brewery (Fukuoka)

• Dinner at hot springs ryokan (Yufuin)

• Bento box lunch on bullet train

• 1 kaiseki multi-course dinner and all-inclusive drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) at a fine restaurant with maiko and geisha performance (Kyoto)

• Wagyu dinner (Osaka)

Concierge Services

• Planning itineraries and making travel arrangements

• Arranging transportation services

• Sourcing tickets for events

• Recommending restaurant and hotel reservations

• Senior citizen care

Itinerary

Day 1 | Fri. Nov. 8

U.S. Cities Departure

*Please ask for the price from several departure cities.

Day 2 | Sat. Nov. 9 | Tokyo

Welcome to Japan!! Arrive in Tokyo

Make your own way to your hotel in Tokyo by train or Airport Limousine Bus, we will provide full instructions in advance.

Note: If you would like the meet and greet or private hotel transfer to be included, please contact us for the arrangement.

🅗 Hotel New Otani, The Main

Day 3 | Sun. Nov. 10 | Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel

1 Day Tokyo Tour with English Speaking Guide

In the morning, meet a private guide at the lobby. Enjoy an efficient, one-day tour of Tokyo accompanied by a licensed and experienced English speaking guide! Your guide will introduce both modern and traditional aspects of this dynamic Japanese capital.

Dinner: Temari & Maki Sushi Making Class in Asakusa

Explore the diverse world of sushi and master its craft in this hands-on class in Asakusa, where you’ll learn to prepare maki sushi rolls and assemble adorable temari-sushi, bite-sized balls of pure cuteness! Maki rolls are classic sushi rolls that make an excellent snack any time of day, while temari sushi is often enjoyed on special occasions, adding a delightful touch to celebrations.

🍴Breakfast/Dinner

🅗 Hotel New Otani, The Main

Day 4 | Mon. Nov. 11 | Tokyo

Free Day

Additional Activity

• TeamLab Ticket

• Tokyo’s Most Extravagant Ramen with Luxury A5 Rank Wagyu Beef

• Traditional Tea Ceremony in Ginza

• 1 Day Kamakura Private Scenic Bicycle Tour

Feel free to contact to us If you wish to pursue optional activities on your free time. Additional fees will apply and we will gladly arrange.

Dinner: At your own *We are happy to introduce recommended restaurants and make a reservation!

🍴Breakfast

🅗 Hotel New Otani, The Main

Day 5 | Tue. Nov. 12 | Tokyo (Haneda AP) to Fukuoka

After having breakfast in the hotel, we will make our way to Haneda Airport.

Arriving at Fukuoka Airport

Make your own way to your hotel Grand Hyatt Fukuoka by taxi (approx. $12 - $15) or Airport Limousine Bus (Hearts Airport Bus), we will provide full instructions in advance.

Note: If you would like the meet and greet or private hotel transfer to be included, please contact us for the arrangement.

Lunch: At your own at the airport or Fukuoka City

Enjoy free time after checking-in the hotel. (PM)

Dinner: Enjoy Stroll at Nakasu Fukuoka “Yatai” Food Stalls

An integral part of Fukuoka's foodie scene

“Yatai” Food Stalls serve up some of the best street food in Fukuoka . These temporary food stalls are set up every evening across the city and draw crowds of locals and visitors. It's not just about the food, though; the close-knit atmosphere is part of their appeal. Typical dishes are grilled chicken skewers (Yakitori), hot pot (Oden) and most famously Hakata Ramen, a local noodle dish featuring relatively thin ramen noodles in a pork bone based soup (tonkotsu). Also various alcoholic beverages are available, and help make the yatai a great place to get in touch with the locals.

🍴Breakfast

🅗 Grand Hyatt Fukuoka

Day 6 | Wed. Nov. 13 | Fukuoka

Chef Abe Joins The Tour!

Half Day Fukuoka Tour with English Speaking Guide

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrines are dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane, a scholar and politician of the Heian Period who is known as the god of learning. That is why this shrine is popular among students especially during the entrance exam season.

The Kyushu National Museum is one of four national museums in Japan. It has a wide range of exhibits that allow you to learn about the formation of Japanese culture from the perspective of Asian history, and played a role as a gateway connecting Japan and Asia from the 8th century to the 12th century. Dazaifu, a Japanese heritage site, is attracting a lot of attention.

*Tour Itinerary is subject to change.

Lunch: On your own

PM: Free

Additional Activity

• Sumo Wrestling Fukuoka Tournament Ticket Arrangement

Dinner: Restaurant Sola

A follow-up to the original Sola in Paris, which launched in 2011, the Hakata outpost allows foodies to see why MICHELIN starred chef Hiroki Yoshitake has caused such a stir in the French capital.

Dishes on the daily no-choice, multi-course ‘menu du jour’ might involve multiple elements brought together on one plate as if an elaborately presented mini meal of different components. The end result is always unmistakably high-end French, but Japanese ingredients and seasonings are very much to the fore. It sounds rigidly formal, but the minimally decorated dining room buzzes with energy, and the view over the water of Hakata port gives an unforgettable sense of place.

🍴Breakfast/ Dinner

🅗 Grand Hyatt Fukuoka

Day 7 | Thu. Nov. 14 | Fukuoka

Meet at the hotel lobby at 4:30 am, chef Abe will show you Nagahama Fish Market permitted staff only area and eateries for who works at the market which you can have a quick breakfast.

*For applicants only. Meals are not included. Please pay at your own.

AM: Hakata Nostalgic Machiya Museum

We will introduce you to the life and culture of Hakata, with a focus on the nostalgic Meiji and Taisho eras. Please experience the heart of this town.

Lunch: Kayanoya Restaurant >

Kayanoya Restaurant is where it overlooks a wilderness home to dancing fireflies.

We offer cuisine made from fresh and carefully-selected seasonal ingredients.

PM: Free - enjoy the last day at Hakata City

Dinner: Chikaei ”Ikesu” Restaurant

Hakata restaurant Chikae was established in 1961.
You’ll see live fish kept in our huge “Ikesu” jumping up and down. You’ll hear the high-siprited calls of our cooks echo inside our restaurant.
Please enjoy fruits of the sea from what you see, hear, and taste.

🍴Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

🅗 Grand Hyatt Fukuoka

Day 8 | Fri. Nov. 15 | Fukuoka - Yanagawa/Yame - Yufuin

Breakfast at the hotel

We will head to Yanagawa in the morning. A city in southern Fukuoka Prefecture , Yanagawa is often called "the City of Water" and "the Venice of Kyushu" because of its 930 kilometers of waterways, which were originally built as irrigation channels using the waters of the Chikugo River. Yanagawa now offers slow, scenic cruises down the waterways in flatboats known as donkobune, poled along by boatmen in traditional wear.

The Champion Sake Brewery “KITAYA” Tour

Kitaya was founded some 190 years ago during the Bunsei Era (1818 - 1830) in Yame City. Located in the south of Fukuoka. The three Japanese characters within the word “Kitaya” read “Joy”, “Many”, “Homes”, and to this day represent Kitaya’s corporate philosophy of “Spreading Joy, One Sake at a Time”. Also, because founder Saikichi had such a passion for brewing sake and employed himself as the chief brewer, the family rule that “The Owner should brew the Sake” has been passed down through the generations.

Lunch: Sake Paring Lunch at Ginnoka

PM: We travel to Yufuin hot springs area by train.

Dinner: At Onsen Ryokan (Japanese Inn with Hot Springs Bath)

🍴Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

🅗 Yufunoirodori-oohashi or similar

Day 9 | Sat. Nov. 16 | Hakata to Kyoto

Breakfast at Ryokan

AM: Beppu Jigoku-Meguri

Bursting geothermal power! The origin of Beppu hot springs! Let us take you through the journey to witness magnificient creations of our mother nature!

And then we will head to Ogura station, to take the Bullet Train to Kyoto.

You receive a “Ekiben” bento-box for lunch. You can enjoy box lunch on the train.

PM: After arriving at Kyoto Station, check-in the hotel then enjoy free time

Evening: Geisha / Maiko Performance with Kaiseki Dinner

Enjoy dinner with maiko and Geisha in a private room of an authentic Japanese restaurant. Savour a luxurious kaiseki multi-course dinner with all-inclusive drinks.

Be entertained by a charming maiko and geisha dance show. Play games and take photos with the maiko and geisha.

🍴Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

🅗 Kyoto Century hotel or Similar

Day 10 | Sum. Nov. 17 | Kyoto

Breakfast at the hotel

Kyoto 1 day Tour with English speaking guide

• Fushimi Inari Shrine: The shrine is famous for its thousands of stunning vermilion torii gates that are lined along a 4 km (2.5 mile) long tunnel, which was even featured in the film "Memoirs of a Geisha". This complex wraps around a bamboo wilderness that consists of mountains, streams, and ponds, making it the perfect backdrop for a scenic hike.

• Kinkakuji Temple: Continue your journey to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. This Zen Buddhist temple is a symbol of Kyoto and attracts numerous visitors every year with its stunning golden facade.

• Arashiyama Bamboo Forest: Travel through the beautiful bamboo forest and enjoy the beauty of the city.

• Nishiki Market: Visit “Kyoto’s Kitchen” filled with all things food related, from fresh produce to cookware. Nishiki Market is a fantastic place to find the best seasonal foods and delicious Kyoto specialties such as Japanese sweets, pickles, seafood, and sushi! Over 130 stores line the market today. A great way to experience the local Kyoto cuisine! (Many shops offer free samples too!)

Lunch at your own

PM: Enjoy free time

Dinner at your own

🍴Breakfast

🅗 Kyoto Century hotel or Similar

Day 11 | Mon. Nov. 18 | Kyoto - Osaka

Breakfast at the hotel

We will leave Kyoto to Osaka by our private bus.

Suntory “YAMAZAKI” Distillery >

On the way to Osaka, We are planning to stop at Suntory “YAMAZAKI” Distillery.

Yamazaki, in southwestern Kyoto at the foot of Mt. Tennozan.

With his unwavering preference for the high-quality water and natural environment vital in whisky-making, Shinjiro selected the land of Yamazaki from among several candidate sites.

The area around Yamazaki Distillery has long been famous for its exquisite natural water, which is even mentioned in the Man'yoshu, the ancient anthology of Japanese poetry. The "Rikyu no Mizu" (water of the imperial villa) selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of Japan's one hundred best natural mineral waters, continues to bubble forth today.

For the process water used at Yamazaki Distillery, this pure and high-quality groundwater, nurtured slowly over eons, is used.

Surrounded by abundant nature, the unique terrain, where the Katsura, Uji, and Kizu Rivers meet, is the ideal moist and humid environment for the aging of whisky: Yamazaki is indeed a whisky-making utopia.

Lunch: Food tour in Osaka

PM: Free time in Osaka

Dinner: Farewell “Wagyu” beef dinner

*TBA

🍴Breakfast/Dinner

🅗 The Westin Osaka or similar

Day 12｜Tue. Nov. 19 | Osaka - Tour Ends

After breakfast at the hotel, our tour officially ends.

Please contact us for the airport transfer, transportation to Tokyo or other cities and extra nights accommodation. We are happy to customize and arrange!

🍴Breakfast

*Note: The itinerary is subject to change. Please contact us for the detail.

Accommodations

• Hotel New Otani Tokyo The Main (Tokyo) >

• Grand Hyatt Fukuoka (Fukuoka) >

• Yadoya Ohashi (Yufuin) > or Similar

• Kyoto Century Hotel (Kyoto) > or Similar

• The Westin Osaka (Osaka) >

Special Invitation Restaurants

• Kayanoya (Fukuoka)

  Kayanoya Restaurant is in Fukuoka, where it overlooks a wilderness home to dancing fireflies.

  We offer cuisine made from fresh and carefully-selected seasonal ingredients.

• Restaurant Sola (Fukuoka)

  Chef Hiroki Yoshitake

  Originally from Kyushu, One of the most talented Michelin Starred Chefs in Paris, designated as the best chef under 35 years old in Japan. He worked for three years at the French restaurant ”La Rochelle” in Japan. In 2009 he moved to Paris and worked for the trendiest kitchens at that time: ”Ze Kitchen Galerie", "Magnolias" and "L'Astrance". He was then appointed Head Chef at Sola when the restaurant opened in 2010. Then, in 2012 he received his first Michelin Star.

  Restaurant Sola

  “Have fulfilling moments”With this theme, we are always thinking about a creation new menu for various moments. The core activity, the restaurant, is able to answer the demand for catering services or events. Restaurant Sola and Bar Porte welcome you with a beautiful view of Fukuoka. In the “Cuisine”, the chef prepares the finest dishes in the gastronomic laboratory. From Fukuoka to the world, we send our creative menu with Kyushu products.

*Photos are examples only. The menu varies daily.

Special Events

• Experience Amnet Exclusive Maiko and Geisha Dinner Show at A Fine Restaurant in Kyoto

  What is Geisha / Maiko Performance? > 

• Special Admission to Suntory YAMASAKI Distillery

  The distillation process can only be viewed on guided tours that allow for entry into the otherwise sealed-off premises. And since spaces are limited, tickets are available via a lottery system.

  Suntory YAMAZAKI Distillery >

Info

• If you would like to stay longer in Japan before or after the tour, please contact us to book transfers and hotel accommodations.

• The prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy. Single Occupancy fee will apply. (Approx. 2,000 USD)

• US departure International flights by United Airlines are included on our tours

• We can arrange departure / gateway city

Deposit

• We require a non-refundable US$300 deposit per person to hold the space at the time of booking and the final payment is due by August 8th, 2024.

Additional Information

Meal Requests

• Please contact us for vegetarian or special meals. In some cases, we cannot accept your requests due to the symptoms and limitations of meals.

*Tours may be cancelled if the number of participants fails to reach the minimum number.