Inside Japan with The Table Less Traveled Trip for Two

Pull up a seat at the table for a once-in-a-lifetime culinary adventure across Japan, curated by boutique travel company The Table Less Traveled (TTLT), known for small-group experiences that celebrate regional gastronomy and introduce you to locals. Travel with a small group of like-minded travelers, led by a dedicated TTLT Tour Host who opens doors to meaningful connections with chefs, artisans, and cultural insiders.

Over the course of 11 days on the Inside Japan Trip, you’ll explore four distinct regions—Osaka, Kyoto, a countryside onsen village, and Tokyo and experience exclusive behind-the-scenes access to kitchens, farms, teahouses, markets, and more.

You’ll stay in charming 4- to 5-star boutique accommodations, enjoy thoughtfully curated meals paired with sake and local beverages, and immerse yourself in Japan’s rich culinary and cultural traditions through hands-on cooking, peaceful meditative practices, and conversations that bring the country’s spirit to life.

Itinerary:

*Itinerary is subject to change based on availability and seasonal considerations.

Osaka – 2 Nights (April 13 – April 15, 2026)

Kick off your adventure in the energetic heart of Kansai, where neon lights meet nostalgic flavors.

Pull up a seat at one of our favorite izakaya for a TTLT-style progressive dinner, where our local friend takes you bar-hopping through a retro shopping arcade.

Step inside the home kitchen of a Japanese cookbook author for an intimate cooking class learning to make regional Osakan classic foods from scratch.

Get hands-on at a legendary knife shop, learning the art of sharpening from craftspeople passionate about preserving a dying art and cultural practice.

Included meals:

• Day 1 - dinner
• Day 2 - breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 3 - breakfast, lunch, dinner

Kyoto – 3 Nights (April 15 – April 18, 2026)

Find stillness and ceremony in Japan’s cultural capital, where each moment feels meditative.

Savor a little-known Buddhist meal or share a quiet moment in a hidden teahouse, and conversations with the elegant proprietress.

Meditate with a senior monk in a prestigious temple, an exclusive experience arranged through our long-standing local ties.

Step inside a private home passed down through 17 generations for an intimate tea ceremony with the owner, a rare glimpse into Japan’s refined traditions.

Included meals:

• Day 4 - breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 5 - breakfast, lunch
• Day 6 - breakfast, lunch, dinner

Countryside Onsen Village – 2 Nights (April 18 – April 20, 2026)

Slow down and soak in the natural beauty of the Japanese countryside.

Hike alongside a local guide and personal TTLT friend, through forested trails to a private wasabi farm, where you'll learn how this prized ingredient is grown and taste it fresh from the root.

Pull up a seat in a lovingly restored centuries-old farmhouse for a progressive dinner prepared just for our group by the owner where every ingredient is harvested or foraged nearby.

Included meals:

• Day 7 - breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 8 - breakfast, lunch, dinner

Tokyo – 3 Nights (April 20 – April 23, 2026)

End your journey in Japan’s vibrant capital, where tradition and innovation meet on every plate.

Dive into Tokyo’s seafood scene with our private guide at the iconic Tsukiji Market, followed by a hands-on cooking class with a hilarious grandma-turned-chef.

Dine farm-to-table in the heart of the city with a chef who partners with local farmers around the country to produce one of a kind menus every day.

On your final night, join our local chefs around the open kitchen for a special farewell dinner that celebrates the season and the people who brought your journey to life.

Included meals:

• Day 9 - breakfast, lunch
• Day 10 - breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Day 11 - breakfast