Food, Wine & Nightlife in Kansai

Gain a better understanding of sake during this tour that explores the Fushimi Sake District of Kyoto. During this tour, visit Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, one of the largest sake breweries in Fushimi, and end your visit with a sake-tasting session. Not only will your guide be able to explain the basics of sake and introduce you to new kinds you may have never tried, but your tastings will also be paired with Japanese snacks that enhance the tasting experience.

Combine Kyoto cuisine with Imperial history during this 1.5-hour cooking class. Led by a food-loving local, the class is set in one of Kyoto's age-old wooden houses and includes the meal "” after you've cooked it, of course. Choose to create an "˜obanzai' vegetarian meal or a teriyaki chicken dish with soup and salad. This experience runs with just six people for an intimate and authentic experience.

Get an insiders' eye perspective on Kyoto on this walking tour that combines a food tour with anthropological insight. Wander through the city's streets and understand the nighttime entertainment scene, from geiko (geisha) to hostesses. Afterward sample regional specialties accompanied by included drinks at two standing bars/restaurants.

Enjoy a 2.5-hour walking and food tour in Takayama with an expert local guide who introduces you to the rich culinary traditions of the charming city. Learn about the distinctive culture that developed in Takayama due to its isolated location, and taste a variety of delicious food and sake at local shops. Meet the proprietors and gain insight into the culture and history of the region on this fun and fascinating tour.

Discover Kyoto's renowned cuisine on a walking tour of Nishiki Market with a food specialist guide. Nishiki Market has been at the heart of Kyoto's culinary world for centuries, and it features a range of Japanese cuisine and Kyoto specialties, in addition to cookware, fresh produce and other goods. Spend three hours in the famous market, tasting different food items as your guide provides a deeper understanding of Kyoto's culinary offerings. Your tour includes a full lunch along with many samples - bring your curiosity and appetite!

Uncover the secrets of Japan's elegant geishas during an evening dining experience in a private Kyoto restaurant. Stroll through the Gion district to delve into the fascinating history of geishas, beautiful performers trained in entertaining exclusive clientele. Then, pleasure your palate with a Japanese kaiseki meal and a selection of specialty drinks; sip sake as your expert guide translates the questions you have for your 'maiko,' or apprentice geisha. Gain insight into her profession and enjoy an intimate atmosphere on this small group tour, where numbers are limited to eight.

Explore Kyoto's Nishiki Market with a local guide. Your shared small-group tour (maximum of 10 people) will begin at a cooking studio near the market, where your guide will give a short talk about the tour and what it entails. Afterwards you'll exploring Nishiki market with the guide.While walking through the market, you'll learn about Japanese traditional foods in great detail, with many being mostly unknown outside of Japan. Your guides will help facilitate communication between you and the shopkeepers to provide a rare and genuine experience. After touring the market, you will return to the cooking studio and try cooking donburi (rice bowl dish with seafood, tempura or chicken & egg) with fresh ingredients you bought at Nishiki. If you bought something for yourself in the market, the friendly guide will gladly help you cut or warm up the food for you.

Get off the beaten path and experience Osaka with an insider. After meeting up with your guide, sample delicious traditional dishes and drinks at local hot spots and stop by the red light district and a traditional book store. Enjoy an invigorating walk and learn about Osaka's history and culture and visit a shrine or temple to participate in the ancient practice of drawing a fortune slip.