Miyoko Schinner's Vegan Japan
Buddhism and Fermentation
Vegan Japan with Miyoko Schinner9 nights, 16-20 people
March 25 - April 3, 2024
Double Room Package: US$9300 per person Single Room Package: US$10400 per person Option: Post-tour in Kyoto Explore Kyoto and Nara with a smaller group and Miyoko Price TBD Sneak Peek below! |
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Embark on a gourmet humanitarian adventure as you journey through Ibaraki, Tokyo, Kochi, and Kyoto on this meticulously curated tour of Japan's cultural and culinary treasures. Indulge in luxurious hotel stays with rejuvenating hot springs. Discover unique vegan restaurants and savor rare local dishes. Dive into the art of soy sauce and sake brewing, witnessing the craftsmanship behind these traditional Japanese delights. Top off your experience with a sampling of Japan's vibrant craft beer scene, creating memories as rich and diverse as the land itself.
Book now for a wonderful journey that seamlessly blends luxury, tradition, and delicious vegan food experiences. |
Itinerary |
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Day 0: Haneda Arrival
Today, arrive at Haneda airport and take the bus from the airport to your hotel. We’ll have a greeter there to guide you. Relax and enjoy your 5-star hotel’s amenities… Activities: ● Miyoko meet & greet: Meet and chat with Miyoko herself as she and our coordinator lay out your trip! ● Dinner: The hotel has delicious vegan food; we will point you in the right direction Accommodation: ● ANA Intercontinental - 5 star hotel with massage parlor, pool, restaurants, and plenty of other amenities Day 1: Ibaraki Ibaraki, the breadbasket of Tokyo, holds the cornerstone of Japanese veganism: soy. We’ll be going on a soy adventure, watching the fermentation, and immersing ourselves in Shinto and Zen culture at Kashima Jingu Activities: ● Paradise Soy ● Shibanuma Soy Sauce brewery ● Kashima Jingu Shrine - stunning and historical ● Dinner: Touemon - Ibaraki Regional plant-based dinner Accommodation: ●Hotel Nikko Tsukuba - 4 star vegan-friendly hotel Day 2: Ibaraki We stay in Ibaraki today, to enjoy some local experiences.Today we’ll get in touch with the heart of Japan: the people. Meet locals and feel the nature of Ibaraki. Activities: ● Incense Experience - see and smell Japan’s history ● Miso making with locals - craft and eat delicious fresh miso ● Plum festival - delight in the beauty of Japan’s fruit harvest ● Dinner: Nikko Tsukuba Vegan Meal Accommodation: ●Hotel Nikko Tsukuba - 4 star vegan-friendly hotel Day 3: Tokyo Today, it’s time to get back to city life for a bit. Guests will bus to Tokyo and enjoy the following experiences: Activities: ● Convenience Store activity - learn how vegans in Japan navigate conbini, or Japanese convenience stores ● Udon making experience/lunch - watch and taste how udon, Japan’s iconic noodle, is made! Accommodation: ● ANA Intercontinental - 5 star hotel Day 4: Tokyo Today is a day to explore Tokyo and get all your sightseeing in, as well as look forward to a delicious gourmet tofu-based dinner: Activities: ● See Meiji Jingu ● Visit Senso-ji Temple ● Breathe in the Imperial Palace and East Gardens ● Asakusa Free exploration! ● Enjoy some tasty vegan bento lunches ● Dinner: Tofuya Ukai - a delicious and beautifully-placed tofu restaurant looking out to Tokyo Tower Accommodation: ● ANA Intercontinental - 5 star hotel Day 5: Tokyo > Kochi Today we start the exciting next leg of our fermentation tour: your 2-night Sake brewing experience, where you’ll learn the ins and outs of Sake, Japan’s delicious rice wine. Activities: ● Chant and purification by Goma fire ritual ● Brewery Experience (Explanation of brewing process, rice washing, soaking) ● Vegan lunch prepared by our chef ● Rice steaming, koji making, and brewing ● Free-flowing Sake at the pairing bar ● Dinner: Beautiful vegan in-house chef-made dinner at the Sake pairing bar Accommodation: ● Mima Ryokan - Traditional house and rooms ● Sky Hill - private off-path resort houses Day 6: Kochi Today is the continuation of the Sake experience, where you’ll hone your skills and learn hands-on how to create Japan’s most iconic beverage: Activities: ● Sermon and purification by Goma fire ritual ● Rice steaming, koji making, and brewing ● All-day hands-on Sake experience ● Vegan sushi (known as inakazushi, a Kochi specialty) ● Exclusive knowledge of rare brewing techniques that allow them to brew all year ● Beautiful lunch at the Sake pairing bar ● Another handcrafted dinner experience Accommodation: ● Mima Ryokan - Traditional house and rooms ● Sky Hill - private off-path resort houses Day 7: Kochi Today we depart from the Sake experience with certificate and Sake in hand and move on to see Kochi! We’ll explore a beer brewery, learn how to make paper, and view much natural beauty Activities: ● Chant and purification by Goma fire ritual ● Brewery Experience conclusion ● Lunch at Cafe Asunaro ● Paper-making activity ● Submersible bridge ● Vegan breakfast (Featuring the same brand rice used in Sake making) ● Dinner: Auberge Tosayama vegan Kochi cuisine Accommodation: ● Auberge Tosayama - Beautiful 3-star terraced hotel with exquisite vegan cuisine Day 8: Kochi > Kyoto Today is your transfer back to Kyoto and the opening of a beautiful new location. Prepare to see the sights and taste the history of Kyoto! Activities: ● Sightseeing in afternoon ● Kennin-ji Temple - oldest Zen temple in Kyoto ● Gion, shijo dori shopping streets ● A delicious final dinner experience in Kyoto Accommodation: ● Good Nature Hotel (or similar) - 5-star Day 9 (departure day): Kyoto Prepare for some early morning sightseeing in Kyoto! These locations are iconic and photogenic, so leaving in the morning is the best experience you can have! Activities: Fushimi Inari Shrine (the Thousand Torii Gates) ● Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion) ● Afternoon transfer to Osaka Itami Airport This afternoon you’ll pack your bags and head out Accommodation: |
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Tour Includes● All Activities listed in the Itinerary
● Flights Tokyo>Kochi, Kochi>Kyoto ● Hotels or resort accommodations for each night ● Zen Blessings and sermons ● Sake tasting at brewery ● 2-night Sake experience ● Hotel vegan breakfasts, vegan lunches, and vegan dinner experiences ● Guide and coordinator every day ● Estimates are for 16 PAX ● Minor details are subject to change 
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Not Included
● Meals on arrival day (hotel restaurant is available) ● Souvenirs (travelers can send Sake home with their personal label) ● Lunch on day 8 (self-pay at airport) ● Anything not listed in Inclusions Contact Donna at
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Just a few of the things to see in the post-tour (in planning stages):
Activities: ● Michelin Star vegan restaurant in Kyoto ● Feeding the Sacred Bowing deer of Nara ● Exploring Todai-ji Temple (largest bronze Buddha in the world) ● Tasting more delicious vegan food experiences! ● Enveloping yourself in a tea ceremony with a top foreign tea master And much more! |
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