Longer Itineraries
Tokyo, Chugoku and Shikoku Gastronomy Tourism
After experiencing Japan's classic and new food culture in Tokyo, dive deeper into regional cuisines in Chugoku and Shikoku, famous for their seafood and farm produce. While enjoying seasonal flavors that you will only find there, this is also a chance for deeper encounters with Japanese climate and history that underlie the country's food culture.
*The times represent the approximate time needed to travel between major spots.
Day 1–5
A gourmet's tour of Tokyo's best food and drink from fish at Toyosu Market, to deli delights in
depachika
and Shinjuku Golden Gai
Our tour starts at the kitchen of Tokyo, Toyosu Market. Try fresh seafood dishes like sushi and sashimi, the epitome of Tokyo cuisine!
Tsukishima is just a short hop from Toyosu and is famous for monjayaki. Experience the fun of sharing a meal - literally.
Shinjuku depachika is a trove of delicacies. Grab some deli treats or trendy desserts, this is a treasure hunt!
Night falls and we move to Shinjuku Golden Gai, a network of alleys and passages where the evening atmosphere is something special. Fill up on Tokyo gourmet treats and beverages at an izakaya bar.
Shibuya is famous for its scramble crossing, and is also home to some very popular sushi train restaurants. Take in the sights of Shibuya while you're here.
To truly experience Tokyo food culture, kaiseki dining is not to be missed. It is offered at high-end Japanese restaurants. We visit a famous establishment in Asakusa for delicious kaiseki.
Tsukishima is just a short hop from Toyosu and is famous for monjayaki. Experience the fun of sharing a meal - literally.
Shinjuku depachika is a trove of delicacies. Grab some deli treats or trendy desserts, this is a treasure hunt!
Night falls and we move to Shinjuku Golden Gai, a network of alleys and passages where the evening atmosphere is something special. Fill up on Tokyo gourmet treats and beverages at an izakaya bar.
Shibuya is famous for its scramble crossing, and is also home to some very popular sushi train restaurants. Take in the sights of Shibuya while you're here.
To truly experience Tokyo food culture, kaiseki dining is not to be missed. It is offered at high-end Japanese restaurants. We visit a famous establishment in Asakusa for delicious kaiseki.
1
Toyosu Market
These are two major sightseeing spots in the Toyosu area. Toyosu Shijou is a new market that was relocated from Tsukiji Market, and is especially famous for its early-morning tuna auction. Uogashi Yokocho is also a popular section, where you can view the auctions from the viewing walkway and enjoy meals of sushi and tempura. English-speaking guides and information boards available inside the market. Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai is a newly opened tourist spot in the outer area of Toyosu Market, based on the concept of becoming a "sacred place of all things delicious." In an atmosphere that recreates the streets of Edo, you can enjoy dishes and sweets made with fresh ingredients. It is drawing attention as a place where you can eat and shop. You can relax in the Senkyaku Banrai Rooftop Footbath on the 8th floor and enjoy spectacular views of Tokyo Bay. There is also an adjoining 24-hour hot spring facility.
10 minutes by train(non-JR lines)
2
Tsukishima
A dish that represents the Shitamachi area of Tokyo would have to be monja-yaki! Monja-yaki was originally served by small-time candy stores and street stalls in Asakusa-Shitamachi. As the name suggests, it was apparently made originally by roasting the dough in the shape of characters. This evolved to become the modern-day monja-yaki. It was originally eaten at small-time candy stores as a snack by children. Today, Tsukishima Monja Street is the best place to visit for those who want to try monja-yaki in Tokyo. They are available in a wide range of varieties. First-time diners need not worry, because the waiters can roast the monja-yaki for you, and show you how to eat it. Come and enjoy a lighthearted meal and the taste of Tokyo Shitamachi that has remained unchanged since the old days.
25 minutes by train(non-JR lines)
3
Depachika (Isetan Shinjuku Store)
Located near the Shinjuku Sanchome subway station, this long-established department store offers the latest trends in Japanese fashion, food, and lifestyle goods. It features a wide selection of top brands, as well as watches, jewelry, and other items. The rooftop is an urban oasis, with the rich natural environment in the garden as well as a rest area with a panoramic view of the city. Experience Japanese food culture on the food floor, where there is an extensive lineup including beautifully presented Japanese confectionery that change with the seasons, alcoholic beverages such as sake and craft beer, and Japanese food delicatessen that is a must-try for visitors to Japan. The symbol of Isetan Shinjuku store is a peacock, and the exterior of the main building is designed in Gothic style and has been designated as a historical building selected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
5 minutes by foot
4
Shinjuku Golden Gai
The root of Golden Town is the black markets that appeared near Shinjuku during the chaotic period after World War II. Cultural figures such as journalists and novelists used to gather here every night and engage in passionate discussions. Most of the small wooden tenement house-style buildings have only counter seating. Today the number of shops run by young owners is increasing, and Shinjuku Hanazono Golden Town has become a new famous spot in Shinjuku that has a great deal of history.
10 minutes by train(JR)
5
Shibuya
Shibuya district is the origin of youth culture. You will find several famous restaurants, bars, night clubs and live music venues flourishing among rows of stylish department stores and shops with a constant vibrant and youthful atmosphere. Shibuya is definitely the place to go to if you want to get the latest kawaii (cute) trends published in magazines. In addition, you can also enjoy dining at fashionable cafés and affordable eateries. Situated in front of Shibuya Station are some of the district’s landmarks such as the bronze statue of the loyal dog, Hachiko, and the “Shibuya Scramble Crossing.”
35 minutes by train(non-JR lines)
6
Asakusa (kaiseki dining at traditional restaurant)
Asakusa is known for its landmarks that include the red lantern of Kaminari-mon and Sensoji Temple. The Sumida and Oshiage area, home to the Tokyo Sky Tree, is found on the opposite shore of the Sumida River.
20 minutes by train(non-JR lines)
JR Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen
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Day 6–8
Exquisite! taste fruit parfait and sea bream mixed rice
Once you've had your fill in Tokyo, make your way to Chugoku and Shikoku.
If you start off in Okayama, you will want to taste the fruity bounty of the prefecture's warm climate, in the form of a very fruity parfait. In the city, you can also stroll around and enjoy offerings other than fruit.
Once you've filled up on the sweeter things, it's on the road to Ehime! Along the coast, stop at two places to compare different "taimeshi" (sea bream mixed rice), the signature regional dish.
If you start off in Okayama, you will want to taste the fruity bounty of the prefecture's warm climate, in the form of a very fruity parfait. In the city, you can also stroll around and enjoy offerings other than fruit.
Once you've filled up on the sweeter things, it's on the road to Ehime! Along the coast, stop at two places to compare different "taimeshi" (sea bream mixed rice), the signature regional dish.
7
Okayama, City of Fruit Parfaits
Okayama, known as the land of sunshine, is famous for its fruits, including peaches and muscat. Okayama--City of Fruit Parfaits is a city promotional campaign launched in 2009 so that locals and visitors alike can easily enjoy delicious locally grown fruits. With over 30 stores that serve a variety of fruit parfaits in Okayama City, you will be sure to find one nearby.
On foot
8
Okayama gourmet tour
The Land of Sunshine, Okayama, is a "Fruit Kingdom" famous for fruits such as white peaches and Muscat grapes. Apart from fruits, Okayama is famous for Okayama Barazushi, a sushi dish with gorgeous seafood from the Seto Inland Sea and seasonal vegetables, and Oyakama Demi Katsudon, a unique rice bowl with tonkatsu (fried pork chop) covered in demi-glace sauce. All of these dishes are a must-try for those visiting Okayama!
275 minutes by train(JR)
9
Compare two types of taimeshi:
①Hojo Taimeshi and ②Uwajima Taimeshi
①Hojo Taimeshi and ②Uwajima Taimeshi
When you get hungry after walking up to Matsuyama Castle, head to the Ropeway Shopping District near the entrance to the Castle Lift. In recent years, restaurants serving Tai-meshi, the local delicacy of Ehime, have opened here one after another. You could go so far as to call it the "Tai-meshi District." The shopping district is also home to Sweets Bar LH, a popular store seen on Instagram that offers "tai a la mode" taiyaki. All visitors should definitely check out the food offered along this district.
200 minutes by train(JR)
15 minutes by train(non-JR lines)
Day 9–11
Lipsmacking seafood and udon. To Kochi and Kagawa
When it comes to gourmet, we can't look past the seafood of Kochi.
For a close-up look at Kochi's produce, it is best to visit a local market. Taste the famous Katsuo no Tataki (seared bonito) and freshly-caught seafood.
To wrap up your trip, have a go at making noodles in Kagawa, the home of udon. There is something special about the taste of your own udon noodles. A tour of a soy sauce factory producing Japan's best-known condiment, is also recommended.
For a close-up look at Kochi's produce, it is best to visit a local market. Taste the famous Katsuo no Tataki (seared bonito) and freshly-caught seafood.
To wrap up your trip, have a go at making noodles in Kagawa, the home of udon. There is something special about the taste of your own udon noodles. A tour of a soy sauce factory producing Japan's best-known condiment, is also recommended.
10
Hirome Market
More than a "market," Hirome Market has an atmosphere that's more like a village of street stalls.There are over 60 shops gathered here, including places selling a local Kochi specialty "katsuo no tataki" (seared bonito) and unique variety shops.
Inside the market, there are tables and chairs for almost 400 people where visitors can freely eat and drink what they purchase.
Well-frequented by locals, there are times when someone sitting next to you will start up a friendly conversation.
Inside the market, there are tables and chairs for almost 400 people where visitors can freely eat and drink what they purchase.
Well-frequented by locals, there are times when someone sitting next to you will start up a friendly conversation.
15 minutes by bus
50 minutes by train(JR)
11
Kure Taishomachi Ichiba Market
Nakatosa is home to the Kure Taisho-machi Ichiba, where you can feel the nostalgic ambience of a fishing village, and Nishioka Shuzo brewery with its more than 200 years of history.
140 minutes by train(JR)
12
Nakano Udon School
An udon noodle school located in the town around the Konpira-san (Kotohira-gu) Shrine.
In the udon-making class, udon teachers will teach you how to make authentic Sanuki udon starting from flour kneading. Including the steps of kneading the flour with a rolling pin, boiling, and eating, classes last from about 60 to 90 minutes. Sample tasting and other activities are also available after making the noodles.
In the udon-making class, udon teachers will teach you how to make authentic Sanuki udon starting from flour kneading. Including the steps of kneading the flour with a rolling pin, boiling, and eating, classes last from about 60 to 90 minutes. Sample tasting and other activities are also available after making the noodles.
60 minutes by train(non-JR lines)
35 minutes by high-speed boat
50 minutes by bus
13
Hishio no Sato, Soy Sauce Village
Shodoshima has 400 years of soy sauce-making history. In its golden age, there were over 400 soy sauce brewers on the island, and "Hishio no Sato" still has around 20 breweries and tsukudani plants lined up together. You can smell the sweet taste of soy sauce on the air as you walk around. Please visit to savor the flavor of soy sauce from Shodoshima, a vital seasoning of Japanese meals, which has continued to maintain the traditional brewing method of using wooden barrels.
Here, we have suggested a trip starting in Tokyo and then traveling around Chugoku and Shikoku to encounter the food culture of each region. Means of transportation are provided for your reference, but it is always a good idea to take a stroll at your leisure around the locations mentioned.
*The information provided here is as of March 2022.
*Transportation information does not include the number of transfers or transfer time.
*Admission fees may be charged depending on the spot/facility. For the latest information on business hours, days when spots/facilities are regularly closed, prices, etc., please check the official website for each spot/facility or check directly with the spot/facility.
*The information provided here is as of March 2022.
*Transportation information does not include the number of transfers or transfer time.
*Admission fees may be charged depending on the spot/facility. For the latest information on business hours, days when spots/facilities are regularly closed, prices, etc., please check the official website for each spot/facility or check directly with the spot/facility.