Gourmet Rail Journey: Restaurant Train & Regional FlavorsRide Japan’s newest restaurant train “Les Saveurs Shima”
Tour Route
Your journey through Japan's most iconic destinations
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About This Tour
Join a gourmet tour on Kintetsu's restaurant train, "Les Saveurs Shima," to taste authentic French cuisine and explore local food cultures in Japan. On this journey, you will experience delicious Japanese meals and see famous sights. Enjoy crab kaiseki in Kinosaki Onsen, lunch at a famous Matsusaka beef restaurant, and kaiseki with seasonal ingredients from Shima. You’ll also savor a French course while taking in views of Japanese landscapes from the train window. This series offers a mix of hot springs, city tours, historical sites, and stays at high-quality hotels.
Tour Highlights
- A carefully designed 9-day journey featuring Food and History.
- Planned by a team from one of Japan’s leading travel groups.
- Hotels, transport, and luggage delivery arranged before departure.
- Travel insurance and 24-hour support for peace of mind throughout your journey.
What Makes This Tour Special
Experience the best of Japan's cultural heritage through this carefully crafted journey that combines iconic destinations with authentic local experiences.
Our expertly designed itinerary ensures you witness the perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation that defines Japan's unique character.
Day 1 - Welcome to Japan- Arrival in Tokyo
Welcome to Japan! Our staff will be waiting for you at Haneda/Narita Airport. We will provide you with everything you need for this trip and escort you to the taxi/bus stand or train station. <Optional Airport Transfer> Add a private taxi transfer from the airport to your hotel on arrival day. Hotel Check-in
Day 2 - To Kinosaki Onsen- Crab Kaiseki Dinner & Hot Spring Stay
Breakfast at the Hotel After breakfast, check out and send your large luggage ahead to Osaka. You can explore Kinosaki Onsen without large suitcases. In the morning, travel from Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen, then take the limited express train to Kinosaki-Onsen. Kinosaki Onsen is a lovely hot spring town with willow trees. Walk around in your yukata and enjoy Japanese hot spring culture. We recommend the "Sotoyu Meguri (hot spring hopping)" route, which lets you visit seven different public bathhouses. Hotel Check-in Dinner at the Hotel Enjoy Matsuba crab, known as the "King of Delicacies" in Kinosaki Onsen.
Day 3 - Travel to Osaka & City Exploration
Breakfast at the Hotel Hotel Check-out In the morning, let's take some time to explore Kinosaki Onsen. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Kinosaki> - Kinosaki Onsen Ropeway: Ride the ropeway for great views of Kinosaki town and the Sea of Japan. - Onsen-ji Temple: Visit this quiet, old temple, linked to the legend of how the hot spring was discovered. It is located along the ropeway route. Around noon, travel from Kinosaki-Onsen to Osaka by limited express train. Osaka is a lively city known for its busy downtown areas and varied food culture. It has many attractions, from historical sites to modern viewpoints. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Osaka> - Tennoji & Abeno Harukas: Visit Japan's tallest building for stunning views, shopping, and museums. - Shinsekai: Experience this retro district at Tsutenkaku Tower and try local foods like doteyaki and kushikatsu. - Umeda Sky Building (Sky Garden Observatory): Visit this observation deck for 360-degree views of Osaka. The night view is especially beautiful. Hotel Check-in and pick up your luggage.
Day 4 - Enjoying Osaka’s Energy and History
Breakfast at the Hotel Day 2 in Osaka: More Tourist Spots to Explore! <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Nakanoshima Area: Enjoy cultural sites along the river, perfect for art lovers and peaceful walks. We recommend visiting the art museum and the Osaka City Central Public Hall. - Dotonbori & Shinsaibashi: Explore this busy district famous for its bright signs and street food. Be sure to try local dishes like takoyaki. - Osaka Castle: Take in great views of Osaka from the castle tower. <Optional Tours Available> If you would like to explore Osaka’s highlights with an English-speaking guide, you can select an optional private tour at the time of booking.
Day 5 - Matsusaka Beef & Shima Gourmet Day
Breakfast at the Hotel After breakfast, check out and send your large luggage ahead to Tokyo. You can explore Kashikojima and Nagoya without large suitcases. In the morning, travel from Osaka-Uehommachi to Matsusaka by limited express train. For lunch, visit Wada Kin, a well-known restaurant famous for Matsusaka beef, a high-quality Wagyu. In the afternoon, travel from Matsusaka to Kashikojima by limited express train. This area, Ise-Shima, is beautiful, with islands floating in the calm waters of Ago Bay. Kashikojima offers great ocean views and a chance to relax. Hotel Check-in Dinner at the Hotel Enjoy dinner featuring fresh seafood from Ise-Shima.
Day 6 - Ago Bay Cruise & Restaurant Train French Course
Breakfast at the Hotel Hotel Check-out In the morning, board the Kashikojima España Cruise, and take in the full beauty of Ago Bay. Around noon, travel from Kashikojima to Ujiyamada by limited express train, then transfer to Naiku-mae by local bus. Ise Grand Shrine, Japan's most famous shrine with about 2,000 years of history. It is a peaceful place where you can reflect as you walk along the tree-lined path. <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Naiku (Inner Shrine): This is the main part of Ise Grand Shrine, where Amaterasu Omikami is honored. You will see beautiful sights like Uji Bridge and the Isuzu River. - Okage Yokocho: This street has buildings from the Edo and Meiji periods. You can try local dishes like Ise udon and Akafuku mochi. In the evening, take a local bus to Ujiyamada, then transfer to Nagoya by Kintetsu’s new Sightseeing Limited Express, "Les Saveurs Shima". This restaurant train serves French cuisine with a Japanese twist in a comfortable setting. Enjoy a French dinner made with ingredients from Ise-Shima while taking in the views from the train. Hotel Check-in
Day 7 - Nagoya Sightseeing & Return to Tokyo
Breakfast at the Hotel Hotel Check-out Nagoya blends samurai culture with unique food traditions. we recommend a short trip from Nagoya to Inuyama where lets you enjoy Japanese history at Inuyama Castle and the charming castle town by the Kiso River. Enjoy sightseeing in Nagoya and Inuyama! <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Nagoya Castle: This is the symbol of Nagoya, known for its golden shachihoko ornaments. - Noritake Forest: Here, you can learn about the history of ceramics and craftsmanship. - Osu Shopping District: Explore this lively area, which combines old shops with a youthful vibe. - Inuyama Castle: One of Japan's oldest castles, with its original keep dating back to 1537. Enjoy views of the Kiso River from the top floor and try local street food in the historic castle town. Whenever you want, travel back from Nagoya to Tokyo by Shinkansen. Hotel Check-in and pick up your luggage. Enjoy evening sightseeing in Tokyo. Nihonbashi/Ginza: A great area for shopping that blends tradition and modernity.
Day 8 - Tradition and Modern Life in Tokyo
Breakfast at the Hotel This vibrant city beautifully blends traditional Japanese culture with the latest trends. The best way to experience all that Tokyo has to offer is by exploring on foot, so put on your walking shoes and get ready for an adventure! <Recommended Sightseeing Spots> - Asakusa: This traditional downtown area preserves old-world charm and features iconic sites such as the Kaminarimon Gate and Sensoji Temple. - Tokyo Skytree®: A popular destination that offers panoramic views of Tokyo from its observation deck. - Shibuya Scramble Crossing: A bustling symbol of Tokyo, filled with people. - Harajuku: An area where youth culture and unique fashion come together. <Optional Tours Available> If you would like to explore Tokyo’s highlights with a guide, you can select an optional tour at the time of booking. Choose from a half-day private tour with an English-speaking guide or a full-day group bus tour with audio guides available in several major languages.
Day 9 - Sayonara- Until We Meet Again in Japan!
Breakfast at the Hotel. The tour ends at hotel check-out. <Optional Airport Transfer> Add a private taxi transfer from your hotel to the airport on departure day. Thank you for spending the last 9 days with our tour. We hope to see you again!
Accommodation
Hotel New Otani Tokyo
1 nightTokyo Akasaka-mitsuke
2 beds
Nishimuraya Hotel Shogetsutei
1 nightKinosaki
Japanese-style room
Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
2 nightsOsaka
2 beds
Kashikojima Hojoen
1 nightKashikojima
Japanese-style room with beds
Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel or similar
1 nightNagoya
2 beds
Hotel New Otani Tokyo
5 nightsTokyo Akasaka-mitsuke
2 beds
Day 1 - Tokyo
Day 2 - Kinosaki
Hotel breakfast
Traditional Japanese-style dinner at ryokan
Day 3 - Osaka
Breakfast at ryokan
Day 4 - Osaka
Hotel breakfast
Day 5 - Kashikojima
Hotel breakfast
Matsusaka Wagyu beef at WADAKIN
Hotel dinner
Day 6 - Nagoya
Hotel breakfast
French-style set meal on the Kintetsu restaurant train “Les Saveurs Shima”
Day 7 - Tokyo
Hotel breakfast
Day 8 - Tokyo
Hotel breakfast
Day 9 - Tokyo
Hotel breakfast
Tour Price
US$3,700 ~ US$4,400
From
US$3,700 ~ US$4,400