Welcome Gourmet Travellers! If you’re hoping to find one of the best escorted, luxury Japan food tours we think you might have landed in the right place…
Zenbu Tours offers exceptional small-group, culinary and cultural travel. Each tour is immersive, inspiring and connected.
Zenbu’s out-of-the-ordinary Japan food tours are hosted by renowned Australian food & travel writer Jane Lawson and, fellow obsessive Japanophile, husband Gerard Kambeck – between them they share a love of Japan and 50 years Japanese travel experience.
All our tours feature wonderful accommodations, private transport and spectacular food & drink. You’ll dine on our finest findings – from handmade tofu to the most intricate Kaiseki, from freshly cut noodles to sublimely fresh sashimi – and many other exquisite culinary adventures!
Miso & pickle tastings are the makings of fermentation types’ dreams. The fascinating Way of Tea will have you steeped in historic and cultural reference as you sip frothy, verdant matcha accompanied by pretty wagashi sweets. The subtle but important crunch variation between golden, tender tonkatsu and ethereal tempura beautifully showcases the Japanese mastery of frying. Local whiskey comparisons are accompanied by handmade rice-crackers like nothing you’ve tried outside of Japan.
Authentic dishes paired with inventive tea concoctions will make you smile. While traditional desserts form a list both short and sweet; Japan boasts some of the world’s finest patisserie – yes truly… Kyoto is known as The Paris of the East after all!
Feast your eyes on traditional crafts, arts, curios and design. Be captivated by cutting-edge architecture streaking alongside ancient wooden structures. Japan’s stunning scenery, ultra-stylish-yet-welcoming hotels, ancient temples & stroll gardens, majestic markets and quietly meandering laneways will take your breath away.
Our itineraries also include visits to exemplary, often quirky, museums & galleries. Enter private homes and family temples with many opportunities to witness innate Japanese hospitality firsthand. Enjoy folklore, ghost tales & absorbing the kinetic energy of the past. Meet home cooks, monks, chefs, Geiko & Maiko, tea ceremony artists, dancers, ceramic and textile experts, craftspeople, the odd temple cat and you never know who else will join us on a Zenbu Tours journey….
Come along on one of our exceptional Japan food tours and get to know the real Japan and uncover its many layers. We also happen to have a lot of fun along the way… Just ask our clients…
Be ready to be surprised. Japan is texturally fascinating, joyous and eternally inspiring.
2018 JAPAN FOOD & CULTURE TOURS
Zenbu Zen
Fall in love with beautiful Kyoto on this relaxing and inspiring 12-day tour.
12 days/ 11 nights
9 – 20 Jan 2018
Setsubun
Experience blissful Kyoto and electric Tokyo on this invigorating 15-day luxury tour.
15 days/ 14 nights
24 January – 07 February 2018
Haru
Celebrate the beauty of Kyoto in bloom & blush during this exclusive 15-day tour.
15 days/ 14 nights
08 – 22 May 2018
Spending time in Kyoto with Jane gave me a deeper insight into the Japanese culture. The Japanese emphasis on beautiful presentation and how they represent nature and the seasons have been an almost subconscious influence on me. Because of Jane’s experience and network I had greater access to the culture.
– Peter Gilmore, Executive Chef, Quay Restaurant, Sydney