This trip offers an in-depth exploration of Japan’s culinary and craft traditions, guided by the people who dedicate their lives to preserving them. At its center are shokunin—masters whose practice is defined by discipline, repetition, and care—and the concept of omotenashi, Japan’s codified and deeply held approach to hospitality. Together, they shape PRIOR’s first group journey through the country.

The experience opens in Osaka, where kuidaore, or “eating oneself bankrupt,” is a point of pride. With guidance from a leading food author, you’ll learn about refined Kaiseki cuisine and knifemaking culture through kitchens, markets, and neighborhoods, developing an ear-to-the-ground understanding of a food culture driven by generosity and meticulousness. We’ll also savor the everyday dishes the city is known for, such as okonomiyaki and yakisoba, at bars and traditional machiyas. Overnights are at Patina Osaka, offering a contemporary, serene counterpoint to the city’s boisterous culinary life.

In Kyoto, attention turns to ritual and restraint. Within mist-shrouded temples rarely open to the public, tea ceremonies unfold to the low burble of the kettle and the rhythmic whisking of matcha. Days also include an introduction to shōjin ryōri (plant-based Buddhist monk cuisine), shopping in Kyoto’s renowned ceramics shops, and carefully paced walks through historic neighborhoods. Accommodations are at the newly opened Capella Kyoto, housed within a historic machiya and reimagined by architect Kengo Kuma.

The itinerary culminates in Ishikawa at the height of autumn, when maple forests blaze red and the region’s ingredients reach their peak. In Kanazawa, the program includes an introduction to geiko (geisha) culture as well as a walk through the historic Omicho Market to meet a fourth-generation fishmonger, whose relationships with local crab purveyors and foragers offer rare access to the region’s seasonal bounty. The final nights unfold at Hanamurasaki, a traditional inn in Yamanaka Onsen, where impeccable hospitality in a forested landscape of natural hot springs offers a restorative close to days filled with movement, flavor, and fresh ideas.

Accommodation:

• 2 Nights at Patina Osaka; Opened in spring 2025 and set directly opposite Osaka Castle Park in Chūō ward, the hotel is guided by kisetsukan, or seasonal awareness, expressed through the use of wood, stone, and washi paper.

• 3 Nights at Capella Kyoto; Among the city’s most anticipated openings, Capella Kyoto is a machiya-style hotel in the heart of Gion by architect Kengo Kuma.

• 3 Nights at Hanamurasaki; In the heart of Yamanaka Onsen, Hanamurasaki is an upscale ryokan offering traditional tatami rooms, restorative hot spring baths, and seasonal kaiseki cuisine.

Deposit/Payment Schedule:

In order to confirm your reservation, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required at the time of the booking. The remaining balance will be charged 120 days prior to the beginning of the trip. For more information or to confirm your place on this journey, please contact sales@priorworld.com.

Pricing:

• Double Occupancy: USD $16,286 / person
• Single Occupancy: USD $19,235

Inclusions:

• Accommodations at Patina Osaka, Capella Kyoto & Hanamurasaki in Yamanakaonsen.
• All tours and admission costs throughout the itinerary.
• All meals throughout the itinerary.
• All transportation throughout the itinerary
• Gratuities.

Exclusions:

• Airfare;
• Arrival and departure transfers.
• Any visa or travel requirements for entry into Japan.
• Travel Insurance.
• Other meals and alcoholic beverages not stated in itinerary.

Inquiries:

For more information, please contact sales@priorworld.com

Terms and Conditions:

Terms and Conditions: Please note, for this trip to proceed, a certain minimum number of people must reserve a place. We will provide confirmation once this number has been reached, so you may proceed with booking airfare and other forms of transportation.

If you choose to book airfare in advance of final confirmation, please book refundable fares or obtain travel insurance to protect yourself against additional charges should final dates change or cancellation occurs.

PRIOR strongly recommends that each member purchase travel and cancellation insurance. In addition, we recommend purchasing a policy that covers loss of luggage, accidents, sickness, and emergency medical evacuation.

Please note, while every effort is made to provide the itinerary as presented, PRIOR reserves the right to make any changes to the final itinerary deemed necessary or due to reasons beyond our control (change in flights, cancellations, political disturbances, natural disasters/phenomena, etc).

Photographs or video recordings of members may be used for educational and promotional purposes by PRIOR or a host group/organization.