World ExpeditionsBig Adventures. Small Footprint.https://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan: Adventurer’s guidehttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2542/2019-rugby-world-cup-in-japan-adventurers-guideAdventure Travel,Japan,ActivitiesWed, 27 Feb 2019 23:00:34 GMT<p><strong>Rugby fans get ready. It's not long now before the Rugby World Cup (RWC) kicks off in Japan and if you're planning to see the scrums live in action, you’ll want to add these Japan adventures to your itinerary.</strong></p> <p>With a total of 48 matches scheduled over six weeks (September 20 to November 2, 2019), the ninth RWC begins with the host country taking on Russia at Tokyo Stadium. (A complete list of game times and locations can be found <a href="https://info.tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets/docs/schedule_pricing_EN.pdf" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>).</p> <p>The tournament will be held in a dozen venues across the country, including Japan’s food haven capital, Tokyo; the mountainous city of Sapporo on the northern island of Hokkaido; the cultural metropolis of Osaka; and Kobe, home to third century Shinto Shrines and its world-famous marbled beef. It’s an opportune occasion to explore Japan’s rich and colourful past, from its must-see highlights to trails that take you away from the crowds.</p> <h3>Cycle the Noto Coastline and through the Japanese Alps</h3> <p>Starting in Kanazawa – renowned for its tea ceremonies, regional handicrafts, Noh theatres and Kaga cooking experiences – there are plenty of ways to get your cultural fix before pedalling your way to the popular Chirihama Beach driveway.</p> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox mb-lg" data-plugin-options="{ 'delegate': 'a', 'type': 'image', 'gallery': { 'enabled': true} }"><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Cyclists_by_ocean_Noto-medium-34249-1920px.jpg"><img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Cyclists_by_ocean_Noto-medium-34249-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Beach_cycle-medium-9094-1920px.jpg"> <img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Beach_cycle-medium-9094-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Resting_the_legs-medium-12523-1920px.jpg"> <img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Resting_the_legs-medium-12523-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Noto_Coastline_Japan-medium-56647-1920px.jpg"> <img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Noto_Coastline_Japan-medium-56647-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a></div> <p> </p> <p>Over seven days, our <strong><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Japan/Cycling/Noto-Coastline-Highlands-Cycle?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=RugbyWC" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Noto Coastline and Highlands Cycle</a></strong> adventure will see you riding between rice fields towards the rugged coastline, passing small fishing villages, local shrines and fishermen at work along the way.</p> <p><strong>Trip highlights</strong><br /> See the world’s longest bench (460.9m long) at Masuhogaura Beach, visit the Wajima Morning Market and try your decorative skills on a set of lacquer chopsticks. You’ll have the opportunity to stay in traditional ryokans and one of Japan’s best hot spring resorts, with an overnight experience in a beautifully preserved gassho-zukuri house (meaning "constructed like hands in prayer").</p> <p>Sample the famous Hida beef in Takayama and learn about traditional salt works used 400 years ago, trying your hand at spraying seawater, which sounds easy but takes years to master.</p> <p>As you follow beautiful coastlines, where many of the paths are on quiet back roads, each day offers a change of scenery – from a coastal landscape to a mountainous backdrop. For those nervous about steep climbs or the long journey by bike, e-bikes are available on this adventure. There's also a <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Japan/Cycling/Noto-Coastline-Highlands-Cycle#bikes-anchor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">selection of high quality hybrid for a comfortable ride, or drop-bar road bikes for the more avid cyclist</a>.</p> <p><span style="color: #949e17;"><strong>Dates:</strong> 11 Sep – 20 Sep 2019</span><br /> <span style="color: #949e17;"><strong>Duration:</strong> 10 days (7 days cycling) | <strong>Grading:</strong> Moderate (5)</span></p> <p><strong>Games you can catch post-trip: </strong>You can still catch the RWC opening ceremony in Tokyo on September 20 by catching a four-hour train from Gifu, which is where the tour ends. Alternatively, travel to Osaka (approximately 2.5 hours by train from Gifu), where matches will be held in Higashi-Osaka (Hanazono Rugby Stadium) from September 22, and if you plan to stay longer, head to nearby Kobe (Kobe Misaki Stadium) for the September 26 game.</p> <h3>Combine an ancient pilgrimage hike with urban explorations</h3> <p>From the maze of Tokyo to a historic mountain-bound town in Kiso valley, and incorporating visits to the charming cities of Kyoto and lively Osaka, our most popular Japan itinerary offers a different way to see Japan.</p> <p>On our <strong><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Japan/Adventure-Touring/Backroads-of-Japan?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=RugbyWC" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Backroads of Japan tour</a></strong>, you’ll have opportunities to experience the tranquility of temple gardens, the wonder of Buddhist arts and architecture and its bohemian street culture.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Kinkakuji-_Japan-medium-48219-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Kinkakuji-_Japan-medium-48219-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Image: Felipe Romero Beltran</span></p> <p><strong>Trip highlights</strong><br /> As well as discovering the melting pot of cultures and enjoying tantalising food, this active itinerary incorporates day walks along a historical pilgrimage trail towards the sacred peak of Omine in Nara. Enjoy a hike that delivers incredible views of Mt Fuji and its five lakes (weather permitting) and explore the legendary trade route which connected the Sea of Japan with the Pacific Ocean.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="1100" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Lake_Ashi-_Japan-medium-48203-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Lake_Ashi-_Japan-medium-48203-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Image: Felipe Romero Beltran</span></p> <p>Be enthralled by the famous Geisha district of Gion in Kyoto, visit scared temples and shrines, and stay in traditional, family run inns – a definite high point of any trip to Japan.</p> <p><span style="color: #949e17;"><strong>Dates:</strong> 5 Sep – 19 Sep, 29 Sep – 13 Oct, 6 Oct – 20 Oct 2019</span><br /> <span style="color: #949e17;"><strong>Duration:</strong> 15 days (6 days hiking) | <strong>Grading:</strong> Introductory (3)</span></p> <p><strong>Games you can catch pre or post-trip: </strong>The September trip ends in Osaka on September 19, perfectly timed to witness the opening ceremony and match on September 20 at Tokyo Stadium and/or the France v Argentina clash on September 21. If you plan to stay in Osaka, you can catch matches in Higashi-Osaka (Hanazono Rugby Stadium) from September 22, or you can travel to nearby Kobe (Kobe Misaki Stadium) for the September 26 game.</p> <p>There are plenty of games scheduled to suit those travelling on the late September or early October trips too.</p> <h3>Explore Japan’s charming north</h3> <p>Apart from seeing the RWC games, exploring the rugged yet fascinating region of northern Japan in September and October is one of the best times to visit the region, especially if you want a truly off the beaten path experience.</p> <p>On the 16-day <strong><a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Japan/Adventure-Touring/Japan-Northern-Explorer?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=RugbyWC" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Japan Northern Explorer trip</a></strong>, there is plenty of time to soak in the natural beauty, relax in natural hot springs, sample an amazing array of fresh local foods – such as Hokkaido’s specialty crab, and learn more about Japanese culture, history and heritage. And with autumn foliage (or <em>koyo</em>) in full swing, you’ll see vibrant waves of red and gold sweeping this stunning half of Japan.</p> <p> </p> <div class="lightbox mb-lg" data-plugin-options="{ 'delegate': 'a', 'type': 'image', 'gallery': { 'enabled': true} }"><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/kamakura-735924_1280-1920px.jpg"><img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/kamakura-735924_1280-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/crab-meat-614628_1280-1920px.jpg"> <img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/crab-meat-614628_1280-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a><a class="lightboxThumbnail img-thumbnail d-inline-block mb-xs mr-xs" href="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/nikko-2306171_1280-1920px.jpg"> <img class="img-fluid" height="110" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/nikko-2306171_1280-350px.jpg" width="110" /></a></div> <p> </p> <p><strong>Trip highlights</strong><br /> Explore the seaside village of Kamakura – home to the famous Big Buddha and visit breathtaking Nikko with its quiet cedar forests, fascinating World Heritage shrines and temples and world-class hiking trails. Catch a ferry to one of Japan’s best-kept secret islands, Sado, home of the famous Taiko drummers and full of natural splendours and colourful history.</p> <p>Cruise pine-covered islands in the stunning Matsushima Bay, visit the old castle town of Hirosaki with its culinary specialty of apple pies and “samurai coffee”, enjoy the lively atmosphere of the young city of Sapporo, and prepare a traditional Japanese dinner.</p> <p>Get a taste of Japanese culture away from the crowds with its legendary hospitality and array of fresh local foods.</p> <p><span style="color: #949e17;"><strong>Dates:</strong> 5 Sep – 20 Sep, 5 Oct – 20 Oct 2019</span><br /> <span style="color: #949e17;"><strong>Duration:</strong> 16 days | <strong>Grading:</strong> Adventure touring (2)</span></p> <p><strong>Games you can catch post-trip:</strong> Our Japan Northern Explorer trip in September ends in Tokyo, in time for you to make the RWC opening ceremony, as well as some of the tournament's early rounds.</p> <p>For those touring in October, catch the Quarter Finals or the Bronze Final to top off your Japan holiday.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p> <div class="embed-responsive embed-responsive-16by9"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="embed-responsive-item" frameborder="0" height="420" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6rDiR4BCXsA" width="560"></iframe></div> <p> </p> <p><span style="color: #949e17;"><em><strong>Your Rugby World Cup adventure starts here, <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Japan" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">view more Japan trips</span></a> ></strong></em></span></p> 25429 must-do foodie experiences in Japanhttps://assets.worldexpeditions.com/Blog/PostId/2482/9-must-do-foodie-experiences-in-japanActivities,Adventure Travel,Cultural Journeys,Destinations,JapanThu, 29 Nov 2018 22:00:00 GMT<p><strong>Japan’s food scene is envied around the world. The capital Tokyo alone has a mind-boggling 234 Michelin-starred restaurants—and we mustn’t forget the amazing street food!</strong></p> <p>Japan's traditional cuisine can appear as sublime works of art, prepared with meticulous attention to detail and balanced with rich and delicate flavours made with quality and fresh ingredients. So, it comes as no surprise that Japan is a gastronome haven full of tantalising food adventures. Plus, there are plenty of opportunities to learn cooking secrets from masters so you can truly immerse yourself in Japanese culture, when you join us on an <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/japan" target="_blank">adventure in Japan</a>.</p> <p>Here are some not-to-be-missed culinary experiences.</p> <h2>1. Eat the fish you catch in Osaka</h2> <p>There’s nothing fresher than catching your own lunch and having it served up in deliciously different ways.</p> <p>Located in Osaka's popular sightseeing spot Shinsekai, Tsurikichi offers a noteworthy dining experience where you fish for your food.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Osaka-fishing-restaurant-1024x662-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Osaka-fishing-restaurant-1024x662-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p>The izakaya restaurant is fashioned like a galleon and port, fitted with canals and a large aquarium where fish, such as sea bream, red snapper, and horse mackerel, swim.</p> <p>Once you’re anchored in your seats, you're given a rod and bait and you can start putting your fishing skills to the test. Your catch of the day is then taken away and cooked to order.</p> <p>The restaurant also has a selection of other items on the menu, including kushikatsu, steaks and, of course, dessert.</p> <p>It’s a delight for foodies who are after some fun!</p> <h2>2. Dine like a monk</h2> <p>Looking for more than just a sightseeing experience? Get a taste of life as a monk during your visit to Mount Kōya, sacred to the Shingon Buddhists. After you’ve hiked through the serene Kōyasan forests, unwind during an Ajikan meditation session and try your hand at shakyo—the practice of copying Buddhist sutras.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Koyasan-Konpon-Daito-Pagoda_cr-Akuppa-John-Wigham-1024x683-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Koyasan-Konpon-Daito-Pagoda_cr-Akuppa-John-Wigham-1024x683-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Beautiful pagoda structures in Koyasan. Photo: Akuppa John Wigham / Flickr (CC)</span></p> <p>Taking your cultural experience to the next level of enlightenment, enjoy a specialty goma-dohu (sesame tofu) along with other shojin ryori dishes (these cuisines are vegetarian). And to tie it altogether, stay overnight at a temple lodge (shukubo) to get a real sense of a monk’s life. It’s an unforgettable way to experience a traditional side of Japan away from the tourist crowds.</p> <h2>3. Make your own sushi in Tokyo</h2> <p>Taking in the sights of Tokyo city sure builds up an appetite! Venture down Kappabashi Dōgugaib—an area frequented by Tokyo’s chefs and restaurant owners looking for specialised kitchenware—and head to Asakusa Chagohan for a sushi-making class.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Chagohan-Tokyo-1024x681-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Chagohan-Tokyo-1024x681-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p>During this class you'll be taken on a cultural journey in the art of making nigiri sushi and gunkan-maki sushi. Test your skills at making Japanese broth (dashi) and miso soup, as well as the trick to creating perfect sushi rice. Afterwards, enjoy your own creations with a complimentary sake aperitif or tea.</p> <p>Fun and educational, leave with skills to host your own sushi party at home!</p> <p style="padding-left: 60px;"><span style="color: #949e17;"><strong>Feeling inspired? Check out our <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/Japan/Culinary-Tours/Food-Lovers-Japan?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WE%20Blog&utm_content=Food_Lovers_Japan" rel="noopener" style="color: #949e17;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Food Lover's Japan Trip</span></a></strong></span></p> <h2>4. Taste the famous black eggs of Hakone</h2> <p>Take the Hakone Ropeway to the active volcanic valley of Owakudani where you are greeted by the breathtaking geology of steam vents, hot springs and rivers—you can even catch views of Mt Fuji on clear days.</p> <p>Unique to the Hakone area is the Japanese delicacy, kuro-tamago or ‘black eggs’, which darken to a soot black when cooked in the naturally sulfurous hot spring water. Since you’re in the area, you have to give the egg a try. Once you’ve had a bite, it’s believed to prolong one's life by five to seven years … at least according to local legend.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/1280px-Hakone_black_egg_cr-David-Monniaux-CC-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/1280px-Hakone_black_egg_cr-David-Monniaux-CC-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Photo: David Monniaux (CC)</span></p> <h2>5. Create sweets from your freshly farm-picked fruits</h2> <p>It'll feel like time has stopped in the peaceful, rural area of Tanabe in Wakayama. Head inland a few kilometres from the city centre to Kamiakizu Tanabe to the tourism green facility, Akizuno Garten. The two-story complex was formerly an elementary school and is now a hotel and farmer’s restaurant offering a buffet of local, country-style dishes made from regional products.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Japanese-orange-picking-1024x746-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Japanese-orange-picking-1024x746-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p>Go mikan (Japanese orange) or ume (Japanese apricot) picking in the stunning orchards and experience the local agriculture first hand. Using the farm’s local produce, take part in an aromatic, sweets-making workshop and indulge in your dessert creations afterwards. Yum!</p> <h2>6. Enjoy dinner prepared by a high-end chef in a traditional minshuku</h2> <p>Planning a hike in the majestic UNESCO World Heritage site, Kumano Kodo? Complement your countryside trek with a stay in a traditional minshuku, a Japanese style B&B.</p> <p>One special place to stay is at Minshuku Tsugizakura, a simple home turned into a guesthouse that’s located in a beautiful and tranquil forest near the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route. And just around the corner is the Nonaka-no-Shimizu spring, one of Japan’s 100 famous waters.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Kumano-ancient-road_japan-medium-1024x718-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Kumano-ancient-road_japan-medium-1024x718-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">The ancient cobble lined route on the Kumano Kodo</span></p> <p>The place is owned by professional chef, Mr. Yuba, who worked across the breadth of Japan before returning to his hometown in the mountains to open this family-run minshuku. So, it won’t come as a surprise that the traditional Japanese meals served here are exceptional. Mr. Yuba and his wife host a truly wonderful feast made from the best fresh local ingredients—a real treat after a day’s hike!</p> <h2>7. Join a soba noodle masterclass in Kyoto</h2> <p>Get a hands-on foodie experience when you learn the craft of soba noodle making at Kiyomizu Tei’s workshop using Japanese tools and methods. These thin traditional noodles of choice are made from buckwheat and are prepared in a wide variety of Japanese dishes, either served cold with a dipping sauce or in a hot broth as a noodle soup.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/soba-workshop-1024x495-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/soba-workshop-1024x495-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /></p> <p>Grinding buckwheat on a millstone, you will make sobe (known as 'sobauchi' in Japanese) with a chef demonstrating the right techniques to create authentic soba noodles. Once made, your soba is cooked and served for your enjoyment, paired with soba sauce and wasabi.</p> <h2>8. Take part in a tea ceremony</h2> <p>When you need a break from all the delicious Japanese food, it's time for some matcha—the ingredient is commonly used in a variety of sweets and drinks, including ice-cream, cheesecake and, of course, tea.</p> <p>Take part in an authentic matcha tea ceremony and sip the delicacy of these specially grown green tea leaves, which are grounded into a fine powder. When in Kyoto, this is a unique cultural activity to try in a beautiful serene setting.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Tea-Ceremony_v2-1024x768-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/Tea-Ceremony_v2-1024x768-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Photo: Janelle William</span></p> <h2>9. Go wine and sake tasting</h2> <p>A winery tour is the perfect break from city crowds, so why not travel to the countryside of Kyoto where you can get up close and personal with Japan’s rural agricultural life?</p> <p>At Tamba Wine House, a small winery located in Satoyama in Kyoto Tamaba Town, sample the earthy Japanese wine made from local grapes, and take a tour of the brewing site to learn more about the craft.</p> <p>Another worthy place to visit is Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum in Fushimi, the city in Kyoto renowned for its tasty sake. Learn all about the iconic Japanese rice wine and relish in the freshness of Gekkeikan’s sake tasting.</p> <h2>Experience it for yourself</h2> <p>From learning the intricacies of traditional Japanese culture to trekking the historic Kumano pilgrimage walk, our programs across <a href="https://worldexpeditions.com/japan" target="_blank">Japan</a> give you an insight into the history and art of Japanese cuisine within culturally rich regions—an experience that will truly satisfy your hunger for adventure.</p> <p><img alt="" class="responsiveImage" dynamiccroppedimage="1" largestloadedsize="950" src="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/japanese-dining-1024x662-200px.jpg" variablesrc="/Portals/World Expeditions/LiveBlog/WP-Images/japanese-dining-1024x662-###width###px.jpg" width="1024" /><span class="blogImageCaption">Photo: Janelle William</span></p> <p><em><strong>What’s your favourite Japanese food? Let us know in the comments below.</strong></em></p> 2482