Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Breakfast

On tour, morning meals are nearly always in our accommodation. In traditional inns, a Japanese breakfast is the norm and usually consists of all the following; grilled fish, vegetables, miso soup, tofu, an egg dish, salad, rice, fruit and green tea plus one or more other tasty morsels. Occasionally in traditional inns and nearly always in hotels, western-style breakfasts are available. This usually consists of some or all the following; bacon, sausages, salad, bread, jam, cereals, soup and yoghurt. Coffee and English-style tea is usually available in both traditional and hotel accommodation.

Breakfast is invariably included in your tour.

Lunch

Lunch is either in restaurants or with food bought to eat as a picnic at a interesting spot en route.

Lunch is sometimes included in your tour. Please see your tour itinerary for details and expect to pay between JPY700 to JPY1,500 per person for lunches not provided.

Dinner

Dinner on tour is invariably included in your tour and Japanese cuisine. These meals comprise of many dishes and usually include raw and cooked fish, meat, vegetables, tofu, miso soup, salad, pickles and rice plus many other mouthwatering dishes.

Specific Dietary Needs

In Japan, specific dietary requirements such as vegetarianism, kosher food, and a number of food related allergies and problems, such as coeliac disease, are not widely understood nor catered for. Consequently, we cannot guarantee to provide vegetarian, vegan, kosher, or other specific meals. However, we endeavour to cater wherever possible to individual requirements and most of our accommodation is usually able to provide one or two alternative dishes. Please let us know in advance if you have any special dietary needs.

Contrary to some commonly held ideas about Japan, the concept of vegetarianism does not really exist in the country outside of Buddhist temples. However, Japanese meals are usually made up of a large variety of dishes and many of these are suitable for vegetarians.

Soy sauce, which in Japan always includes wheat, is an ingredient common to many dishes in Japan. Consequently, there may be a limit to how many dishes can be altered for those who require a gluten-free diet.

If you have specific dietary needs we suggest you also bring other food items to help supplement your meals.

While travelling during the day it is not usually necessary to carry more than water, a snack and personal effects. Shops, vending machines, and kiosks, which are found in most places we visit, provide for many immediate needs including drinks, snacks, cosmetics and clothing.

Tap water is nearly always drinkable; your Tour Leader will advise.