Discover the distinctive cuisine of Japan this June on a fascinating food tour with EPIcURIOUS travel, led by highly awarded chef and Provenance Restaurant owner Michael Ryan.

Over the course of 13 days, Michael shares his intimate knowledge of Japanese cuisine, visiting Michelin starred restaurants, meeting with respected chefs, food authors and sake professionals. Explore the culinary and cultural highlights of Tokyo and Kyoto, taste local delicacies from the markets and food halls and dine at some of the best restaurants in the country, personally selected by Michael.

Stay in luxurious accommodation in some of Japan's most salubrious hotels and stylish Onsen, including the Ritz Carlton, the Park Hyatt and the elegant Beniya Mukayu.

This lavish culinary adventure with one of Australia's renowned chefs is a journey true epicureans will not want to miss.

Highlights Include:
• Tasting various Japanese cuisines and styles, from sushi and tempura to specialties such as tonkatsu, kaiseki, kushiaki, yakiniku, horumon and makgoli, as well as accompanying sake and tea tastings.
• Enjoy a fascinating private cooking and sake matching lesson with Melinda Joe, local food and sake journalist, blogger and certified wine and sake professional, and Hiroko Sasaki, chef and respected food writer.
• Stroll the Philosophers Walk in Kyoto
• Explore Kyoto's Nishiki produce market and Kanazawa's Omi – Cho with its incredible fish market
• Discover the unique beauty of Miyajima Island and its shrines
• Wander through the Hiroshima Memorial Peace Park
• Experience the ultimate in Japanese luxury with stays in some of the country's most exclusive hotels and Onsen spas

Departure date: Friday 12 June 2015
Trip Length: 13 days/12 nights
Start/Finish: Tokyo
Cost: $AUD14,290
Tour group size: 10 pax

“Despite having lived in Japan for two years, the trip was a fantastic cultural experience that exceeded my expectations. Michael Ryan was a warm and engaging host; he was very generous in sharing his deep knowledge of and passion for Japan. We were privileged to meet his network of local food and sake experts, who showcased the best of modern and traditional Japan. Overall, the trip was great value!” ~ Testimonial from guest Steven Jones

Notes to Editors:

About Michael Ryan
Michael Ryan is one of regional Australia's most respected chefs. With partner Jeanette Henderson, he is the owner of Provenance Restaurant in Beechworth, northeast Victoria. 

Provenance, in its first year of operation, picked up a chef's hat in The Age Good Food Guide and was awarded Best New Country Restaurant in the same publication. The restaurant then received two hats the following year, and in 2013 Provenance won Best Regional Restaurant, with Michael Ryan named Chef of the Year 2013. 

At Provenance, Michael has expanded his culinary style by exploring textures and investigating different techniques of food preparation. While continuing to balance the aspects of the culinary traditions in which he has worked, Michael has also proceeded to incorporate more Asian influences in his food – always remaining respectful of the cuisines from which they are drawn. In particular, regular trips to Japan have proved a constant source of new inspiration. Aside from maintaining the integrity of his food, Michael states that his aim is to avoid stagnation, and to keep moving forward through experimentation.

About EPIcURIOUS travel
EPIcURIOUS travel is a small, owner-operated company providing highly personalised service, attention to detail and the genuine desire to fulfil their client's travel dreams. We offer a selective range of intimate journeys in handpicked destinations around the world. Designed to reveal the true spirit of a region, our journeys explore local cuisine, culture and landscapes, providing travel experiences that are immersive, inspiring and deeply rewarding.

Our group journeys run with a maximum of 12 participants, many of our iconic walks run with between only 8 – 10 people. The hotels and restaurants we select are chosen for their boutique size and highly personalised style and service.

Great food and wine is one of our most important hallmarks. It is our passion and we see no need to compromise on this fundamental element in experiential travel – even in the remotest of locations. It is not only vital in making the difference between a good holiday and a sensational one, we believe it is an integral element of the cultural landscape of a place and is essential to having an authentic experience – not a homogenous one.

“At EPIcURIOUS travel, we are passionate about creating a travel experience for our clients that is enriching, memorable, rejuvenating and, of course, lots of fun. It is the fulfilment of these measures of client satisfaction that makes our work so rewarding.” ~ Jennifer Wilkinson, Owner/Director EPIcURIOUS travel

~ Find out more at:
http://www.epicurioustravel.com.au/journey/a-culinary-journey-to-japan-with-michael-ryan 

~ For further information and high res images, contact Linda at info@epicurioustravel.com.au or call (03) 9486 5409.