Gourmet Tours - Culinary Heritage Of Kobe And Kyoto

OVERVIEW

Dine on dishes that are synonymous with Kobe’s cuisine and visit landmarks in Kyoto that are just as representative of its culture. Those architectural highlights include the 17th-century Nijo Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage site – and Sanjusangen-do, a temple renowned for its 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy in Japanese Buddhism. Although you will also stroll through the exquisite gardens at Tenryu-ji Temple, the meal may be the most memorable part of this experience. It will begin with classic appetizers such as miso soup and pickled vegetables that are wonderfully refreshing. The options for the main course include a rice bowl with Kobe beef, a legendary type of wagyu beef known for its buttery texture, extraordinary tenderness and rich flavor. As an alternative, you could choose the local octopus dumpling specialty of akashiyaki or sobameshi, a simple yet creative stir-fried dish that originated in Kobe after World War II.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Savor a multi-course lunch with a choice of three entrées, one of them featuring Kobe beef.
• Gain an understanding of Kobe’s outstanding cuisine and how it evolved over time.
• Explore Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once the home of a powerful clan.
• Visit a Buddhist temple and stroll through the serene gardens of another temple.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.