KYOTO, JAPAN
Exploring the Noble Flavors and Aesthetics of Japan with local makers
November 6 - 12, 2024
Join us for a first-hand look inside the historically rich city of Kyoto where we will explore the noble flavours and aesthetics of Japan. We will meet and learn with local specialists, artisans and makers. We learn about the culture and aesthetics of green tea and ikebana. We will test your senses with the finest incense in the world, try your hand at making wagashi, examine centuries old temples + gardens. You will enjoy various culinary experiences from the very traditional, including dashi and shojin ryori vegetarian Temple cuisine, to more contemporary culinary treatments of Japanese ingredients. Early November is a wonderful time of year to visit Kyoto. The autumn leaves are starting to turn red and gold, and the days are typically sunny and warm.
This intimate behind-the-scenes experience will be curated and lead by Prairie Stuart-Wolff. Prairie is a writer and photographer, who will bring you on a journey of epicurean ideals from the heart of Japan.
Trip Itinerary, Details + Important Trip Notes below.
DATES
NOVEMBER 6 - 12, 2024 ∙ 7 Days, 6 Nights
ALL PLACES ARE CURRENTLY FILLED, PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST FOR PRIORITY NOTIFICATION OF OPENINGS
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Guided workshops and experiences by Prairie Stuart-Wolff
Learn about organic green tea, with a master-guided tasting and educational seminar
Learn about traditional Japanese incense + make your own
Visit historic properties + gardens
Dashi focused culinary lecture + demonstration
Visit to the Imperial Villa
Learn about the traditional crafts of Ikebana + Sashiko, with hands-on workshops
Prairie Stuart-Wolff
Prairie is a writer, photographer, and the founder of Mirukashi Salon where she hosts guests for a multi-day immersive culinary experience in the heart Japan’s Kyushu countryside. Whether in person, or in words and images, Prairie’s mission is to celebrate Japan’s culinary culture and connect people to the natural environment from which its finest flavors originate. From her work with Kodaiji Wakuden, one of Kyoto’s most highly regarded traditional kaiseki restaurants, Prairie has become acquainted with the highly refined historical and contemporary expressions of taste and aesthetics in Kyoto. You can learn more about Prairie at mirukashi.life
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Kyoto! Famous for its numerous classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses.
Make your way to our hotel in central Kyoto, located a short taxi or train ride from Kyoto’s main train station. Settle into your room, we’ll meet early evening for a casual welcome dinner with Prairie.
Day 2
This morning is all about dashi. Dashi is an incredibly simple broth, and it forms one of the culinary foundations of Japanese cooking. It’s made with just three ingredients: water, kombu (dried kelp), and bonito fish flakes. Our hosts are fourth-generation owners striving to educate and encourage younger audiences to use high quality ingredients in their cooking. They will guide us through an educational lecture, tasting and cooking demonstration.
After lunch we visit the traditional ryokan home of our Ikebana teacher. Our teacher has been studying Sogetsu style ikebana since 2008 and after receiving the First Rank Somu grade in 2019 she has been teaching classic and freestyle Ikebana. You’ll learn about the history and basic principals of Ikebana through a lecture and demonstration.
Dinner this evening is a family style course meal prepared as Oden, featuring miso.
Day 3
Our day begins with a focus on traditional incense making. The burning of incense in Japan began during the 6th century (the Asuka period) with the introduction of Buddhism and was then refined into an art form. We will visit Shoyeido, where after nearly three hundred years, the Hata family continues the legacy of their innovative ancestors, offering a wide variety of unique, hand-blended incense. We will tour the small production facility where they make incense by hand.
This afternoon we visit a local artisan atelier where you will learn more about incense and then try making some for yourself in a hands-on workshop. You’ll be able to experiment with fragrances such as daphne, sakura, yuzu citrus, and hinoki cypress.
Dinner this evening is a special restaurant in the historic Higashiyama neighbourhood, where we’ll enjoy an elegant family style meal. The restaurant founder is considered by many the doyenne of Kyoto cooking, the experimentation extends from the kitchen to the dining room, where there’s only one table and we will all share plates. This meal is set to intrigue the senses!
Day 4
Late morning we will visit the mesmerizing Tenryuji temple for a very special lunch of a shojin-ryori (Zen vegetarian cuisine) on the temple grounds.
After lunch, we visit a local workshop for a wagashi sweets making experience. Followed by a visit to a beautiful property called Okochi Sanso Villa and Garden. The grounds of the villa feature multiple buildings, including a Japanese-style home, tea houses, and shrines, amidst carefully maintained Japanese gardens.
Returning to central Kyoto, we will visit a ceramics display before you have some free time as this evening is free for you to relax and explore on your own or with others from the group.
Day 5
The morning is open for you to explore on your own or with others from the group. You will have time to wander the canals and back lanes, admire the traditional architecture and navigate the frenzy of the food markets. We will provide guests with a curated shopping map of our favourite stores to check out.
Later this afternoon we visit the stunning Imperial Villa. Katsura Imperial Villa (Katsura Rikyu) is a cherished cultural treasure. The villa’s elegant buildings are among the finest examples of the Sukiya Style of the Edo Period (1603 to 1868).
Dinner this evening is Kaseiki of local flavours. Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal, it generally consists of a sequence of light dishes with three key elements: seasonal ingredients, simple seasoning, and careful presentation.
Day 6
Our first outing takes us to the Nichinichi gallery, regarded as one of the finest galleries for contemporary applied and decorative art in Japan. The gallery also houses Toka tearoom. We’ll enjoy a seminar on the history, culture and aesthetics of Japanese green tea including an extensive tasting of organic green teas and peruse the fine crafts in the gallery.
After lunch we venture to the Higashiyama neighbourhood where we’ll settle in for a hands-on Sashiko workshop. Sashiko is a type of traditional Japanese embroidery or stitching used for the decorative and/or functional reinforcement of cloth and clothing, often seen as white thread patterns on indigo dyed cloth. Working with a local Sashiko artisan you’ll learn about the Japanese craft of stitching and be provided with all of the materials you need to get started on your own project.
Tonight we visit the traditional neighborhood of Gion for a special Tempura dinner. Gion is filled with a high concentration of traditional wooden machiya merchant houses.
Day 7
Departure Day
Breakfast at the hotel. This morning we pack our bags and say our farewells. Thank you for joining us on this incredible and often unexpected journey to the heart of Kyoto.
さようなら !
Nota Bene: this is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group.
WHERE WE’RE STAYING
Our boutique hotel is located in the heart of Kyoto, steps from Nishiki Market and a short walk to Nijō Castle, shops and restaurants.
ROOMING OPTIONS
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the booking page
Group Size: Minimum 7 guests + Maximum 9 guests. All Prices are in USD.
ALL PLACES ARE CURRENTLY FILLED, PLEASE REGISTER FOR THE WAITLIST FOR PRIORITY NOTIFICATION OF OPENINGS
Important Trip Notes + Details
CULINARY NOTES + RESTRICTIONS
Unfortunately we are unable to handle specific dietary requirements, allergies or intolerances on this trip.
As a culinary focused tour, the meals are a main aspect of the week and the more adventurous you are, the tastier this trip will be for you. Seafood dishes will feature prominently during this Ace Camp and we recommend you enjoy all kinds of fish, shellfish + seafood in particular. While we won’t be challenging you with the strangest aspects of the food culture, even day-to-day eating in Japan can taste quite different to someone unfamiliar with the cuisine.
ACCESSIBILITY
Please note this Ace Camp includes considerable walking tours, you may be on your feet for several of hours at a time. You may be sitting on the ground during certain meals and workshops. You may be walking 2-8 kms a day (mostly flat with the occasional hill) or standing for long periods.
THIS ACE CAMP INCLUDES
Six nights accommodations in Kyoto; exclusive culinary + cultural experiences led by Prairie Stuart-Wolff; entrance fees to all included activities in the itinerary; six breakfasts, four lunches and five dinners.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International roundtrip airfare, visa fees or any necessary fees into and out of the country required by local governments and personal Travel Insurance are not included in the trip price. Alcoholic drinks during included meals, activities and meals not included in the trip itinerary, hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service, hotel bar tabs, food and beverages not included in itinerary and expenses during free time are not included in the trip price.
Please note, Ace Camps Travel, LLC. requires all travelers have travel insurance that includes trip cancellation/disruption, medical insurance and medical evacuation before departure. You are responsible for acquiring your travel insurance. There are many vendors to choose from, such as World Nomads.
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?
This trip is for the calm, open minded traveler who is eager to experiment with their taste buds. You should be interested in learning about the local community of artisans, fascinated by ancient rituals and curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Ace Camps Travel will email you when it is time to make your travel arrangements. This email will be sent 90 days or more before your trip departs unless you book within 90 prior to the camp.
We will also be sending you an Ace Camps Travel preparation document prior to your trip. It will include a detailed itinerary, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information and more.
WEATHER
November is a great time of year to visit Kyoto. Days are mostly sunny and crisp. Temperatures range from 58°F to 78°F, which means you should pack layered clothes for your stay and a light jacket + umbrella to prepare for the odd shower.
HEALTH + SAFETY DISCLAIMER - including COVID
Please read our Health and Safety procedures in our FAQ’s.
While we strive to deliver all aspects of the included itinerary and specific accommodation, due to challenges some vendors may be facing, certain aspects of your Ace Camps Travel trip may be changed according to the situation beyond our control. In the small chance this does occur, we will work to offer comparable accommodations and/or activities when possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Individuals will be responsible for ensuring they are able to travel to the destination selected. Countries have various Covid-19 related entry requirements including but not limited to: providing proof you are fully vaccinated, taking a test before entry and after entry etc. You should be prepared to meet all necessary entry requirements. This may also include wearing masks in all public settings.
Ace Camps Travel, LLC. will not be responsible for refunding any lost trip funds if you have to miss your scheduled trip as you cannot meet the requirements determined by Ace Camps Travel, LLC. and the country you are visiting.
ACE CAMPS TOUR MANAGER
An Ace Camps Travel Tour Manager is a part of your group and is there to look out for your safety, to help resolve issues, and to make sure you get what you want from your trip. Your Tour Manager is not a local guide but will work with all local vendors and partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration.
WHERE DOES THIS TRIP START + FINISH?
This trip starts and ends in Kyoto, Japan.
There are two main airports with access to Kyoto:
Osaka International Airport (Itami; ITM): The closest airport to Kyoto – 50 minutes by convenient airport limousine bus. Serves mostly domestic flights.
Kansai International Airport (KIX): The main international access point to Kyoto – about 90 minutes from Kyoto by express train.
Another great option is to fly into Tokyo (Narita or Haneda) and take the Shinkansen train directly to Kyoto Station.
BOOKING TERMS + CANCELLATION POLICY
You may cancel on or before July 8, 2024 and receive a full refund minus a $1,000 USD per-person admin fee. If you cancel on or after July 9, 2024 there is a 100% cancellation fee and all funds paid are non-refundable.
Once a trip has a confirmed number of guests, deposit invoices are sent and due to be paid within 48 hours.
Please ensure you read through our full Terms and Conditions which includes our cancellation policies.
QUESTIONS + FAQ’S
If you have any further questions about this Ace Camp please feel free to contact us.
You can also read more FAQ’s here.
Nota Bene: this is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, new opportunities and the desires of the group.