The Hungry Tourist is delighted to invite you to take part in the:
THE GRAND YAMAYUKI MAGURO TRAIL
November 14 – 21, 2025
At A Glance
Why: We celebrate 10 years of food touring and 8 years of friendship with the King of Tuna.
Regions and cities explored: Toyama, Kyoto, Tokyo, and maybe Kanazawa.
Length: 8 days
Date: November 14th to 21st, 2025
Availability: Limited to 9 friends
My dream..
For The Hungry Tourist’s 10th anniversary, we dream of creating “The Grand Yamayuki Trail,” an extraordinary culinary journey in collaboration with Mr. Yamaguchi, the esteemed head of the Yamayuki Tuna Trading Company. This exclusive tour will take participants through Fukuoka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and Kanazawa, exploring Japan’s finest restaurants that source tuna from Yamayuki.
Whether it’s sushi or Kaiseki, guests will indulge in unparalleled dining experiences, where Yamayuki’s legendary tuna takes center stage. This unique opportunity will offer a deeper understanding of Japan’s culinary excellence, highlighting the craftsmanship of chefs who work with the highest quality bluefin tuna in the world.
Yamayuki and Yamaguchi san
The Game Plan
Still at work.
saito
Sushi Saito is a revered Tokyo sushi restaurant, known for its impeccable attention to detail and mastery of Edomae-style sushi.
Led by Takashi Saito, a Michelin-starred chef, the restaurant offers a highly personalized and intimate dining experience. With only a few seats, Sushi Saito prioritizes the freshness of ingredients, precise technique, and perfect timing.
Every bite reflects Chef Saito’s dedication to balance, texture, and flavor, making it a top destination for sushi enthusiasts worldwide. Reservations are incredibly difficult to secure, adding to its allure as one of the finest sushi establishments in Japan.
arai
Sushi Arai, located in Tokyo’s Ginza district, is a highly esteemed sushi restaurant known for its exceptional Edomae-style sushi. Chef Arai, who trained under the legendary Takashi Saito, brings both precision and creativity to his omakase experience.
Arai-san is known for his deep knowledge of seasonal ingredients and his commitment to maintaining a perfect balance between the fish and rice. His technique, blending tradition with subtle innovation, ensures each piece is perfectly crafted.
Sushi Arai’s intimate setting and personalized service make it a favorite among sushi connoisseurs, securing its reputation as one of Tokyo’s top sushi destinations.
harutaka
Ginza Harutaka, the only 3-Michelin-starred sushi restaurant in the world, is an exceptional dining destination in Tokyo. Led by Chef Harutaka Takahashi, a former apprentice of the legendary Jiro Ono, the restaurant is renowned for its impeccable craftsmanship and dedication to traditional Edomae-style sushi.
With a focus on the highest quality seasonal ingredients and meticulous attention to detail, each piece of sushi is a work of art, balancing flavor, texture, and presentation.
The intimate atmosphere and Chef Harutaka’s expertise create an unforgettable omakase experience, making Ginza Harutaka a pinnacle of sushi excellence globally.
hakkoku
Sushi Hakkoku, located in Tokyo, is an exceptional sushi restaurant helmed by renowned chef Hiroyuki Sato.
Known for his precision and passion, Chef Sato specializes in serving meticulously crafted nigiri, focusing on rice as the heart of his sushi. Sushi Hakkoku offers a minimalist yet elegant dining experience, with a strong emphasis on balancing flavors and textures, particularly the interplay between rice and fish.
With only a few seats, guests enjoy an intimate, personalized omakase experience, showcasing Chef Sato’s mastery of Edomae-style sushi. The restaurant is highly sought after, celebrated for its attention to detail and innovative techniques.
But sushi is not all
We will also enjy
Kaiseki
The haute cuisine of Japan. A structured, but ever changing with the seasons, tasting meal of 6 to 15 courses.
The chef/master demonstrates the skills he developed for many years in all cooking methods (steaming, frying, grilling etc.) always using seasonal ingredients at the peak of their freshness, and plating his creations in beautiful tableware to highlight the natural beauty of ingredients and their true flavor.
| Kaiseki/Kappo restaurants past tours have visited: | ||
| Higuchi | Ishikawa | Guchokuni |
| Miyasaka | Ogata | Tomura |
| Yamagishi | Tempura Matsu | Kyoaji |
Tempura
Tempura will never be the same after you experience the art of one of these best masters in the world.
The great Tempura masters who we shall visit use the best ingredients the season offers from the land and sea (some even fry beef) with endless creativity and skills developed over many years to produce a feast to all senses.
| Tempura masters past tours have visited: | ||
| Kondo | Motoyoshi | Takiya |
Wagyu
Enjoy Japanese Beef (Wagyu) at the highest level possible.
Yakiniku (Grilled meat in Japanese) was Inspired by Korean BBQ restaurants that opened after WW II, and like most adopted cuisines developed over the years to a form of art.
Today, Yakiniku is the most popular way enjoy beef in Japan, when thin slices and small cuts of different parts of beef are grilled on a griddle over charcoal or gas by the guests themselves.
At the very high end of Yakiniku establishments which we will visit, the quality of Wagyu cuts are second to none, and the Master himself will do the grilling right before our eyes.
| Yakiniku/Wagyu Kaiseki/Steakhouses past tours have visited: | ||
| Miyoshi | Nikuya Tanaka | Yoroniku |
| Shima | Yakiniku Jumbu | Vesta |
| Nakahara | WagyuMafia | |
French, Chinese & Modern Japanese
“I wish that Paris had restaurants like Sezanne!”
Making the best of supreme Japanese seasonal ingredients, British chef Daniel Calvert, who arrived from Hong Kong three short years ago, elevated Sezanne to be recognized as the Best Restaurant in Asia by The Would 50 Best Restaurant.
Sezannewas was also awarded two Michelin stars at that time, and we believe that the third is very much on the way.
The creative and ever-changing menu, impeccable service, and total deliciousness made Sezanne a permanent stop on our tours.
| Japanese, French, Chinese, Spanish, Peruvian, and Other Top Restaurants past tours have visited: | ||
| Aca | Sezanne | Sazenka |
| Maz | L’Effervesance | L’equateur |
| Fureika | Den | Florilege |
Yakitori
Yakitori in Tokyo is a beloved culinary experience. It offers skewered and grilled chicken delicacies at casual izakayas and high-end restaurants alike. Each skewer is carefully prepared, featuring various cuts like tender thigh, crispy skin, or flavorful heart.
| Yakitori restaurants past tours have visited: | ||
| Makitori Shinkobe | Torishiki | Eiki |
| Torikado | Shinohara | |
Ramen, Unagi and more..
The Hungry Tourist’s exploration of Tokyo takes guests on a culinary journey through the best ramen shops, offering rich broths and handmade noodles, savory grilled unagi served over rice, comforting kare raisu (Japanese curry), and vibrant izakayas. Each stop showcases the depth of Japanese flavors in these beloved local dishes.
Toyosu Fish Market with Yamayuki
The Hungry Tourist’s privileged Toyosu Market tour offers exclusive access to the restricted areas, where guests witness the inner workings of Tokyo’s iconic seafood market. Our guests explore the tuna trade, meet local vendors, and learn about Japan’s world-renowned fish trade, gaining unique insights unavailable to the public.
ritz carlton hotel, Kyoto
Perched amidst Kyoto’s cultural tapestry, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel beckons with timeless elegance and Japanese grace. Overlooking serene gardens and ancient temples, this sanctuary offers a harmonious blend of luxury and tradition.
Immerse yourself in Kyoto’s rich heritage, where every stay at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto promises a journey of tranquility and unparalleled beauty.
The Tokyo Edition
The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon embraces both the authentic history of the ancient city along with the modern skyscrapers that have recently revitalized the city’s skyline.
Designed by Kengo Kuma with the vision of Ian Schrager, all 206 guest rooms at The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon offer a breathtaking glimpse of the Tokyo skyline including views of Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Bay. The hotel is steps away from Tokyo’s best neighborhoods and attractions.
The Essentials
First meal: Dinner on Friday, Nov 14, 2025
Last meal: brunch on Friday, Nov 21, 2025
Full timetable of meals and activities will be emailed to participants before ahead of the tour.
A Note on Set Menus
The menus offered during the tour are selected by The Hungry Tourist with the help of our local partners. We believe they represent the best culinary fare that Tokyo and Kyoto have to offer. Guests may order outside of these menus at their own expense.
Transportation:
Tokyo has a wonderful and efficient subway system that we take advantage of for the majority of our stay in the city; taxis may be used later in the evening.
Tour Fees
Per person, shared room: USD 11750
Single occupancy supplement: USD 2850
Price includes all food, beverages, taxes, service charges, intercity transportation, and 7 nights of accommodation.
Price does not include airfare to and from Japan, transportation in cities or any travel or medical insurance.
Extra nights before or after the tour can be booked in advance at a special rate upon request.
Payment
A non-refundable deposit of US$2,000 per person will be charged upon reservation.
The balance must be paid no later than 60 days prior to the first day of the tour.
Payments are preferred by bank transfer. Payments with Credit Cards will incur a 4% supplement.
Cancellation Policy and Penalties
If cancellation is received up to 30 days before the first day of the tour, the deposit will be forfeited.
If cancellation is received up to 10 days before the first day of the tour, a penalty fee of 50% of the remaining balance will be charged. If a cancellation notice is received within 10 days of the first day of the tour or the guest is a no-show, the entirety of the remaining balance will be charged.
Apply to Join The Tour
Testimonials
Where do I start…
Our amazing group, the food, the city, the one and only Dudi..and his partner in crime, Tomoko, our special local Tokyo guest – this is the ONLY way to explore Tokyo… with food-driven friends and a personable, energetic, and organized tour guide. Dudi has Tokyo locked down with the best restaurants and hidden gems (not known to the public) the city has to offer! I was ready to see what Japan had to offer and I trust Dudi to lead the way. You start the trip with individuals from around the world and by the end, you are a close group of friends not wanting to leave Japan.
I’m fortunate to make friends living in every corner of the globe whom we were able to share our experiences with and an opportunity to enhance our palates in a humbling way. Dudi and Tomoko – Thank you for your dedication to what you do and for organizing everything flawlessly. We cannot wait to see you again on our next food endeavor!
Margarita and Kevin
#1: The people.
I have had the pleasure of getting to know a wonderful group of like-minded people with one purpose for this trip, which is exploring the finest of Tokyo and raising the bar for their pallets.
#2: the learning curve.
Before coming to this trip I thought of myself as a pretty knowledgeable person when it came to food, turns out I was wrong. This humbling experience gave me access to well-seasoned chefs that broaden your palettes with exquisite knowledge, there is always more to learn!
#3: I saved the best for last, David, AKA “Dudi”
The man, the myth, the legend. This man has dedicated himself to exploring, experiencing, and last but not least TASTE. He will go above and beyond to make sure your trip is unforgettable and other than his mastery and connections at getting you seats at places you wouldn’t dream of going to, he’s a pretty cool guy to hang around with.
If you haven’t done this yet with him, you are missing out
If you like the idea of treating your senses to the best the world has to offer follow your instincts and allow David and the team to take you there. They will skillfully lead you to unforgettable experiences you just hope to have the time to fully appreciate, there is so much to take in.
From the get-go David introduced us to local chefs that excel at what they do like only the Japanese know-how. The intimacy and attention to detail is second to none. The aesthetic experience is guaranteed. You will come across true masters in their field who will do nothing short of reshaping your world into a more beautiful place forever.
Just as enjoyable is getting to know the rest of the Hungry Tourist, all of which you would gladly meet again.
If you care for memories you don’t wish to forget, welcome David into your life, you will be very happy you made the time for it.
