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: Fukuoka, Kyoto, and Tokyo.
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, and Tokyo, exploring Japan’s finest restaurants that source tuna from Yamayuki.
Whether 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
Sushi Sakai 鮨 さかい
Sushi Saito 鮨 さいとう
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.
Sushi Arai 鮨 あらい
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.
Sushi Nanba 鮨 なんば
Sushi Nanba by Chef Hidefumi Nanba holds a special place in my heart. Back in September 2017, while he was still in Asagaya, it was the highlight of my very first Best of Tokyo food tour. Tucked away in the suburbs, it felt like a true hidden gem—an intimate, unassuming spot where Nanba’s precision and philosophy shone through every bite.
His relocation to Hibiya, however, has propelled him from a cult favorite to a sushi icon. Now in a more central setting, he has access to even higher-quality ingredients while maintaining the obsessive attention to detail that defines his sushi.
Unlike most sushi chefs, Nanba treats temperature as a fundamental flavor component, carefully adjusting the heat of each topping and rice base to achieve perfect harmony. His omakase, a meticulously curated sequence of seasonal seafood and artfully crafted nigiri, is a testament to his mastery and unique approach to sushi craftsmanship.
The intimate eight-seat cypress counter invites guests into his world of precision. The menu even lists the exact temperatures of each piece—a glimpse into the science behind his art.
With a growing global reputation and a deep commitment to training the next generation of sushi chefs, Nanba continues to redefine sushi excellence, making Sushi Nanba one of Tokyo’s most distinctive and unforgettable dining experiences.
sushi Hakkoku はっこく
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
maeda 前田
Maeda is an intimate kappo-style restaurant located in Kyoto’s historic Gion district. It offers an exceptional kaiseki dining experience. The 10-seat counter allows guests to observe Chef Yujiro Maeda’s meticulous dish preparation.
Chef Maeda, formerly the head chef at Sakuragawa in Kiyamachi, seamlessly blends traditional Kyoto cuisine with innovative twists. He presents heritage dishes like “shime saba sushi” with unique ingredient pairings. His dedication to his craft has earned the restaurant three Michelin stars, reflecting his commitment to excellence.
Chef Maeda maintains a low media profile despite the accolades, focusing on delivering an exceptional dining experience highlighting the subtle flavors and seasonal ingredients of Kyoto’s rich culinary tradition.
In the 2024 edition of the Michelin Guide, Maeda returned its stars at the chef’s request, yet the culinary excellence remains unchanged. The restaurant is highly regarded among local food enthusiasts for its authentic and innovative approach to Kyoto cuisine.
Niku no Takumi Miyoshi にくの匠 三芳
Chef Tsutomu Ito of Miyoshi is a true artisan of wagyu cuisine, elevating beef to an unforgettable dining experience where kaiseki refinement are blended with Ito’s obsessive pursuit of the finest ingredients.
Every dish in his elaborate course menu incorporates beef, prepared with minimalist and complex techniques to highlight each cut’s best qualities. His signature dishes, like kombu-pressed ox tongue and delicately slow-cooked steak, showcase his meticulous approach.
Ito’s culinary journey was unconventional—once a bartender and izakaya worker, he became a self-taught beef specialist after an eye-opening experience with premium wagyu. His commitment to excellence is reflected in his deep relationships with top-tier suppliers, securing the highest-grade Kobe and Omi beef.
Rather than expanding, he focuses on perfecting his craft, ensuring each guest enjoys the best possible ingredients. With a steady stream of international diners, Ito takes pride in sharing his passion with the world, offering a dining experience that is both deeply personal and undeniably world-class.
grand hyatt, fukuoka
The Grand Hyatt Fukuoka is a luxury hotel in the heart of Canal City Hakata, blending elegant design with warm Japanese hospitality.
Featuring spacious rooms, fine dining, a fitness center, and direct access to shopping and entertainment, it’s an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers in Fukuoka.
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
Fukuoka Grand Hyatt Hotel:
Check-in: Nov 14, 2025
Check out: Nov 15, 2025
Ritz Carlton Hotek, Kyoto:
Check-in: Nov 15, 2025
Check out: Nov 16, 2025
Toranomon Edition Hotel, Tokyo:
Check-in: Nov 16, 2025
Check out: Nov 21, 2025
First meal: Lunch at 13:30 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:
Intercity – Shinkansen (Green Car)
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.
