From the quiet precision of hands-on baking sessions in Tokyo to the poetic rhythms of daily life in Kyoto, this eight-night luxury retreat invites you into the heart of Japan’s culinary soul. Guided by acclaimed Japanese bakers and artisans, you’ll explore centuries-old markets and temple-lined streets, savor refined afternoon tea and intimate omakase dining, and immerse yourself in time-honored traditions—from the delicate art of wagashi making and the ritual of bento preparation to the craftsmanship of Japanese knife making. Each experience is thoughtfully designed to reveal the beauty, discipline, and intention behind Japan’s baking and food culture.

Accommodations are provided at five-star properties including Shangri-La Tokyo and The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, with an optional countryside onsen extension for guests seeking deeper relaxation.

This retreat is limited to 16 bakers per retreat and is designed for those who value baking, culture, connection, and thoughtful travel.

Each registered baking participant will receive a one-year subscription to Bake from Scratch. If you’re already a subscriber, you may extend your subscription or gift it to someone who loves baking.

Meet our team and your fellow bakers for a refined afternoon tea salon experience. The evening is free so you can rest and begin exploring Tokyo on your own. 

We’ll divide into two groups for the day’s experiences. One group will enjoy a hands-on baking session with Sawaka of Fait Beau, where you’ll learn how to prepare shokupan (Japanese milk bread), cotton cheesecake, and a rolled sponge cake. The other group will explore Kappabashi Dougugai (known as Kitchen Street) on a guided shopping experience, meet local makers, enjoy a group lunch, and visit Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. In the evening, the group will gather for an intimate omakase dining experience.

Groups will switch to enjoy the activity they did not participate in the day before.

Travel by bullet train to Kyoto and check in to The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu. In the afternoon, we will split into two groups. One group will enjoy a bento-making class, where you’ll learn how to master dashi, the flavorful foundation of so many Japanese recipes, chicken teriyaki, sushi, tempura, and dashimaki tomago, a savory rolled egg. The other group will experience a traditional kimono tea ceremony in Gion.

We’ll divide into two groups for the day’s culinary and cultural activities. One group will enjoy a guided tour of Nishiki Market followed by a traditional kimono tea ceremony in Gion. The other group will learn the art of traditional knife making and then spend the afternoon in a wagashi (Japanese confections) class. 

Groups will switch activities, with everyone experiencing knife making, the Nishiki Market tour, and bento and wagashi classes over the course of their time in Kyoto.

Groups will rotate once more, enjoying wagashi making, guided visits to historic mochi shops Kazariya and Ichimonjiya Wasuke, and the kimono tea ceremony. In the evening, we’ll have a group wagyu dinner in Gion to toast an amazing week together.

Guests will return to Tokyo by bullet train or continue on for our optional ryokan experience at Ochiairo.

• 8 hotel nights (all in five-star accommodations)

• 1 hands-on baking class in Tokyo

• Wagashi (Japanese confections) class

• Bento-making class 

• 2 afternoon tea experiences (including one traditional kimono ceremony)

• 2 guided market tours and cultural experiences (one in Tokyo and Kyoto)

• Knife-making class in Kyoto

• Visit to historic mochi shops in Kyoto

• Omakase dining experience in Tokyo and group wagyu dinner in Kyoto

• Some lunches

• Breakfast daily

• Transportation to and from all scheduled retreat activities

• Bullet train to/from Kyoto

• Round-trip airport transfers

• One-year Bake from Scratch subscription

• Gift bag with curated favorites

• Airfare to and from Japan

• Some meals

• Optional ryokan extension (priced separately)

• 8 hotel nights (all in five-star accommodations)

• 2 afternoon tea experiences (including one traditional kimono ceremony)

• Guided market tour and cultural experience in Tokyo

• Visit to historic mochi shops in Kyoto

• Omakase dining experience in Tokyo and group wagyu dinner in Kyoto

• Breakfast daily

• Transportation to and from all scheduled retreat activities

• Bullet train to/from Kyoto

• Round-trip airport transfers

• Airfare to and from Japan

• Optional ryokan extension (priced separately)

• 1 hands-on baking class in Tokyo

• Wagashi (Japanese confections) class

• Bento-making class 

• Guided market tour and cultural experience in Kyoto

• Knife-making class in Kyoto

• Some meals

• One-year Bake from Scratch subscription

• Gift bag with curated favorites

Shangri-La Tokyo
The Shangri-La Tokyo is a luxury hotel offering spacious accommodations, exceptional service, and convenient access to Tokyo’s cultural and culinary highlights. It’s directly adjacent to Tokyo Station, making bullet train travel to other destinations, such as Kyoto, quite easy.

The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu
In Kyoto, we’ll stay at The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu, a beautifully restored heritage hotel overlooking historic Kyoto, with views including Yasaka Pagoda, that blends modern comfort with traditional Japanese design.

Ochiairo is a tranquil countryside ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn known for tatami rooms, onsen baths, and attentive hospitality. At Ochiairo, you leave your shoes at the front door and wear a yukata (a soft, casual cotton kimono) to all meals during your stay. For this extension, there are no retreat activities scheduled, and the only plan you should have is to relax. We will enjoy meals together as well as meaningful time connecting in a beautifully serene setting. The purpose of this visit is to fully exhale, soak in the mineral-rich onsen, and enjoy exquisite kaiseki dinners. Private onsen appointments can be made during your stay. All meals are included as well as transportation from Kyoto and back to Tokyo. 

• 2 nights’ accommodation at the 5-star Hotel Ochiairo

• Traditional Japanese breakfast, in room lunch service, and a multi-coarse dinner menu

• All beverages during the stay

• Train tickets

• Transportation to and from the train station

• Personal expenses or incidentals outside of the group program

Travel to and from Japan

You’ll fly into Tokyo Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT), which are serviced from most hubs in the United States. Transportation for all scheduled retreat activities, including train travel between Tokyo and Kyoto, is included.

The Bake from Scratch team is available to assist with travel planning and helping you find the best route. Email events@bakefromscratch.com for guidance.

October 18-26, 2026

Single Baker Occupancy

• $13,900 per Baker

• 1 Baker | 1 Private Hotel Room

Shared Baker Double Occupancy

• $12,000 per Baker

• 2 Bakers | 1 Hotel Room

Baker & Non-Baking Guest

• $17,500 per Baker & Non-Baking Guest

• 1 Baker + Non-Baking Guest | 1 Shared Hotel Room

October 26-28, 2026

Optional Ryokan Extension

• Single Occupancy: $3,850 | 1 Person | 1 Private Hotel Room

• Shared Occupancy: $2,640 per person | 2 People | 1 Shared Hotel Room

• A 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of confirmation, along with signed travel waiver and cancellation policy acknowledgment

• The remaining 50% balance is due June 15, 2026

• Payments accepted: ACH direct deposit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, and Union Pay

• All prices are listed in U.S. dollars

All bookings for this retreat are final and nonrefundable under all circumstances. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, illness, and other unexpected events. You agree that you will not initiate a charge-back or payment dispute for amounts properly charged in accordance with this policy.

If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you understand and agree that you are responsible for all costs or losses related to trip interruptions.

Changes, Cancellations & Unforeseen Events

We are not responsible for expenses related to travel delays, cancellations, illness, injury, or other events beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, government actions, and airline or transportation issues.

In the event that we must cancel this retreat due to circumstances beyond our control, our liability will be limited to a refund of amounts paid to us, or a credit toward a future retreat, at our discretion. We are not responsible for additional expenses such as airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.

Health & Travel Risks

Travel involves inherent risks, including the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses. By booking this retreat, you acknowledge these risks and agree to assume responsibility for your own health and safety during the trip.

If you become ill during the retreat, particularly with a suspected or confirmed contagious condition, the group leaders may require you to modify or end your participation if they reasonably believe your presence poses a health or safety risk to other participants. In such cases, no refund or credit will be provided. 

Program Changes

Due to circumstances beyond our control, certain activities, instructors, services, or amenities may be modified, substituted, or unavailable. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund, but we will work tirelessly to make sure you have the best experience possible. 

Acknowledgment

By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy.

What airport should I fly into?
Most major United States airport hubs have access to Tokyo Haneda (HND) airport. If you need any advice on the best route to book from your home airport, please email events@bakefromscratch.com

Is breakfast included?
Yes, daily breakfast is included.

Are the baking classes hands-on?
Yes, all baking classes are fully hands-on.

Are children allowed?
All participants must be 18 years or older.

What should I wear?
Smart casual attire is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.

Is this retreat suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Retreats are designed for passionate home bakers of all skill levels.

Will we have free time?
Yes. Free time is built into the itinerary, especially in Kyoto.

Can I extend my stay?
Email events@bakefromscratch.com if you’d like to extend your hotel stay in Tokyo or Kyoto. If you’d like to stay in Tokyo upon return from Kyoto, we can also assist with that booking. 

Why is there a day with no activities built into the beginning of the itinerary? 

We intentionally added a quiet day at the beginning of this retreat so you can rest and adjust to the time zone after a long flight. 

If I am a vegetarian or averse to seafood, is this retreat for me? 

This retreat is welcoming to vegetarians and those who don’t typically eat seafood. That said, part of being in Japan is engaging with the local food culture, and we encourage guests to approach meals with curiosity and flexibility—trying new flavors when you feel comfortable. Some substitutions or omissions might be necessary, particularly during market tours, as not all of our partners are able to accommodate every food preference. For the hosted dinner experiences, we will make sure you have one that suits your preferences. Food allergies will be well communicated to all partners.