PARTICIPATION GUIDE
— From Private Itinerary Consultation to Formal Agreement —
Chef Mika’s Culinary Excursions
Introduction
Thank you for your interest in Chef Mika's Culinary Excursions (CMCE), a fully private, 10-night, 11-day culinary journey through Japan.
Chef Mika's Culinary Excursions is reserved exclusively for one private party per travel period, designed for a solo traveler or two guests traveling together (such as a couple, friends, or family members).
Throughout the journey across Japan, you will experience not only the country's rich culinary culture, but also the warmth of its people, the traditions woven into everyday life, the stories and philosophy behind its food, and the unique sense of place that can only be felt by being there—all through the personal relationships Chef Mika has built over many years and the places she holds dear.
Every aspect of this 10-night, 11-day journey—from the places you will visit and the meals you will enjoy to your accommodations, transportation, and the rhythm of each day—is personally and thoughtfully designed by Chef Mika, drawing upon her own experiences, the relationships she has cultivated throughout Japan, and her deep connection to each place.
The details of the journey will unfold naturally as you travel through Japan. The views that reveal themselves only when you arrive, the people you meet along the way, the food you experience in its authentic setting, the conversations you share, and the quiet, unexpected moments in between—experiencing each of these as they happen is an essential part of Chef Mika's Culinary Excursions.
The Private Itinerary Consultation is an opportunity to meet and speak personally with Chef Mika before deciding whether to move forward with a formal reservation. It is a dedicated time to get to know one another, to hear directly from Chef Mika about the philosophy and style behind Chef Mika's Culinary Excursions, and to ask any questions or share anything you would like to discuss before taking the next step.
After speaking together, if you feel that “This is a journey I would like to experience with Chef Mika,” you may then choose to move forward with the Formal Participation Agreement and formal reservation.
This Participation Guide provides important information about eligibility, pricing, what is and is not included in the journey, health, dietary considerations, attire, and other essential matters, as well as the step-by-step process from requesting your Private Itinerary Consultation through signing the Formal Participation Agreement and having your formal reservation confirmed.
Before requesting your Private Itinerary Consultation, we invite you to read this guide in full and become familiar with the spirit and approach that shape every journey with Chef Mika's Culinary Excursions.
Quick Overview: Booking Sequence
STEP 1: Request & Consultation
Select a preferred travel period & submit US$500 Consultation Fee
Complete one-on-one Zoom session with Chef Mika
STEP 2: Mutual Consideration (7-day Window)
Review detailed proposal & suitability
Confirm mutual agreement to proceed
STEP 3: Formal Contracting & Fee Payment
Execute the Formal Participation Agreement
Pay the remaining Program Fee US$9,500 within the applicable seven-day period
STEP 4: Formal Reservation Confirmed
Receive official Booking Confirmation from CMCE
Remit Travel Expenses (US$16,000 / US$30,000 / US$32,000) no later than 30 days before the first day of the selected Travel Period
Fee Schedule
Total Journey Cost
Important: The US$500 Consultation Fee is non-refundable once paid and is credited in full toward the US$10,000 Program Fee if you proceed with the Journey. It is therefore not an additional charge on top of the Total Journey Cost.
I. About the Journey
1. Eligibility and Group Capacity
Capacity Limit: Each travel period is strictly limited to a single private booking party, consisting of either one (1) solo traveler or a party of two (2) people traveling together. CMCE does not combine separately booked individuals or parties into a shared departure.
Age Requirement: You must be at least 21 years of age.
Physical and Mobility Requirements: You must be physically capable of traveling independently between cities via public transportation, including high-speed rail (Shinkansen) and express trains; managing and carrying your own luggage throughout the journey; and keeping pace with the daily walking and activity rhythm of the itinerary.
2. Program Commencement and Conclusion
The Program officially begins when you meet Chef Mika at one of the designated commencement locations listed below and concludes when you and Chef Mika have completed your journey together and separate at one of the designated conclusion locations listed below.
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Haneda International Airport (HND)
JR Tokyo Station
For a reservation involving two (2) people, the Program will be deemed to commence when both of you have met with Chef Mika, and to conclude when both of you have separated from Chef Mika at the designated conclusion location.
If two (2) people are unable to meet or separate from Chef Mika at the same time due to circumstances attributable to either of you, any separate arrival or departure arrangements will be at your sole responsibility and expense and will not reduce the applicable fixed Travel Expenses.
3. Scheduled Travel Periods (2027)
February 14 – February 24, 2027
February 28 – March 10, 2027
March 28 – April 7, 2027
April 11 – April 21, 2027
October 24 – November 3, 2027
November 7 – November 17, 2027
4. 10-night, 11-day Journey Overview
The journey follows the same 10-night, 11-day itinerary for all scheduled travel periods, with each period offering a distinct seasonal experience.
II. Fees & What Is Included
5. Fees, Payments & Inclusions
5.1 Consultation Fee & Credit Policy
Amount: US$500 per reservation / private party.
Terms: The Consultation Fee is a flat rate, regardless of whether the reservation is for one (1) or two (2) people. The Consultation Fee is non-refundable once paid, except as expressly provided in this Participation Guide and the Private Itinerary Consultation Agreement.
Credit Toward Program Fee: If a formal reservation is confirmed following the Private Consultation, the US$500 Consultation Fee will be credited in full toward the Program Fee.
5.2 Program Fee and Travel Expenses
The Program Fee and Travel Expenses are separate components of the total amount payable for the Journey and serve different purposes.
The Program Fee is CMCE’s professional and service fee for designing, organizing, coordinating, and personally hosting the Journey. The services covered by the Program Fee are described in Section 6.1.
The Travel Expenses are fixed package amounts covering the third-party travel and related costs included in the Journey. The costs covered by the Travel Expenses are described in Section 6.2.
5.3 Program Fee — CMCE Professional and Service Fee
The Program Fee is US$10,000 per private party.
The Program Fee is CMCE’s professional and service fee for the Journey. It is not a reimbursement or pass-through of third-party travel costs.
The US$500 Consultation Fee previously paid by you is credited in full toward the US$10,000 Program Fee. Accordingly, the Remaining Program Fee is US$9,500 and is due within seven (7) calendar days after the date on which CMCE sends the Formal Participation Agreement.
5.4 Travel Expenses — Fixed Package Amount
The Travel Expenses are fixed package amounts based on the occupancy arrangement selected by you:
Single Occupancy (1 Participant): US$16,000
Double Occupancy
Shared Room (2 Participants sharing 1 room): US$30,000
Double Occupancy
Separate Rooms (2 Participants, each in an individual room): US$32,000
The fixed Travel Expenses cover the third-party costs and related expenses included in the Journey, as described in Section 6.2.
Travel Expenses are not a reimbursement of actual costs or an itemized pass-through of third-party charges. The amount is agreed upon in advance and is not subject to post-Journey reconciliation based on actual costs incurred. CMCE will not charge you any additional amount if the actual costs of the included arrangements exceed the applicable fixed Travel Expenses.
The costs of hotels, restaurants, transportation, admissions, and other third-party services may vary substantially depending on season, availability, demand, occupancy, pricing, and other circumstances. Accordingly, CMCE does not provide an itemized cost breakdown of the Travel Expenses.
Travel Expenses are due no later than thirty (30) calendar days before the first day of the selected Travel Period.
Travel Expenses are separate from and not included in the Program Fee.
Failure to Pay Travel Expenses: If the full Travel Expenses are not received by the payment deadline, the reservation will be deemed canceled in accordance with the terms of the Formal Participation Agreement.
6. What Is Included
6.1 Included in the Program Fee
The Program Fee covers CMCE’s professional and service-related work associated with the Journey, including:
Itinerary development and planning by Chef Mika.
Professional hosting and on-site assistance by Chef Mika throughout the Journey.
Personal guidance and coordination by Chef Mika throughout the Journey.
Coordination of transportation, dining, accommodation, and venue reservations.
Operational coordination and other professional services reasonably necessary to organize and conduct the Journey.
6.2 Included in Travel Expenses
Travel Expenses include the following third-party costs and related expenses specified in the Final Itinerary, as applicable:
Accommodations specified in the Final Itinerary.
Transportation during the Journey, including Green Car service or an equivalent class of rail service reasonably available.
Pre-arranged taxi transfers and other ground transportation specified in the Final Itinerary.
Meals, curated beverage pairings, and selected drinks specified in the Final Itinerary, including sake, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages.
Admission and usage fees for temples, shrines, museums, galleries, and other facilities included in the Final Itinerary.
Toll roads and related transportation expenses incurred in connection with the Journey.
Other third-party costs and contingency expenses that CMCE reasonably determines are necessary to continue the Journey.
7. What Is Not Included
7.1 Not Included in the Program Fee
The Program Fee does not include the Travel Expenses described in Section 5.4, which are charged separately as a fixed amount.
The Program Fee also does not include personal expenses, international airfare to and from Japan, discretionary gratuities, travel or other personal insurance, or any other expenses that are not expressly included in the Program Fee or the Travel Expenses.
7.2 Not Included in Travel Expenses
Travel Expenses do not include any costs or expenses that are not expressly included in Section 6.2.
7.3 Transportation and Expenses Before Meeting Chef Mika
All transportation and related expenses you incur within Japan before meeting Chef Mika at the designated meeting location are your sole responsibility and not included in the Travel Expenses.
This includes, without limitation:
Domestic airfare required to travel from another airport in Japan to Narita International Airport (NRT) or Haneda International Airport (HND).
Transportation by train, bus, taxi, or other means from Narita International Airport, Haneda International Airport, or any other airport in Japan to JR Tokyo Station, if JR Tokyo Station is the designated meeting location.
Any other domestic transportation required to reach the designated meeting location.
Related baggage fees, transfer fees, meals, accommodation, and incidental expenses incurred before meeting Chef Mika.
III. Important Information Before You Participate
8. Health and Personal Responsibility
You are solely responsible for your physical well-being, medical needs, and personal safety. CMCE does not provide medical or nursing care. You are strongly advised to purchase adequate primary medical and emergency travel insurance before the first day of the selected Travel Period.
9. Dining, Food Allergies, and Dietary Restrictions
This program features a wide range of carefully selected, independently owned establishments—including difficult-to-reserve restaurants, intimate counter-style dining, izakaya, casual standing bars, and local venues. Because these establishments are independently operated and are not under the control of CMCE, our ability to request individualized menu modifications is limited.
Vegetarian / Vegan Diets: CMCE is unable to accommodate vegetarian or vegan diets.
Modifications & Substitutions: The dining experiences range from carefully composed multi-course meals to small, independently operated establishments with specialized menus and established ways of preparing food. Essential ingredients in Japanese cuisine may be integral to broths, sauces, and seasonings; thus, complete removal or substitution of certain ingredients is not always possible.
Food Allergies and Significant Dietary Restrictions: For food allergies or significant dietary restrictions, including allergies to shellfish, dairy, egg, sesame, soy, gluten, or other ingredients, CMCE's ability to accommodate will depend on the nature and severity of the allergy as well as the venues involved. Safety must take priority over dining preferences.
If you have a food allergy, a history of anaphylaxis, or a significant dietary concern, Chef Mika will personally discuss your needs during your initial Private Consultation. If CMCE determines that your dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated safely and appropriately, we may be unable to accept your reservation. We sincerely appreciate your understanding.
10. Fragrance Policy
Many dining establishments in Japan maintain strict policies regarding fragrances to preserve the aromas and enjoyment of food and beverages for all guests. If you wear noticeable perfume, cologne, heavily scented fabric softeners, or cosmetics, you may be denied entry at the discretion of the establishment. We respectfully ask you to refrain from wearing perfume, cologne, or other noticeable fragrances throughout the journey.
11. Smoking Policy
Smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices, is prohibited throughout the journey.
12. Attire & Footwear
Chef Mika personally accompanies you throughout the journey in comfortable, casual clothing such as jeans, hoodies, and sneakers—including when dining at the restaurants featured in the itinerary.
Although the itinerary includes some of Japan's most exclusive and difficult-to-reserve restaurants, overly formal attire is not required. Chef Mika visits these establishments in a relaxed style and has built trusted relationships with them over many years. You are likewise encouraged to dress comfortably in practical, casual clothing suitable for walking, dining, and everyday travel.
IV. From Private Itinerary Consultation to Formal Reservation
13. Requesting Your Private Itinerary Consultation
If you wish to explore whether Chef Mika’s Culinary Excursions is the right fit for you, please begin by selecting your preferred travel period and requesting a Private Itinerary Consultation.
Travel Period Selection: The travel period selected at the time of your request will be the travel period associated with your Private Itinerary Consultation and temporary hold. You may not request that the consultation or temporary hold be transferred to another travel period after signing and submitting the Private Itinerary Consultation Agreement.
Consultation Agreement: As part of your request, you will review and sign the Private Itinerary Consultation Agreement, confirming that you have read, understood, and agreed to the conditions in this Participation Guide.
Fee Payment: A non-refundable fee of US$500 per reservation / private party is required upon requesting a Private Itinerary Consultation via credit card, except as expressly provided in this Participation Guide and the Private Itinerary Consultation Agreement.
Scheduling: Once payment is confirmed, CMCE will contact you within 48 hours to provide the detailed itinerary and coordinate the date and time of your online consultation via Zoom.
14. Your Private Itinerary Consultation
The Private Itinerary Consultation includes:
A full review of the proposed 10-night, 11-day itinerary.
A private, one-on-one consultation session with Chef Mika.
An opportunity to ask questions regarding program specifics, logistics, and dietary needs.
A temporary hold on your selected travel period, subject to the terms of the Private Itinerary Consultation Agreement.
15. After the Consultation
The Private Itinerary Consultation does not, by itself, constitute a formal reservation. Following the session, CMCE will confirm whether the Program can safely and appropriately accommodate you based on the discussion. If both you and CMCE wish to proceed, CMCE will issue the Formal Participation Agreement together with instructions for completing the formal reservation.
16. Formal Participation Agreement
To proceed, you will review and sign the Formal Participation Agreement for the selected Travel Period.
The Formal Participation Agreement sets forth the final legal terms, including payment structures, cancellation/refund policies, participant responsibilities, CMCE’s responsibilities, force majeure, itinerary modifications, and governing law (California law and Napa County venue).
17. Confirmation of Your Reservation
Your formal reservation will be officially confirmed once both of the following requirements have been fulfilled within the applicable seven (7)-calendar-day period:
The Formal Participation Agreement is executed by all required parties.
The Remaining Program Fee of US$9,500 is remitted. (The US$500 Consultation Fee previously paid is credited in full toward the US$10,000 Program Fee.)
V. Cancellation & Other Important Terms
18. Cancellation & Refund Policy
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing. Cancellation dates and applicable refund amounts are determined strictly based on Japan Standard Time (JST / UTC+9). Any refunds due under the applicable Formal Participation Agreement will be issued to the original payment method.
The US$500 Consultation Fee is a separate fee for the Private Itinerary Consultation. The US$500 Consultation Fee is non-refundable except as expressly provided below and is not included in the Remaining Program Fee refund calculation.
If CMCE is unable to conduct the Private Itinerary Consultation for reasons attributable to CMCE, and you and CMCE are unable to agree on an alternative consultation date, CMCE will refund the US$500 Consultation Fee in full.
If you proceed with the Formal Participation Agreement, the US$500 Consultation Fee paid by you is credited in full toward the US$10,000 Program Fee, leaving a Remaining Program Fee balance of US$9,500. The Remaining Program Fee is due within seven (7) calendar days after the date on which CMCE sends the Formal Participation Agreement.
Remaining Program Fee Refund Schedule
For the avoidance of doubt, the maximum amount refundable under the refund schedule for the Remaining Program Fee is US$9,500.
The US$500 Consultation Fee is non-refundable except as expressly provided above and is not included in the Remaining Program Fee refund calculation.
Travel Expenses Refund Schedule
The applicable cancellation charge is a contractual cancellation charge based on the fixed Travel Expenses amount and is not a reimbursement of CMCE’s actual third-party cancellation costs.
Consultation Fee Non-Refundability
The US$500 Private Itinerary Consultation Fee is non-refundable once paid, except as expressly provided in this Participation Guide and the Private Itinerary Consultation Agreement. This includes situations in which you decide not to proceed after the consultation.
Once a formal reservation is confirmed, the US$500 fee is fully applied toward the Program Fee, after which the Program Fee cancellation terms above apply.
Strict Application: Cancellation terms will be applied strictly and consistently, regardless of individual circumstances, including illness, personal injury, or schedule changes, except where otherwise required by applicable law.
19. Changes & Force Majeure
19.1 Force Majeure
CMCE may modify, postpone, or cancel the Program when reasonably necessary due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including severe weather, natural disasters, war, terrorism, political instability, major transportation disruptions, government actions, or other events that materially prevent or substantially interfere with the operation of the Journey (collectively, “Force Majeure”).
If the Program is canceled by CMCE prior to the first day of the selected Travel Period due to Force Majeure, CMCE will refund any amounts paid that have not already been committed to non-refundable third-party arrangements, subject to applicable law and the terms of the Agreement.
19.2 Third-Party Availability and Other Itinerary Modifications
CMCE may make reasonable modifications to the itinerary when necessary due to changes in the availability, operating conditions, scheduling, policies, or requirements of hotels, restaurants, transportation providers, venues, or other third-party service providers, or for other reasonable operational reasons directly related to the provision of the Journey.
CMCE will use reasonable efforts to preserve the overall nature, quality, and intended experience of the Journey when making such modifications.
Such modifications do not constitute Force Majeure and do not, by themselves, entitle you to a reduction, refund, or credit of the Program Fee or fixed Travel Expenses, except as otherwise expressly provided in the Agreement or required by applicable law.
20. California Seller of Travel Disclosures
20.1 Right to Prompt Refund
Upon cancellation of transportation or travel services, where you are not at fault and have not canceled in violation of any terms and conditions previously clearly and conspicuously disclosed and agreed to by you, all amounts paid to CMCE for services not provided will be promptly refunded to you, unless you advise CMCE otherwise in writing after the cancellation.
This provision does not apply where CMCE has remitted payment to another registered wholesale seller of travel or a carrier without receiving a refund, and the wholesaler or provider fails to provide the agreed-upon transportation or travel service. In such circumstances, CMCE will provide the documentation required by applicable California law.
20.2 California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF)
CMCE participates in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF).
If you purchase travel from within California, you may have a right to file a claim with the TCRF for certain qualifying losses involving transportation or travel services, subject to the eligibility requirements and limitations of California law.
A claim must be filed with the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC) no later than one year after the scheduled date of completion of travel. A processing fee of US$35 applies when filing a claim. The maximum amount recoverable from the TCRF is US$15,000 per person, and may not exceed the amount paid on behalf of that person for the transportation or travel services.
Claims must be submitted to the Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation (TCRC) in accordance with its claim procedures and must include the required claim form, supporting documentation, and processing fee.
If you purchase travel from outside California, this transaction is not covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund.
VI. A Personal Invitation from Chef Mika
If what you have read here resonates with you, and you feel that this may be the kind of journey you have been looking for, I would be delighted to speak with you.
The Private Itinerary Consultation is an opportunity for us to meet and talk before deciding whether to move forward with a formal reservation. It is a time for you to ask any questions you may have about Chef Mika’s Culinary Excursions, and for us to explore the journey together.
If, after our conversation, we both feel that this is an experience we would like to share, you may then choose to move forward with your formal reservation.
If you feel ready to begin the conversation, I warmly invite you to request your Private Itinerary Consultation.
I look forward to meeting you.
— Chef Mika
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