Itinerary Details
This 12-day spring cherry blossom tour of Japan has been specifically designed as a once-in-a-lifetime trip to experience Japan’s most iconic sights as the delicate cherry blossoms hit their peak. See ancient temples alongside modern architecture while experiencing the beauty celebrated each year during the Japanese cherry blossom season. This 2-week cherry blossom vacation truly offers the ultimate tour of this captivating country in spring!
Welcome to Japan! On arrival in Tokyo, your private guide will be ready to welcome you at the airport, proceed to your hotel by private car. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be free for leisure. After checking in your hotel, you will have free time to relax, or enjoy some local sightseeing, shopping, dinner, etc.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotels & Resorts)
breakfast and lunch
Begin your tour at the serene Meiji Shrine, a magnificent 20th-century Shinto monument set in a beautiful forest and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Then take a walk along Omotesando Street, a broad tree-lined avenue.
Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - one of the largest and popular park which features more than one thousand cherry trees of over a dozen varieties including numerous early and late blooming trees.
Wander leisurely amid the meticulously landscaped curations, savor the flourishing cherry blossom trees, and soak up the serene atmosphere of this city-based sanctuary.
Continue to Asakusa, Tokyo's old town. Here, enter the massive gates to the ancient Buddhist temple of Sensoji, which is Tokyo's oldest temple and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that for centuries has been providing temple visitors with many traditional local snacks and souvenirs.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotels & Resorts)
Shinjuku Gyoen Garden
Asakusa
breakfast and lunch
After breakfast, we'll set out by private vehicle for an unforgettable day trip filled with scenic landscapes in Fujikawaguchiko.
Bask in the spiritual energy of the revered Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine. Absorb the tranquil vibes and capture perfect photos of the spectacular Mount Fuji backdrop.
Explore serene Lake Kawaguchi, a gem nestled in the scenic Fuji Five Lakes district. Soak up the picturesque views surrounding you as you breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Engage in an exciting ride on the Mount Fuji Panoramic Cableway. Ascend to the mountain's peak for a breathtaking panoramic vista of Mount Fuji and the surrounding area.
Journey to Oshino Hakkai, with its awe-inspiring eight ponds and the must-see Hannoki Bayashi Shiryokan, a traditional open-air museum that showcases a preserved farming village.
Complete your day with a musical retreat at the Kawaguchiko Music Forest, where the enchanting sounds of music boxes and automated musical instruments create a mesmerizing experience for every visitor.
You will be transferred back to Tokyo.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotels & Resorts)
Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine
Lake Kawaguchiko
breakfast and lunch
Kick off the day with a walk around the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. Your guide leads you through the sprawling, 80-year-old market to visit fishmongers and food vendors. Sample a range of sushi, Japanese-style omelets, fried fish cakes, sake, and Japanese tea on this in-depth experience of the legendary market.
After, learn the art of sushi making firsthand – it's the quintessential Edo-era specialty and possibly Japan's most famous culinary gift to the world. Hear about the history of sushi, how to choose the best fish, learn proper slicing and rice-making techniques and sample some seriously fresh sushi.
Serene moments await you on a soothing Sumida River cruise. Let the tranquil rhythm of the river provide you with a fresh vantage point to appreciate Tokyo's waterfront charm.
Engage in the beautiful tradition of hanami (flower viewing) along the Sumida River. A multitude of cherry blossoms adorning the riverbanks invite you into a soothing connection with nature and deep-rooted local customs.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel East 21 Tokyo (Okura Hotels & Resorts)
Tsukiji Fish Market
Sushi-making class
breakfast and lunch
Commence your journey aboard the Nozomi train to Kyoto. Capital for a millennium, Kyoto was also the heart of religion, philosophy, art and cuisine, making it a treasure trove of history and culture.
After lunch, we’ll visit one of Kyoto’s highlights – the historic and scenic district of Arashiyama, renowned for its cherry blossom trees which bloom in the springtime and its beautiful landscapes that change dramatically from season to season. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the towering Bamboo groves and see its iconic Togetsukyo Bridge.
Accommodation option:
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto ekimae PREMIER
Arashiyama Park
Bamboo groves in Arashiyama
breakfast and lunch
Your day begins with a visit to stunning Kinkakuji Temple, which is covered in shimmering gold leafs and surrounded by green gardens and ponds. It's now one of Kyoto's most famous temples.
Nijo Castle is an ornamental castle built by the founder of the Edo Shogunate (1603-C1868) as his Kyoto residence. It is surrounded by stunning gardens and is famous for its architecture, decorated sliding doors and 'chirping' nightingale floors.
Take a walk down Nishiki Market for some free time. It is a traditional food market known by locals as “Kyoto’s Pantry” which is a great place for seasonal foods and Kyoto specialties.
Immerse yourself in one of the most iconic symbols of Japanese traditions with a kimono-wearing experience. Step into the elegant world of Japanese attire and cultural heritage.
Experience the old-world charm of Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district, adorned with wooden machiya townhouses, teahouses, and exclusive ochaya (geisha establishments).
Accommodation option:
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto ekimae PREMIER
Kinkakuji Temple
Kimono-wearing Experience
breakfast and lunch
In the morning, take a moment to appreciate the subtle elegance of Kiyomizu-temple. It is one of Kyoto's oldest monasteries and was added to the World Heritage List in 1994. The Shimizu stage hanging in front of this hall is a precious cultural relic of Japan, surrounded by green trees. In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, which is one of the famous places for appreciating cherry blossoms in Kyoto.
Experience tranquility along the Philosopher's Walk, a scenic pathway lined with hundreds of cherry trees. Immerse yourself in the gorgeous spectacle of blooming cherry blossoms — a visual treat that's deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.
Your day wouldn't be complete without a visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its captivating torii gate tunnels. Let the thousand vermilion gates lead you into a wonder-filled exploration of this renowned Shinto shrine.
Accommodation option:
- Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto ekimae PREMIER
Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Fushimi Inari Shrine
breakfast and lunch
Depart for Nara in the morning, less than one hour from Kyoto. Nara also has a huge cultural legacy, considered second only to Kyoto’s. This picturesque, compact city is truly charming.
Visit Todaiji temple, the world's largest wooden building and home to Japan's largest Buddha.
Take a wander through Nara Park, called Deer Park by locals, due to the 1,200-plus tame deer living there. Here, get ready to encounter wild deer. Let the natural beauty unfold as you amble along paths lined with cherry blossom trees threading their way through this vast park.
Afterwards we continue on to Osaka, a city renowned for its delectable cuisine, captivating entertainment, and historical landmarks.
Accommodation option:
- Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba
Todaiji Temple
Nara Park
breakfast and lunch
Start today's tour from the tranquil ambiance of Osaka Castle Park, a historical bastion amid the modern cityscape, strategically looming over the surrounding park and moat.
Connect with the city's past at Osaka Museum of History where you can perceive Osaka's journey from ancient times through well-curated exhibits.
Then, absorb the artistry of Japanese woodblock prints known as Ukiyo-e at Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum. Embark on a hands-on ukiyo-e printing experience, where you would learn the traditional techniques of creating these iconic woodblock prints. Under the guidance of a skilled artisan, create your own ukiyo-e masterpiece, taking with you a tangible piece of Japanese artistic tradition.
Dive into the energetic atmosphere of Dotonbori, known for its bright neon lights, culinary delights, and lively entertainment.
Set your sights on stunning city vistas from the Umeda Sky Building. The open-air observation platform offers panoramic views of the city that simply take your breath away.
Accommodation option:
- Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba
Osaka Castle
Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum
breakfast and lunch
Board a high-speed bullet train in Osaka to Hiroshima and get to know this world-renowned “City of Peace” on today’s guided sightseeing tour.
Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a somber reminder of the tragic past and a beacon of hope and peace. Pay tribute to the victims of the devastating atomic bomb and contemplate the call for world peace that resonates throughout the city.
Complete your insightful exploration at Shukkeien Garden. This manicured landscape, replete with miniature sceneries, traditional teahouses, and an idyllic pond, offers you perfect tranquility interspersed with bursts of vibrant seasonal colors.
Accommodation option:
- Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima
Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
Shukkeien Garden
breakfast and lunch
Enjoy a ferry ride to Miyajima Island. Begin your day by paying homage at Itsukushima Shrine. This history-laden Shinto shrine, with its grand 'floating' torii gate', is an iconic site set against the backdrop of scenic Miyajima Island.
Once you've completed your exploration, you will be transferred from your hotel in Hiroshima to the train station, marking the start of your return trip to Osaka aboard the Nozomi. Upon your arrival in Osaka, you will benefit from a hassle-free transfer service from the station to your hotel.
Accommodation option:
- Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba
Miyajima Island
Floating Torii Gate
breakfast
Enjoy your free time in Osaka. Then, you will be picked up and taken to the airport for your return flights home.