Japan Cherry Blossom Tour 2021

Day 1: Travel Day

Upon arrival at Haneda or Narita Airport, transfer to your hotel by shared bus Limousine bus, train or private car. Then you’ll likely spend your first day in Japan just getting settled. Depending on whether or not your purchased any discount passes, as well as a phone SIM card or pocket Wi-Fi, you may have to pick them up and/or get them activated.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Nishi Shinjuku Hotel Mystays or equivalent.

Day 2/3: Tokyo

After enjoying your breakfast, you can meet with an English-speaking guide and embark on a private tour of Tokyo. Or explore the city by yourself using public transport, just as the locals do and experience its unique sights and personalities.

No visit to Tokyo is complete without a night out at a friendly local izakaya, Japan’s answer to a pub.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Nishi Shinjuku Hotel Mystays or equivalent.

Day 4: Tokyo/Hakone

Take a Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Odawara (included in the JR Pass), near the Fuji-Hakone National Park, then transfer to Hakone-Yumoto (included with Hakone Free Pass). Upon arrival at the station, transfer to your ryokan (traditional Japanese hotel) which is located in the mountains near the hot spring town of Hakone.

Enjoy this evening’s dinner (included) which is traditional kaiseki featuring seasonal local ingredients with seafood from nearby Odawara port.

Overnight and dinner at your 3*** ryokan.
Gora Kansuido or equivalent.

Day 5: Hakone/Kanazawa

If not done the day before, visit one of the hot spring baths found across the hills and valleys of Hakone.

Transfer to Hakone-Yumoto Station and Odawara, then the shinkansen from Odawara to Maibara and Express to Kanazawa, included in the Japan Rail Pass (approximately 3h30).

Check-in at your hotel.

After dark, discover the myths and stories of Higashi Chaya district, Kanazawa’s geisha quarter.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Hotel Mystays Kanazawa Castle or equivalent.

Day 6: Kanazawa/Kyoto

After breakfast, explore the historical city of Kanazawa and discover the old samurai residences of Nagamachi

In the afternoon, take the express train to Kyoto covered by your JR Pass (about 2h15).

Late afternoon and evening, catch a glimpse of a geisha or “geiko” as they’re known in Kyoto.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or equivalent.

Day 7/9: Kyoto

You have 2 days to visit Kyoto known for its geisha-famed streets of Gion, Buddhist temples, as well as its beautiful gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines and traditional wooden houses.

Some sights that you may wish to visit include Fushimi Inari or Kinkakuji (golden pavilions) with its golden centerpiece and gardens.

In the evening a shabu shabu dinner by the river or at Gion Hatanaka for a Maiko Evening.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or equivalent.

Day 9: Nara

Day trip to Nara, former ancient capital is known for its shrines and temples.

Spend your last night in Kyoto at Gion Hatanaka for a Maiko Evening.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kyoto Shijo Karasuma or equivalent.

Day 10: Himeji/Okayama

Take a shinkansen from Kyoto to Himeji, approximately 1h.

Himeji is famous for its magnificent white castle which is widely considered to be Japan’s most beautiful surviving feudal castle.

After the visit, take a Shinkansen from Himeji to Okayama, approximately 1h.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Okayama or equivalent.

Day 11: Okayama/Hiroshima

After breakfast, visit Korakuen, one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.

Departure for Hiroshima by shinkansen (about 1h).

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima or equivalent.

Day 12: Hiroshima & Miyajima

Start your day with a visit of Hiroshima, then, make your way to the beautiful island of Miyajima, known as one of the “3 best scenic spots” in Japan.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Hiroshima or equivalent.

Day 13: Osaka

In the morning transfer to Shin-Osaka by shinkansen (approximately 1h25).

Osaka is one of Japan’s best cities for cherry blossom viewing.

In the evening, explore the backstreet izayaka bars and pubs where you’ll sample takoyaki octopus dumplings and kushikatsu fried skewers, as well as other Osakan delicacies.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu or equivalent.

Day 14: Time to leave

Transfer by shared bus, train or private car to KIX – Osaka International Airport.

Hope you had a good time in Japan and we’ll see you again.