Late April Cherry Blossom Tour

The Cherry Blossom or Sakura is the Japanese’s favourite season.

If you miss out on cherry blossom season in late March/early April, know that they bloom later in Northern Japan. The last cherry blossoms in Japan 2020 to open are expected to be in Hakodate around April 26 and Sapporo around April 29.

We invite you to come and admire the cherry trees in various landscapes and in several historic cities of Japan, whether they mingle with skyscrapers, historical monuments or beautiful natural settings.

You will also discover the history, modernity, culture and tradition of the Empire of the Rising Sun.

A 100% customizable tour idea by Yoko.

This is a sample itinerary. Feel free to contact us anytime to order your very own customized program.

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/Toyama

After breakfast, take a Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to Toyama (included in the JR Pass) (approximately 2h30).

Living up to it’s name, Toyama is cradled by a continuous stretch of tall mountains from end to end, creating a spectacular view which can be viewed on any clear day.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Daiwa Roynet Hotel Toyama or equivalent.

Day 5: Toyama/Matsumoto

After your checkout, take a train journey from Tokyo to Matsumoto, enjoying breathtaking views of Japanese countryside (approximately 3h).

Matsumoto is famous for its magnificent black castle, museums, and surrounding mountains.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Matsumoto Hotel Kagetsu or equivalent.

Day 6: Matsumoto/Niigata

In the morning, transfer to Nagano Station, then the shinkansen to Niigata through Takasaki, included in the Japan Rail Pass (approximately 3h30).

Niigata is a natural delight, beyond the mountains, scenic beaches stretch along the coast and ferries operate to rustic Sado Island. Seafood, rice and sake are local specialties. If you visit in season, you will be able to see fireworks and cherry blossom festivals that rank among some of the best of Japan.

Overnight at your 4**** hotel.
ANA Crowne Plaza or equivalent.

Day 7: Niigata/Tsuruoka

After checkout, take the Limited Express to Tsuruoka, approximately 1h50.

Right after check in, visit the Tsuruoka Park, one of Yamagata’s best-known spots for hanami cherry blossom viewing.

Overnight at your 3*** hotel.
Shonai Hotel Suiden Terrasse or equivalent.

Day 8: Tsuruoka/Akita

Note that today, best would be to get a taxi, private car or rental car. Tsuruoka and Sakata offer places to get in touch with your spiritual side,including three peaks associated with stages of life, a river cruise through a mountain gorge

From Sakata station, take the train to Akita (approximately 1h40).

Overnight at your 4**** hotel.
Akita Castle Hotel or equivalent.

Day 9: Akita/Hirosaki

In the morning, board the 10.40am Resort Shirakami train bound to Hirosaki (approximately 5h).

“Resort Shirakami” is a popular scenic train, with grand view of the Sea of Japan, running from Akita, along the Gono Line to Aomori. The floor of coach is designed higher than usual and windows are very wide, so passengers can enjoy the beautiful vistas.

Upon arrival and checking, you can enjoy the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival, one of the most popular places for cherry blossom viewing in Japan.

Overnight and dinner at your 3*** ryokan.
Ishiba Ryokan or equivalent.

Day 10: Hirosaki/Aomori/Hakodate

After breakfast (included) and checkout take the Limited Express to Shin-Aomori station (approximately 30 mins).

From there, you have to choices to get to Hakodate.

• Shinkansen and train (approximately 1h15)
• Tsugaru Kaikyo Ferry, crossing the Tsugaru Strait (approximately 4h)

Your hotel has hot spring baths on the top floor, also offering spectacular night views of Hakodate.

Overnight at your 4**** hotel.
La Vista Hakodate Bay or equivalent.

Day 11: Hakodate

Visit Hakodate, known for its spectacular views to be enjoyed from Mount Hakodate, nostalgic townscapes, and delicious fresh seafood.

Overnight at your 4**** hotel.
La Vista Hakodate Bay or equivalent.

Day 12: Hakodate/Sapporo

After breakfast and may be a final hot spring bath, head to the station to get the Limited Express for Sapporo (approximately 3h45).

In the evening, try the local gourmet Jingisukan (Mongolian mutton BBQ) at the “Sapporo Beer Garden” wich offers you both the beer representing Japan and Jingisukan.

Overnight at your 4**** hotel.
Hotel Monterey Sapporo or equivalent.

Day 13: Sapporo/Otaru

Today is not about cherry blossom, but the magnificent Otaru, famous for its preserved historic warehouses in its canal district.

Its beautifully preserved canal area and interesting herring mansions make Otaru a pleasant day trip (approximately 40 mins) from Sapporo.

Overnight at your 4**** hotel.
Hotel Monterey Sapporo or equivalent.

Day 14: Time to leave

After breakfast, your journey ends. Checkout time is 11am and New Chitose Airport can be reached by taxi, train or private car. JR Hokkaido’s Airport Rapid provides the fastest service in 37 mins.

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