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Japan in Bloom

14 days

CHERRY BLOSSOM TOUR: Discover Japan at its most beautiful and vibrant as you take in the country's highlights during cherry blossom season. Discover modern and ancient Tokyo and the cultural richness of Kyoto. Experience the breathtaking sight of Mount Fuji in Hakone and unwind in a traditional ryokan nestled in the alpine town of Takayama. Discover historic Kanazawa, see majestic Matsumoto Castle and enjoy tea with a geisha apprentice, plus take in a spring geisha dance show!

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes

Tour Overview

Duration

14 days

Starts

Tokyo

Ends

Tokyo

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - escorted by a tour leader

Group Size

Min 4 / Max 14

Minimum age

6 yrs, accompanied by an adult

Departs

March & April

Hotel Rating

3-4 star hotels

Countries

Japan

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 13, Dinner: 4
Per Person From
AUD$10,605.00
Deposit From
Final payment
AUD$6,363.00
$14,847.00

Tour Highlights

Tokyo - See highlights including Harajuku and Hamarikyu Gardens on a guided tour and enjoy a free day to further explore
Matsumoto - Opt to visit the famous 'Black Crow' castle, one of the few surviving Japanese samurai castles
Takayama - Visit the Hida no Sato folk village, enjoy the cool mountain air and plenty of leisure time, staying in a ryokan
Kanazawa - Wander the streets of this well-preserved historic coastal region, and enjoy the pink hues of the spring cherry blossom
Kyoto - Enjoy a day of guided sightseeing with a local, take tea with a trainee geisha, and witness the Geisha Odori dances at a show
Hakone - Spend your time here hiking, riding the cable car and soaking up incredible views of Mount Fuji at its prettiest

Included

13 breakfasts & 4 dinners
11 nights 3-4 star hotels & 2 nights ryokan in Takayama
Escorted by a tour leader
Arrival airport transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 14
All relevant transportation including by minibus, private coach and train
Transport card with 2,500 yen (USD $16) credit for city transport
Takayama bus pass
Transfers from Takayama to Kanazawa by private coach
3-day Hakone Free Pass for transport in the Hakone region
Entrance to Hamarikyu Gardens in Tokyo
Full day private coach in Tokyo
Entrance to the Hida no Sato folk village and full day guide in Takayama
Full day guide, full day private coach in Kyoto
Private afternoon tea with a maiko (trainee geisha) in Kyoto
Tickets to the Odori spring geisha dances in Kyoto
Entrance to the Hakone Open-Air Museum
Luggage forwarding from Tokyo to Takayama, Takayama to Kyoto and from Kyoto to Tokyo
Information pack on arrival
Shared portable Wi-Fi access throughout trip

Not Included

International flights
Any local transport (taxis, buses, subways) unless covered by the included transport passes
Entrance fees (including those for temples, shrines and museums) unless otherwise specified
Baggage handling & luggage forwarding unless otherwise specified

Itinerary

Days 1-3 - Discover Tokyo

On arrival in Tokyo, you will be greeted at the airport by our driver. You will then travel by shared shuttle bus to our hotel in the Asakusa district, where your tour leader will be waiting in the lobby to meet you. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the market stalls and stunning Senso-ji temple. In the evening, there will be a welcome meeting followed by a group meal at a local restaurant.

On day 2, our tour leader will take you on an extensive tour of Tokyo. We visit various areas, such as the traditional Asakusa and the modern Shinjuku. We also explore areas like Akihabara and Ginza, and relax in the beautiful Hamarikyu Gardens. The day will end with a visit to Harajuku and Meiji Jingu shrine on the west side of the city.

Day 3 is at leisure to continue exploring Tokyo or take a day trip to Nikko or Kamakura. Nikko is known for its elaborate temple complex and historical significance, while Kamakura is a charming seaside city famous for its giant Buddha statue.

Accommodation: Gracery Asakusa Hotel or similar

Overnight: Tokyo (3)
Meals: Breakfast x2, Dinner

Day 4 - Matsumoto

Tokyo - Matsumoto. Embark on a journey into the Japanese Alps, stopping for the night in Matsumoto. The city is renowned for its historic "Black Crow" samurai castle, which you can choose to visit. This castle is one of the few original samurai castles still standing in Japan, offering visitors the chance to explore the main keep and museum. For dinner, we suggest trying the regional specialty of soba noodles or, if you're feeling daring, sampling some basashi - raw horse meat.

Accommodation: Marunouchi Hotel or similar

Overnight: Matsumoto
Meals: Breakfast

Days 5-6 - Takayama sightseeing & free time

Matsumoto - Takayama. On day 5 we complete our journey through the Alps to Takayama, a mountain town known for its skilled craftsmen who have contributed to the construction of important temples and shrines in Kyoto. Take time to explore Takayama's old-town district, where you can browse craft shops and enjoy sake-tasting at local breweries. In the evening, return to our traditional ryokan for a delicious kaiseki dinner served Japanese-style. Don't miss the opportunity to relax in the ryokan's hot spring baths before bed.

On day 6, a local guide will lead us through the historic town, starting with a visit to the lively morning market. Explore the Hida no Sato folk village, showcasing traditional thatched farmhouses and offering insight into pre-industrial Japanese mountain life. Dinner is on your own tonight, so be sure to sample the delicious Hida beef, a regional specialty.

Accommodation: Tanabe Ryokan or similar

Overnight: Takayama (2) (ryokan)
Meals: Breakfast x2, Dinner

Day 7 - Kanazawa free time

Takayama - Kanazawa. Today we leave the mountains to spend a day in Kanazawa on the Japan Sea Coast. Travelling by private coach, we pass through stunning scenery on our journey. Similar to Kyoto, Kanazawa was spared from bombing during World War Two due to its historical buildings and cultural achievements, making it one of Japan's most well-preserved historical cities. Take time to wander through the geisha districts, explore Edo-period houses in the samurai quarter, sample fresh sushi from the market, and be sure not to miss Kenrokuen during your visit - it's one of Japan's most famous gardens and particularly beautiful during springtime, as the cherry blossoms burst into colour.

Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Kanazawa or similar

Overnight: Kanazawa
Meals: Breakfast

Days 8-10 - Kyoto sightseeing & free time

Kanazawa - Kyoto. During our time in Kyoto, we have the chance to explore the city's numerous temples and historic sites, and enjoy the pretty sights of the city in bloom. On day 8, we visit Gion, the traditional geisha district, for a private audience with a maiko (trainee geisha), followed by a group meal at a local restaurant.

A local guide will lead us on a tour of Kyoto on day 9, showcasing the city's rich cultural heritage. We have the opportunity to visit Nijo Castle, Arashiyama bamboo groves, and witness the Geisha Odori, geisha dances in the evening.

Day 10 is free for you to further explore Kyoto or take a day trip to nearby attractions such as Nara or Himeji. Your tour leader can provide recommendations for day trips or help you make independent arrangements for the day.

Accommodation: Intergate Kyoto Shijo Shinmachi or similar

Overnight: Kyoto (3)
Meals: Breakfast x3, Dinner

Days 11-12 - Hakone & Mount Fuji

Kyoto - Hakone. We ride the bullet train to Hakone on day 11, a popular hot spring destination nestled within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Experience the Chokoku no Mori Hakone Open-Air Museum this afternoon, showcasing works by renowned artists such as Moore, Rodin, Kusama, and Picasso against a backdrop of picturesque alpine scenery. After a day of exploration, indulge in a delectable dinner at one of Hakone's esteemed restaurants.

Day 12 is at leisure for you to immerse yourself in the various attractions Hakone has to offer. Cruise across Lake Ashi on a pirate ship, delve into the history of the Checkpoint Museum, which sheds light on Hakone's past as a post town along the Tokaido trail, and enjoy unparalleled views of Mount Fuji surrounded by pink flowers and cherry blossom - weather permitting! A 3-day Hakone transport card is included in your tour.

Accommodation: Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika or similar

Overnight: Hakone (2)
Meals: Breakfast x2, Dinner

Days 13-14 - Tokyo

Hakone - Tokyo. Returning to Tokyo on day 13, you have one last day to enjoy the capital city how you wish. Use this time for any last-minute shopping or to visit the 634m Skytree, explore Odaiba Island via monorail, or book a karaoke booth in Shinjuku. Dinner is not included, but we recommend going out with your tour group and leader for a final-night meal to celebrate the end of a fantastic trip.

Saying goodbye on day 14, you will be transferred back to the airport in time for your flight home.

Accommodation: JR Kyushu Blossom Shinjuku or similar

Overnight: Tokyo (1)
Meals: Breakfast x2

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Gracery Asakusa Hotel
Tokyo

Hotel Gracery Asakusa offers a prime location just 800 meters from the iconic Sensoji Temple. Each unit in the hotel is thoughtfully equipped with a kettle for added convenience, and the rooms feature private bathrooms with baths. For guest comfort, Hotel Gracery Asakusa provides air conditioning and flat-screen TVs in every room. The multilingual staff at the reception are proficient in both English and Japanese, ensuring a smooth and pleasant stay experience.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Tanabe Ryokan
Takayama

A short walk from the main station in Takayama, Tanabe Ryokan is an authentic Hida-style Inn. Guest rooms are in a traditional style with matted floors and sliding doors. Guests are traditionally welcomed by the owner on arrival and served well through out. Bathing facilities are shared. This ryokan comes highly recommended and food served here is of a very high standard. The Inn is located just 2 blocks from the famous streets of Takayama just a short walk to the Kashibashi Bridge.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Japanese Ryokan

Prices & Dates

All departures are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.

2025
Twin
Single
20 Mar - 2 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
23 Mar - 5 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
27 Mar - 9 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
30 Mar - 12 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
3 Apr - 16 Apr
Sold Out
Sold Out
6 Apr - 19 Apr
$11,135
$13,075
10 Apr - 23 Apr
$11,135
$13,075
13 Apr - 26 Apr
$10,605
$12,545

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