CHERRY BLOSSOM TOUR: See Japan in 2025! Springtime is one of the best times to visit Japan, when cherry blossom trees come out in full bloom across the nation. Take in the highlights of Japan, visit some of the country’s most beautiful gardens, witness the famous Spring Geisha Dances in Kyoto, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and sample the crop (if you dare) at Japan's oldest Wasabi Farm.
Trip Highlights
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Itinerary
Welcome to Japan
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival to Tokyo you will be met at either Narita or Haneda International Airport by your guide or a representative and will travel togerther by train into the heart of the city and check into your hotel. The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure.
We recommend arriving before 3pm on this day, as there will be a Welcome Meeting at 6pm, where you will meet your guide and the rest of the group.
Overnight: Tokyo
Tokyo sightseeing - Meiji Shrine, Ginza & Shibuya
Today we embark on a full day tour of the city by public transport. We start with a walk through Hamarikyu tei-en, a tranquil garden that is just a few minutes’ walk from the lively Ginza Shopping District, where we will be able to see cherry blossom trees. Later, we visit the revered Meiji Shrine where the emperor Meiji and his wife are enshrined.
The last stop of the day is the Shibuya Crossing - regarded as one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world. It is said that up to a 1000 people converge onto the intersection with every light change. Known as 'the scramble' we'll give it a go then you can purchase a coffee at the second floor Starbucks located directly above and leisurely take in the spectacle from our vantage point. The remainder of the afternoon offers free time for you to further discover this exciting city independently, before our group welcome dinner at a local restaurant this evening.
Overnight: Tokyo | Breakfast, Dinner
Beautiful Matsumoto Castle
Tokyo – Matsumoto. This morning we take a private coach to Matsumoto, and upon arrival visit the incredibly beautiful Matsumoto Castle, which is one of the original and most complete of the handful of medieval castles that exist in Japan today. The towering black and white structure holds some 400 years of history, is a National Treasure (1 of only 4 castles) and is the most iconic landmark in the city. The reward for climbing the narrow stairs to the top are the stunning views of the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto City and the swans circling in the moat below, that can be seen from the slim wooden windows (used for archers and gunmen). Tonight, we have the unique experience of enjoying a night at a traditional Japanese ryokan.
Overnight: Matsumoto | Breakfast, Dinner
Takayama - charming Hida Folk Village
Matsumoto – Takayama. From Matsumoto we take a private coach to Takayama, a charming town in the heart of the Hida Mountains. Established in the 16th century as the castle town of the Kanamori family, the town is famous throughout Japan for its old town area of narrow streets filled with well-preserved inns, tea houses, shops and merchants houses with latticed windows and overhanging roofs that are characteristic of the Edo period.
On our way to Takayama we will stop at the picturesque Daio Wasabi Farm, one of Japan’s largest wasabi farms. There is free time to take in the beautiful gardens and fields. The shop on site offers many different options to try of this unique product - wasabi chocolate, wasabi beer, wasabi ice-cream, wasabi juice and much more. Upon arrival to Takayama and we’ll drive to the outskirts of the town to visit the fascinating Hida Folk Village, an outdoor museum comprising 30 or so traditional farmhouses from around the Hida region, re-built here on the hillside overlooking the town.
Overnight: Takayama | Breakfast
Takayama's Old Quarter
This morning we visit the town's market stalls, overflowing with fresh produce brought in daily from the surrounding fields before experiencing a traditional tea ceremony. An elevated art form in Japan, known in Japanese as sado ('the way of the tea')
Later, we explore Takayama’s Old Quarter, where you can enjoy free time to wander around the shops and perhaps visit a sake distillery to sample the town’s famous sake. Here you can also enjoy the 'onsen' or public hot springs, well known for their therapeutic benefits to body and mind!
During your stay in Takayama we recommend you sample some of Takayama’s delicious Hida beef at one of the many restaurants or beef burger cafes.
Overnight: Takayama | Breakfast
Cherry blossoms of Kanazawa
Takayama – Kanazawa. Today we take a private coach to Kanazawa. First, we will head to the Nagamachi District located at the foot of the former Kanazawa Castle – known for its old samurai houses. Upon arrival we will visit the Nomura Family Samurai House. When it hits lunch time, we will explore the lively Omicho Ichiba Market, a food market and restaurant area.
Afterwards, we will visit one of Japan’s most impressive gardens, Kenroku-en, located opposite Kanazawa Castle. Once part of the feudal lord's garden, Kenroku-en is regarded as one of the best places to see the country's famous cherry blossoms - hopefully in full bloom. In Kanazawa, the cherry blossom trees are due to bloom in late March/early April. When in bloom, these delicate soft pink flowers can be seen lining the streets and filling the parks and gardens all over the city. The remainder of the day is at your own leisure.
Overnight: Kanazawa | Breakfast
Kyoto - beauty, art & culture
Kanazawa – Kyoto. With our luggage in tow, this morning we’ll take two trains to reach Kyoto, Japan’s ancient and cultural capital, where we will spend the next three nights. As one of the most culturally rich cities in Asia, Kyoto is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, over 1,600 Buddhist Temples and 400 Shinto Shrines.
Upon arrival we tour Sanjusagen-do Temple, famous for its statues of Kannon. The one thousand life-size statues of Kannon are made of Japanese cypress and are completely covered in gold-leaf. Standing in rows of 10 and each hand carved, so that no two are alike. Our last stop today is the enchanted Fushimi Inari Shrine with its torii gates and picturesque tunnels.
Please note, during our time in Kyoto we will be travelling only via local transport. It will be busy at this time of year, but that's all part of the experience!
Overnight: Kyoto | Breakfast
Hiroshima - Peace Park, Museum & Memorials
Kyoto - Hiroshima - Kyoto. This morning we depart for a full day sightseeing excursion to Hiroshima, taking one of the fastest trains in Japan (the Nozomi Shinkansen) which reaches speeds of up to 300km on the route. Arriving to Hiroshima we visit the iconic A-Bomb Dome - one of the very few buildings left standing after the blast, the Peace Park and Peace Park Museum, which are a sobering reminder of Hiroshima’s devastating past. We return by train to Kyoto, arriving just after sundown.
Overnight: Kyoto | Breakfast
Kyoto's best temples, Miyako Odari - Spring Geisha dances
This morning we visit the stunning Zen Buddhist Temple of Kinkaku-ji, known as the Golden Temple which forms part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto's World Heritage Site. The top floor of the two-story structure is completely covered in gold and sits beside a small lake where its beauty is reflected in the calm waters. After, we embark on a guided walking tour of UNESCO Listed Nijo Castle, which was built by the first Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603, the exquisite castle is a wonderful example of Momoyama architecture.
Later today we make our way to Gion for a guided walk through the famed Geisha District. This evening, we have tickets to witness the Miyako Odari geisha dances at the Minami-za Theatre. Dinner tonight is at SODOH Higashiyama - keep a look out, as it's very possible to see Maiko (apprentice Geisha) dressed in beautiful kimono walking to and from their lessons.
Luggage Forwarding: Please note, you will need to pack an overnight bag as our main luggage will be couriered from Kyoto to Hakone and it will arrive tomorrow.
Overnight: Kyoto | Breakfast, Dinner
Hakone National Park & Mt Fuji
Kyoto - Hakone National Park. Today a bullet train takes us to Fuji Hakone National Park on day 10, where we will spend the next two days exploring the local area. Arriving at our hotel after lunch, the afternoon is at leisure.
During our stay, we have access to unlimited travel on nearly all the local modes of transport thanks to our Hakone Freepass Card - from mountain buses, trams and switchback rail, to lofty cable cars. We'll take a cruise across picturesque Lake Ashi to Moto-Hakone to visit the Shinto Shrine of Hakone-jinja, where we will hopefully be rewarded with the best views of Mt Fuji (on a clear day), we will also see the Red Torii Gate of Hakone. At our Hakone hotel we can also enjoy the relaxing experience of more hot springs.
Overnight: Hakone | Breakfast x 2, Dinner x 2
Tokyo - Sensoji Temple District & free time
Hakone - Tokyo. We take a private coach back to Tokyo this morning and this time we will be staying in old-town Akakusa, a pretty district famous for its historic Sensoji Buddhist Temple and its abundance of interesting souvenir and craft stalls. After a guided visit of Senso-ji Temple, the rest of the afternoon offers the opportunity to do any last-minute sightseeing or shopping. You may also wish to head up to the Tokyo Sky Tree for some final dazzling views of the city.
Overnight: Tokyo | Breakfast
Goodbye Japan...
Today our holiday concludes. Travel (unescorted) back to Narita or Haneda International Airports by train.
We offer post-tour accommodation for those interested in staying in Tokyo a little longer, please enquire.
Breakfast
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.
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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.
Shinagawa Prince Hotel , Tokyo
Shinagawa Prince Hotel is a dynamic urban haven featuring 15 dining and beverage options, two swimming pools, and an in-house aquarium. With its 39-story structure, the hotel offers mesmerizing Tokyo vistas and complimentary Wi-Fi. Air-conditioned rooms include modern amenities like a fridge, en suite bathroom with a bathtub and shower booth, hairdryer, and personal locker. Beyond accommodation, guests enjoy entertainment facilities like a movie theatre, bowling alley, and tennis courts, along with a karaoke bar. A 24-hour front desk, indoor/outdoor pools, sauna, massage services, and vending machines are available. Dining is a treat with the 39th-floor Dining & Bar Table 9 Tokyo offering panoramic views, and various restaurants serving diverse cuisines.
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi, Tokyo
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi is a stylish hotel that is connected to Tokyo Station. Guests can enjoy rooms with modern interior, a fridge, private bathroom and flatscreen TV. For extra comfort, why not order room service, check out the restaurant or enjoy a massage? Guests will definitely want to visit the 27th floor TENQOO restaurant and bar, as it features beautiful views of the bustling city of Tokyo.
Nishikinoyu Jimotoya, Matsumoto
Nishikinoyu Jimotoya is a tradional Japanese Inn known as a ryokan located in the Asama Onsen area near Matsumoto. The property features indoor and outdoor hot spring baths and Japanese-style rooms which are equipped with tatami (woven-straw) floor and traditional futton mattresses as well as a private bathroom and seating area. There is a bar lounge on site as well as a Japanese garden to enjoy during your stay.
Hotel Around Takayama, Takayama
Hotel around Takayama is situated just 700m from the JR Takayama station making it an ideal location for exploring the city, with Fuji Folk Museum a 13 minute walk away and Hida Minzoku Mura Folk Village approx 2.9km away. Guest rooms are calm in design and provide air conditioning and private bathrooms. Hotel around Takayama also features a hot spring bath, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property.
Mystays Premieru Kanazawa, Kanazawa
With a short walk to Kanazawa Station, large comfortable rooms, well-equipped gym and complimentary Wifi, this hotel provides an enjoyable stay after a day of sightseeing Kanazawa's many sites. Included in your rooms are tea and coffee making facilities, a small fridge, private bathroom, air-conditioning, heating and a large flat screen TV. The hotel has an onsite café that offers both Japanese and western meals and a restaurant that offers tasty Hokuriku cuisine.
ibis Styles Kyoto Station, Kyoto
Conveniently located just by JR Kyoto Station, the ibis Styles Kyoto Station offers clean and comfortable rooms and free WiFi. Each room at the hotel features a fridge, flatscreen TV, electric kettle and private bathroom. The restaurant offers a Japanese and Western buffet breakfast each morning. The hotel is within walking distance of various temples, why not explore the cultural wonders of Japan before retreating to the comfort of the ibis Styles?
Yumoto Fujiya Hotel, Hakone
Prepare for relaxation when you stay at Yumoto Fujiya Hotel. This hotel offers hot-spring baths, reflexology treatments and 4 dining options. You can even take advantage of the on-site sauna or private onsen. Each room includes a TV, WiFi, private bathroom, air-conditioning, seating area and bathtub. The outdoor pool is open during the summer - but why not check out other activities at the hotel - like karaoke or mahjong?
The group were completely disconnected. The local company didn’t start the tour promoting good relationships between the members. They didn’t create a WhatsApp group. That complicated the communication, made less clear the messages and the times to meet, and prevent for sharing photos in the moment they were taken.
Kaori, the guide was very kind and respectful but she lacked giving recommendations about places to go to eat, or buy anything. She was less experienced than I expected. She doesn’t have the leader personality for guiding 18 people through the crowds. Tokyo public transportation was crazy and uncomfortable, too many destinations for few days. The rest of the transportation was increíble good and clean. I loved the bullet train.
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Marunouchi, Hotel Around Takayama and Nishikinoyu Jimotoya (the traditional Japanese house) were amazing, Ibis Styles Kyoto Station was really awful.
In Hakone: having bad weather the itinerary should have had the flexibility for doing something that did matters instead of fulfilling the schedule with no purpose. Too difficult for Japan? Maybe you should think of changing your local partner. ”
Incredible trip!! I had a blast.
I only didn't like the hotel in Kyoto - it was way too small and cheap for what I paid.
Also, too many trains - we should have used more buses.”
Moha, our tour guide was very knowledgeable about both the history and the places we visited. She helped a lot with suggestions about what do in our free time and which restaurants to go to. She was very organised but flexible enough to accommodate people who just HAD to get a coffee before they could do anything.”
Great tour, saw everything stated on allotted itinerary, guide Mewa was very good, helpful and enjoyed her history narratives whilst travelling.”
'Happy' (her name in Japanese means happy) our tour guide was incredible. She made this trip interactive, personal and enjoyable. Excellent execution of knowledge and skills. Thank you.”
We did this tour for our honeymoon and it was fantastic! I'd recommend this trip to everyone. Our tour guide made Japan extra special. She went above and beyond to find information and recommendations for anything not included on the tour. She was polite, accomodating, very informative and was one of the main reasons our experience was so very special. We look forward to visiting Japan again and would love to have 'Happy' as our host again. ”
Our guide 'Happy' was a very organised, helpful, caring and joyful guide for our group. She helped structure our days and gave us advance planning of the following day. She worked out routes to avoid the crowds and also best places to eat etc. She made our tour a success. ”
After the mix-up with my arrival transportation to my hotel, everything was wonderful. 'Happy' was there for my welcome meeting and had everything under control from then on. I would do any tour in a heartbeat if I knew she was my tour guide!”
Our guide Mari was excellent, nothing was too much trouble.”
Overall, the holiday was fantastic with a packed itinerary and plenty of options. Hotels were excellent and the places we visited superb. The group were great too.”
At a Glance
Extra Tour Info
Incredible trip!! I had a blast.
I only didn't like the hotel in Kyoto - it was way too small and cheap for what I paid.
Also, too many trains - we should have used more buses.”