Japan Cherry Blossom Odyssey

Arrive at Kansai or Itami airport and transfer to your hotel in central Osaka. The remainder of the day is free to unpack and recover from your flight.

Start your day by visiting Osaka Castle, one of the iconic landmarks of the city and a popular place to see the cherry blossoms in the spring. In the early afternoon, travel to Nara, an ancient city with many historical sites. Visit Todaiji Temple, home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue and the Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of lanterns. Return to Osaka and enjoy a welcome dinner at a local izakaya. 

Take a morning bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima. First, we will visit Miyajima Island to walk around the island and visit Itsukushima Shrine. The name Itsukushima literally means 'island of worship' and from ancient times the island itself was worshiped as a god. The mystical Itsukushima Shrine built on the water was inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1996. After exploring Miyajima, travel back to Hiroshima to visit Peace Memorial Park and Museum. See the Atomic Bomb Dome and other landmarks in the park. For lunch, our guide will take you to a local Okonomiyaki restaurant. Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake) is the most famous regional food and known as Hiroshima's soul food. Return to Osaka to overnight.

This morning we take a stroll in the Namba and Shinsaibashi areas, known for delicious food and a lively atmosphere. You’ll have the chance to sample some food if you like, and possibly try the famous and ubiquitous takoyaki (commonly known as ‘octopus dumplings’) and kushikatsu (skewered meats and vegetables). We’ll have lunch in this region and then we take a short train ride from Osaka to Kyoto. In Kyoto we head to the northwest part of the city to visit Kinkakuji, the golden pavilion. You'll quickly see why this jewel set into the northern hills is one of the most visited sites in Japan. It is covered in real gold leaf, photogenically vibrant at any time of year no matter the weather. Then we travel to Arashiyama, where Kyoto’s renowned bamboo forest is located. Walk along the pathway through the bamboo forest to admire the groves and capture the perfect photo. Also visit Tenryu-ji temple, one of Kyoto’s main zen temples.

In the morning visit Fushimi Inari Shrine famous for its thousands of Torii gates that line the mountain trail. The shrine complex spans over the entire Mt. Inari (233m/765ft). On your tour, you will visit the main shrine hall and proceed through the famed vermillion gate tunnel. Walking through the truly unique vermillion gate pathway is a visually stunning experience. Then experience a matcha green tea ceremony at Kyo-machiya, a traditional townhouse in Kyoto.

Later in the afternoon and into the evening we visit Kiyomizudera, one of the most celebrated temples in Japan. Then we have a very special evening visiting Maruyama Park and Kodaiji Temple during the nighttime cherry blossom illumination event. The cherry trees and buildings are lit up providing a mesmerizing view. We also walk along the Gion, the geisha district.

Enjoy a free morning in Kyoto.

In the afternoon we take the train to Kaga Onsen, a small hot spring town. Relax in your Japanese style room and try the onsen (hot spring) baths. We will have a Japanese kaiseki style group dinner tonight.

We have a later start this morning, so there is more time to enjoy the onsen baths. Then we take a short train ride to Kanazawa and have lunch at Omicho market. Afterwards visit Kenrokuen garden, a large Japanese landscape garden regarded as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. We also visit Kanazawa castle and the Higashi Chaya area, home of working teahouses where geishas entertain their wealthy clients. Learn about the geisha lifestyle and have the opportunity to visit a gold leaf store, a speciality of Kanazawa. 

Spend the day touring around more sites in beautiful Kanazawa. We visit the 21st Century Museum where we will tour the outside art installations. Also visit the Nagamachi district, where samurais and their families used to reside. We will enter and visit the Nomura house. In the later afternoon we take the bullet train from Kanazawa to Tokyo. 

A full day in Tokyo exploring the city like a Tokyoite, by public transportation. We will visit Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine,  dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Then walk around the hip neighbourhood of Harajuku and the trendy high fashion district of Omotesando. After lunch we visit Tokyo's old town area where you can soak in the atmosphere of old Tokyo. Visit Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries.

Today we head out for a day trip to Hakone about 80 kilometers south west of Tokyo. Hakone is known for its famous hot spring resorts and views of iconic Mount Fuji (weather permitting). We will have a full day of activities including a boat ride around lake Ashi, a crater lake formed by a powerful volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago. As well as a cable car ride to the Owakudani valley and its boiling sulfur springs. We return to Tokyo in the evening. 

Our day starts in Ueno Park, one of the best places to view cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Walk through the park to admire the hundreds of cherry trees. Next we take a hands-on sushi making experience. Enjoy your own sushi creations for lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Tokyo as you wish. Our guide can make some suggestions based on your interests. In the evening we visit the vibrant neon light region of Shinjuku for our farewell dinner. 

Sayonara, farewell, our tour concludes today. You will be transferred to Haneda or Narita airport for your departure flight.