Cherry Blossoms Tour of Japan

Hosted Seat-in-Coach and Train Itinerary arriving in Tokyo and departing Osaka in the usual season of Cherry Blossoms

8 Nights/9 Days  –  2025   Arrival Dates in Tokyo – March 26, 29 & April 02 & 05 

Arrive Tokyo – Day 1
Upon your arrival at Narita or Haneda Airport you will be met and assisted to your transportation to your hotel. Get ready for the exciting days ahead and admire the cherry blossoms in the “Land of the Rising Sun.”

Accommodations at GRAND PRINCE HOTEL or similar.

Tokyo – Day 2
Proceed to the tour location at Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit and explore the bustling capital of Japan with your expert guide.  See the  Imperial Palace Garden, formerly the private garden of the Royal Family. Visit Tokyo Tower and admire the 360-degree panoramic view from the main floor.  Discover Sensoji Temple, dedicated to the Goddess Kannon and walk the famous Nakamise shopping street.

The afternoon is at leisure to explore more of the city on your own or with optional arrangements. Ask us for suggestions.

Accommodations at GRAND PRINCE HOTEL or similar.

Tokyo – Mt. Fuji & Hakone – Day 3
Depart Tokyo by bus and head to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, situated at 7546 feet above sea level.  Admire breathtaking views and look for the cherry blossoms from this vantage point before enjoying your Japanese-style lunch.  Cruise Lake Ashi, formed nearly 3000 years ago along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mt. Hakone, and take in the mountain views.    Ascend by ropeway to the peak of Mt. Komagatake and then take a cable car to the spiritual Hakone Shrine that nestles at the mountaintop.  Return to Tokyo for and your accommodation.

Accommodations at GRAND PRINCE HOTEL or similar.

Tokyo – Kanazawa – Day 4
After breakfast, proceed to Tokyo Station and take the Shinkansen to Kanazawa Station.  An English-speaking guide will meet you at the station and assist you to the hotel on foot.  In the afternoon, tour the Nomura Residence, a former home of a samurai family from the Kaga Domain.  Admire the traditional architecture and gaze at the beautiful Japanese Garden.  Proceed to Kenrokuen Garden, one of the top three in the country.  Continue to Higashi Chaya-gai to see the wooden-latticed teahouses lining both sides of the street, a scene that dates back to the Edo period between 1603 and 1868.

Accommodations at HOTEL KANAZAWA or similar.

Kanazawa – Shirakawago & Takayama – Day 5 

Following breakfast, depart by bus to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Begin at the observatory, giving you an elevated view of the thatch-roofed village.  Then visit one of the residences and learn about the culture and history of the village. After lunch, proceed to Takayama and visit the Festival Floats Exhibition Hall where you can see floats used in the famous Takayama Festival.  Spend time in the Kusakabe Heritage House and view a range of exquisite folk art and traditional handicrafts.  Visit Kami-Sannomachi in the heart of the castle town before returning to Kanazawa and your accommodation.

Accommodations at HOTEL KANAZAWA or similar.

Kanazawa – Kyoto – Day 6
After breakfast at the hotel, an English-speaking assistant will meet you and take you to the Kanazawa Station and make sure that you are situated on the train for your journey to Kyoto.  Upon arrival, an English-speaking assistant will meet you and direct you to your hotel for check-in.  The remainder of the day is at leisure for personal pursuits and exploration.

Accommodations at MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO HACHIJO or similar.

Kyoto – Day 7
Explore the former imperial capital and the center of Japanese culture for over 1,000 years. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kyoto is one of the best preserved cities in Japan with more than 200 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Visit the golden Kinkaku-Ji Temple, Nijo Castle, and Kyoto Imperial Palace.

After a western-style set menu lunch,  proceed to Nara Park, and Todi-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the symbol of the Nara Period and one of the world’s largest wooden structures. Its huge main hall and bronze Great Buddha are impressive to behold.

Accommodations at MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO HACHIJO or similar.

Kyoto – Day 8
Today is at leisure for additional exploration, shopping, or relaxation.  Ask us for suggestions.

Accommodations at MIYAKO HOTEL KYOTO HACHIJO or similar.

Departure – Day 9
Bid farewell to Kyoto and transfer to Kansai International Airport for your return flight home or to your next destination.