Japan's Cherry Blossoms - Group Tour

This 11-day tour explores the very best of Japan’s cultural and natural locations and takes place during the popular cherry blossom season. Journey on the famous bullet train and stay in some traditional accommodation. Perhaps sample some of the local specialities including fresh sushi, Hida beef and sake. Witness Mount Fuji, spend time in the cultural city of Kyoto and visit two beautiful national parks.

2019 Departure Dates

• 28 Mar 19
• 04 Apr 19

 

Highlights

Tokyo - Fuji - Takayama - Kanazawa - Kyoto - Hiroshima - Osaka

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly to Tokyo

You will take a scheduled flight from New Zealand to Tokyo.

 

Day 2 Arrive Tokyo

Upon arrival at Narita / Haneda airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

 

Day 3 Tokyo Sightseeing (B)

This morning, after breakfast, you leave the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Morning visit to Tsukiji Market, the world’s biggest Fish Market. Continue to Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Legend has it that fisherman brothers discovered an image of Kannon (the goddess of mercy) in the Sumida River around 1370 years ago and they were inspired to enshrine it. Its symbol is a large red paper lantern that bears the word ‘Kaminari-mon‘, or the Thunder Gate. Visit the Imperial Palace for a photo opportunity, then continue to Shinjuku Gyoen Park, one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. The last stop of the day will be the Tokyo Tower, which is the second tallest self-supporting steel tower in Japan, opened in 1958.

 

Day 4 Tokyo to Hakone to Fuji (B/D)

Visit Koishikawa Korakuen, a seventeenth century botanical garden maintained by the University of Tokyo, featuring many tree and plant species, as well as a small Japanese landscape garden, particularly nice during the cherry blossom season. Depart for Hakone by coach. Enjoy a short cruise on Lake Ashi and continue to the Owakudani Ropeway. We will be staying at Ryokan, traditional Japanese accommodation today, where you can enjoy indoor/outdoor hot spring baths.

 

Day 5 Fuji to Takayama (B/D)

Start your trip to Mt. Fuji. Climb up to the 5th station by coach, about 2300 meters above sea level. After your visit here proceed to Takayama stopping en-route to visit the Daio Wasabi Farm, to see how this famous Japanese ingredient is grown. Continue to Takayama for an overnight stay.

 

Day 6 Takayama (B/D)

After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour in Takayama including visits to Takayama-Jinya, Matsuri no Mori, and Kamisannomachi Street with some free time here to enjoy lunch (at own expense). Continue to the Folk Craft Museum. Overnight stay in Takayama.

 

Day 7 Takayama to Shirakawago to Kanazawa (B)

Travel to World Heritage listed Shirakawago, famous for the traditional Gasshou-zukuri farmhouses of more than 250 years old. Continue to Kanazawa and visit some Samurai houses before visiting Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa 21st Century Museum. Overnight stay in Kanazawa.

 

Day 8 Kanazawa to Kyoto (B)

Morning departure from Kanazawa for Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital. The first stop will be at the Kiyomizu-dera Temple. This will be followed by a visit to Gion, Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district and a popular nightspot where tourists can experience the authentic local life. At the end of the day, you will check into your hotel.

 

Day 9 Kyoto and Nara Day tour (B)

After breakfast you will leave the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Kyoto and Nara. Visit Todai-ji Temple, the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), which is one of the world’s largest wooden buildings and one of the best known temples in Japan. It enshrines a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha. Next you will visit Nara Deer park where the deer roam freely. Visitors may feed or pet them (special food is sold in the park grounds). Back to Kyoto in the afternoon and enjoy your free time walking around this ancient capital city. Returning to Kyoto, visit the celebrated Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Afterwards enjoy the Kimono show at Nishijin Textile Centre. Return to the hotel.

 

Day 10 Kyoto to Hiroshima (B)

Your main luggage will be transferred from Kyoto to Osaka. Pack a small bag for your stay in Hiroshima. After breakfast, visit Heian Jingu Shrine, the home of perhaps the world’s most authentic and exquisite Japanese Garden. Continue to Nijo Castle, which was built in the early 17th century. Depart Kyoto by the bullet train and arrive at Hiroshima in approx 2 hours. We recommend trying a bento box aboard the train for your lunch (own expense). On arrival visit Peace Memorial Park. The Genbaku-dome (The Atomic Bomb Dome) is the symbol of Hiroshima, the city that advocates peace in the world. It is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. While all structures vanished in the atomic bomb explosion, only this building miraculously remained standing. Check into your hotel.

 

Day 11 Hiroshima to Miyajima to Osaka (B)

After breakfast you will leave the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Miyajima with a ferry ride. You will visit the Itsukushima Shrine. It is situated in Itsukushima Island, commonly known as Miyajima, in south-western Hiroshima. It is a scenic sight in which the mountains, sea and red shrine buildings blend in harmony, and the entire island is designated as a historic site. It is one of the three most beautiful sites in Japan, along with Matsushima in Miyagi and Ama-no-hashidate in Kyoto. After lunch, transfer to Osaka by the bullet train. On Arrival, you will visit Osaka Castle for photo opportunity and the Shinsaibashi area. Check into your hotel.

 

Day 12 Osaka to Himeji and Kobe to Osaka (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Himeji Castle, one of the most ancient and famous castles in Japan. After lunch transfer to Kobe. Next you will enjoy shopping in Kobe China Town, also known as Nankinmachi and Motomachi, a lively town perfect for shopping, gourmet food and nightspots in the centre of Kobe. Enjoy some free time here for lunch (at own expense). Take a walk around the Harborland in Kobe. Visit a Sake Brewery in Nada District. There were three reasons for the development of Sake brewing in the 18th century that made the name of Nada known throughout Japan. One was the discovery of Miya-mizu, excellent water quality for making Sake; two, the production of high quality rice, an ingredient in Sake; and three, a convenient location for transportation by sea. Return to your hotel in Osaka.

 

Day 13 Fly back to New Zealand

Transfer to the airport for the flight to New Zealand

 

Not included:
- International & domestic flights
- Visa, travel insurance
- Excess baggage penalty for domestic flights (ask your specialist about baggage allowance for your domestic flights)
- Breakfast ordered from Room Service
- Beverages during pre-arranged meals
- Tipping, communication or any other expense of personal nature

Travel Dates

Specific travel dates apply

*per person share twin