Cherry Blossom Festival

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enquire now 13 Days From NZD $9,495 pp twinshare
 Small group
 Terms & Conditions apply

See Japan in 2024! Springtime is possibly one of the best times to visit Japan, when cherry blossom trees come out in full bloom across the nation. Take in the highlights, 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.

Tour Highlights

  • Tokyo – Cruise along the Sumida River, see the cherry blossoms in bloom in Hama-rikyu Gardens, Sensoji Temple, Meiji Shrine and Shibuya Crossing
  • Matsumoto – Matsumoto Castle – One of the few original and complete castles in Japan, giving a real sense of ancient Japan and how the Samurai used to live and fight
  • Daio Wasabi Farm – Taste this unique delicacy and enjoy the spectacular scenery
  • Takayama – Ancient town famed for its narrow streets lined with inns, tea houses, shops and merchant houses. And visit a traditional Hida village on the outskirts of town
  • Kanazawa – Traditional tea ceremony and see the cherry blossoms at Kenrokuen – one of the best and most beautiful feudal lords’ gardens in Japan
  • Stay in a traditional ryokan – Sampling Japanese hospitality, bathing in natural hot springs and wear a Samue (casual Kimono)
  • Kyoto – Explore the UNESCO Listed ancient and cultural capital of Japan. Visit Nijo Castle, Sanjusagen-do Temple and Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)
  • Kyoto – Walking tour of Gion Geisha District and watch the beautiful Miyako Odari (Spring Geisha Dances)
  • Hiroshima – Peace Park, Peace Memorial Museum, UNESCO Listed A-Bomb Dome
  • Hakone – Fuji Hakone National Park offering incredible views of the snow-capped Mt Fuji. Explore the region and travel aboard mountain bus, switchback railway, boats and cable cars.

Itinerary 

Day 1 – Welcome to Japan
Day 2 – Tokyo sightseeing – Meiji Shrine, Ginza, Shibuya & river cruise
Day 3 – Beautiful Matsumoto Castle
Day 4 – Takayama – charming Hida Folk Village
Day 5 – Takayama’s Old Quarter
Day 6 – Cherry blossoms of Kanazawa
Day 7 – Kyoto – beauty, art & culture
Day 8 – Hiroshima – Peace Park, Museum & Memorials
Day 9 – Kyoto’s best temples, Miyako Odari – Spring Geisha dances
Days 10-11 – Hakone National Park – At the foot of Mt Fuji
Day 12 – Tokyo – Sensoji Temple District & free time
Day 13 – Goodbye Japan…

Included

Breakfast daily and 5 dinners
12 nights 3 – 4 star accommodation (including a traditional Ryokan stay)
Airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 13 by public shuttle bus or train, from either Narita or Haneda Airport
Guided sightseeing and walking tours in Tokyo, Matsumoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, Kyoto and Hakone
Day trip to Hiroshima with visits to Peace Park, Peace Park Museum, various memorials and the A-Bomb site
All relevant transfers and transportation – private buses and rail passes – individual or other (including Tokyo Transport Pass and 2 day Hakone Free Pass), and luggage forwarding on days 7 and 10
Sumida River boat cruise in Tokyo
Fuji Hakone National Park, with lake cruise, cable cars, ropeways and switchback trains
Ticket to the Spring Geisha Dances (Miyako Odori performance and guided tour of the Gion Geisha District in Kyoto
Escorted by a licensed English speaking Japanese tour guide
Entrance fees to all included sightseeing
Baggage forwarding service from Kanazawa to Kyoto and Kyoto to Tokyo (one bag per person)
Maximum group size: 18 persons

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$3-5 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture
Entrance Fees:
Tipping Kitty
OTG – 2023
Images courtesy of On The Go Tours 

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