Detailed Itinerary
DAY 1: TOKYO
The Adventure Begins
Welcome to Tokyo! We'll meet you at the airport and take you to the hotel in Tokyo. Tokyo has many historic cherry blossom viewing spots. So, let's start the cherry blossom adventure from Tokyo.
DAY 2: TOKYO
Hit the Streets
Discover the fascinating sites of Tokyo that combine traditional temples and gardens with futuristic skyscrapers. Begin with a visit to the Imperial Palace, home to Japan's Imperial Family. Wander around Asakusa, the old town area of the city. Experience the traditional Tokyo of the past as you explore Tokyo's oldest and most popular temple, Sensoji Temple, also known as Asakusa Kannon Temple.
In the afternoon, we will visit the first cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo: Chidorigafuchi. In Tokyo, Chidorigafuchi is one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots. The moat behind the imperial palace is named after the lake that resembles a thousand feathers fluttering in the wind. A boat trip is the best way to view cherry blossoms. There are about 170 cherry blossoms in full bloom in the area, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura. While rowing a small boat across the water leisurely, Ying Chuuxue floated from the top of her head, pleasing to the eye when the wind passed.
DAY 3: TOKYO
Today, we will check out two more famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. We started at Sakurazaka in the morning. Geographically, this refers to a ramp between Honmachi 18 and 42 in Ota. There are about 20 cherry trees planted on either side of the road. Since Fukuyama Masaharu's "Sakurasaka" sold 2 million copies in 2000, it became the most popular single of the year, and it is now known all over the world.
On this afternoon, we'll visit the third cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo: Shinjuku Gyoen. This is Tokyo's largest Japanese-style and French-style garden, covering an area of approximately 58 hectares in Tokyo's Shinjuku and Shibuya districts. This area was originally part of the residential land granted to Tokugawa Ieyasu's retainer Naito Kiyoshinari when he entered Edo Castle in the 18th year of Tensho (1590), and it became an imperial garden in 1906.
DAY 4: TOKYO
The Last Tokyo Day
Today is the last day to enjoy the cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Our stop is Ueno Enshi Park. Cherry blossom viewing has been popular in Ueno since the Edo period. Ueno Onshi Park is known as a treasure house of historical relics and cultural properties due to its long history. In addition to 1,200 cherry trees, there are art galleries, museums, zoos, and other activities that are suitable for family trips.
Last but not least, we'll visit the Meguro River. Meguro River has always been a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms. The river flows from Setagaya District, through Meguro District, Shinagawa District, and finally into Tokyo Bay for a distance of about 8 kilometers. One of them, Ikejiri Bridge, is located about 3.8 kilometers from Tokyu Meguro Line Station. More than 800 cherry blossoms are blooming at Somei Yoshino. There is a small bridge that connects the two sides of the river which are not wide, and cherry blossoms flow into the river, creating a romantic cherry blossom tunnel. From the middle of the bridge, the pictures are layered on top of each other. As night falls, the red lanterns light up slightly, creating a romantic scene of cherry blossoms at night.
DAY 5: HAKONE (Mt. Fuji)
Mt. Fuji
Take a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone, where you can explore Japan's highest mountain, Mt. Fuji, and its surrounding Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
During mid-April, bean cherry blossoms bloom in Onshi Hakone Park, which signals the true arrival of spring. The park was built on the site of the former Hakone Rikyu, offering a panoramic view of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. Cherry blossoms are also blooming around the lakeside observatory and at the gate to the mountain, in addition to Dou Sakura. As a bonus, you can also experience Komagatake and cherry blossoms during this period.
DAY 6: HAKONE TO KYOTO
The Ancient Capital
Kyoto has been captivating visitors to Japan since the country's borders opened in the 19th century. Kyoto is well known throughout the world for its majestic palaces and villas, delightfully charming streets, and meticulously tended gardens; as well as time-honored traditions that have survived to the present day.
First, let's go to the Kyoto Philosophy Path, a popular spot to admire cherry blossoms. It is also called the "Road of the Literati". Maple trees in autumn and cherry blossoms in spring exhibit different expressions depending on the season. Many tourists flock to see the pink cherry blossoms along the canal every year, making it one of Kyoto's most popular cherry blossom viewing spots.
A must-see cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto is Hirano Shrine! This is our next stop. Like many types of cherry blossoms as there are blooming times, there are also many different types. The gradual transition from pale pink to dense pink is charming. The cherry blossoms are also illuminated at night so that you can enjoy them at night. This is a beautiful place at night.
DAY 7: KYOTO
Sights and Insights
Kyoto's northern region is a rich source of history and architecture. This includes the dramatic power struggles that led to almost 200 years of civil war to the oldest geisha district and its beautifully preserved teahouses. During today's tour, you'll navigate cobblestone streets in neighborhoods that were established more than a thousand years ago. You'll discover that Kyoto is not only steeped in history, but also full of contemporary monks, artisans, baristas, and college students striving to establish a vibrant future.
A favorite of millions of visitors each year, Kinkakuji Temple is one of the most visited sites in Japan. A far cry from Buddhism's austerity, it is covered in gold leaf and photogenically vibrant no matter what time of year it is. The next shrine to be discussed is Kintano-tenmangu, which was built in order to appease an angry ghost. As spring approaches, the cherry blossoms in the yard are all in bloom with delicate blooms of pink and white. The pool is surrounded by blue skies, clear water, and golden pavilions, and there are cherry blossoms in bloom.
You will also visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, a famous Japanese shrine that features 10,000 red torii gates that create a path ascending the mountain behind the temple.
DAY 8: NARA
It’s All Ancient History
You'll travel to Nara, 45 minutes from Kyoto today. Nara was Japan's capital for 74 years in the 8th century, and this area is home to many ancient temples and shrines. Today's tour includes a visit to Todaiji temple, the world's largest wooden building and home of the Great Buddha. Then, you will visit Kasuga Taisha, established in 768 AD and famous for its donated bronze and stone lanterns. You can also stroll through Nara Park, known as Deer Park because of its 1,000 tame deer. There are about 1,700 cherry blossom trees in the park, including Somei Yoshino cherry trees, Yamazakura trees, Nara trees, and many more, blooming in sequence. The deer under the cherry blossoms are especially cute.
In late afternoon, you'll arrive in Osaka.
DAY 9: OSAKA
Explore a City of Contrasts
Visit Osaka Castle, the largest castle in Japan surrounded by impressive stone walls and moats. Every spring, cherry blossom trees are planted around Osaka Castle Park, which becomes a major cherry blossom viewing attraction. Over 600 cherry blossom trees have been planted in the Nishinomaru Garden in the park. For its beautiful cherry blossom scenery and castle tower of Osaka Castle, Osaka Castle Park is one of the top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan.
The tour continues with a walking tour through Dotonbori, a popular shopping and entertainment district also known as an exquisite food destination. Tempt your taste buds with takoyaki (octopus dumplings) from Osaka. Visit the Shinsekai area, which the locals call the 'retro' part of the city. Markets and buildings with a mid-1900s feel are a throwback to an era gone by. Visit the incredible Abeno Harukas skyscraper, the tallest building in Japan, offering amazing views of the city from the observation decks that occupy the top three floors.
DAY 10: OSAKA
Jet Off
A private driver will transfer you from Kyoto to Osaka Kansai International Airport.
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