2020 Small Group Japan Cherry Blossom Encounter

Day 2 | 29 Mar - Tokyo

This morning, meet your fellow tour companions in the lobby before departing on a Tokyo full day tour on a private coach with an English speaking guide. Then, you will visit Chidorigafuchi to view more than 250 spectacular Cherry Blossom trees. Then, embark on a delightful Sumida River Boat Cruise to Tokyo’s ancient Buddhist temple, Senso-ji Temple. Enjoy strolling through the Nakamise ShoppingStreet before heading to Ueno Park,renowned for its display of around 1,200 breathtaking Cherry Blossom trees. Return to your hotel before heading out to indulge at a Welcome Dinner at a local Japanese Izakaya restaurant in Tokyo.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner included

Overnight: Shinagawa Prince Hotel or similar (3 Star Hotel)

Day 4 | 31 Mar - Tokyo - Mt Fuji - Hakone

This morning, please leave your main suitcase at reception and it will be delivered to your hotel in Osaka. Ensure you bring an overnight bag for your stay in Hakone. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby, then you’re off on a full day tour by private coach to Mt. Fuji. The first stop will be Mt. Fuji 5th Station, before enjoying a cruise on Lake Ashi, from Sekisho-ato to Kojiri pier. In the afternoon, visit Owakudani Valley, famous for its black eggs boiled in the hot sulphur springs, before a ride on the Hakone Ropeway. Then head to your Ryokan located in the Hakone Gora Hot Spring Resort area. After a traditional Japanese-style dinner in the evening, it’s time to make the most of your Ryokan’s spa facilities.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Overnight: Setsugetsuka or similar (4 Star Hotel)

Day 6 | 2 Apr - Osaka - Nara - Osaka

This morning, you will head to Nara for a half day tour visiting Todai-ji Temple, known for its Great Buddha Hall that is a historic monument of ancient Nara. This temple is in Nara Park, where you can see and interact with the friendly deer that roam freely, before visiting Kasuga-taisha Shrine. After exploring Nara, you will transfer back to your accommodation in Osaka to spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Breakfast included

Overnight: Hotel Vischio Osaka or similar (4 Star Hotel)

Day 7 | 3 Apr - Osaka - Kyoto

You will leave Osaka and make your way to Kyoto on a full-day sightseeing tour in a private coach. Visit Nijo Castle, a World Heritage listed and historical monument of ancient Kyoto, before proceeding to the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, famous for its wooden stage that is 13 metres above the hillside below. After lunch, enjoy the Shopping Street of Ninen-Sannenzaka before visiting Kinkaku-ji Temple, which is gilded in a brilliant gold leaf. The last stop of the afternoon is Sanjusangen-do, where you can marvel at the beauty of Japanese Buddhist sculptures. Then, it’s onto your overnight accommodation in Kyoto.

Breakfast and lunch included

Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto-Sanjo or similar (4 Star Hotel)

Day 8 | 4 Apr - Kyoto

Spend a free day at your leisure within the ancient city of Kyoto. Alternatively, you may wish to add an additional day tour from one of our many available options. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with an enchanting Maiko dance performance in the Gion District, a famous spot to glimpse beautiful Geisha on the streets en-route to their appointments. Afterwards, head back to your hotel at your leisure.

Breakfast and dinner included

Overnight: The Royal Park Hotel Kyoto-Sanjo or similar (4 Star Hotel)