Golden Route of Japan With Cherry Blossom
(Mini Group Tour)

Itinerary

• Day 1: Tokyo, Arrival

  Konnichiwa! Tokyo, a unique city that offers visitors a rich history, magnificent beauty, and exhilarating activities, is the first stop on your vacation.

  After the plane lands, get to the hotel at your own pace and enjoy the remaining day to yourself. Whether you want to relax in your room or venture out, it's up to you.

  
  Optional: Private transfer from the airport to the hotel

  Accommodation: Dormy Inn Premium Ginza Hot Springs or similar

  • Tokyo

• Day 2: Tokyo City Highlights with Cherry Blossom

  Visiting Meiji Shrine will be the first thing in the morning, a piece of wooded land for the deity of Emperor Meiji amidst the bustling city. Like the locals, you can engage in some Shinto practices like buying charms and amulets or writing your wishes on a wooden plate and presenting it to the shrine for realization. Before climbing to the Main Observatory of Tokyo Tower for a bird's eye view of the city in cherry blossoms, Shinjuku Gyoen National Park's meandering walkway is to admire the stunning cherry blossoms up closely.

  In the afternoon, go to the historic Senso-ji Temple. You will enter the temple's main hall to observe how the Japanese worship after passing through Nakamise Shopping Street with its typical Japanese souvenirs. Round off the day by taking a leisurely cruise to appreciate cherry blossom views along both sides of the Sumida River.

  Accommodation: Dormy Inn Premium Ginza Hot Springs or similar

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  • Tokyo

• Day 3: Tokyo - Hakone, Mt. Fuji

  Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain and cultural icon, is located about 130 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. Today, a 2-hour trip will take you to some ideal sites where you can admire Mt. Fuji from various views: Visit Oshino Hakkai and Arakurayama Sengen Shrine (Chureito Pagoda) before taking a Lake Kawaguchi cruise to admire Mt. Fuji in the distance. After the tour, the driver will take you back to Tokyo for the night.

  Accommodation: Dormy Inn Premium Ginza Hot Springs or similar

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  • Tokyo

• Day 4: Free Day in Tokyo

  Today, you will enjoy a full free day to discover Tokyo at your leisure. Whether you wish to experience the vibrant energy of Shibuya Crossing, relax in a tranquil coffee shop, or immerse yourself in the pink sea of cherry blossoms along unknown streets, Tokyo will never disappoint you.

  Accommodation: Dormy Inn Premium Ginza Hot Springs or similar

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  • Tokyo

• Day 5: Tokyo - Kyoto, Cultural Experiences

  Today, make your own way to the train station to catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto Station, make your own way to your hotel in Kyoto.

  In the late afternoon (4 PM), immerse yourself in a Japan-only experience involving kimono wearing, a tea ceremony, and a Kaiseki dinner. Put on your kimono and sip classic green matcha tea at an authentic Japanese-style townhouse in the ancient Gion area. After that, go to a local restaurant for a scrumptious Kaiseki dinner including multi-course beautifully arranged seasonal meals. (* There are no nuts or pork on the menu. But, if you are vegetarian or gluten-free, the menu may not cater to you.)

  Accommodation: Hyatt Place Kyoto or similar

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  • Kyoto

• Day 6: Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto, Historical Sites with Deer Encounter

  The Kyoto tour today begins with a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The walkways that wind through the bamboo trees provide for a pleasant stroll. The groves are especially stunning when there is a light breeze and the towering bamboo stalks gracefully move back and forth. Following the visit to Arashiyama, you will go to the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkakuji Temple, a must-see attraction in Japan with two upper levels covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple in the lake adds to the beauty of the scene.

  After that, have lunch before continuing on to Nara. You're off to Todaiji Temple, which holds the Guinness World Record for its largest wooden structure. Even more surprising, the largest Buddha statue in Japan can also be found inside the temple. Right outside the shrine is where you'll find the Nara Deer Park, home to countless deer that graze freely. The deer in the park are known to be sociable, and they may even bow to you for a small treat. You then return to Kyoto for the night.

  Accommodation: Hyatt Place Kyoto or similar

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  • Kyoto

• Day 7: Kyoto, Bento Cooking Class

  Good morning! Today will be a day of leisure, you will have a join-in cooking class; Firstly, find your way to the classroom. In this lesson, your English-speaking teacher will instruct you how to cook a bento, a daily lunch box that Japanese ladies prepare for their families that often includes salad, teriyaki chicken, egg rolls, sushi rolls, and miso soup. After the lesson, you can eat the bento you made for lunch.

  After a little break, explore the charming city of Kyoto as you like.

  Accommodation: Hyatt Place Kyoto or similar

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  • Kyoto

• Day 8: Kyoto - Himeji - Kobe - Osaka

  Today, meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel. You'll enjoy a trip to explore the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle and taste famous Kobe beef.

  Your starting point, Himeji Castle, recognized as the best surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, consists of a network of 83 buildings from the feudal period with complex defensive systems. Because of its beautiful white and grey appearance and likeness to a heron, the castle is also known as Hakuro-jo or Shirasagi-jo (White Heron Castle).

  Then, head to Kobe for lunch. In a local restaurant, try the famous Kobe beef and other genuine regional cuisine. Following that, it's highly recommended you ride a cable car to the top of Mt. Nunobiki to admire a panoramic view of Osaka Bay and appreciate 200 kinds of blooming in its herb garden. In addition, a sampling tour of the Sake Brewery Museum is also a great place to spend your afternoon.

  After the tour, return to Osaka for the night.

  Accommodation: Citadines Namba Osaka or similar

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  • Osaka

• Day 9: Osaka Street Food Walking Tour

  A street food tour of the downtown region, particularly the bustling Dotonbori, is one of the greatest ways to get to know this so-called gastronomic capital of Japan. So today your tour guide will lead you to discover hidden eateries for some famed local food like Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu.

  Accommodation: Citadines Namba Osaka or similar

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  • Osaka

• Day 10: Osaka, Departure

  After breakfast, your delightful trip to Japan will come to an end. Find your way to the KIX airport, and then return home with priceless memories.

  
  Optional: Private transfer from the hotel to the KIX airport

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