Japan Cherry Blossom&Culture Tour

Today you will fly to Tokyo. On arrival, your driver will welcome you at the arrival hall and transfer you to your hotel with a private car to ensure your arrival is worry-free.

Welcome to Meiji Jingu Shrine This shrine is the largest and most powerful spot in Tokyo. Meiji Jingu enshrines Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken as its deities.Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo's largest and most popular parks. In spring Shinjuku Gyoen becomes one of the best places in the city to see cherry blossoms. Chidorigafuchi's path is the most scenic spot around the Imperial Palance moat, with a 700-meter-long tunnel of cherry trees in the spring. The pathway is a five-minute walk from Kudanshita Station or Hanzomon Station. The Meguro River is a river which flows through Tokyo, Japan. Its tributaries include the Kitazawa River and the Karasuyama River. The river is a popular venue for cherry blossom viewing in the spring.

Akihabara:Akihabara, also commonly known as “Electric Town,” is the go-to district in Tokyo for electronics—and a popular spot to immerse in anime and manga culture.  The area’s hundreds of stores sell everything from computer parts to home goods.Sensoji Temple:Senso-ji Temple Tokyo`s oldest and most prominent temple. The magestic Senso-Ji Buddhist Temple is almost 1400 years old and is a symbol of Asakusa and the entire city of Tokyo.Tokyo national museum:The Tokyo National Museum features one of the largest and best collections of art and archeological artifacts in Japan, made up of over 100,000 individual items including nearly a hundred national treasures. At any one time, about 4000 different items from the permanent museum collection are on display. In addition, visiting temporary exhibitions are also held regularly.

Hakone is the most popular tourist attraction in the Kanto region. "Hakone Day Tour" will take you to Lake Ashino to take the "Hakone Pirate Ship" to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji and the lake, and then take the "Hakone Ropeway" to Owakudani. The scenery along the way is pleasing to the eye . Owakudani, left over from a volcanic eruption 4,000 years ago, in addition to being able to see the crater, now still has bursts of white smoke and the smell of sulfur. In Owakudani, you can buy the legendary black jade, which can prolong life. It is said that eating one can prolong life by 7 years! 

West Lake Village is located in the "West Lake" a display of Japan's original scenery thatched cottage village. From the village you can see Mount Fuji in the distance, and the pointed roofs are covered with thick thatch. The village brook murmuring, birds singing flowers, seems to have come to Xanadu.Head to Oshino Hakkai is a touristy set of eight ponds in Oshino, a small village in the Fuji Five Lake region, The eight ponds are fed by snow melt from the slopes of nearby Mount Fuji that filters down the mountain through porous layers of lava for over 80 years, resulting in very clear spring water that is revered by the locals.The Narusawa Hyoketsu Ice Cave is located at the east entrance to the Aokigahara Jukai "sea of trees" forest, and is regarded as one of the tourist spots within the Fuji Five Lakes area that can be visited throughout the year. Over 1150 years ago, during year 6 of the Jogan era (864 a.d.), Nagaoyama, a flank volcano of Mt. Fuji erupted. The red hot lava flow (Aokigahara Maruo) descended between ancient parasitic volcanoes, creating this two-tunnel type cave.Arakurayama Sengen Park is one of the world-famous viewing spots of Mount Fuji. In springtime, the cherry blossoms in bloom create a spectacular view of a five-storied pagoda and Mount Fuji unique to Japan. Not only does the park offer splendid views of the mountain in respective seasons, but it also serves as a popular viewing spot for the beautiful night scenery of Fujiyoshida City.

Matsumoto Castle is one of the most complete and beautiful among Japan's original castles. It is a "hirajiro" - a castle built on plains rather than on a hill or mountain. Matsumoto Castle is unique for having both a secondary donjon and a turret adjoined to its main keep. The castle structures, in combination with their characteristic black wainscoting, give off an air of grandeur and poise.The lake is located in the heart of Suwa and is the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture. In spring, the lake is surrounded by beautiful cherry blossoms, while summer sees it lit up by fireworks above. In warmer months, lake activities include pleasure cruises, amphibious bus tours, fishing, and more.Suwa Taisha (Suwa Grand Shrine), located in Nagano Prefecture, south east of Matsumoto, in the center of the country, is one of Japan's oldest and most important shrines.

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The Miyagawa Morning Market has existed in one form or another for more than two centuries, and it's still a hub for fresh produce.You can buy everything from local fruit and vegetables to traditional "sarubobo" dolls and stylish chopsticks. Shirakawa-go is surrounded by steep mountains, 96% of the village is forest, and only 0.4% of farmland is a typical mountain village. In the village, there are Hakusan National Park, Tiansheng Prefectural Natural Park, etc.and there are many natures that have been preserved since ancient times. In the Hida area, villages fall into steep areas with mountain folds, while Shokawa flows through gaps in steep slopes like stitched folds, forming villages in the watershed.The Takayama Jinya served as the local government office headed by the officials dispatched from Edo (present day Tokyo). The building complex was in official use until 1969 and is now open to the public as a museum.  

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During the Edo Period, Kanazawa served as the seat of the Maeda Clan, the second most powerful feudal clan after the Tokugawa in terms of rice production and fief size.  Accordingly, Kanazawa grew to become a town of great cultural achievements, rivaling Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo).This tour will take you to visit Nagamachi Samurai, Kenrokuen, Higashi Chaya District and Kanazawa's Geisha District. Standing quietly in the city, these traditional buildings blend in with the modern atmosphere of Kanazawa, resulting in a charming classical town.

One Way between Kanazawa and Kyoto by Shinkansen（2hrs26min）

Kinkaku-ji Temple:With its gleaming gold tiers reflected in the lake below and a backdrop of forests and twisted pines, Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) is an enchanting sight.  Dating back to the 14th century, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Kyoto’s most popular attractions and among Japan’s most visited temples.The Philosopher's Path:The Philosopher's Path (哲学の道, Tetsugaku no michi) is a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Usually in early April these trees explode with color, making this one of the city's most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots.Japanese traditional culture performance:Kitano Tenmangu is also a popular autumn color spot, as the shrine open its garden to the public during the peak of the autumn leaf season from late October to early December.  Hundreds of maple trees line the garden's river and are lit up in the evenings.

Kiyomizu-dera:Founded in 778, Kiyomizu-temple is one of Kyoto's oldest monasteries and was added to the World Heritage List in 1994. The Shimizu stage hanging in front of this hall is a precious cultural relic of Japan, surrounded by green trees. In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, which is one of the famous places for appreciating cherry blossoms in Kyoto. In autumn, it becomes a holy place for appreciating maple trees.Hongan-ji:Nishi Honganji and Higashi Honganji  are two large temples in the center of Kyoto. As headquarters of the two factions of the Jodo-Shin Sect (True Pure Land Sect), one of Japan's most popular Buddhist sects, they are a good place to experience contemporary Japanese Buddhism. Nishi Honganji (West Honganji) was built in 1591 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, after the sect's former head temple, Ishiyama Honganji in Osaka had been destroyed by Oda Nobunaga due to the temple's interference in politics. Nishi Honganji is the head temple of the Honganji faction of the Jodo-Shin sect with over 10,000 subtemples across the country and 200 temples overseas. Higashi Honganji (East Honganji) was built only eleven years after and a few street blocks east of Nishi Honganji as the head temple of the Otani faction of Jodo-shin Buddhism. Its main hall, the Goeido is Kyoto's largest wooden structure and dedicated to Shinran, the sect's founder. Next to it and almost as large is the Amidado Hall, dedicated to the Amida Buddha.Kimono and Tea Ceremony Experience:Kyoto Tea Ceremony in Japan is one of the best and memorable experiences you can have! Kimonos would normally be worn during traditional tea ceremonies.  Our expert tea master and host, and friendly staff will demonstrate the process during the tea ceremony while explaining the significance behind it the steps and the tools. You will get to learn about tea ceremony history, Kyoto, and tea ceremony etiquette.  During the tea ceremony, you will not only observe how to make matcha green tea but you will also be guided on the process of making your own by the tea master. You will be using high-quality matcha powder that will produce a brilliant cup of green matcha.

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum:The Fushimi district of Kyoto is one of the foremost sake-brewing areas in all of Japan. The Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum is a space where visitors can sense the spirit of Fushimi, its history and sake culture; and of Gekkeikan, a company that has led the development of sake-brewing in this area. After visiting the Museum, enjoy tasting a range of sakes brewed with the underground water that is Fushimi's natural bounty, using traditional techniques honed through our history of challenge and creativity.Daigo-ji:Daigoji is an important temple of the Shingon sect of Japanese Buddhism and a designated world heritage site. Upon entering the main temple grounds, visitors will first come across the Sanboin, the elegant former residence of the head priest, which was originally constructed in 1115.  The current building, along with its outstanding landscape garden dates to 1598 when it was reconstructed and expanded for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's famous cherry blossom viewing party held here.  The building remains an excellent example of extravagant Momoyama architecture and should not be missed.Nara Park:Nara Park is a large park in central Nara. Established in 1880, it is the location of many of Nara's main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuji and the Nara National Museum. It is also home to hundreds of freely roaming deer.Considered the messengers of the gods, Nara's over 1000 deer have become a symbol of the city and have even been designated as a natural treasure. Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed. Nara's deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you will feed them, so make sure not to tease them with food.

Today, you will be accompanied with a tour guide to visit Hiroshima by one way bullet train and public transportation.

On this tour, Hiroshima's Atomic Bomb Dome, the place of prayer for peace on this leisurely tour. * Hiroshima is the principal city of the Chugoku Region and home to over a million inhabitants. Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park ( Heiwa Kinen Kōen) is one of the most prominent features of the city. Even visitors not looking for it will likely stumble upon the large park of over 120,000 square meters. Its trees, lawns, and walking paths are in stark contrast to the surrounding downtown area. The sight is ranked as one of Japan's three best views. Hiroshima Castle, also known as Carp Castle, was originally built in the 1590s. It was destroyed by the atomic bomb along with the rest of the city in 1945 and rebuilt in 1958. Since then, it has also served as a museum of the history of Hiroshima before World War II The history of the castle itself, as well as Japanese castles in general, is clearly explained.

Today, you will be accompanied with a tour guide to visit Miyajima and back Osaka by one way bullet train and public transportation.

Miyajima is a romantic place, There are also wild deer on the island that have become accustomed to people. In the day the deer wander around the same sites as the tourists, and in the evening they sleep along the walking paths. Unlike in Nara, the deer on Miyajima must not be fed.The centuries-old Itsukushima Shrine (Itsukushima Jinja) on Miyajima is the source of both the island's fame and its name. Formally named Itsukushima, the island is more popularly known as "Miyajima", literally "shrine island" in Japanese, thanks to its star attraction. The shrine is known worldwide for its iconic "floating" torii gate.

Explore Osaka's rich history at Osaka Castle, built in 1583 on the historic site of the Ishiyama Honganji Temple. Embrace a unique experience in Osaka, dressing up as a ninja and learning traditional techniques. Marvel at the world's largest ovular Ferris wheel, reopened in 2018 outside the famous Don Quixote store in Dotonbori, a lively hub for shopping, entertainment, and food, illuminated by neon lights at night. Enjoy diverse local delicacies like Takoyaki, Kobe Beef, and Okonomiyaki. Visit Kani Doraku, a renowned crab restaurant known for its iconic giant crab billboards and a wide array of exquisite crab dishes. 

Transfer service between Osaka and KIX airport with private English speaking driver guide.