12Days Cherry Blossom Japan

Tokyo - Hakone – Fuji- Takayama - Shirakawago – Kanazawa- Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto - Hiroshima - Miyajima – Osaka- Himeji & Kobe – Osaka

Price from: $11,226 per person on Twin sharing basis

Day 1: Arrive Tokyo

Upon arrival at Narita / Haneda airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Tokyo

Upon arrival at Narita / Haneda airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel.

Day 2

Tokyo Sightseeing (B)

This morning, after breakfast, you leave the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Visit Tokyo Tower, which is the second tallest self-supporting steel tower in Japan, opened in 1958. Visit the world biggest Fish Market. Visit Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. The legend has it that fisherman brothers discovered an image of Kannon (the goddess of mercy) in the Sumida River around 1370 years ago and they were inspired to enshrine it. Its symbol is a large red paper lantern that bears the word ‘Kaminari-mon‘, or the Thunder Gate. Visit Imperial Palace for photo opportunity.

Day 3

Tokyo - Hakone - Fuji (B/D)

Visit Koishikawa Garden, a spacious botanical garden maintained by the University of Tokyo, featuring many tree and plant species, as well as a small Japanese landscape garden, particularly nice during the cherry blossom season. Afterwards travel to Hakone by coach. Visit the Peace Park, enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi and Mt. Komagatake Ropeway. We will be staying at Ryokan, traditional Japanese accommodation, today where you can enjoy indoor/outdoor hot spring baths.

Day 4

Fuji - Takayama (B/D)

Start your trip to Mt. Fuji. Climb up to the 5th station by coach, about 2300 meters above sea level. Visit the Visitor Centre and Green tea farm. Then proceed to Takayama for overnight stay.

Day 5

Takayama (B/D)

After breakfast, full day tour in Takayama including visit to Takayama-Jinya, Hida Takayama Matsuri no Mori and Kamisannomachi Street. Overnight stay in Takayama.

Day 6

Takayama - Shirakawago - Kanazawa (B)

Travel to world heritage listed Shirakawago, famous for the traditional Gasshou-zukuri farmhouse of more than 250 years old. Heads to Kanazawa and visit Kenrokuen Garden and Kanazawa Museum, your tour also includes a visit to Samurai houses and a walk through the old district. Overnight stay in Kanazawa.

Day 7

Kanazawa - Kyoto (B)

Proceed to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, where you will visit Heian Jingu Shrine. It is the home of perhaps the world’s most authentic and exquisite Japanese Garden, as well as the celebrated Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Afterwards enjoy the Kimono show at Nishijin Textile Centre, also a visit to Gion, Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district and a popular nightspot where tourists can experience the authentic local life. If time permits, visit a promenade called Path of Philosophers.

Day 8

Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto (B)

After breakfast you will leave the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Kyoto and Nara. Visit Nijo Castle, which was built in the early 17th century, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. After lunch time, you will visit Todai-ji Temple, the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), which is one of the world’s largest wooden buildings and one of the best known temples in Japan. It enshrines a gigantic bronze statue of Buddha. Next you will visit Nara Deer park where the deer roam freely. Visitors may feed or pet them (special food is sold in the park grounds). Back to Kyoto in the afternoon and enjoy your free time walking around this ancient capital city.

Day 9

Kyoto - Hiroshima (B)

Your main luggage will be transferred from Kyoto to Osaka. Pack a small bag for your stay in Hiroshima. After breakfast, depart Kyoto by the bullet train and arrive at Hiroshima in 2 hours. On arrival visit Peace Memorial Park. The Genbaku-dome (The Atomic Bomb Dome) is the symbol of Hiroshima, the city that advocates peace in the world. It is part of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. While all structures vanished in the atomic bomb explosion, only this building miraculously remained standing.

Day 10

Hiroshima - Miyajima - Osaka (B)

After breakfast you will leave the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Miyajima with a ferry ride. You will visit the Itsukushima Shrine. It is situated in Itsukushima Island, commonly known as Miyajima, south-western Hiroshima. It is a scenic sight in which the mountains, sea and red shrine buildings blend in harmony, and the entire island is designated as a historic site. It is one of the three most beautiful sites in Japan, along with Matsushima in Miyagi and Ama-no-hashidate in Kyoto. After lunch, transfer to Osaka by the bullet train. On Arrival, you will visit Osaka Castle for photo opportunity and Shinsaibashi area.

Day 11

Osaka - Himeji & Kobe - Osaka (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Himeji Castle, the one of the most ancient and famous castles in Japan. After lunch transfer to Kobe. Visit a Sake Brewery in Nada District. There were three reasons for the development of Sake brewing in the 18th century that made the name of Nada known throughout Japan. One was the discovery of Miya-mizu, excellent water quality for making Sake; two, the production of high quality rice, an ingredient in Sake; and three, a convenient location for transportation by sea. Next you will wonder along the Kobe portside and enjoy shopping in Kobe China Town or known as Nankinmachi and Motomachi a lively town perfect for shopping, gourmet food and nightspots in the centre of Kobe. Enjoy your farewell dinner before transfer back to your hotel in Osaka.

Day 12

Departure (B)

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Included: Transfers and transport in Japan, Luggage transfer service Kyoto - Osaka, Hotel accommodation based on twin share, English speaking guides and assistants, Meals as specified (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), Entrance fees to the sites listed, Japan Information Pack

Note: Please contact us if you require more information on different Hotel categories.

Prices quoted are valid from 01 October 19 to 30 September 20. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in NZ Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates. Please read T&C before booking. Call 09 410 5060 or 0508 EXOTIC (0508 396 842) or email info@exoticholidays.co.nz for more information.