12D Cherry Blossom Tour

Small group tour

Arrive Tokyo

Return 

In NZ$ per person 

26 March 2022

6 April 2022

$9,779

2 April 2022

13 April 2022

$9,455

25 March 2023

5 April 2023

$9,779

1 April 2023

12 April 2023

$9,455

 

A 12-day tour that explores the very best of Japan’s culture and nature, which takes place during the popular cherry blossom season. Journey on the famous bullet train. Perhaps sample some of the local specialities including fresh sushi and Hida Beef. Witness Mount Fuji, spend time in the cultural city of Kyoto and visit the beautiful Alps region of Japan. Other tour highlights include a visit to a wasabi farm and a sake brewery as well as Himeji Castle, one of the most famous castles in Japan.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive Tokyo

Arrive at Haneda International Airport or Narita International Airport and make your way through immigration, baggage reclaim and customs to the arrivals area.  Here you will be welcomed by our representative who will be waiting for you holding a sign bearing your name.  You will be directed to your transfer vehicle and transferred to your accommodation by shared shuttle. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Day 2

Tokyo Sightseeing (B)

Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation this morning (all pickup times will be advised locally). This morning, after breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Tokyo. Morning visit to Ueno Park, a great spot for Cherry Blossom trees. Continue to Asakusa Kannon Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. 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 the Imperial Palace for a photo opportunity, then continue to Shinjuku Gyoen Park, one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo.  The last stop of the day will be the Tokyo Tower, which is the second tallest self-supporting steel tower in Japan, opened in 1958.

Day 3

Tokyo to Hakone to Mt Fuji (B/L/D)

Depart for Hakone by coach. Enjoy a short cruise on Lake Ashi and continue to the Owakudani Ropeway where you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji. Stay overnight in the Fuji area.

Day 4

Fuji to Takayama (B)

Start your trip to Mt. Fuji. Climb up to the 5th station by coach, about 2300 meters above sea level. After your visit here proceed to Takayama stopping en-route to visit the Daio Wasabi Farm, to see how this famous Japanese ingredient is grown.  Continue to Takayama for an overnight stay.

Day 5

Takayama (B)

After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour in Takayama including visits to Takayama-Jinya and the characterful Kamisannomachi Street. Continue to the Folk Craft Museum.  Overnight stay in Takayama.

 

Day 6

Takayama to Shirakawago to Kanazawa (B)

Travel to World Heritage listed Shirakawago, famous for the traditional Gasshou-zukuri farmhouses which are more than 250 years old. Continue to Kanazawa and visit the old Samurai district before visiting Kenrokuen Garden, a traditional Japanese garden, and the interesting Kanazawa 21st Century Museum.  Overnight stay in Kanazawa.

 

Day 7

Kanazawa to Kyoto (B)

Morning departure from Kanazawa for Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital.  The first stop will be at the stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple, built in 780 in the hills east of Kyoto, this celebrated temple offers wonderful views over the city.  This will be followed by a stop at Maruyama Park, known for its Cherry Blossom. Continue to Gion, Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district and a popular nightspot where visitors can experience the authentic local life.  At the end of the day, check into your hotel.

Day 8

Kyoto and Nara Day tour (B)

After breakfast leave the hotel for a sightseeing tour of Kyoto and Nara. 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).  Return to Kyoto in the afternoon and visit the celebrated Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Afterwards, enjoy the Kimono show at Nishijin Textile Centre.  Return to the hotel.

Day 9

Kyoto to Hiroshima (B/D)

Your main luggage will be transferred from Kyoto to Osaka. Pack a small bag for your stay in Hiroshima.  After breakfast, visit Heian Jingu Shrine, the home of perhaps the world’s most authentic and exquisite Japanese Garden.  Continue to Nijo Castle, which was built in the early 17th century. Depart Kyoto by the bullet train and arrive at Hiroshima in approx 2 hours. We recommend trying a bento box aboard the train for your lunch (own expense).  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.  Check into your hotel.

Day 10

Hiroshima to Miyajima to 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, in 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 bullet train. On Arrival, you will visit Osaka Castle for a photo opportunity and the Shinsaibashi area.  Check into your hotel.

Day 11

Osaka and Himeji (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Himeji Castle, one of the most ancient and famous castles in Japan. Continue to see Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. Visit a Sake Brewery in the 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.  Return to your hotel in Osaka.

Day 12

Fly to New Zealand (B)

Day at leisure until your transfer to Kansai International Airport by shared transfer (pick up time will be advised locally). Fly to your regional airport in New Zealand.

Included: Accommodation in 4* Hotels, meals as shown above, transfers & sightseeing using air-conditioned vehicle vehicle, local English speaking guides, entrance fees at monuments, current taxes, 24-hours local contact number for emergencies.

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

Prices quoted are valid only for the group departure dates. Cost above is indicative and is per person on twin sharing basis 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.