Japan Cherry Blossom Tour

Day 1: Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival at the NRT/HND airport, you’ll be welcomed by a Jaya Travel ambassador who’ll lead you through immigration and bag collection.

You’ll take a private transfer to the hotel where you’ll check in and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. (Standard check-in time is 2:00 PM-3:00 PM. Early check-in is available on request.)

At 7:00 PM, the group will meet and enjoy dinner at an Indian restaurant. Afterward, you’ll return to the hotel and check in. The remainder of the night is at your leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Tokyo (dinner).

Day 2: Tokyo

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, meet your driver at 9:00 AM. They’ll escort you on today’s adventure: a city tour of Tokyo!

Starting with Sensō-ji, also called the Asakusa Kannon Temple, you’ll experience the grandeur of one of Japan’s oldest temples. Directly behind the temple is the Nakamise Shopping Street, where you’ll peruse traditional crafts, sweets, and more.  

Pause for a relaxing lunch before continuing to the majestic Imperial Palace, the primary residence of Japan’s emperor. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful stroll along the picturesque Chidorigafuchi Moat—a beloved spot for viewing Japan’s iconic spring cherry blossoms in full bloom. This scenic walkway also offers boat rentals (not included), perfect for soaking in the tranquil beauty from the water.

The tour concludes with a visit to the renowned Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower at 2,080 ft (634 m). You’ll ascend to the Tembo Deck at 1,150 ft (350 m) and enjoy a unique perspective of the city below.

Following your visit, the group will enjoy dinner at an Indian restaurant at 7:00 PM. Afterward, return to the hotel, where the remainder of the night is at your leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Tokyo (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Day 3: Tokyo

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, after which your driver will pick you up at 9:00 AM for one of the tour’s most beautiful days.

The first stop is Meiji Jingu, where you’ll explore the stunning Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shōken. This unique and wonderful site is sure to take your breath away.

After taking in the beauty of the shrine, you’ll walk through Meguro River Park* and view a long promenade of cherry blossoms. Surrounded by about 800 trees, this is the most famous spot in Tokyo to take in the sights of the Sakura season.

Stop to refuel with a delicious lunch before proceeding to your next destination: Ginza Six Mall. This is Japan’s premier shopping district with hundreds of stops ranging from luxury to domestic and traditional to modern.

Afterward, the driver will take you to dinner at an Indian restaurant at 7:00 PM before heading back to the hotel, where the remainder of the night is at your leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Tokyo (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

*If Meguro River Park is closed, guests will visit Shinjuku Gyoen Park for cherry blossom viewing.

Day 4: Tokyo—Mt. Fuji—Hakone—Tokyo

Important note: 1 bag per person, not exceeding 50 lb (23 kg), will be couriered to the hotel in Osaka. Prepare a bag for an overnight stay with all necessary medicines, prescriptions, etc.

The day begins with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, setting the stage for a day of adventure and discovery. Afterward, your professional driver will escort the group to Mt Fuji 5th Station* at 7:00 AM.

You'll visit Oshino Hakkai (weather permitting), a set of eight ponds fueled by melting snow from the slopes of Mt. Fuji that has filtered down the mountain through porous layers of lava for over 80 years, resulting in very clear spring water that’s revered by the locals.

Afterwards, you’ll take a break to enjoy lunch before continuing your journey. Then, weather permitting, your group will ride the Hakone Ropeway Cable Car, soaring above Ōwakudani Valley with breathtaking views of the rugged volcanic landscape.

From there, embark on a journey across the serene waters of Lake Ashi on the Hakone Pirate Ship (weather permitting). As you sail, take in the spectacular views of Mount Fuji, lush landscapes, and the tranquil beauty of the lake.

Afterward, the driver will take you to dinner at an Indian restaurant at 7:00 PM before transferring back to the hotel in Tokyo, where the remainder of the night is at your leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Tokyo (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

*If 5th Station is closed, we will be visiting Oshino Hakkai.

Day 5: Tokyo—Hiroshima

After enjoying breakfast, you’ll check out of the hotel and prepare for the journey to Hiroshima. Your driver will pick you up and transfer you to Tokyo Station, where you’ll board the famous Shinkansen Nozomi/Hikari/Sakura bullet train.

Upon arriving at Hiroshima Station, you’ll transfer to a local Indian restaurant where you can relax and enjoy a delicious lunch.

Afterward, the adventure continues with a ferry transfer to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Known for its famous "floating" torii gate, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a picturesque view, especially when the high tide creates the illusion of the gate floating on the water. While exploring Miyajima, you may also encounter the island’s friendly wild deer, adding to the charm of the visit.

Following this, you’ll return to Hiroshima’s main island by ferry and proceed to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This important museum offers a profound look at the events of 1945 and serves as a tribute to the victims of the atomic bombing. Next, visit the nearby Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima Memorial Park, a haunting yet powerful symbol of peace and resilience.

As the day winds down, you’ll have dinner at an Indian restaurant before heading to your hotel. Upon arrival, complete the check-in process, then the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Hiroshima (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Day 6: Hiroshima—Osaka

After enjoying breakfast, check out of the hotel and board the coach for the drive to Osaka.

En route, stop at Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, the once the political and commercial center of Kurashiki. Now preserved as a historic district, it's no less busy, with many former storehouses converted into specialty stores, museums, and cafes.

Stop to eat lunch before continuing on the journey to Osaka. Upon arrival, your group will check in to the hotel, where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure to enjoy. The group will meet for dinner at an Indian restaurant before transferring back to the hotel for the night.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Osaka (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Day 7: Osaka—Kyoto—Osaka

The day begins with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before your driver picks you up at 9:00 AM for a thrilling day tour of Kyoto.

The first stop is the legendary Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where the towering bamboo groves create an otherworldly atmosphere, as if you’ve stepped onto another planet.

The next stop on your journey is the beautiful Zen Buddhist temple – Kinkaku-ji, also called Rokuon-ji. The name translates to “Golden Pavilion,” which is for the top levels of the shrine gilded in gold leaf. The gold building creates an opulent reflection on the tranquil Kyokochi, or "mirror pond," that surrounds it.

After soaking in the golden views, you’ll board the coach and prepare for the next step of the journey. You’ll pass by the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the Emperor of Japan until 1868. Complimented by the surrounding gardens, this is a site that no traveler should miss.

The next stop is lunch at a local restaurant before moving on to one of the highlights of the tour: a traditional tea ceremony. Kyoto is the center of the tea ceremony world in Japan, and participating in this event is a great honor.

Afterward, you’ll stop at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, a shining red sanctuary located at the base of a mountain. The shrine is best known for the thousands of vermilion torii gates that line the forested trails behind the main temple, creating a mesmerizing pathway for visitors to explore.

After the exciting adventure, you’ll head to a local Indian restaurant for a delectable dinner before boarding the coach back to the hotel. The remainder of the evening is yours to relax, unwind, and enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Osaka (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Day 8: Osaka—Nara—Kobe—Osaka

This morning, you’ll enjoy breakfast at the hotel and prepare for pick up at 11:00 AM for another day of adventure. After a short drive, you’ll exit the coach and prepare for a Nara and Kobe day tour.

The first stop is a visit to Tōdai-ji Temple, one of the most important and historical Buddhist temples in Japan. The wooden structure is one of the largest in the world and houses one of the country’s biggest bronze Buddha statues, standing at 50 ft/15m tall. After exploring this landmark, your group will head to the next spot on the tour – Nara Deer Park. This area is renowned for the free-roaming deer that wander the property waiting to be fed crackers by travelers.

After that, the group will stop for lunch at a local restaurant. Once the enjoyable meal concludes, you’ll board the coach and transfer to the wonderful city of Kobe. The first stop will be Meriken Park, which is Kobe’s most popular and picturesque waterfront park. The seaside landscape, fountains, and grassy knolls are perfect for relaxing before the next stop on the tour.

Kobe Harborland is within walking distance of the park and is the premier shopping and entertainment district. The group will spend time exploring the many activities and monuments nearby, including the iconic BE KOBE sign – a commemorative monument celebrating the 150th anniversary of the port opening.

After this exciting spot, the day tour of Kobe will conclude with a delectable dinner at a local Indian restaurant. Finally, the coach will transfer you back to the hotel, where the remainder of the day is at your leisure to enjoy.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Osaka (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Day 9: Osaka

The morning begins with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before your coach picks up the group at 9:00 AM for a day of exploration in Osaka. The first stop on the tour is one of the most famous landmarks in Japan – Osaka Castle. Standing out amongst the city skyline, this striking stone fortress is surrounded by a large moat and lush gardens.

Next, you’ll head to the Umeda Sky Building in "New Umeda City." This unique skyscraper features the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor, where you’ll take in sweeping views of the city from the open-air deck, feeling as if you’re floating above the skyline.

After descending from the observatory, the group will stop for lunch before heading to the next adventure. The Dotonbori District is a bustling, vibrant area known for its bright neon signs, countless restaurants, and lively bars. What sets it apart is the canal running through the center, spanned by the striking Ebisubashi Bridge. From the bridge, you can spot the famous Glico Man sign, the district's first to use LED technology and an iconic photo spot.

To wrap up the day, your group will enjoy dinner at a local Indian restaurant before the coach transfers you back to the hotel for a relaxing evening at your leisure.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Osaka (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

Day 10: Osaka

After enjoying a final breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have free time before checking out and heading on your flight. Transfer to the KIX/ITM airport, where your Jaya Travel ambassador will assist with your onward journey.

(Packed breakfast).