MAPI Exclusive: Japan Cherry Blossom Tour

Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a Jaya Travel ambassador who’ll transfer you to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to unwind.

At 7 PM, the group will meet and enjoy dinner at an Indian restaurant.

Overnight at the Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, your driver will escort you to 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.

Next, you’ll embark on a scenic cruise along the stunning Sumida River, offering breathtaking views of Tokyo’s skyline. Midway through the cruise, you’ll enjoy a relaxing lunch. Afterward, your guide will lead you to the iconic Nijubashi Bridge, the perfect vantage point to capture the beauty of the Imperial Palace with its picturesque surroundings.

The tour concludes with a visit to the renowned Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest tower at 2,080 feet (634 meters). You’ll ascend to the Tembo Deck at 1,150 feet (350 meters) and explore the sky-high Tembo Galleria at 1,480 feet (450 meters), with its spiraling skywalk offering a unique perspective of the city below.

Following your visit, return to the hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure; a perfect opportunity to freshen up and get ready for dinner at an Indian restaurant at 7 PM.

Overnight at the Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, after which your driver will pick you up for an exciting city tour of Tokyo.

The first stop you’ll explore is the ART AQUARIUM MUSEUM, where stunning displays of Japanese goldfish swimming in vibrant, colorful tanks captivate viewers. This unique blend of art and ornamental fish creates a unique experience guaranteed to take your breath away.

After taking in the beauty of the aquarium, you’ll stop to refuel with a delicious lunch.

Next, your group will visit the Miraikan Museum (National Museum of Emerging Science), an interactive museum that brings science and technology to life. Explore fascinating exhibits on robotics, space exploration, and future innovations, with highlights including a section dedicated to lifelike robots and androids.

The last stop for today will be a tour of Ginza Six, Tokyo’s premier shopping destination. Here, you’ll wander through stylish boutiques, explore luxury brands, and explore the heart of the city’s most iconic shopping district.

Afterward, the driver will take you back to the hotel where you’ll enjoy leisure time before meeting the group for dinner at an Indian restaurant at 7 PM.

Overnight at the Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar.

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 the first stop of the tour: Ōwakudani (*weather permitting). This active volcanic valley is renowned for its unique black eggs, boiled in the sulphureous waters that give the eggshells their distinctive color. Eating this delicacy is believed to add years to your life!

Next, you’ll explore Jigokudani, known as “Hell Valley,” where you’ll witness steaming hot springs and dramatic volcanic scenery that create an otherworldly atmosphere.

Afterwards, you’ll take a break to enjoy a local lunch before continuing your journey.

Then, your group will ride the Hakone Ropeway Cable Car (*weather permitting), soaring above the valley with breathtaking views of the rugged volcanic landscape below.

The tour will continue with a scenic coach ride through the stunning Hakone region, offering picturesque views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding areas.

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

To end the day, you’ll visit the iconic Heiwa no Torii, a stunning red torii gate gracefully set in the waters of Lake Ashinoko.

From here, you’ll return to Tokyo, where your driver will drop you off at your hotel. The evening is yours to unwind and enjoy, until the group meets together again at 7 PM for dinner at an Indian restaurant.

Overnight at the Shinjuku Washington Hotel, or similar.

After enjoying breakfast, you’ll check out from 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 bullet train. This high-speed train journey will whisk you from Tokyo to Hiroshima in just 4-5 hours, covering an impressive 555 mi (894 km).

Upon arriving in Hiroshima, you’ll be greeted and transferred 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, and then the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy.

Overnight at the Grand Prince Hotel, or similar.

After enjoying breakfast and checking out of the hotel, your driver will escort you to Hiroshima Station, where the next leg of your adventure begins.

You’ll board the legendary Shinkansen bullet train, zipping toward Osaka at impressive speeds of 185 mph (300 km/h). In just two hours, you’ll pass through the serene and stunning landscapes of Okayama and Himeji, catching glimpses of Japan’s picturesque countryside.

Upon arrival in Osaka, your group will unwind and enjoy a scrumptious lunch at a local restaurant.

Afterwards, you’ll be escorted to teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, a permanent outdoor exhibition that transforms nature into art through digital technology. While walking through the botanical park, you’ll see colorful mushrooms, larger than life light up eggs, floating lanterns, and lush forests.

After exploring the gardens, your driver will take you to a local restaurant where you’ll enjoy a delectable dinner. Once the meal concludes, you’ll be dropped off at the hotel and check-in where the remainder of the day will be at your leisure to enjoy.

Overnight at the Daiwa Roynet Sakaisuji PREMIER, or similar.

The day begins with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before your driver transports the group to nearby Kyoto for a thrilling day tour filled with iconic sights and experiences.

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 a 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 which are 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, where the group will recharge with a delicious meal.

Afterward, you’ll have a short 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 at the Daiwa Roynet Sakaisuji PREMIER, or similar.

This morning, you’ll enjoy breakfast at the hotel and have additional time to relax or explore before the driver picks you up for another day of adventure.

Following the 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.

Next, the group will stop for lunch at a local restaurant.

Once the delectable 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 premiere 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 an enjoyable 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 at the Daiwa Roynet Sakaisuji PREMIER, or similar.

The morning begins with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before your coach picks up the group 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 is fortress 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 billboard 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 at the Daiwa Roynet Sakaisuji PREMIER, or similar.

After enjoying a final breakfast at the hotel, you’ll have free time before checking out and transferring to the airport where your Jaya Travel ambassador will assist your onward journey.