8 Days Shibazakura Festival | Hiroshima - Cherry Blossom Seasonal Tour

Day 1 Tokyo | Arrive in Japan & Check-in Hotel

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

**INFORMATION**
From Narita Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 90 mins(Bus)
From Haneda Airport to downtown hotel in Tokyo - about 30 mins(Bus)

Day 2 Tokyo | Leisure-Free

We have cleared up the day for you to explore and enjoy Japan as you wish. You can either
1) enjoy the entire day as you wish
2) visit Tokyo Disney Land, Fuji Q Amusement Park, or Sanrio Puroland
3) Or go on a private-guided tour through Nikko or Kamakura.
For those who wish to visit Tokyo Disney Land, Fuji Q Amusement Park, or Sanrio Puroland, your tour guide will be happy to explain directions.
(Not all fees included for additional tour options. Please contact us in advanced for this service)

Day 3 Tokyo | Pop-Culture & Tradition come Together

Today will be devoted to exploring the multi-cultural spots of Tokyo. Our tour will first stop by the Fukagawa Edo Museum where you can get acquainted with the history of Tokyo. This charming museum is designed to replicate what life looked like during the old days of Edo. Walk through the city and enjoy walking into houses that recreate life during the period. We will also visit the Kiyosumi Garden located nearby. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through a Japanese garden, and be sure to take a picture of the tea house on the waters. We will then delve in the old town district of Asakusa for some gift shopping at the Nakamise area. We will also be visiting the Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most popular temples. This is the perfect place to appreciate Japanese culture and take some spectacular shots of the famous Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate).

For lunch, enjoy sushi with fish provided by the Tsukiji Fish Market, the famous fish market that provides freshest ingredients for thousands of families and businesses alike. Following our time at the market, the tour will probe the stores at Harajuku, the unofficial fashion capital of Japan that offers the latest pop culture and fashion. Experience the chaos and beauty that is Takeshita Dori, the place to go for fashion and crepes. Before leaving Takeshita Dori, walk along Omotesando Street, a popular shopping destination lined with trendy cafes in between.
Next, the tour bus will be passing by the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily, and to see the Hachiko Statue close to the station. The statue is based on the story of Hachiko, the dog who would come back to the station every day to see his owner.

Day 4 Hakone & Mt. Fuji | Bright & Colorful Shibazakura Festival

Today our Japan tour is filled with nature and beauty. We begin our day headed to Hakone. There, we will stop at Owakudani Valley, where the steamed eggs served are said to add years to your life. Then, we take an exciting rope-way up Hakone to get some great views of Mt. Fuji.

We then are ready for the Fuji Shibazakura festival, a popular festival that attracts thousands who gather to see the 800,000 shibazakura, or pink moss, at the Fuji Five Lakes area. Enjoy seeing vivid pink moss while vendors sell food and souvenirs at this wonderfully festive nature event.

Day 5 Kyoto & Nara | Traditional Culture, Temples, & Shrines

Our day begins with a bullet train ride to Kyoto. The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential Japanese experience. Enjoy riding to Kyoto in comfort and speed, and be sure to take some photos of the scenery during your ride.

We will stop at a sake museum for some sampling and to learn the history of Japan's national drink. We will then head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that feature hundreds of red tori gates. The path is perfect for photos or just to calm your mind.

Once we get all our photos done, it's off to Nara to Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple holds the World Guinness Record as the largest wooden building. Inside the temple, you will behold the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Just outside the temple is the Nara Deer Park, where you will be greeted by numerous deer that roam around freely. The deer here at the park are known to be friendly and may even bow at you for a little treat. We then return to the hotel.

Day 6 Kyoto | Kimonos, Tea Ceremony, & Geisha

Our day begins with a visit to Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride.

Following our time in Arashiyama, we will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan’s must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight. After taking pictures, it's off to Ryoanji Temple to see the stunning rock gardens. Not all Japanese temples have them, so we made sure to include one of Kyoto's Zen gardens.

To avoid getting too repetitive with the temples and shrines, we include a visit to the Nishijin Textile Center for a stunning kimono show! Keeping with the traditional feel, we included a tea-ceremony to help you relax before going back to the hotel. In the evening, we will head to the Gion Geisha District, Japan’s most famous geisha district. This area is filled with shops, restaurants, and tea houses and the area in Japan that you are most likely to run into real geisha and maiko on their way to perform at the Gion Geisha Center.

Day 7 Hiroshima | City of Peace & the Floating Shrine

We will spend today exploring the city of Hiroshima. First we will visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. One of the main highlights here in Hiroshima is the A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath, and the Peace Park Memorial where you can see and read about the relic of the war. Stroll along the park to see famous attractions like that of Sadako’s statue and the freedom bell. The A-Bomb Dome has been preserved to be a reminder of the tragedy for future generations and to symbolize its wishes for everlasting peace.

In the afternoon our Japan Cherry Blossom Tour will head to Miyajima, an island south of Hiroshima known for its Itsukushima Shrine, or floating torii gate. During high tide, the torii gate looks as though it is floating in water, creating a unique sight, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful sights.

Miyajima is also known for its momiji manju (maple leaf shaped cake with red beans) and oysters which you can enjoy during your time on the island.

Day 8 Hiroshima | Tour Disbands & Depart from Japan

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.

**INFORMATION** From Hiroshima Station to Hiroshima Airport(HIJ) - about 45 mins (Bus)

This tour disbands in Hiroshima.