9 Days Essence of Spring | Hiroshima - Cherry Blossom Seasonal Tour

Day 1 Osaka | 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 KIX Airport to downtown hotel in Osaka - about 70 mins (Bus)
From ITM Airport to downtown hotel in Osaka - about 30 mins (Bus)

Day 2 Himeji & Kurashiki | The Venice of Japan

Our cherry blossom tour will begin by heading to the Himeji prefecture to visit the magnificent Himeji Castle. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, it is considered one of Japan’s three premier castle. Nicknamed the White Heron Castle due to the castle’s brilliant white walls, the castle maintains almost all of its original structures since its construction in the early 1600’s. After overcoming war, natural disasters and going through restorative work, enjoy walking along the castle grounds.

After spending time in Himeji, your group will make its way to the well-preserved Kurashiki district. Dating back to the Edo Period, Kurashiki offers a beautiful streetscape of storehouses and merchant homes. The district is included as an Important Traditional Structures Conservation Area by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. If time permits, we recommend taking a leisurely gondola-style boat ride through the canal area.

Note: You will Require an Overnight bag for this night.

Day 3 Hiroshima | Famous Floating Shrine off the coast

Our cherry blossom tour will start the day with a short boat ride over to Miyajima Island. Here, you will find the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine greeting you as you enter the shrine grounds. The unique sight is due to the natural sequences of the ocean’s tide and is considered on of Japan’s top three most beautiful sights. The island is also known for its Momiji manju and delicious oysters which you can snack on during your visit.

After our morning in Miyajima, we will head into the city of Hiroshima. Spend the afternoon strolling around the historically important A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the atomic bombing of the city during World War Two. Surrounding the dome is the Peace Memorial Park where you can learn more about the bombing and see famous attractions like Sadako’s statue and the Freedom Bell.

Day 4 Kyoto & Nara | Play with the Deer under the Sakura trees

We will start the day by heading south to Nara to explore Todaiji Temple and the Deer Park. Todaiji Temple is considered one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and holds the largest Buddha statue in Japan, a truly impressive sight to behold. A short walk over and you will stand among the deer of the Nara Deer Park. Considered divine, they are adored by people all over the world. Just be sure not to get chased by one.

The group will then head back to Kyoto for an informative visit to a sake museum and brewery to learn more about Japan’s national drink. You can also sample sake that was made on site and purchase your favorite to bring home. We will continue our day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, home of the famed thousand torii gates. Explore the area by either making your way through the torii gates to the Omokaru Stone or watch the local priests performing prayers every so often.

The rest of the day will be spent taking part in activities that are quintessential to Japanese culture. First up will be a hands-on lesson on the tea ceremony. Learn about the history and meaning behind the ceremony as you watch it being performed before your eyes. We will then end the evening with a kaiseki dinner accompanied by a maiko performance. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the meal is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.

Day 5 Kyoto | Relax like the Local Japanese in a Hot-Spring Ryokan

Our day in Kyoto will start off with a spirited rickshaw ride through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Experience what it was like to get around the city back in the day as you enjoy the relaxing scenery. Next, the group will make its way to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, an absolute must-see attraction where the upper two floors are covered with gold leaf.

Before you depart Kyoto, we will stop for a kaiten sushi lunch, a perfect way for travelers to pick and try new flavors. Most kaiten sushi restaurants will also offer other options such as kaarage (Japanese fried chicken) or noodle dishes.

We will then depart Kyoto and speed through central Japan as you ride the bullet train to your ryokan (Japanese style hotel) where the welcoming bath waters of the onsen await you. Your Japan tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in the onsen (Japanese hot springs), to rejuvenate you for tomorrow’s adventure. An informal, cotton Kimono or Yukata will be provided for you to wear at the ryokan. Your vacation's ryokan includes a hot-spring onsite to enjoy at your leisure during your night's accommodation.

Day 6 Hakone & Mt. Fuji | Views of Mt. Fuji from the Hakone Rope-way

Our Japan tour will start the day by heading to the renown Hakone area. The first stop of the day wIll be Owakudani Valley for a ride on the Hakone Ropeway. The valley itself is an active volcanic crater and is famous for its black boiled egg that is said to add eight years to your life. If weather permits, enjoy a scenic view of Mt. Fuji as your ride the ropeway down the hill.

Before we head to our next destination, enjoy a warm bowl of Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanshi area, for lunch. After your hearty meal, we’ll make our way to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station where you will find breathtaking views of the mountain as well as the surrounding scenery. Be sure to snap some pictures and take in the nature before we head to Tokyo.

Day 7 Tokyo | Traditional Culture

We’ll start our Cherry Blossom tour exploring the Tsukiji Fish Market, former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the numerous vendors lining the walkways or pick up a couple of mouth-watering snacks made from the freshest ingredients while there. Our anime tour will then explore Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crosswalk in the world. Be a part of the almost 2500 people crossing and pay a visit to the Hachiko Statue.

Next, we’ll dive into the center of Japanese street fashion in Harajuku. Shop through the trendy district while snacking on famous Harajuku crepes and other kawaii treats from Takeshita Dori. For lunch, enjoy a delicious Teppan-yaki meal before we return to Akihabara. Your tour group will have some time to explore the anime capital of the world again before choosing how you would like to spend the rest of the day.

You have 2 options to choose select:

1. Spend more time in Akihabara to shop & explore. Japan Deluxe Tours recommends: Super Potato for vintage games, the SEGA Arcade, or a Maid Cafe for starters. Within this, you can either do the following:
   1. Explore and shop until the bus returns to pick up those who would like to return to the hotel.
   2. Spend the rest of the day in Akihabara and return to the hotel on your own. Your tour guide will provide instructions on how to return to the hotel via train.


2. After lunch in Akihabara, the anime tour will head to the old town district of Asakusa where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise area and explore Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most popular temples. Return to the hotel afterwards.

If you wish to continue the day, your anime tour will head to Tokyo SkyTree where guests can shop at Japan's Pokemon Center, a must for all Pokemon fans. Purchase exclusive goods and interact with other Pokemon fans via the battling/trading room. For Shonen Jump fans, there's also a JUMP Store where you can get merchandise from your favorite Jump anime (Dragon Ball, My Hero Academia, Bleach). We then return to the hotel.

Day 8 Tokyo | Complimentary Tokyo Disneyland Day-Trip

We've cleared up the day for you to enjoy at your leisure, or enjoy a day at the Happiest Place on Earth in Tokyo with complimentary Tokyo Disneyland Tickets with your tour reservation. See the cast and crew of Disney at one of the most visited Disney Parks in the world before your vacation with us ends.
For those who wish to visit Tokyo Disney Land or DisneySea, your tour guide will be happy to explain directions.

Day 9 Tokyo | 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 downtown hotel in Tokyo to Narita Airport - about 90 mins(Bus)
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Haneda Airport - about 30 mins(Bus)