9 Days Essence of Spring | 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 | The Temple Gates of Asakusa

Today, we’ll start our morning exploring the Tsukiji Fish Market, former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the numerous vendors lining the walkways and pick up a couple of mouth-watering snacks made from the freshest ingredients while you are there. The tour then takes you the 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 the famous Harajuku crepes and other kawaii treats from Takeshita Dori. For lunch, enjoy a delicious, authentic Teppan-yaki meal before we take a short walk over to the anime mecca of the world, Akihabara, or as locals call it, Akiba. Spend your time enjoying shopping at some of the most popular otaku stores, including Animate. Animate carries all kinds of character goods, mangas/animes, and popular video games.

You will have 3 options to choose from (on the day of) on how you would like to continue your day:

1. Spend more time in Akihabara to shop and explore. We recommend stopping by 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 the area and return to the hotel on your own. Your tour guide will provide instructions on how to get back to the hotel via train.


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


3. If you wish to continue the day, your tour will take you the Tokyo Skytree where you will get to shop at the ever so popular Pokemon Center, a must-go for all Pokemon fans. Purchase exclusive goods and interact with other Pokemon fans via the battling/trading room. For Shounen Jump fans, there will also be a JUMP Store where you can get merchandise from your favorite Jump animes. Return to the hotel.

Day 3 Yokohama | Cup Noodle Museum & Cherry Blossom Viewing

Our cherry blossom tour begins today with a trip to the famous Cup Noodle Museum. You will learn all about the man behind the famous instant noodles and how they came to be. Along with the visit to the museum, make your own piece of edible memorabilia by creating your own cup noodle*. Customize your toppings, soup, and cup for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll among the blooming cherry blossoms. The viewing location we visit will depend on the cherry blossom forecast at the time of your tour to provide the best experience possible. *Make your own cup noodle activity is under a first come first serve basis and requires reservations in advance. Please be sure to contact us to reserve your spot for this activity.

OR

You can opt to have a free day to yourself and explore areas of Tokyo that aren’t included in your tour itinerary. Disney fans can spend the day at either Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea as well with ticket arrangements made through us. Please note that if you opt for the free day, you will be responsible for any transportation and admission fees.

Day 4 Hakone | Scenic Rope-way Ride to see Cherry Blossoms & Mt. Fuji

Our Japan tour will start the day by heading to the renown Hakone area. The first stop of the day will be at Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station where you will find breathtaking views of the mountain as well as the surrounding scenery.

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 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.

We will then check into your ryokan (Japanese style hotel) where the welcoming bath waters of the onsen await you. Take a long relaxing soak to rejuvenate you and don your yukata (informal, linen kimono) before enjoying a delicious traditional Japanese meal known as Kaiseki Ryori.

Day 5 Kyoto & Nara | Japan's Record-Breaking Bronze Buddha Statue

This morning, you will speed through central Japan as you ride the bullet train to Kyoto. As the fastest mode of land transportation available, it has become an integral part of life in Japan and is sure to be an exciting experience. After we arrive in Kyoto, the group 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.

Our first destination in Kyoto will be a sake museum to learn more about Japan’s national drink. Following this, you will head 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.

Day 6 Kyoto | Traditional Japanese Green Tea Ceremony by the Sakura

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. Another short ride away and you will be 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. Before our last activity, the tour will make a stop at the Kyoto Handicraft Center where you will get to browse a wide variety of traditional Japanese works of art, a perfect place to buy a potential souvenir. Lastly, we will end the evening with a kaiseki dinner accompanied by a maiko performance. Afterwards, your group will get to interact with the maiko, ask questions, and play some classic party games to end the day.

Day 7 Himeji & Kurashiki (03/23, 04/02, & 04/26) | Himeji & Adachi (04/06 & 04/18)

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 exploring the largest castle in Japan in all its glory.

After spending time in Himeji, your group will make its way to either the well-preserved Kurashiki district or Adachi Museum of Art depending on your tour departure date.

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.

The Adachi Museum of Art in the Shimane perfection houses an art collection including works from illustrious Japanese artists including Yokoyama Taikan, Takeuchi Seiho, Hashimoto Kansetsu, and Sakakibara Shiho. The true gem, however, lies in the museum’s impressive array of Japanese gardens. With 6 gardens to explore, each one provides a distinct feel and atmosphere unique from each other. The impressive gardens have been recognized not only in Japan (Best Garden in Japan since 2003), but also received a three-star rating by the Michelin Green Guide.

Day 8 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 9 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.