8 Days Essence of Spring | Southern Japan - Cherry Blossom Seasonal Tour

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)

Our cherry blossom tour begins the day by heading to the Himeji prefecture to invade the remarkable Himeji-jo, or Himeji Castle. Himeji-jo was registered as a UNESCO distinguished site in 1993, representing Japanese castle architecture at its peak. Nicknamed White Heron Castle due to the Japanese castle's graceful white walls, Himeji Castle maintains almost all of it's original structures from its initial construction in the early 1600’s. Unlike some of the country's other castles, this classic Japanese castle has overcome wars, earthquakes, and natural disasters over the last four centuries. While the castle's architecture and classic structures are stunning, Himeji Castle is often considered to be one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in all Japan!

After our time in Himeji, our cherry blossom tour will travel west to the either the Okayama Prefecture to explore the well-preserved Kurashiki district or to Shimane Prefecture to explore the famed Adachi Art Museum. Kurashiki is a beautiful streetscape of storehouses and merchant homes and is included as an Important Traditional Structures Conservation Area by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. The name Kurashiki can be roughly translated as town of storehouses and the area historically served as an important rice distribution center. The city canal area dates back to the days of the Edo Period and offers enjoyable gondola-style boat rides if time permits.

The Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane is known for its great collection of artwork and amazing Japanese gardens. The museum's art collection includes fine works from illustrious talented Japanese artists including Yokoyama Taikan, Takeuchi Seiho, Hashimoto Kansetsu, and Sakakibara Shiho. While the art is impressive, the true gem is the museum's impressive array of Japanese gardens. Split into six smaller gardens, each garden provides a distinct feel and atmosphere. Enjoy the relaxing scenery with your tour guide and gaze upon the stunning Japanese flowers. The art museum's impressive Japanese gardens have been named the Best Garden in Japan annually since 2003 by the Journal of Japanese Gardening and received the top rating of three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Enjoy this scenic area before we make our way to our hotel.

Today our cherry blossom Japan tour begins with a visit to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Located off the main shore on the island of Miyajima, Japan's iconic gate that floats off the shores of Hiroshima is a must during your vacation in Japan. During high tide, the torii gate looks as though it is floating in water, creating a unique sight considered one of Japan’s top three most beautiful sights. Miyajima is also known for its mouthwatering momiji manju (maple leaf shaped cake with red beans) and delicious oysters which you can enjoy while our cherry blossom tour explores scenic island.

After our time in Miyajima, it's off for our Hiroshima tour through the city. One of the main highlights here in Hiroshima is the A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath of World War Two's atomic bombing. Surrounding the magnificent A-Bomb Dome is the Peace Park Memorial where travelers can see and read about the history of the war. The A-Bomb Dome has been preserved as a reminder of the tragedy for future generations and to symbolize its wishes for everlasting peace. Walk along the park with your tour guide to see famous attractions like Sadako’s statue and the Freedom Bell. We then return to the hotel.

Our Southern Japan tour begins the day in Kumamoto to explore Kumamoto Castle. Kumamoto Castle is considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, along with Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle. Among the impressive collection of treasures in this Japanese castle, thirteen structures in the complex are designated as Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government. Several ancillary wooden buildings remain of the original castle. While we won't be going inside the castle due to reconstruction, enjoy the many views and picturesque scenery of this famous Japanese castle. While by the castle grounds, our Japan tour will visit the Johsaien. Johsaien is a shopping arcade by Kumamoto Caslte filled with over 20 shops and the Wakuwaku-za museum featuring the history and culture of Kumamoto.

After our time in Kumamoto, our cherry blossom tour will proceed to the fabled lands of Takachiho. According the legends, when Susano-o, the God of Storms, terrorized Amaterasu, his sister and the Sun Goddess, she hid into the heavenly rock cave Ama-No-Iwato. In doing so, the world was plunged into darkness. Legend states Amaterasu was drawn out of the cave, returning the light to Japan. Your Southern Japan tour will explore the mythical area before a brief stop at Tunnel Station to pick up local specialties and mementos during your vacation. After our time at the station, your Southern Japan tour will proceed to the hotel.

Our Southern Japan tour begins with a visit to the the hot spring town of Beppu in Oita Prefecture. Famous for the abundant Japanese hot-springs waters, our tour will take on the highlight attraction, Beppu's exciting Tour of Hell. During our Tour of Hell, we will explore three of the famous Hell Spots, including: the Sea Hell made up of bright cobalt blue hot water, the Blood Pond Hell where hot water containing red melted clay gushes out, and the Tornado Hell, a fiery geyser that erupts every 20 minutes.

After lunch, our cherry blossom tour will take a ferry to the castle city of Matsuyama in Shikoku. While in Matsuyama, your Southern Japan tour will invade Matsuyama Caslte, one of twelve original Japanese castles still standing since Japan's post-feudal era from 1868. Modified into a museum, this charming Japanese castle has a breathtaking view over the city of Matsuyama. After our castle invasion, your vacation will spend the rest of the day relaxing with a visit to one of the oldest hot springs in the world: Dogo Onsen. Said to have a history of over 3,000 years, this onsen is widely known for welcoming the imperial family as geusts in the exclusive Yushinden room. Bath like royalty in this ancient hot-springs, often said to be the inspiration to the hit anime film Spirited Away. Enjoy an optional Rickshaw ride through the city grounds or just relax with some light shopping in Dogo Onsen's shopping arcade. (additional fee's may apply).

Spending the day enjoying fine Japanese cuisine and nature, your cherry blossom tour will spend the day exploring the scenic sights of Tokushima's scenic Iya Valley. We start with an Udon noodle making course to learn how to hand-make the popular thick-noodle Japanese food. While Ramen is loved in all Japan and the rest of the world, Udon noodles are a beloved specialty in Japan's Southern region. Enjoy a hearty bowl of noodles and learn the art to delicately craft your own Japanese dish.

After we finish up at our Udon Japanese food making workshop, your tour has a relaxing sightseeing boat along the Oboke Gorge. Enjoy the scenic leasurable boat ride along Oboke Gorge to enjoy the untouched beauties of Japan's southern region.

After our short boat ride, your Japan tour holiday will venture off to cross the ancient vine bridge of Iya Valley. Rebuilt every three years and made of vines suspended over the Yoshino River. Be sure to take a selfie or photos to share on Facebook and Insta of this epic bridge. We then proceed to the hotel.

Our Southern Japan tour is off to Osaka with a couple of unique stops along the way. Traveling East, our vacation tour group will visit Risturin Garden, one of the most beautiful Japanese gardens overlooking Shikoku's gorgeous Mt. Shiun. The Michelin Green Guide rated the garden three stars and is a great place to take photos, especially from the highest point that overlooks the entire garden. Often included in any list for what to do in Shikoku, Ritsurin Garden is a must when traveling through Japan's southern island.

After our time at the Japanese garden, your tour will make it's way through Tokushima. During our travels, we will stop at the Awa-odori Museum, a museum dedicated to the prefecture dance of Tokushima. During the annual Awa-Odori festival, thousands of spectators flock to Japan to watch the traditional dance performed during Obon. Enjoy learning some steps and history of Awa-odori at this great museum and maybe pick up a few moves for the next time you hit a dance floor. Although a relatively new style of dancing, Japan Deluxe Tours has confidence the Awa Odori yosakoi dancing is bound to show up in future few dance videos and competitions. After our time at the Yosakoi museum, we are off to Osaka for a Kushiage dinner. We then head to our hotel in Osaka.

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