Japan Tour Package | Southern Japan Tour 8 Days | Cherry Blossom

Day 1	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)	Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo or similar
Day 2	We will begin today by heading to Dotonburi and Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka. These are great locations to sample some of Osaka's famous cuisine, or to get any kitchen suplies you may need. Next our tour bus will make a stop at Himeji-jo, or Himeji Castle. Himeji-jo is a UNESCO distinguished site, representing Japanese castle architecture at its highest with almost all of the castle structure still intact from its original construction in the early 1600’s, having survived all wars, earthquakes and natural disasters. During our day, we will enjoy Okonomiyaki, savory Japanese pancakes that is a specialty in both Osaka and Hiroshima. We will then make our way to Hiroshima and check into our hotel.	Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima or similar	Breakfast Dinner
Day 3	Today our Japan tour begins with a visit to the iconic Itsukushima Shrine. Located off the main shore on the island of Miyajima, the iconic gate that floats is a must see. 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. After our visit, we will spend more time sight-seeing in Hiroshima. 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. 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. Stroll along the park to see famous attractions like that of Sadako’s statue and the freedom bell. Here you can see and read about the relic of the war.	The Hotel Nagasaki BW Premier or similar	Breakfast
Day 4	Our day begins in Arita, where we will see some of the finest porcelain creations. Our day then takes us to Nagasaki where we have much to cover. We will head to Glover Garden which exhibits Western style mansions. After viewing these gorgeous mansions, we will continue with our foreign influences to the Oura Catholic Church. The Oura Catholic Church is Japan’s oldest standing Catholic church. Our last stop of the day is the Nagasaki Peace Park which was built to commemorate the Nagasaki atomic bomb. In the park is a large pillar engraved with the names of the victims. We will check-in to our hotel for a traditional style dinner, a luxurious multi-course Japanese meal. Afterwards, you have time to take a soak in the hot springs.	Hotel Nikko Kumamoto or similar	Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 5	Our day begins in Kumamoto to visit Kumamoto Castle. Kumamoto Castle is considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, along with Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle. Thirteen structures in the castle complex are designated Important Cultural Property. 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 scenery of this famous Japanese castle. Located near the castle is the historic Kato Shrine. Built to enshrine the local Daimyo (territorial leader), the shrine is a great place to stop and appreciate Japan's history and designs. Then we proceed to Takachiho. Legend states, when Susanoo, god of storm, terrorized Amaterasu, his sister and sun goddess, she hid in a cave plunging the world into darkness. The cave is called Ama-no-Iwato, the heavenly rock cave, exists in Takachiho. Before our day ends, we will enjoy watching a Yokagura show.	Hotel Takachiho or similar	Breakfast Dinner
Day 6	Our morning begins in the hot spring town of Beppu, where we are going for an exciting Tour of Hell. From the eight famous spots, we will visit three: 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, we will take a boat ride to Matsuyama, a castle city. Following the pattern of hot springs, we will visit one of the oldest hot springs in the world, Dogo Onsen, which is said to have over 3,000 years of history. The onsen is also widely known for welcoming the imperial family as guests and has a room called Yushinden on reserve exclusively for their use. Dogo Onsen's impressive wooden structure served as a model for the famous film Spirited Away. Enjoy an optional Rickshaw ride through the city grounds, or watch a traditional Taiko drum show in the evening (additional fee's may apply).	Tsubaki-kan or similar	Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 7	Our day will begin heading towards Osaka. Traveling East, we will visit one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan that overlooks Mt. Shiun, Ritsurin Garden. Michelin Green Guide graded the garden three stars and is a great place to take photos, especially from the highest point that overlooks the entire garden. While making our way through Tokushima, we will stop at the Awa-odori Museum, a museum dedicated to the prefectural dance of Tokushima. During the annual Awa-Odori festival, thousands of spectators flock to Japan to watch the traditional dance. Enjoy learning some steps and history of Awa-odori at this great museum. Our last stop before hitting Osaka is Naruto, a small town off the coast. Here in Naruto, many hope to observe the large Naruto whirlpools that can be seen under very ideal conditions. (*The whirlpool can only be seen at certain times of the day and thus we cannot guarantee seeing the whirlpool in action.)	The Park Front Hotel At USJ or similar	Breakfast Lunch
Day 8	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)		Breakfast