JapanDeluxeTours

Japan Deluxe Tours, Inc.
1820 W. Carson St. Suite 224 Torrance California 90501 USA
Phone: 310-327-1111 FAX: 310-329-7609
8 Nights 9 days Essence of Spring | Anime - Cherry Blossom Seasonal Tour
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)
Day 2
We start our Cherry Blossom Japan Tour with a visit to Todaiji Temple in Nara. 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.



Upon arrival in Kyoto, we will stop for a kaiten sushi lunch and 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 features hundreds of red torii gates. The path is perfect for photos or to just calm your mind.



Our next stop will be the ancient street of Ninenzaka. The street is filled with shops and souvenir stands as well as a great place for photos and to see what Japan looked like many years ago. We will also partake in 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. Try your hand at making a traditional cup of matcha! We then proceed to the hotel.


Breakfast Lunch
Day 3
Today, our Kyoto tour begins with a visit to Arashiyama. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through the bamboo grove. You will be welcomed by the friendly smiles of the Rickshaw drivers who are both entertaining and very knowledgeable. They will also take amazing pictures for you in the Bamboo forest that you will want to show all your friends back home.



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.



Next, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko lunch. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha. During the lunch, you will able to see her perform Japanese traditional dances, chances to take photos, and ask questions about her life as a Maiko. It is a great opportunity to learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.



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



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


Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Day 4
Today, we headed to Hakone, a popular weekend getaway destination from Tokyo. Here, you get to see sulfur smoke coming from active volcano vents and, if weather permits, a stunning view of Mt. Fuji.



First stop is Hakone Shrine. Housed in a cedar forest, this serene shrine is famous for being a spiritual power spot. Next, we will make a stop to participate in a local wood craft workshop called Yosegizaiku where you can let your creativity loose.



Then we will take you to a relaxing ride on the Hakone Ropeway down to Owakudani Valley. The ropeway provides a scenic view of the Hakone area,if weather permits, Mt. Fuji. We will explore Owakudani for a short amount of time when you arrive, giving you enough time to marvel at the active natural volcanic vents as well as try the black egg. Boiled in one of the vents, it is said that eating one of these eggs will add 7 years to your life!



After spending a busy, productive morning, we will have Hoto, a hot udon noodle dish served in an iron cast pot that is the perfect comfort food. After lunch, we are headed to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Enjoy seeing statures, strolling through beautiful nature the stunning landscape of Hakone. We then proceed to the hotel.


Breakfast Lunch
Day 5
We start off our tour of Tokyo with a visit to Kiyosumi Garden, a representative of a beautiful traditional Japanese garden. It contains many classic elements found in Japanese gardens, including a tea house on the water, numerous ponds, rock gardens, rock lanterns, and a stepping stone bridge. Afterwards, we head over to the Fukagawa Edo Museum to get acquainted with the history of Tokyo. This charming museum is designed to replicate what life looked like during Japan's traditional days of Edo. Travel back in time and walk through the old city of Tokyo made to recreate life during Japan's Edo period.



Our next stop is Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, the former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the freshest flavors, mouth-watering dishes, and incredible sushi meals at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily before we explore the rest of the sights in Tokyo!



For lunch, enjoy a delicious Teppan-yaki meal. Enjoy watching the careful hands of your personally assigned chef prepare Wagyu beef before your eyes. Then we will visit the Ueno Park, the most popular park in Tokyo throughout the year, but especially during the cherry blossom season where the park is filled with bright pink and white cherry blossoms petals.



The tour will then head to the old town district of Asakusa where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise area and explore Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and the most popular temples in Tokyo.


Breakfast Lunch
Day 6
Our first stop of the day will be the Meiji Shrine which was dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife in 1920. Enjoy the morning stroll through a peaceful and serene shrine. It is hard to believe to find out busy Harajuku station is only a few minuets away.



Then we are off to discover Harajuku & Omotesando area. The area is filled with cute shops, delicious crepes, high end stores, and beautiful cafés and restaurants. Don't forget to check out the Cat Café and Headgehog café for those who love animals. Here you have opportunity to try local vendors for lunch.



It's time to look at Tokyo from a birds' eye view. We will take you to Shibuya Sky: a new landmark, observation deck rising 229 m or 766 feet above Shibuya. We will then make our way to the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily. This crosswalk gathers as much foot traffic as New York City, and crossing is an experience unlike any other. We will also visit the popular Hachiko Statue close to the station. The statue is based on the internationally-known story of Hachiko, the dog who would come back to the station every day to see his owner.


Breakfast
Day 7

Today, we kick our anime tour off by heading to the Electronic Town of Akihabara. Before we head to the main shopping area, we will take a brief walk to the anime-famous Kanda Shrine. Famously featured in anime such as Love Live! and collaborating with hit anime & manga like My Hero Academia, Kanda Shrine is the only shrine to offer good luck charms for electronics and anime characters.


We make our way back to the main street where you can enjoy shopping at some of the most popular otaku destinations, including Animate. Animate carries all kinds of character goods, electronics, and games from current and popular anime/manga series. There's plenty of free time in Akihabara, so Japan Deluxe Tours recommends exploring Super Potato for vintage games, SEGA arcade, visit a Maid Cafe, or just explore the area.


Next, we will make our way to the unique and interactive Ninja Trick House. Here, you can learn about the way of the Ninja, touch a Japanese sword, throw Shuriken star blades, and take pictures with Ninja to complete your own ninja training regimen.


After our adventures at Ninja trick house, we will visit the anime specialized shopping complex: Nakano Broadway. Explore the many stores dedicated to anime and otaku goods or try the eight-layer ice-cream they serve downstairs!


Once we finish up at Nakano Broadway, we head east to visit the famed Ghibli Museum. This animation and art museum exhibits the works of Miyazaki Hayao, creator of world famous films such as My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea. Ghibli Film fans will certainly enjoy the artistic museum, which not only exhibits the history and techniques of animation but also plays short movies in a theater room, produced exclusively for the museum. We then proceed to the hotel.




Breakfast
Day 8

We begin our morning with a trip to Odaiba island to see the iconic 60 feet-tall Unicorn Gundam and Gundam-Base shop where you can take pictures and get a glimpse at the ever so famous Gundam fandom.


Before heading back to the inner city, we will swing by to see the Ghibli Clock from Howl's moving castle. This massive clock was designed by Hayao Miyazaki and is sure to delight any Ghibli fan with a great photo opportunity.


After our time in Odaiba, we make our way to Tokyo Tower, Japan’s iconic tower. Tokyo Tower has been taken over by One Piece, resulting in Tokyo One Piece Tower. Known as Tongari Island, the themed park is filled with attractions based on characters and stories from One piece to wow fans of all ages.


Next, we will visit Shibuya Parco where the latest anime spot called Cyberspace Shibuya has been a popular spot in recent years. You can find the very first Nintendo shop, Nintendo Tokyo, the stylish Pokemon Center Shibuya, Capcom store, Jump shop and much more.


After a busy morning, the tour will take you to have a short break with Godzilla! Located on rooftop, Godzilla has found home in Shinjuku at Café Bonjour for the time being. Here, enjoy a Godzilla themed cake set with your choice of drink. Once done, you can take pictures of/with the HUGE Godzilla.


Once done relaxing at the Godzilla cafe, we are off to the Robot Restaurant for an exciting show. Enjoy thunderous music and crazy colors at a show unlike any other. Be sure to have your camera ready for the giant robots and dancing performers. We then return to the hotel.




Breakfast Lunch
Day 9
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)
Breakfast