We start off the tour with the Kiyosumi Teien, a Japanese traditional garden. It's stroll ponds garden that mainly an artificial hill and a pond. This landscape style was used Daimyo-teiten in Edo period. Then, we will visit The Fukagawa Edo Museum that recreates what life looked like during Japan's Edo Period. The museum features a large hall with replicas of houses, inns, shops, and a watchtower all from the Edo Period.

Next, we visit Sensoji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most visited temple. It was completed in 645 and has been a prominent landmark of Tokyo. Visitors will first enter Kaminarimon, which literally means Thunder Gate. As you make your way through this gate, you will find yourself surrounded by the Nakamise shops until you reach the second gate, Hozomon. Past Hozomon Gate is where the temple’s main hall and a gorgeous five story pagoda stand.

We will then make our way to Shibuya, 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. A new addition to the countless attractions has recently opened as of November 1st, 2019. The “Shibuya Sky” is an observatory deck located in the new landmark “Shibuya Scramble Square” where visitors can enjoy the multiple sections, each with a different theme/view. Situated roughly 230m above the ground, visitors can enjoy the cityscape of Tokyo without obstructions, a full 360 degree panoramic view.

Then we are off to Harajuku to explore the famous Takeshita Street and Omotesando area. The area is filled with cute shops, delicious crepes, high end stores, and beautiful cafés and restaurants.
We will visit Meiji Shrine nearby, a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. The shrine's grounds spread over 700 square meters covered by a forest with approximately 17,000 trees. Interestingly enough, the trees are all kept to the same height for a uniform look throughout the forest. Most of the trees were actually donated the shrine was rebuilt, planted in a certain manner to keep them all looking in unison.

Our first stop, cruise on Lake Ashi provides a beautiful view of the lake formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano’s last eruption 3,000 years ago. Today, Lake Ashi is often pictured with Mount Fuji in the background as a symbol of Hakone, and from sightseeing boats cruising the lake. Note however, that clouds and poor visibility often block the view of Mt. Fuji, and you must consider yourself very lucky if you get a clear view of the mountain.

Next, we have a relaxing ride on the Hakone Ropeway down to Owakudani Valley. The ropeway provides a scenic view of the Hakone area and, 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!

Our last stop is the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Enjoy seeing statures, strolling through beautiful nature in the stunning landscape of Hakone. The springtime means the local cherry blossoms may be in bloom, offering visitors a wonderful viewing experience throughout the grounds.

Our Cherry Blossom Japan tour will begin today on a bullet train to Kyoto. The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential Japanese experience. Enjoy riding to Kyoto in comfort and speed, and be sure to take some photos of the scenery during your ride.

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.

Afterwards, it's off to Nara to Todaiji Temple. 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.

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.

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.

Our first stop of the day is the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Enjoy seeing statures, strolling through beautiful nature in the stunning landscape of Hakone. The springtime means the local cherry blossoms may be in bloom, offering visitors a wonderful viewing experience throughout the grounds. After spending our morning in fresh air, we will have Hoto, a hot udon noodle dish served in an iron cast pot that is the perfect comfort food.

Next, we have a relaxing ride on the Hakone Ropeway down to Owakudani Valley. The ropeway provides a scenic view of the Hakone area and, 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! We will also visit the Hakone Shrine.

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.

We will spend today exploring the city of Hiroshima. The Cherry Blossom tour begins with a visit to the A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath of the Atomic Bombing in Hiroshima. The A-Bomb Dome is located on the Peace Park Memorial park grounds, the site where the atomic bomb struck Hiroshima. Stroll along the park to see famous attractions like that of Sadako’s statue and the freedom bell. 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. While at the Peace Park, enjoy the exhibits at the world-famous Hiroshima Peace Park Museum. This museum collects the history and artifacts from the bombing and is a reminder of the city of Hiroshima's wish for world peace.

In the afternoon our Japan Tour will head to Miyajima, an island south of Hiroshima known for its Itsukushima Shrine, or floating torii gate. 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.