Cherry Blossom Tour

Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto

A spring tour which covers some of the main highlights in Japan.

The iconic cherry blossoms in the Spring are visible all over the country and vivid shades of pink. Be dazzled by the beauty, the serenity and the diversity of these magnificent sceneries.

This tour begins in Tokyo where you will be guided around the inner city including the Imperial Palace East Garden, Ginza and Asakusa Kannon Temple. You will then be led to Kamakura, a locale by the sea with gorgeous temples and shrines, as well as a huge statue of Buddha. On day 6 we depart the metropolis of Tokyo for the mountainous region of Takayama, where we will spend the night before a trip to the morning market and then a bus ride to World Heritage Site, Shirakawago. Afterwards, on to Kanazawa for 2 nights, during which we will visit the stunning Kenroku-en Garden.
After Kanazawa it’s on to Kyoto to see Kiyomizu Temple, the Gion District, and to see a performance of the famous Miyako Odori. Finally, a short stay in Osaka with a visit to Osaka Castle and Kuromon Ichiba market place, with the last day to relax or take in some final scenery.

Itinerary

Day 1	London – Tokyo Depart London on a non-stop flight to Tokyo.
Day 2	Tokyo Upon arrival at Narita Airport meet with a driver and transfer to your hotel by shared airport shuttle van service. The rest of the day is free at your leisure. Stay for 4 nights in Tokyo.
Day 3	Tokyo (B, L) Full day guided sightseeing tour of Tokyo by public transportation with an English speaking guide. Highlights include: Tsukiji Fish Market, Imperial Palace East Garden, Ginza District, Asakusa Kannon Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine and Harajuku fashion street.
Day 4	Tokyo – Kamakura – Tokyo (B, L) Kamakura 1-day excursion by public transportation with an English speaking guide. Highlights include: Hase Kannon Temple, Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha), Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Day 5	Tokyo (B) Full day free at leisure or you may take an optional tour to Mt. Fuji & Hakone National Park.
Day 6	Tokyo – Takayama (B, L) Your main suitcases will be sent on ahead to Kanazawa (1 person, 1 suitcase). Please keep an overnight bag for your Takayama stay. Upon arrival at Takayama, visit Takayama Jinya and Kami-Sanno-Machi street. Stay for 1 night in Takayama.
Day 7	Takayama – Shirakawago – Kanazawa (B, L) Today’s tour starts with a visit to the Takayama morning market. Head to the World Heritage Site of Shirakawago with a guide by local bus where you will be able to see this famous folklore village. Proceed to Kanazawa in the afternoon. Stay for 2 nights in Kanazawa.
Day 8	Kanazawa (B, L) Explore Kanazawa with your guide. Visit Kenroku-en Garden; one of the top-three gardens in Japan. Enjoy a Tea Ceremony experience before visiting a Bukeyashiki Samurai House and the old town.
Day 9	Kanazawa – Kyoto – Nara – Kyoto (B,L) Your main suitcases will be sent on ahead to Osaka (1 person, 1 suitcase). Please keep a small bag with you for your Kyoto stay. Travel by train to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto you will proceed to Nara with a guide by local transportation and visit Todaiji Temple (Great Buddha) and Kasuga Shrine. In the afternoon, return to Kyoto and enjoy a walking tour of Kiyomizu Temple and the Geisha district of Gion. Stay for 2 nights in Kyoto
Day 10	Kyoto (B, L) Full day guided sightseeing of Kyoto by chartered coach. Highlights include: The Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji Temple, a viewing of the Miyako Odori and a walk along the Philosopher’s Path.
Day 11	Kyoto – Osaka (B, L) This morning will be free at leisure. You may wish to further explore Kyoto by yourself. A guide will meet you in the afternoon and escort you to Osaka by train. Upon arrival, enjoy a hal-day sightseeing tour which includes Osaka Castle and Kuromon Ichiba market place, often referred to as ‘Osaka’s Kitchen’. Stay for 2 nights.
Day 12	Osaka (B) Today is free at your leisure, or you may take an optional tour to Hiroshima & Miyajima.
Day 13	Osaka – London (B) From Osaka Itami Airport to London