10 Days Golden Route of Japan With Cherry Blossom
(Mini Group Tour)

Itinerary

• Day 1:Tokyo, Arrival

  Konnichiwa! Tokyo, a unique city that offers visitors a rich history, magnificent beauty, and exhilarating activities, is the first stop on your vacation.

  After the plane lands, get to the hotel at your own pace and enjoy the remaining day to yourself. Whether you want to relax in your room or venture out, it's up to you.

  
  Optional: Private transfer from the airport to the hotel

  Accommodation: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar

  • Tokyo

• Day 2:Tokyo City Highlights with Cherry Blossom

  

  Meiji Shrine

  Visiting Meiji Shrine will be the first thing in the morning, a piece of wooded land for the deity of Emperor Meiji amidst the bustling city. Like the locals, you can engage in some Shinto practices like buying charms and amulets or writing your wishes on a wooden plate and presenting it to the shrine for realization.

  Afterward, head to Tokyo Tower and climb to the Main Observatory for a bird's eye view of the city in cherry blossoms. Then, make your way to Ueno Park, where you can admire the stunning cherry blossoms up close while strolling through its meandering walkways.

  In the afternoon, go to the historic Senso-ji Temple. You will enter the temple's main hall to observe how the Japanese worship after passing through Nakamise Shopping Street with its typical Japanese souvenirs. Round off the day by taking a leisurely cruise to appreciate cherry blossom views along both sides of the Sumida River.

  Accommodation: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar

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  • Tokyo

• Day 3:Tokyo - Hakone, Mt. Fuji

  

  Mt. Fuji

  Mount Fuji, Japan's highest mountain and cultural icon, is located about 130 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. Today, a 2-hour trip will take you to some ideal sites where you can admire Mt. Fuji from various views: Visit Oshino Hakkai and Arakurayama Sengen Shrine (Chureito Pagoda) before taking a Lake Kawaguchi cruise to admire Mt. Fuji in the distance. After the tour, the driver will take you back to Tokyo for the night.

  Accommodation: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar

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  • Tokyo

• Day 4:Free Day in Tokyo

  

  Shibuya Crossing

  Today, you will enjoy a full free day to discover Tokyo at your leisure. Whether you wish to experience the vibrant energy of Shibuya Crossing, relax in a tranquil coffee shop, or immerse yourself in the pink sea of cherry blossoms along unknown streets, Tokyo will never disappoint you.

  Accommodation: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar

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  • Tokyo

• Day 5:Tokyo - Kyoto, Cultural Experiences

  

  The Gion

  Today, make your own way to the train station to catch the Shinkansen to Kyoto. Upon arrival in Kyoto Station, make your own way to your hotel in Kyoto.

  In the late afternoon (4 PM), make your own way to join in a Japan-only experience involving kimono wearing, a tea ceremony, and a Kaiseki dinner. Put on your kimono and sip classic green matcha tea at an authentic Japanese-style townhouse in the ancient Gion area. After that, go to a local restaurant for a scrumptious Kaiseki dinner including multi-course beautifully arranged seasonal meals. (* There are no nuts or pork on the menu. But, if you are vegetarian or gluten-free, the menu may not cater to you.)

  Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar

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  • Kyoto

• Day 6:Kyoto - Nara - Kyoto, Historical Sites with Deer Encounter

  

  Nara Deer Park

  The Kyoto tour today begins with a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. The walkways that wind through the bamboo trees provide for a pleasant stroll. The groves are especially stunning when there is a light breeze and the towering bamboo stalks gracefully move back and forth. Following the visit to Arashiyama, you will go to the Golden Pavilion, also known as Kinkakuji Temple, a must-see attraction in Japan with two upper levels covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple in the lake adds to the beauty of the scene.

  After that, have lunch before continuing on to Nara. You're off to Todaiji Temple, which holds the Guinness World Record for its largest wooden structure. Even more surprising, the largest Buddha statue in Japan can also be found inside the temple. Right outside the shrine is where you'll find the Nara Deer Park, home to countless deer that graze freely. The deer in the park are known to be sociable, and they may even bow to you for a small treat. You then return to Kyoto for the night.

  Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar

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  • Kyoto

• Day 7: Kyoto, Bento Cooking Class

  

  Bento Cooking Class

  Good morning! Today will be a day of leisure, you will have a join-in cooking class; Firstly, find your way to the classroom. In this lesson, your English-speaking teacher will instruct you how to cook a bento, a daily lunch box that Japanese ladies prepare for their families that often includes salad, teriyaki chicken, egg rolls, sushi rolls, and miso soup. After the lesson, you can eat the bento you made for lunch.

  After a little break, explore the charming city of Kyoto as you like.

  Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar

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  • Kyoto

• Day 8:Kyoto - Himeji - Kobe - Osaka

  

  Himeji Castle

  Today, meet your driver in the lobby of your hotel. You'll enjoy a trip to explore the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle and taste famous Kobe beef.

  Your starting point, Himeji Castle, recognized as the best surviving example of prototypical Japanese castle architecture, consists of a network of 83 buildings from the feudal period with complex defensive systems. Because of its beautiful white and grey appearance and likeness to a heron, the castle is also known as Hakuro-jo or Shirasagi-jo (White Heron Castle).

  Then, head to Kobe for lunch. In a local restaurant, try the famous Kobe beef and other genuine regional cuisine (on your own account). Following that, take a cable car ride to the top of Mt. Nunobiki, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Osaka Bay and explore a beautiful herb garden featuring around 200 varieties of seasonal plants and flowers. In addition, a sampling tour of the Sake Brewery Museum is also a great place to spend your afternoon.

  After the tour, return to Osaka for the night.

  Accommodation: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection or similar

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  • Osaka

• Day 9:Osaka Street Food Walking Tour

  

  Street Food Walking Tour

  Have some leisure time before join-in a walking foodie tour. (Duration: 3 hours) Morning or Afternoon Session (depending on the availability)

  Make your own way to the gathering spot in downtown Osaka to join a guided street food tour in this gastronomic city. Led by your local guide, you'll explore the lively Dotonbori area and uncover hidden eateries serving some of Osaka's most iconic dishes, including Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu.

  Following the tour, you can either return to your hotel at your own pace or continue exploring the city's vibrant streets on your own.

  Accommodation: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection or similar

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  • Osaka

• Day 10:Osaka, Departure

  After breakfast, your delightful trip to Japan will come to an end. Find your way to the KIX airport, and then return home with priceless memories.

  
  Optional: Private transfer from the hotel to the KIX airport

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