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

With a shared transfer, begin the day at Meiji Shrine, a piece of wooded land for the deity of Emperor Meiji amidst the bustling city. Under the guidance of your tour guide, you'll learn about Shinto traditions and can engage in local rituals, such as buying protective charms or writing wishes on wooden plates.

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, explore the historic Senso-ji Temple. You'll enter the temple's main hall to observe how the Japanese worship after passing through Nakamise Shopping Street with its typical Japanese souvenirs and street snacks. 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

Today, take a scenic day trip to the iconic Mount Fuji, Japan's highest peak. Located about 130km southwest of Tokyo, it takes about 2 hours by shared vehicle from the city. 

Your guided tour will show you Mt. Fuji from various views. Start at Oshino Hakkai, you can get a peaceful village view with the mountain in the backdrop. Next, head to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, where the famous Chureito Pagoda offers a sweeping panoramic view of Mount Fuji. Finally, board a Lake Kawaguchi cruise, where with a chance to catch a reflection of the mountain on a calm day.

After a full day of exploration, return to Tokyo for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar

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

This morning, head to the train station independently to board the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. The train journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival in Kyoto Station, make your own way to your hotel and settle in.

In the late afternoon, around 4 PM, go by yourself and join in an immersive Only-in-Japan experience. The experience takes place inside a traditional Japanese townhouse in Kyoto's historic Gion area. Here, you'll dress in beautifully crafted kimono, participate in an authentic tea ceremony, and learn the etiquette of sipping matcha. Afterward, enjoy a refined Kaiseki dinner at a local restaurant which includes a multi-course seasonal meal known for its elegance and deep ties to Kyoto's culinary tradition.

Note: There are no nuts or pork on the Kaiseki menu. However, it may not accommodate vegetarian or gluten-free diets.

Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar

Accompanied by your driver and guide, your day begins with a visit to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Here you can take a pleasant stroll along paths lined with towering bamboo stalks swaying gently in the breeze.

Continue to the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a stunning Zen temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf. On a calm day, the shimmering reflection in the surrounding pond adds to its beauty.

After lunch, enjoy a comfortable drive to nearby Nara. You're off to the UNESCO-listed Todaiji Temple, which holds the Guinness World Record for its largest wooden structure and the country's largest bronze Buddha statue. Right outside the shrine is where you'll find the Nara Deer Park, home to countless deer that graze freely. The friendly residents in the park are known to be sociable, and they may even bow to you for a small treat.

After your visit, return to Kyoto for the night.

Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar

As car service is not included today, you can enjoy Kyoto at your own pace, starting with a join-in cooking class and followed by free time in the afternoon.

In the class, your English-speaking teacher will instruct you how to make your own bento box, a traditional Japanese lunch packed with beautifully arranged favorites such as salad, teriyaki chicken, egg rolls, sushi rolls, and miso soup. After the hands-on lesson, enjoy the meal you've prepared as your lunch.

Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar

This morning, meet your driver in the hotel lobby for a full-day journey from Kyoto to Osaka, with historic landmarks and culinary delights along the way.

Your first stop is the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, regarded as Japan's most well-preserved castle, consists of a network of 83 buildings from the feudal period with complex defensive systems. Because of its elegant white and grey appearance, the castle is also known as Hakuro-jo or Shirasagi-jo (White Heron Castle).

Next, travel to Kobe, where you'll have a lunch break at a local restaurant. This is the perfect chance to savor authentic Kobe beef and other regional cuisine (at your own expense).

After lunch, take a cable car ride to the top of Mt. Nunobiki, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Osaka Bay. Later at the summit, explore the herb garden featuring around 200 varieties of seasonal plants and flowers.

In the late afternoon, your driver will take you to the hotel in Osaka for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection or similar

Enjoy some leisure time before joining a 3-hour guided street food walking tour in the heart of Osaka. Depending on the availability, your tour may take place in the morning or the afternoon.

Find the way by yourself to the meeting point in downtown Osaka to begin your tour. Led by a local foodie guide, you’ll explore the lively Dotonbori area, famous for its neon lights and endless food stalls. Along the way, discover hidden local eateries and sample some of Osaka’s most beloved dishes, including Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and Kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).

Accommodation: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection or similar