10 Days Japan Golden Route With Cherry Blossom 2027

With a shared transfer and your English-speaking guide, begin the day at Meiji Shrine, a piece of wooded land 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 Shinjuku Gyoen to 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: Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai 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. Starting 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, 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: Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai or similar

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.

If you prefer a more carefree experience, join one of the following optional experiences:

• Sumo Lunch Show: enjoy a traditional Japanese lunch while watching a lively sumo demonstration. It is a shared tour for about 2 hours, from 12:45 to 15:00.
• Akihabara Sightseeing: join a 3-hour shared tour to explore the vibrant anime and manga shops and pop-culture spots of Akihabara from 14:00 to 17:00.

Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Shiodome Italia-gai or similar

Head to Tokyo Station together after breakfast, and board the high-speed Shinkansen bullet train to Kyoto. The train journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

The rest of the day is free for your rest or exploration. If you prefer, a late afternoon (16:00 or 17:30) optional experience, including an immersive 45min Geisha & Tea Ceremony, takes place inside a traditional Japanese townhouse in Kyoto's historic Gion area.

Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar

Accompanied by your driver and guide, your day begins with a visit to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, one of the best sakura viewing spots in Kyoto. Followed by the iconic Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which houses the shoguns' delicate garden.

Next, time to visit Kyoto's Kitchen, Nishiki Market, an ideal place to satisfy each of your taste buds with local dishes, seafood, and vegetables.

After lunch, head to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest to take a pleasant stroll beneath the swaying leaves. If you prefer a more walking experience with tranquil nature, make the nearby Katsura River your drop-by before returning to your hotel in Kyoto in the late afternoon.

Accommodation: Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar

After breakfast, leave the city behind and begin the day at one of Kyoto's most recognizable spiritual landmarks, Fushimi Inari Taisha. As you move through these quiet torii pathways with fox statues, your guide will share the traditions surrounding Inari.

This guided journey continues south to the historic city of Nara. Standing before the immense bronze statue of the Great Buddha in Todai-ji, and strolling through Nara Park's cherry blossom-lined paths with freely roaming deer.

Later in the afternoon, relax on the comfortable drive back to Osaka, where the evening is yours to unwind and enjoy the city at your own pace.

Accommodation: Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar

Enjoy a day at your own pace in Osaka. You are free to explore the city as you wish. For example, you may choose to stroll through the lively streets of Dotonbori, sample local street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki, explore Shinsaibashi for shopping, or visit Osaka Castle Park for a relaxing walk.

Optional: Private Day Trip to Hiroshima by Shinkansen
Travel by Shinkansen from Osaka to Hiroshima for a full-day excursion (early departure and late return). Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and continue to Miyajima Island to see the iconic "floating" Itsukushima Shrine by ferry or high-speed boat.

Accommodation: Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar

Free to explore Osaka at your relaxed pace.

Optional: Full-day Private Excursion to Himeji Castle & Kobe
Your first stop is the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, regarded as Japan's most well-preserved and most beautiful castle. Continue to Kobe, a cosmopolitan port city, where you may explore the harbor area, have a lunch break at a local restaurant, stroll through historic districts, and enjoy local specialties such as Kobe beef. In the late afternoon, your driver will take you to the hotel in Osaka for an overnight stay.

Accommodation: Osaka Excel Hotel Tokyu or similar