Japan
Join us for Sakura Season in Japan where we will take an unforgettable journey into the heart of Japanese culture! Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossoms and the blossoming represents renewal and the arrival of spring. Sakura are highly revered in Japanese culture for their beauty and symbolism of hope, rejuvenation, and new beginnings. This season is a time for community and celebration where the tradition of Hanami (flower viewing) is shared by all.
We will start our journey in Tokyo, the capital of Japan, where we will explore both the traditional and modern highlights of the city as well as experience the festivities surrounding Sakura Season. Tokyo is a city where you can see 3D billboards and be served by robots as well as visit beautiful temples, shrines and the Imperial Palace all in the same day. It is the perfect blend of traditional and futuristic modern while being home to over 14 million people and still maintaining spotlessly clean streets.
We will spend 2 full days in Tokyo before leaving to visit Mt Fuji (Japan’s highest peak and a UNESCO world heritage site), Lake Kawaguchi and surrounding area. We will have an overnight stay at a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with a chance to experience an onsen bath in natural hot springs.
From Mt Fuji we will take a high-speed train to Kyoto which is considered the cultural heart of Japan. We will spend two days here immersing ourselves in Japanese traditional culture including the art of tea ceremonies, kimonos, Zen gardens and temples. We will walk through the torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha (a Shinto shrine) and spend time with a talented and beautiful Geisha or her apprentice in the Gion district. We will visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Maruyama Park to see cherry blossoms. We will also visit the 400-year-old Nishiki Market to sample food and shop for authentic souvenirs.
From Kyoto, there will be an optional day trip to visit Hiroshima and Miyajima Island. Highlights here will include Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Peace Memorial Museum, the Atomic Bomb Dome, Hiroshima Castle, Shukkeien Japanese garden, and a ferry ride to Miyajima Island to see the Itsukushima Shrine, known as a floating shrine on the sea.
We will head back to Tokyo from Kyoto where we will spend a final night before departing the next day.
Trip Package Includes:
Airport transfer to hotel from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport
All transportation to each city via private transport or the Shinkansen high speed
trains
7 nights lodging including a night in a traditional Ryokan
Visit to the Imperial Palace and Gardens / Chiyoda City Sakura Festival – Tokyo
Hanami Picnic in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Nakameguro Sakura Festival along the Meguro River at night where the lights and
the pink and white blossoms create a magical evening. There will be food stalls with
unique offerings, and we can take our time enjoying the beauty around us.
Shibuya Sky Experience for 360 Panoramic views of Tokyo
A visit to Harajuku and Takeshita Street for a taste of Tokyo’s modern pop culture
and fashion-forward scene
Sample traditional food like Okonomiyaki & Yakiniku in Shinjuku’s Famous Alleyways
Visit Meji Shrine near Harajuku & Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji
Geisha or Maiko dance performance with Q&A time and photo op- Kyoto
Walking tour of Gion district- Kyoto
Private tea ceremony with kimono rental and photo op in Kyoto
Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Day trip to Mount Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
Optional Day Trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima Island
Assistance from Travel Coach Sara before and during the trip
Taxes | WEW fees
Not Included:
Trip insurance
Meals (unless otherwise noted above)
Payment Information
Deposits: $250 plus Trip Cost
Payment Plan Options:
Pay in Full (one-time payment): $3,500
By December 2024: $1,750
By February 2025: $1,750
