Essence of Spring | Grand Tour 13 Days

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information. Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

Information
From KIX Airport to downtown hotel in Osaka - about 70 mins (Bus)
From ITM Airport to downtown hotel in Osaka - about 30 mins (Bus)

Our Japan tour begins the day by heading to the Himeji prefecture to invade the remarkable Himeji-jo, or Himeji Castle. Himeji-jo was registered as a UNESCO distinguished site in 1993, representing Japanese castle architecture at its peak. Nicknamed White Heron Castle due to the Japanese castle's graceful white walls, Himeji Castle maintains almost all of it's original structures from its initial construction in the early 1600�s. Unlike some of the country's other castles, this classic Japanese castle has overcome wars, earthquakes, and natural disasters over the last four centuries. The grounds inside showcase the history of Himeji, and the castle grounds are perfect to enjoy scenic views of Japanese flowers and nature!

From there, our cherry blossom tour will travel west to the Shimane Prefecture to explore the Adachi Museum of Art. The art museum is known for its great collection of artwork and amazing Japanese gardens. The musuem's art collection includes fine works from illustrious talented Japanese artists including Yokoyama Taikan, Takeuchi Seiho, Hashimoto Kansetsu, and Sakakibara Shiho. While the art is impressive, the true gem is the museum's impressive array of Japanese gardens. Split into six smaller gardens, each garden provides a distinct feel and atmosphere. Enjoy the relaxing scenery with your tour guide and gaze upon the stunning Japanese flowers. The art museum's impresive Japaense gardens have been named the Best Garden in Japan annually since 2003 by the Journal of Japanese Gardening and received the top rating of three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan. Enjoy this scenic area before we make our way to our hotel.

Our vacation begins with a Hiroshima tour through the city's can't miss destinations. One of the main highlights in Hiroshima is the A-Bomb Dome, the only surviving building from the aftermath of World War Two's atomic bombing. Surrounding the magnificent A-Bomb Dome is the Peace Park Memorial where travelers can see and read about the history of the war. The A-Bomb Dome has been preserved as a reminder of the tragedy for future generations and to symbolize its wishes for everlasting peace. Walk along the park with your tour guide to see famous attractions like Sadako�s statue and the Freedom Bell.

In the afternoon ourJapan Tour will head to Miyajima, an island south of Hiroshima known for its Itsukushima Shrine, or floating torii gate. During high tide, the torii gate looks as though it is floating in water, creating a unique sight, considered one of Japan�s three most beautiful sights. Miyajima is also known for its mouthwatering momiji manju (maple leaf shaped cake with red beans) and delicious oysters which you can enjoy while your tour group explores scenic island. The rest of the day will be spent touring the city with your Japan tour guide who will show you all the best places Hiroshima has to offer. We then return to the hotel.

Our day begins in Nagasaki where we will be visiting several historically significant locations. The first stop will be the Nagasaki Peace Memorial Park, a symbol of peace and a testament to the horrors of war. The Peace Statue sits at the epicenter of the blast from the atomic bomb dropped on the city. The right hand points up to symbolize the atomic bomb while the left hand points towards future peace. The statue's bent right leg symbolizes meditation, while the bent left leg represents the need to stand up against war. The closed eyes are to offer prayers and respect for the victims' souls lost in the devastation blast.

We will serve a local favorite champon and sara udon for today's lunch. Both champon and sara udon are noodle dishes that originated in Nagasaki.

From there, our vacation will head to Glover Garden which exhibits Western style mansions. After viewing these gorgeous mansions, we will continue with our foreign influences to the Oura Catholic Church. The Oura Catholic Church is Japan’s oldest standing Catholic church. This was added to UNESCO World Herrtage Site as Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region in 2018.

Your Japan tour will make its way to Kumamoto to see Kumamoto Castle. Kumamoto Castle is considered one of the three premier castles in Japan, along with Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle. Since it suffered tremendous damage from 2016 earthquake, we won't be able enter the castle grounds due to renovations. However, we will be able to see the castle and explore Johsaien, a shopping arcade by Kumamoto Caslte filled with over 20 shops and the Wakuwaku-za museum featuring the history and culture of Kumamoto and the famous Japanese Castle.

We then make our way to Takachiho where we will explore the Awano Iwato Shrine and Amanoyasukawara. The area is said to be the hiding spot of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, when Susano-o, the God of Storms, was terrorizing her. Amanoyasukawara is one of the famous power spot where you will see millions of small rocks on top of each other in a cave by a river side. Then we will make our way through Takachiho Gorge. The natural greenery in contrast with the volcanic rock that forms the gorge makes for a magnificent scenery. You will be able to see an amazing water fall at the end of hike.

Our last stop of the day will be the Tunnel Station which houses the Kagura Shuzo Brewery. Sample the local shochu, a traditional Japanese drink made from barley or yam, and shop for potential gifts at this unique destination.

We begin today with a leisurely stroll around the small town of Yufuin. Stop by the many traditional shops along the Yunotsubo Street and sample the many local specialties of the quaint town. We will also make our way to Kinrin Lake for some time in nature as you enjoy the scenery and peaceful koi fish in the lake.

Once we finish our time in Yufuin, we head to Beppu for a visit to one of the famous Tour of Hell hot springs. Each hot spring has a unique feature typically the color due to the different types of minerals present and is truly a one of a kind destination.

Moving on, we’ll take a ferry over to neighboring Shikoku for a visit to Dogo Onsen, which is said to have over 3,000 years of history. The onsen is also widely known for welcoming the imperial family as guests and has a room called Yushinden on reserve exclusively for their use. Dogo Onsen's impressive wooden structure served as a model for the famous film Spirited Away.

Upon arrival to Dogo Onsen, we will walk around the old fashion hot spring shopping arcade that will bring you a somewhat retro experience. You can find a mechanical clock tower that performs every half an hour, a foot bath, and many orange related items as this area is known as the biggest producer of oranges in Japan.

Our day will begin heading towards Osaka. Traveling East, our vacation brings us to an interesting Udon Making workshop to learn how to carefully prepare Udon noodles. While ramen is enjoyed around Japan, Udon is a popular thick noodled dish famous in the Southern regions of Japan. Learn first-hand the ways to prepare this delicious Japanese cuisine during your Takayama tour.

Next, we will visit the famous Ritsurin Garden. Michelin Green Guide graded the garden three stars and is a great place to take photos, especially from the highest point that overlooks the entire garden.

After soaking in some natural beauty, the tour will make its way through Tokushima. We will stop at the Awa-odori Museum, a museum dedicated to the prefecture dance of Tokushima. An annual festival where thousands of spectators will flock to the area to watch the dance being performed during Obon season. Here, we’ll learn about the history as well as learn some parts of the dance.

Today, our Kyoto tour begins with a visit to Arashiyama. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through the bamboo grove. You will be welcomed by the friendly smiles of the Rickshaw drivers who are both entertaining and very knowledgeable. They will also take amazing pictures for you in the Bamboo forest that you will want to show all your friends back home.

Following our time in Arashiyama, we will head to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan’s must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight.

Next, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko lunch. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha. During the lunch, you will able to see her perform Japanese traditional dances, chances to take photos, and ask questions about her life as a Maiko. It is a great opportunity to learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.

We will then head to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that features hundreds of red torii gates. The path is perfect for photos or to just calm your mind.

Our last stop of the day will be the ancient street of Ninenzaka. The street is filled with shops and souvenir stands as well as a great place for photos and to see what Japan looked like many years ago. We will also partake in a hands-on lesson on the tea ceremony. Learn about the history and meaning behind the ceremony as you watch it being performed before your eyes. Try your hand at making a traditional cup of matcha! We then proceed to the hotel. You will also have the option to see the colorful Kyoto Station light show projected on the grand staircase.

Your Cherry Blssom Japan tour will start its day with a visit to Todaiji Temple in Nara. Todaiji Temple holds the World Guinness Record as the largest wooden building. Inside the temple, you will behold the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Just outside the temple is the Nara Deer Park, where you will be greeted by numerous deer that roam around freely. The deer here at the park are known to be friendly and may even bow at you for a little treat.

We head back to Kyoto for a kaiten sushi lunch and at a sake museum for some sampling and to learn the history of Japan's national drink.

Our day ends with a bullet train ride from Kyoto to Atami. The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential Japanese experience. Enjoy riding to Atami in comfort and speed and be sure to take some photos of the scenery during your ride.

Your Japan tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in the onsen (Japanese hot springs), to rejuvenate you for tomorrow’s adventure. An informal, cotton Kimono or Yukata will be provided for you to wear at the ryokan. Your vacation's ryokan includes a hot spring onsite to enjoy at your leisure during your night's accommodation

Today, we headed to Hakone, a popular weekend getaway destination from Tokyo. Here, you get to see sulfur smoke coming from active volcano vents and, if weather permits, a stunning view of Mt. Fuji.

First stop is Hakone Shrine. Housed in a cedar forest, this serene shrine is famous for being a spiritual power spot. Be sure to take advantage of some photo ops of this iconic shrine.

Then we will take you to a relaxing ride on the Hakone Ropeway down to Owakudani Valley. The ropeway provides a scenic view of the Hakone area,if weather permits, Mt. Fuji. We will explore Owakudani for a short amount of time when you arrive, giving you enough time to marvel at the active natural volcanic vents as well as try the black egg. Boiled in one of the vents, it is said that eating one of these eggs will add 7 years to your life!

After spending a busy, productive morning, we will have Hoto, a hot udon noodle dish served in an iron cast pot that is the perfect comfort food. After lunch, we are headed to the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Enjoy seeing statures, strolling through beautiful nature the stunning landscape of Hakone. The springtime means the local cherry blossoms may be in bloom, offering visitors a wonderful viewing experience throughout the grounds. We then proceed to the hotel.

We start off our Tokyo tour with a visit to Tokyo's Tsukiji Fish Market, the former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the freshest flavors, mouth-watering dishes, and incredible sushi meals at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily before we explore the rest of the sights in Tokyo!

Then we are off to discover Harajuku to explore the famous Takeshita Street. The area is filled with cute shops, delicious crepes, high end stores, and beautiful cafés and restaurants. Don't forget to check out the Cat Café and Headgehog café for those who love animals.

We will then make our way to the famous Shibuya Crosswalk to be part of the thousands who cross daily. This crosswalk gathers as much foot traffic as New York City, and crossing is an experience unlike any other. We will also visit the popular Hachiko Statue close to the station. The statue is based on the internationally-known story of Hachiko, the dog who would come back to the station every day to see his owner.

For lunch, enjoy a delicious Teppan-yaki meal. Enjoy watching the careful hands of your personally assigned chef prepare Wagyu beef before your eyes. The tour will then head to the old town district of Asakusa where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise area and explore Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and the most popular temples in Tokyo.

We have cleared up the day for you to explore and enjoy Japan as you wish. You can either 1) enjoy the entire day as you wish, 2) visit Tokyo Disney Land, Fuji Q Amusement Park, or Sanrio Puroland, 3) or go on a private-guided tour through Nikko or Kamakura. For those who wish to visit Tokyo Disney Land, Fuji Q Amusement Park, or Sanrio Puroland, your tour guide will be happy to explain directions. (Not all fees included for additional tour options. Please contact us in advanced for this service)

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.

Information
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Narita Airport - about 90 mins (Bus)
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Haneda Airport - about 30 mins (Bus)