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

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)

Today will be devoted to exploring the multi-cultural spots of Tokyo. Our tour will first start in Tokyo's Koto-ward to explore visit the inconspicuous Fukagawa Fudo Temple. Unlike other temples in Tokyo, Fukagawa Fudo hosts daily fire-burning rituals which your tour group plans to join. Refresh your mind and your spirit while the thunderous sounds of taiko drums and the burning of the goma-taki revitalizes your soul. The temple grounds is also home to a few can't miss attractions, including a massive collection of crystal figures and a mystifying tribute to Shikoku's 88 Temple Pilgrimage. From there, it's off to the Tsukiji Fish Market, former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the freshest flavors at this market that serves over thousands of businesses and local families daily as your Japan tour explores the wonderful sights and attractions of Tokyo!

We will then delve in the old town district of Asakusa for some gift shopping at the Nakamise area. We will also be visiting the Sensoji Temple, one of Tokyo's most popular temples. This is the perfect place to appreciate Japanese culture and take some spectacular shots of the famous shopping district. Enjoy Japanese arts and traditional snacks with your tour group through this can't miss Tokyo temple. For lunch, we will enjoy authentic Teppan-Yaki meal before we head to Harajuku to do some shopping and to admire the scenery. Enjoy shopping in the trendy districts home to the world-renowned Harajuku Fashion, or visit one of the local restaurants and sample Harajuku Crepes or other extra kawaii Tokyo treats!

Returning to our hotel, the tour bus will be passing by 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. While here, our Tokyo tour will also see the Hachiko Statue close to the station. The statue is based on the story of Hachiko, the dog who would come back to the station every day to see his owner. This Tokyo spot is a popular meet-up area for couples and friends when at Shibuya Station. Anime fans have probably seen this famous statue featured in some of their favorite anime & manga works. We then return to the hotel.

Our Japan tour is spent exploring the beauty in the hot-springs town of Hakone. We begin our cherry blossom tour with a visit to Mt. Fuji's 5th Station to enjoy the beauty of the mountain. Take photos of the mountain's peak and instantly upload them to Instagram and Facebook for all your friends to see thanks to your tour bus's complimentary Wifi. We will also have plenty of chances to see Mt. Fuji during your vacation while we explore Hakone. Before making our way to the next destination, we will stop for Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanashi area. A hybrid of miso soup and flat udon noodles, this local Japanese specialty is a must for any tourist in Mt. Fuji.

After our time in the village, enjoy a rope-way to Owakudani. Owakudani is an active volcanic crater still steaming from its last eruption some 3,000 years ago. During your vacation, get a taste of the local Japanese food, Owakudani black eggs cooked in the steaming volcanic craters by Mt. Fuji. There's an old Japanese tradition that says eating one of these eggs will add eight years to your life! Following up your cherry blossom tour's adventures in Owakudani, we will also explore the picturesque Hakone Shrine. Standing at the foot of Mount Hakone along the shores of Lake Ashi, this beautiful shrine sits peacefully among the tall trees in Hakone. Looking like a picture from a book of classic Japanese scenery, Hakone Shrine is a beautiful stop before our tour makes our way to the hotel.

Your cherry blossom tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in an onsen (Japanese hot springs) to rejuvenate you for tomorrow�s adventure. Relax in the soothing waters meant to revitalize your spirit, and be sure to don your Yukata (informal, linen Kimono) provided at the tour's hotel. The onsen is located in a traditional Japanese ryokan (Japanese style hotel) which includes a delicious traditional Japanese meal known as Kaiseki Ryori!

Our cherry blossom tour begins with a bullet train ride to Kyoto. The bullet train is the fastest way to travel on land and is considered an essential way to experience Japanese culture. Enjoy riding to Kyoto in comfort and speed, and be sure to take some photos of the gorgeous scenery during your ride. After we arrive in Kyoto, our tour will be stopping for a kaiten sushi lunch during your cherry blossom tour. Sometimes called sushi trains or conveyor belt sushi, kaiten sushi is a great way for tourists to pick and try their favorite rolls and nigiri sushi while giving new flavors a shot during their vacation. Most kaiten sushi restaurants also offer other options, like kaarage (Japanese fried chicken), edamame (Japanese green beans), and noodles! After our sushi lunch, your Japan tour will head to a sake museum to learn more about the history of Japan's national drink. The waters of Kyoto are said to be perfect to produce high-quality Japanese sake.

After our time at the sake museum, our cherry blossom Japan tour is off to Nara to explore Todaiji Temple. Todaiji Temple holds the Guinness World Record as the largest wooden building. While Todaiji's size is impressive, the true treasure awaits inside. Resting peacefully in the beautiful Japanese temple is the largest Buddha statue in Japan. Snap photos of these record-holding attractions to share with friends back home via Instagram or Facebook, or head over next door to Nara Deer Park. Considered a must in Nara, the Deer Park is home to numerous deer that roam freely on the grounds. The internationally-known deer are rather friendly, and will bow to tourists for a treat. Just be careful not to get chased by the deer during your vacation. We then return to the hotel.

Our cherry blossom tour begins today with a visit to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, a Japan must see attraction where the two upper floors are covered in breath-taking gold leaf. The reflection of the golden temple on the lake adds to the stunning sight, and is a can't miss destination during your vacation. After our time at the Golden Pavilion, it's off to Kyoto's charming Arashiyama to walk through the Bamboo Groove Forest. The morning's sunlight passing through the bamboo makes for a perfect morning sight during your vacation. We will also enjoy a spirited rickshaw ride through Arashiyama. Guests can enjoy seeing many of the traditional-style shops and temples during the ride. Following our time in Arashiyama, our tour will head to the Kyoto Handicraft Center for some souvenir craft shopping. Find incredible, traditional Kyoto goods and Japanese arts at this dedicated center for craft arts.

After shopping, our tour heads out to the ancient street of Ninenzaka. This rustic shopping street hasn't changed since the Edo Period, making it a perfect backdrop for vacation photos or to enjoy Japanese traditional architecture. Keeping with the traditional feel, your Japan tour includs a tea-ceremony to help you relax and enjoy authentic Japanese culture. After our tea ceremony, we travel to Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's many can't miss destinations that features hundreds of red tori gates. The path is perfect for photos or just to calm your mind. After we take our pictures, enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a Maiko Dinner. While it isincredibly difficult to arrange a meeting with a geisha in Japan without proper referral or recommendations, Japan Deluxe Tours knows authentic, cultural experiences are what make a vacation memorable. Therefore, we set up an authentic Maiko dinner during your cherry blossom Japan tour to enjoy the treasures of Kyoto. Maiko are apprentice Geisha's and the dinner is a great chance to take pictures and learn more about Kyoto's traditional culture. We then proceed to the hotel.

Our cherry blossom 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. While the castle's architecture and classic structures are stunning, Himeji Castle is often considered to be one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in all Japan!

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.

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