Duration:  11 nights
Starts in:   Tokyo
Finishes in:   Tokyo

Group size:   Max 12

Cost:   See Date Box Below

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The Cherry Blossom Tour is a leisurely tour for visitors who want to capture Japan during its most attractive season. Centred on Tokyo and Kyoto with an extended trip to Mt.Fuji, this is a great time to visit the country when its people, nature and culture come alive.
Early spring in Japan is renowned worldwide for the famous sakura trees which burst into life, painting the country in a beautiful pink and white and celebrated with parties and festivals nationwide. This really is a special time for the people of Japan as they cast their traditional reserve aside and embrace the new season with a passionate joie de vivre.
As this is a popular time to visit Japan this tour takes a slightly different approach to our regular tours; with less travelling and hotel changes, allowing guests to get an in-depth look of Japan's main attractions in a relaxed atmosphere. Featuring a five day visit to Kyoto, The Cherry Blossom Tour provides guests with ample time to get to know Japan's favourite city. Dragonfly's flexible approach lets you to enjoy both group and independent sightseeing, allowing you to get the most out of your trip. Perfect for people who want to take-in Japan at their own pace, The Cherry Blossom Tour captures the country in full bloom.

 

2012 Tour Dates

* The prices stated above are per person

2013 Tour Dates

* The prices stated above are per person

* Ryokan- Traditional Japanese inn with tatami mat flooring, sleeping on comfortable futons.

Notes

Arriving a day or two before the tour begins is always nice if you have the time for acclimatization and help overcome any jetlag.
We can arrange your hotel and meet you at the airport (up to two days before the tour begins), making your transition as smooth as possible. We'll be happy to help with any extra information that you might require for your warm-up adventures in one of the world's greatest mega metropolises.

Day 1 - Tokyo

In the evening, the group will meet up and go to a local restaurant in Shinjuku. This will be an ideal opportunity for everyone to get to know each other and a great introduction to Japanese food.
Afterwards we'll take a walk around Shinjuku and the neighbouring area of Kabukicho, the renowned entertainment district lit with neon.

Day 2 - Tokyo

This morning we'll make our way to Asakusa, an atmospheric part of the city and the location of the first temple in what is now called Tokyo. Asakusa is also known as the old gateway to the Yoshiwara, the floating world, during the Edo era. Take some free time here to browse the market stalls and explore the side streets hiding the real treasures.

After a bite for lunch, we'll catch a boat along the Sumida River towards Tokyo Bay taking in the city from a different perspective as we pass under a number of colourful bridges. At this time of the year it's quite a spectacle as innumerable cherry blossom parties take place on the river banks.

We'll get off at the Hama-rikyu landscape gardens. Steeped in history the gardens were a place the shogun would hunt, relax and display his prestige to elite guests.

On the way back to Shinjuku you'll have the opportunity to go to Shibuya to finish the day up. It's a bustling shopping area with the much filmed scramble junction, where hundreds of people stream across as the lights turn green, and push to make it to the other side as they turn back again. A good place to see it all go on is from the Starbucks on the corner.

Day 3 – Tokyo

This morning we'll meet early in the hotel lobby and go to the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. There are hundreds of varieties of fish from around the world here and rowdy fish mongers trade tuna at prices into the hundreds of thousands of dollars each. You can enjoy some of the more affordable cuts at one of the many quality sushi restaurants dotted around the market. Afterwards we'll head back to the hotel where you'll be able to also enjoy the, perhaps more familiar breakfast offered there.

Later, we'll visit the Imperial Palace Gardens, usually an oasis of calm amidst Tokyo's hustle and bustle, this week they turn into a riot of colour and noise as Tokyoites celebrate the blossoms. The park is famous for having 43 varieties of cherry trees and being the location of where Edo castle once stood. You'll be able to stroll around the gardens at your leisure and have the rest of the day free.

Close by, you might want to explore Akihabara, the electronics area where gadgets and geeks come together in a cacophony of noise.
Ueno park is also nearby. It's the largest park in Tokyo and one of the most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots in the city. The park is home to some great museums including the Tokyo National Museum, the National Science Museum as well as a couple of art museums.

Day 4 - Hakone

This morning we'll take the "Romance Car" train from Shinjuku to Hakone, the national park surrounding Mt. Fuji. Hakone is home to many first rate museums featuring works by the world's most renowned artists. Your Tour Leader will take you to the Samurai museum, but if that doesn't appeal we'll be able to give you directions and help you get to one of the many other fantastic museums in the area. Alternatively you can explore the town or soak the day away relaxing in hot springs.

At Hakone we will stay at a traditional ryokan, (Japanese inn) with a 400 year history. You'll be sleeping on futon in rooms with tatami mats and your own private onsen (hot spring) on your balcony. There is also a communal onsen which maintains the traditional Edo style. Dinner, which is included, is a traditional Japanese meal designed to highlight the foods of the season.

Day 5 - Hakone

Today is a lot of fun and begins with a scenic trip on the switch-back train up the mountain to Gora. A further assent on a cable car allows superb views of Mt. Fuji, with it's snow capped peak and a blanket of blossoms at the base. At the top here you'll be able to eat the famous black eggs cooked in the volcanic waters, each of which is said to lengthen your life by 7 years. They sell like hotcakes.

We'll continue with a pleasant trek down to the volcanic lake, Ashiko, along a forested nature trail. Alternatively you can take a cable car down if you prefer. After lunch by the lake we'll board a pirate ship taking us to the other side of the lake, and the site of the sekisho, the reconstruction of the old Tokaido checkpoint. There were many such highway checkpoints during the feudal times, but it is said, this one, was the most feared. We'll learn about its history and its relevance before walking along a stretch of the original Tokaido highway lined by 400 year ago cedar trees. The trees, planted by order of the shogun, protected travellers from the icy winds and the snows of the winter, and the intense sun during the summer months.

Later, tired feet can be rejuvenated in one of the region's excellent onsen.

Day 6 - Kyoto

After a ride on the shinkansen (bullet train) at 300km/h the tour soon arrives in the heart of Japan's cultural legacy, Kyoto. The centrally located 5 Star hotel you'll be staying at is a great base from which to explore some of Kyoto's many attractions and places of interest.

For a moment of calm and tranquillity guests can enjoy an authentic tea ceremony in a teahouse which has been performing the art and supplying the tea to the Nishi Honganji temple for 7 generations. You'll have the rest of the day free to explore the area at your own pace. We'll be able to give you some suggestions whether it's to do a bit of shopping or see nearby historical sites.

Day 7 - Kyoto

Today we'll be visiting three of the best sightseeing spots in Kyoto, each of which enjoys UNESCO World Heritage status. The classical Zen Garden of Ryoanji is a picture perfect example of simple yet elaborate Japanese rock gardens built in the 15th century. Only 14 of the 15 rocks can be seen from any one point.. or is it?

The Golden Pavilion of Kinkakuji casts its shimmering reflection on the small lake it sits beside and truly is one of the most beautiful pieces of architecture in the country.

We'll finish the day off at Nijo Castle built as a show of power and prestige by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603. It is known for its elaborate decorations and nightingale flooring which "sings" as you walk on it making the presence of all, including yourself, known.

Day 8 - Kyoto

Taking a short break from Kyoto we'll go on a daytrip to Hiroshima by bullet train.
After visiting the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Dome and Peace Museum we'll go over to the nearby island of Miyajima with its famous floating torii (shine gate).
The site is considered to be one of the three most beautiful in Japan.

Day 9 - Kyoto

Today we'll see a different part of Kyoto - the Eastern Mountains, home to Japan's most popular temple, Kiyomizudera perched amongst the cherry blossoms. The temple, with its 1200 years of history sits on stilts and is famous for not having any nails within its construction. People come here from around the world to wish for anything from finding a partner to passing an exam.
From there we'll walk through the old winding cobbled streets to Gion, one of the few remaining geisha districts.
In the evening there will be a show of traditional performing arts including a dance by maiko (apprentice geisha), koto playing, kagaku and bunraku.

Day 10 - Kyoto

Today we'll take a daytrip to another of Japan's ancient capitals (between 710 and 784), the neighbouring city of Nara. Famous for the world's largest bronze statue of the Vairocana Buddha housed in the world's largest freestanding wooden building, Nara is also home to many prehistoric sights, some excellent parks and the many deer which roam freely around considered to be messengers of the gods.

Day 11 - Tokyo

Today we'll return to Tokyo by Bullet Train to conclude the tour. There will be plenty of time to squeeze in some last minute shopping before getting together for an end of tour party.

Day 12 - End of Tour

This is the last day of the tour and there is no itinerary planned. Most people head to the airport but if you wish to stay a few extra days we'll be happy to help you with the arrangements.

By the way, lots of people ask about visiting Himeji Castle. Unfortunately the castle is currently undergoing major renovations and will shrouded in tarpaulin for the next few years.

Accommodation

Tokyo: Odakyu Century Hotel, Shinjuku.

Luxury hotel in the heart of the city.

Breakfast included.

Hakone: Ichinoyu, Honkan.

Traditional Japanese Inn with 400 years of history and your own private hot spring bath on your balcony.

Breakfast and dinner included.

Kyoto: Granvia Hotel

5 Star Luxury Hotel in the most convenient place in the city.

Breakfast included.

All accommodation for The 2011 Cherry Blossom Tour has been confirmed.

All hotels were selected with location and comfort in mind.

Granvia Hotel, Kyoto Granvia Hotel, Kyoto
Ichinoyu Honkan Ryokan, Hakone
Odakyu Century Hotel, Tokyo	Odakyu Century Hotel

Flexibility

The itineraries in our tours are flexible, and do vary occasionally, sometimes due to weather or ongoing events such as festivals which guests may want to see.
In addition if there is something else you'd like to do or see on your trip please mention this to your Tour Leader and we'll try our best to ensure you can do it.

On parts of the tour we'll have 2 guides allowing the group to split up and have the chance to visit other off the beaten track sights.

Transportation

As with all our tours we use the extremely efficient, clean, safe and reliable public transportation network. - It's the most efficient way to get around, and by far it's the best way to experience the country and its people.

Baggage Forwarding

If you bring too much luggage with you, or buy too many souvenirs during the tour; we can easily arrange to forward your belongings from hotel to hotel. The service is cheap and reliable.

Single Travellers

Unfortunately we are be unable to accept single travellers on The Cherry Blossom Tour due to the advance hotel bookings.

What's included?

• All accommodation ( 11 nights ).
• Tour Leader guidance and support.
• All transportation while with guide, following the itinerary.
• Transfer from the airport to the hotel (within 2 days of the start of the tour).
• Breakfast every morning.
• Group meal on Day 1.
• Traditional Japanese dinners on Day 4 & 5.
• Tour Info-Pack.
• 100% Financial Protection through the TTA .

What's not included?

• Meals, except for the ones stated above.
• Entrance fees into shrines, temples and museums.
• Travel Insurance.
• Flights to and from Japan.

Feel free to drop us a line and we’ll be happy to help with any queries or advice.