Small Group Tours of Japan

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

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.

* Ryokan- Traditional Japanese inn, floored with tatami mats, sleeping on futons.

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

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 meet and get to know each other. It will also be a great introduction to Japanese food.
Afterwards we'll take a walk around Shinjuku and the neighbouring area of Kabukicho, the renowned entertainment district.

In the morning we'll visit Asakusa, an atmospheric part of the city with plenty of market stalls to explore around the central temple area. There will be lots of time to shop and snack from the stalls.
In the afternoon we will take the Sumida River Cruise to Hinode. It's a great opportunity to see Tokyo from a different perspective, and at this time of the year quite a spectacle as innumerable cherry blossom parties take place on the river banks. After getting off the boat we'll go to Shibuya, the bustling shopping area with it's 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.

This morning we'll visit the famous Tsukiji Fish Market with it's multitude of fish from around the world and rowdy fish mongers trading tuna at prices up to 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.
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.

This morning we'll take the "romance car" from Shinjuku with it's scenic ride to Hakone, the area surrounding Mt. Fuji. Hakone is home to many fantastic museums including the Lalique Glass Museum, the Samurai Museum and a range of high class art museums, featuring works by the world's most renowned artists.
At Hakone we will stay at a ryokan, a tradition Japanese inn complete with tatami style rooms with your own private onsen (hot spring) on your balcony.
Dinner, which is included, is a traditional Japanese style meal designed to highlight the foods of the season.

Today begins with a tour to Lake Ashi and a scenic trip on the switch-back train up 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.
A pleasant walk downhill leads to the old Tokaido road sheltered by 400 year ago cedar trees.
Later tired feet can be rejuvenated in one of the region's excellent onsen.

After a ride on the shinkansen (bullet train) the tour arrives in the heart of Japan's cultural legacy, Kyoto.The centrally located 5 Star hotel you'll be staying at is a great starting point from which to explore some of Kyoto's many attractions.
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.

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.
The Golden Pavillion of Kinkakuji casts its shimmering reflection on the small lake it sits beside.
Nijo Castle was built as a show of power and prestige by the Tokugawa Shogunate and is know for its elaborate decorations and nightingale flooring which "sings" while you walk on it.

Taking a short break from Kyoto we'll take a daytrip to Hiroshima by bullet train.
After taking in the Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Dome and Peace Museum we'll visit 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.

Today we'll see a different part of Kyoto - the Eastern Mountains, home to Japan's most popular temple, Kiyomizudera.
From there we'll walk through the winding cobbled streets to Gion, home to the geisha.
In the evening there will be a show of traditional performing arts including a dance by maiko (apprentice geisha).

Today we'll take a daytrip to another of Japan's ancient capitals, the neighbouring city of Nara. Most famous for it's giant statue of Buddha housed in the world's largest freestanding wooden building, Nara is also home to some excellent parks and the many deer which roam freely through them.

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.

This is the last day of the tour; most people head into 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.

Please note that the accommodation above is standard for The Cherry Blossom Tour but is at times subject to change to a similar or better hotel.

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.

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

Unfortunately we are be unable to accept single travelers on The Cherry Blossom Tour.

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