Kensington
8 Day Japan in Bloom: Sakura Season Highlights
8 Day Japan in Bloom: Sakura Season Highlights
Japan is pretty at any time of year, but it’s somehow even more beautiful in springtime. From late March through mid-April, the world-famous sakura (cherry blossom) burst forth, transforming the country into a fantasyland of soft-pink blooms. This postcard-perfect itinerary connects travelers with Japan’s rich cultural history at its most picturesque time of year.
After settling in, the tour begins with a privately guided full-day tour of the Tokyo of old. Largely spared by Allied bombs during World War II, the Asakusa and Yanaka districts retain much of the city’s pre-war character. Here, you’ll find two important landmarks – Senso Temple and the Meiji Shrine, tour the Shitamachi Museum, stroll Ueno Park, and visit the bustling Ameyoko-cho market. Later, meet Tokyo’s colorful modern side on a private afternoon tour of the Shibuya, Harajuku, and Akihabara districts, famous for their markets, anime shops, and outré street style.
Next, bid the big city goodbye and connect with nature on a private excursion into Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, home to stunning volcanic landscapes, an incredible cable car, and black eggs boiled in the region’s sulfuric hot springs, a local delicacy. After a trip by train to Kyoto, you’ll sit down to a special treat: a private dinner with a geisha and maiko. Kyoto is the heartland of traditional Japanese culture, and you’ll discover its serene beauty on a privately guided tour with stops at a pair of UNESCO World Heritage sites – Kinkaku Temple and Nijo Castle – before dropping by the famous Nishiki Market. The tour ends with a proper send-off: a private tour of the gardens, bamboo groves, tea houses, and shrines (including the historic Nonomiya Shrine and UNESCO-protected Tenryu Temple) of the scenic Arashiyama district on Kyoto’s western fringe, followed by a privately guided half-day stroll along the exquisite Philosopher’s Path, one of the very best places to take in the splendor of the cherry blossoms in all of Japan.
Kensington Tours creates private trips from the world’s finest ingredients. Tailor-made with care by your personal Destination Expert, your personalized trip is always a one-of-a-kind experience made just for you. Expert local guidance and 24/7 service come standard.
| Day 1 |
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
History and modernity are displayed in equal measure in Tokyo. Temples and communications towers both dot the city, while nightlife and restaurants beckon visitors in places like the Ginza District. Tokyo displays some of its best qualities in March and April, when cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Between September and November, travelers will find scenic foliage and mild temperatures. |
| Day 2 |
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
History and modernity are displayed in equal measure in Tokyo. Temples and communications towers both dot the city, while nightlife and restaurants beckon visitors in places like the Ginza District. Tokyo displays some of its best qualities in March and April, when cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Between September and November, travelers will find scenic foliage and mild temperatures. |
| Day 3 |
Shopping, historic temples, lush green spaces and exceptional dining are all part of Tokyo, the capital of Japan. This spectacular, highly populated metropolis holds unlimited options for tourists.
History and modernity are displayed in equal measure in Tokyo. Temples and communications towers both dot the city, while nightlife and restaurants beckon visitors in places like the Ginza District. Tokyo displays some of its best qualities in March and April, when cherry blossom trees are in bloom. Between September and November, travelers will find scenic foliage and mild temperatures. |
| Day 4 |
Hakone - An International Tourist Resort The city of Hakone lies nestled in the midst of spectacular Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. More than 20 million tourists from overseas as well as from all over Japan visit Hakone every year, seeking the resplendent enjoyments this famous resort area offers throughout the year.
In order to both encourage and accommodate the growing number of visitors to Hakone, we make every effort to provide them continually with the latest information on the area's natural wonders and exhaustively strive to improve its accommodation, local transportation and recreational facilities. Extensive planning has been carefully formulated and put into practice to ensure that improvement of recreational facilities is sustained. Considerable attention has been paid to the preservation of the area's scenic beauty and of its unique cultural heritage. We are unflagging in the energy we give to these tasks since it is our strong belief that tourism is a principal contributing factor to promoting friendship among the world's peoples. |
| Day 5 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
| Day 6 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
| Day 7 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
| Day 8 |
Travel through enchanting Kyoto to discover a cultural and spiritual haven in Japan. Once the country’s imperial capital, Kyoto is now home to magnificent shrines, lush botanical gardens and nature parks, and exceptional culinary delights. Temples abound in this beautiful city. From golden Kinkakuji Temple overlooking Kyoko-chi Pond and verdant bonsai trees, to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, whose vibrant red arches tower over Japanese maples, revel in the serenity of Kyoto’s Buddhist worship houses. The city’s Shinto shrines take the spotlight and are an absolute must see, including the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Make the winding trek to Fushimi Inari and you’ll find thousands of bright orange torii, traditional Shinto gates, enveloping the path. Kyoto’s nature parks and botanical gardens are guaranteed to astound you. The Philosopher’s Walk, brimming with beautiful cherry trees, bursts with hues of light pink in the springtime. Find even more cherry trees at Kyoto’s Botanical Garden, as well as thousands of blooming tulips in shades of red, yellow, and pink. Discover the austere aesthetics of Zen gardens at Ryōan-ji Temple, whose Zen rock garden has been meticulously raked and arranged to highlight nature’s simplicity. For a more thrilling adventure, venture across the Katsura River to Monkey Park Iwatayama, located at the summit of Mt. Arashiyama. Here, you’ll hike among clever macaque monkeys, who often interact with humans in hopes of finding a tasty treat. Explore Kyoto’s Gion neighborhood for the city’s most famous cultural and gastronomic experiences! Indulge in a traditional tea ceremony at one of the area’s many tea houses, called ochaya, where geisha frequently perform in customary kimonos. Gion boasts the city’s best Kabuki shows; head to Minamiza Theater and immerse yourself in these vibrant and dramatic stage plays. Stroll through nearby Nishiki Market to sample from Kyoto’s amazing culinary scene. The market comprises dozens of unique stalls and restauarants that offer a variety of delectable eats, including matcha tea, fresh sushi, octopus, nigiri, pickled veggies, and sesame ice cream. Kyoto, Japan awaits! |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
12/01/21 - 12/31/26 |
Starting At $12,435 |
Get A Quote |
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Offer is subject to availability and change without notice. Some restrictions may apply.
