12-Day Japan Grand Sakura Odyssey – Hiroshima to Tokyo
🌸 Why This Cherry Blossom Trip Is Perfect for a Family
This itinerary is timed precisely for peak sakura season and takes you through Japan’s most iconic cherry-blossom destinations—from Hiroshima and Naoshima’s coastal beauty to Kyoto’s legendary gardens, Mt. Fuji’s postcard views, and Tokyo’s vibrant spring festivals. It blends culture, history, art, and nature with seamless logistics, expert guides, and curated experiences, ensuring you enjoy Japan’s most magical season at its absolute best.
Ready to Plan Your Japan Adventure?
Our team of experienced Japan travel specialists is here to help you plan your dream Cherry Blossom Tour. From breathtaking landscapes and historic temples to authentic cultural experiences and seasonal festivals, we’ll ensure your journey through Japan’s spring beauty is truly unforgettable.
Sacred Sakura Pathways – Japan’s Timeless Spring Journey
West to East Sakura Passage – Hiroshima to Tokyo Spring Tour
March 31 – April 11, 2026
Optimized for prime sakura blooms across Tokyo, Hiroshima, Naoshima, Okayama, Matsue, Himeji, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji & Kamakura
D0 – Fly to Tokyo – Overnight on the Plane
D1 – 03/31: Tokyo → Hiroshima – Private Vehicle
Cherry Blossom Focus: Early bloom sightings possible at Tokyo Station area or on the Shinkansen route.
- Driver meets you at the airport → transfer to Tokyo Station.
- Take the *Shinkansen to Hiroshima.
- Driver meets you on arrival → transfer to hotel.
Accommodation:
• Sheraton Grand Hiroshima or similar
• Alternative: Hiroshima Intelligent Hotel or similar
D2 – 04/01: Hiroshima – Guide + Private Vehicle
Cherry Blossom Focus: Miyajima (Momijidani Park), Hiroshima Peace Park, Shukkeien Garden
These areas usually bloom March 28–April 6.
- Ferry to Miyajima
- Visit *Itsukushima Shrine
- Ride the *Momijidani Ropeway – excellent sakura on the lower slopes
- Optional snack stop: Yamada-ya Momiji Manju
- Return to Hiroshima
- Optional lunch: oysters / Hiroshima okonomiyaki
- Visit:
- Peace Memorial Park (sakura along the Motoyasu River)
- *Atomic Bomb Museum
- *Shukkeien Garden (excellent reflections of cherry blossoms)
Accommodation: Same as above
D3 – 04/02: Hiroshima → Naoshima – Guide + Public Transportation
Cherry Blossom Focus: Okayama’s Korakuen is near full bloom usually April 1–7.
- Private transfer to Hiroshima Station
- *Shinkansen to Okayama
- Meet guide → bus + *ferry to Naoshima
- Visit:
- *Chichu Art Museum
- *Benesse House Museum
- Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin sculptures
Accommodation: Benesse House (not guaranteed)
Cost-saving option: Stay in Okayama
D4 – 04/03: Naoshima → Okayama → Matsue – Guide + Mixed Transport
Cherry Blossom Focus: Korakuen Garden & Matsue Castle (usually peak April 2–10).
- Guide returns with you to Okayama by ferry + bus
- Visit *Korakuen Garden – one of Japan’s top three gardens, beautiful sakura framing the Okayama Castle views
- Take JR Limited Express train to Matsue
- Visit *Matsue Castle (sakura-lined moat)
Accommodation:
• Kasuien Minami or similar
• Alternative: Tamatsukuri Onsen Matsunoyu (with dinner & breakfast)
D5 – 04/04: Matsue → Himeji – Guide + Private Vehicle
Cherry Blossom Focus: Yushien Garden, Adachi Museum, and Himeji Castle (usually full bloom in early April).
- *Horikawa Canal Boat Tour (sakura along waterways)
- Visit:
- *Yushien Garden
- *Adachi Museum of Art
- Transfer to Yonago Station → *JR Limited Express → *Shinkansen to Himeji
- Walk to hotel
Accommodation: Hotel Nikko Himeji or similar
D6 – 04/05: Himeji → Kyoto – Guide + Public Transportation
Cherry Blossom Focus:
• Himeji Castle moat & Koko-en Garden → famous for peak early-April blossoms
• Philosopher’s Path (Kyoto) → ideal in first week of April
- Visit *Himeji Castle
- Visit *Koko-en Garden
- Shinkansen to Kyoto
- Afternoon self-guided walk:
- Nanzen-ji Temple outer grounds
- Philosopher’s Path (one of Japan’s best sakura walks)
Accommodation:
• Hotel Kanra Kyoto or similar
• Alternative: Hotel Vischio Kyoto by GRANVIA or similar
D7 – 04/06: Kyoto – Guide + Public Transportation
Cherry Blossom Focus: Arashiyama, Haradani-en Garden (Kyoto’s secret late-blooming paradise).
- Arashiyama Katsura River
- Togetsukyo Bridge (peak sakura views)
- Bamboo Forest
- *Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
- *Monkey Park (views over Kyoto)
- *Haradani-en Garden (late-blooming weeping cherry)
- *Geisha Tea Ceremony
Accommodation: Same as above
D8 – 04/07: Kyoto – Guide + Public Transportation
Cherry Blossom Focus: Kiyomizu-dera, Maruyama Park (Gion Shidarezakura), Kamogawa & Pontocho.
- *Kiyomizu-dera Temple (hilltop sakura)
- *To-ji Temple
- Maruyama Park (famous weeping cherry tree)
- Gion traditional district
- Evening stroll along Kamogawa River & Pontocho Alley
Accommodation: Same as above
D9 – 04/08: Kyoto → Mt. Fuji → Kamakura – Guide + Private Vehicle
Cherry Blossom Focus:
• Arakurayama Sengen Park – iconic Mt. Fuji + five-story pagoda + cherry blossoms
• Oishi Park (if time allows)
- Private transfer to Kyoto Station
- Take *Shinkansen on your own to Mishima/Odawara Station
- Visit:
- Arakurayama Sengen Shrine
- Momiji / Cherry Blossom Avenue
- *Hoto Noodle Making Experience
- *Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway
- Optional: Oishi Park (lakefront sakura & Fuji views)
- Transfer to Kamakura
Accommodation: Kamakura Prince Hotel or similar
D10 – 04/09: Kamakura → Tokyo – Guide + Private Vehicle
Cherry Blossom Focus:
• Hase-dera’s coastal sakura
• Tsurugaoka Hachimangu approach (lined with cherry blossoms)
- Visit:
- *Engaku-ji Temple
- *Hase-dera Temple
- *Great Buddha of Kamakura
- Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
- Optional dinner: Riviera Zushi Marina (sea view sunset)
- Continue to Tokyo
Accommodation:
• Park Hotel Tokyo or similar
• Alternative: Tokyo Prince Hotel or similar
D11 – 04/10: Tokyo – Guide + Public Transportation
Peak Cherry Blossom Focus: Meguro River, Chidorigafuchi, Imperial Palace East Gardens
Early April is usually full bloom in central Tokyo.
- Senso-ji Temple
- *Chidorigafuchi Boat Ride (Tokyo’s No.1 hanami river experience)
- East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
- Ginza shopping
- Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival (lantern-lit blossoms at night)
Accommodation: Same as above
D12 – 04/11: Tokyo → Departure – Guide + Public Transportation
Cherry Blossom Focus:
• Shinjuku Gyoen & Ueno Park – two of Tokyo’s best late-season blooming locations.
- Store luggage at hotel
- Visit:
- *Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
- Ueno Park (hundreds of cherry blossom trees)
- Guide escorts you to station → airport express on your own
Expedition in your style
Gold Package
Included:
- A private car.
- A private English-speaking driver or Mandarin-speaking driver.
What you'll get:
- Dedicated and full-hearted service to you.
- Basic generic guidance or introduction of the destination with limited English.
- Freedom and privacy when touring on your own.
- More flexibility of your tour schedules.
- Significant saving of the tour cost.
What's not covered:
- Walking with you in the attractions.
- Professional commentary.
- Lunch.
Platinum Package
Included:
- A private car.
- A private English-speaking tour guide or a Mandarin-speaking guide.
- Entrance fees.
What you'll get:
- Dedicated and full-hearted service to you.
- Detailed commentary of the attractions.
- Flexibility of your tour schedules.
What's not covered:
- Lunch.
optional activities
Kaiseki Dinner with Geisha Dance
Kaiseki Dinner with Geisha Dance
Kaiseki Dinner with Geisha Dance
Enjoy an elegant Kaiseki dinner with a traditional Geisha dance performance, where exquisite seasonal dishes and graceful artistry blend to offer an unforgettable taste of Japanese refined culture.
Private Kimono Tea Ceremony
Kaiseki Dinner with Geisha Dance
Kaiseki Dinner with Geisha Dance
Experience the award-winning tea ceremony guided by an expert tea master. Learn the history, tools, and etiquette as you whisk your own cup of premium matcha — a true taste of Japanese culture.
Ninja Experience
Kaiseki Dinner with Geisha Dance
Osaka: Sumo Show & Experience
Train like a ninja for a day at the Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo, Japan’s top-rated and most affordable hands-on ninja experience for all ages!
Osaka: Sumo Show & Experience
Osaka: Sumo Show & Experience
Osaka: Sumo Show & Experience
Experience Japan’s national sport up close with a hands-on sumo session led by retired wrestlers, featuring live matches, training demonstrations, and a hearty Chanko Nabe meal.
Tokyo Street Go-Karting
Osaka: Sumo Show & Experience
Rickshaw Ride in Asakusa
Experience street go-karting in Tokyo, a fun and thrilling way to explore the city’s famous districts up close. Dress up in themed costumes and drive through iconic streets like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Akihabara, turning sightseeing into an unforgettable adventure!
Rickshaw Ride in Asakusa
Osaka: Sumo Show & Experience
Rickshaw Ride in Asakusa
In spring, the rickshaw ride through Asakusa becomes even more enchanting as cherry blossoms line the streets, creating a serene pink canopy over Tokyo’s historic charm.