16-Day Cherry Blossom tour with Authentic Local Experiences
16-day journey through Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima during the cherry blossom season.
This 16-day journey is the most complete way to experience Japan at its most beautiful time of year — cherry blossom season. You’ll explore the country’s most iconic cities, gardens, and temples while traveling in comfort aboard high-speed bullet trains and private vehicles.
Unlike rushed group tours, this itinerary offers balance — time to see Japan’s highlights and space to savor them. From Tokyo’s lively parks to Kyoto’s tranquil temples, from Kanazawa’s elegant gardens to Hiroshima’s peaceful memorials, every stop is hand-picked to show Japan’s cultural depth and natural beauty.
You’ll enjoy authentic local experiences — geisha districts, ryokan stays, tea ceremonies, and cherry blossom picnics — guided by professionals who know Japan intimately. Whether it’s your first visit or a return to a beloved destination, this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that captures Japan’s spirit, heritage, and springtime magic in one unforgettable journey.
🌸 Tour Highlights
- Experience Japan’s cherry blossom season from Tokyo to Hiroshima in one seamless 16-day journey.
- Explore Tokyo’s landmarks and stroll through Ueno Park and the Imperial Palace during peak bloom.
- Discover Kyoto’s temples, Gion’s geisha lanes, and the Philosopher’s Path lined with sakura trees.
- Visit Kanazawa’s Kenroku-en Garden, Nara Park, and Himeji Castle, all breathtaking in spring.
- Reflect at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and admire the floating torii gate on Miyajima Island.
- Enjoy luxury stays in select hotels and ryokans, travel by bullet train, and savor authentic Japanese cuisine.
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.
Sakura Grand Vacation: 16-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Tour
TOKYO, NIKKO, KAMAKURA, KANAZAWA, KYOTO, UJI, NARA, HIROSHIMA, OSAKA, HIMEJI
Duration: 16 Days
Theme: Experience Japan’s cultural treasures and natural beauty during the magical cherry blossom season.
Day 1–2: Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and settle into Japan’s dazzling capital. Explore both traditional and modern sides of the city, from Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa to Meiji Shrine and Odaiba’s futuristic waterfront.
Cherry-blossom highlight: Stroll under blooming trees at Ueno Park or around the Imperial Palace, where pink petals frame moats and bridges.
Day 3: Nikko
Travel north to the mountain town of Nikko, home to the lavish Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by ancient cedar forests.
Cherry-blossom highlight: Delicate sakura blooms accent the shrine’s ornate carvings and tranquil riverbanks.
Day 4: Kamakura
Visit the seaside city of Kamakura to see the famous Great Buddha (Daibutsu) and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine.
Cherry-blossom highlight: Temple gardens and quiet lanes turn pink in early spring, blending coastal scenery with seasonal charm.
Day 5–6: Kanazawa
Ride the bullet train to Kanazawa, a city of preserved samurai culture and refined gardens. Explore Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa Castle, and the Higashi Chaya teahouse district.
Cherry-blossom highlight: Kenroku-en’s ponds, stone bridges, and traditional teahouses glow with reflections of sakura petals.
Day 7–9: Kyoto & Uji
Discover Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital and the heart of tradition. Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, and Gion’s geisha district. Stop in Uji, famous for green tea and Byodo-in Temple.
Cherry-blossom highlight: Walk the Philosopher’s Path, lined with hundreds of cherry trees in bloom, and see Kyoto’s temples framed by pink and white petals.
Day 10: Nara
Travel to Nara, home to the sacred Todai-ji Temple and friendly deer of Nara Park.
Cherry-blossom highlight: The park’s wide lawns and tranquil ponds make for peaceful blossom viewing beneath towering pagodas.
Day 11–12: Hiroshima & Miyajima
In Hiroshima, visit the Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkeien Garden. Then take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.
Cherry-blossom highlight: Blossoms bloom along the riverbanks and mountain slopes, contrasting with the city’s message of peace.
Day 13: Osaka
Head to Osaka, Japan’s lively culinary capital. Explore Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Namba, known for neon lights and street food.
Cherry-blossom highlight: The moats and gardens of Osaka Castle are among the most photogenic blossom spots in the country.
Day 14: Himeji
Visit majestic Himeji Castle, Japan’s finest surviving feudal fortress, and its adjacent Koko-en Garden.
Cherry-blossom highlight: The castle’s brilliant white walls surrounded by pink blossoms create one of Japan’s most iconic spring scenes.
Day 15–16: Tokyo (Return)
Return to Tokyo for the final part of your journey. Enjoy Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Roppongi Hills Observatory, and Shibuya Crossing before your departure.
Cherry-blossom highlight: Shinjuku Gyoen’s 1,000 cherry trees offer a magnificent farewell to Japan’s sakura season.
🌸 Inclusions
- Private transport and English-speaking guide
- Bullet train travel between major cities
- Accommodation with breakfast
- All entrance fees and cultural experiences
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.