Japan in Cherry Blossom Bloom 13 Days
Commencing in Tokyo, the world's largest urban connurbation, and foodie Mecca, this trip coincides with the Cherry Blossom wave that sweeps the country each springtime.
We'll be visiting some of the world's best sushi and sashimi bars, noodle and ramen locations, the Japanese Alps, taking the Shinkanzen (bullet train that's never late), exploring Kyoto, the cultural capital of the country, seeing the world's most important fish market, and getting close to Mount Fuji, Japan's sacred mountain. We'll have tea ceremonies, kimono wearing, and a meeting with a master samurai sword maker who will explain this important Japanese art. Further south on our journey, we'll be visiting a couple of the ancient cities of the country and exploring local culture.
There's nothing that compares to Japanese culture and that's what makes it unique and special. I think it's fair to say it's everyone's Dream to go and experience this mix of ancient and ultra-modern culture that fascinates and intrigues.
Itinerary and Specifics
Higlights:
- See the famous Cherry Blossoms bloom
- Explore the most Ancient and most modern aspects of Japan
- Meet a Master Samurai Sword maker and understand this ancient craft with many special techniques
- Go to watch Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo
- Try the best sushi, ramen, sushimi and other Japanse food - the best on the planet
- Enjoy a tea ceremony
- Visit a Zen garden
- Visit the Golden Temple in Kyoto
- Stay in a Ryokan for one night - meet the owner, talk, and experience true Japanese hospitality
- Explore the Japanese Alps - stunning scenery and culture
- Head to the base of Mt. Fuji beside Tokyo, it's the most sacred mountain in Japan and appears in many legends and pop culture.
- Visit a fish market early one morning to see just what obtaining perfect ingredients means for Japanese fish merchants and chefs.
- Enjoy Osaka and Kyoto, two incredibly cultured cities that live in the ancient past and ultra modern at the same time.
- Take the Shinkansen bullet train from Kyoto to Tokyo (included)
Included:
- 4 Star Accommodation on a Bed and Breakfast Basis
- Meet and Greet at Airport
- Transfers to and from hotel
- Expert driver/guide
- Comfortable touring vehicle
- Local knowledge, recommendations and help with any bookings you want to make
- Porterage - 1 piece per person in and out of hotels
Not included
- Flights - purchase your own flights in and out of destination
- Gratuities minimum recommended $20 per person per day
- Lunches and Dinners - we like our guests to be able to choose their own dining options
- Any entrances to museums, attractions and concerts - most of what you're looking for will be free entrance anyway.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1
Today you arrive at Tokyo Haneda HND Internatioal Airport. Meet and Greet, transfer to the hotel for three nights. This afternoon we meet our local guide who will bring us on the subway for a two-three hour exploration of some of their favourite areas.
Day 2
Today we're going to do a panoramic city tour - don't forget Tokyo is the world's largest urban conurbation, so the guide may take you on the subway after we've seen the main attractions in our vehicle. Bring your cameras, this promises to be spectacular. There is a district for everything in Japan.
We'll see some of the best museums of Japanese culture and tonight it's free time to enjoy the ramen, noodles, great sake, beer and Japanse Whisky. Our favourite Japanese whisky is the single malt Hibiki 17 year old, but what would we know about these things?The food is mind-boggling good in Tokyo and if you like Anthony Bourdain and watch the episodes on Japan, you'll start to understand why all chefs see this country as the best in the world for dining. It comes down to the Japanese never compromising on perfection, tradition, innovation and hospitality.
Day 3
Today we will visit Mt. Fuji and Iyashinosato Ancient Japanese Village. There will be an opportunity to see people dressed in kimono and traditional Japanese fashion. We will also visit a Japanese Shrine and understand the different belief systems in Japan - Shintoism and Buddhism. We're back to Tokyo tonight before pastures new in the morning.
Day 4
We take the Shinkansen high speed train to Kyoto, a great experience in Japanese efficiency and technology. The shrines and temples of Kyoto offer a rare link between modern life in the city and its very ancient past. The Shimogamo Shrine dates to the 6th century and seems suspended in time, its serenity and spiritual power still palpable. Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, then see the life-sized Thousand Armed Kannon statues of Sanjūsangen-dō. Enjoy traditional geisha performances, then savor a tranquil meal at a restaurant overlooking the Kamo River. Overnight in Kyoto for two nights
Day 5
Today we'll experience the Zen Garden and Japanese Tea ceremony as well as see the famous Golden Temple. The rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the culture and see any more of the galleries and musuems you might be interested in. The restaurants are great in Kyoto, you simply can't find a bad meal, even if you tried.
Day 6 and Day 7
Today we're off to Osaka where you can experience some of the great attractions in this incredibly beautiful and high-tech place. We have always enjoyed Osaka Castle, the viewing platform called Kuchu Teien, the Tempozan Ferris wheel at night (breathtaking beautiful when it's all illuminated) and the Osaka Musuem of House and Living. You can also learn to how to make oragami in a workshop here if that's your thing - the Japanese have an obession with miniature, design, balance, achieving perfection and simplicity. Presentation is an important part of their culture.
Days 8 and 9
Today we leave Osaka and spend half a day in Kobe before heading down the coast again by train to Hiroshima. We'll visit some interesting memorials, museums and attractions here.
Day 10
Today we're heading north to Nagoya, visiting the Japanese Alps and will get to experience the iconic Matsumoto Castle and much more. We'll stay in a traditional Ryoken for one night.
Days 11 and 12
The next two days are spent in the Japanese Alps exploring ancient culture, relaxing on safe mountain trails and enjoying village life at a higher attitude, away from the hustle and bustle.
Day 13
Today it's back to Tokyo's Haneda Airport and departure from Japan. We know you'll have enjoyed this incredibly interesting journey into the most fascinating culture on the planet, seen the cherry blossoms and experience truly beautiful Japanese tradition, culture, hospitality, great cuisine and ceremony.