Plum Trees & Cherry Blossoms
Independent Tour
Japan’s cherry blossoms, known as ‘sakura’, are a remarkable sight to behold. A short, yet colourful season, it is a great time to visit Japan and this tour is perfect to take you to several locations where the blooms are most concentrated. The exact bloom date is never certain but during February and early March is peak time.
Your Itinerary
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Day 1
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Day 2
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Day 3
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Day 4
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Day 5
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Day 6
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Day 7
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Day 8
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Day 9
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Day 10
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Day 11
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Day 12
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Day 13
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Day 14
Day 1 : Tokyo
On arrival, a shared transfer is included to your hotel. Check in for a 4-night stay.
Day 2 : Tokyo
Meet with your English-speaking private guide for a day exploring East Tokyo. Visit Kameido Tenjin, known as “flower shrine”, in late winter it bursts with pink plum trees and in spring it is famous for the purple wisteria. Next head to Kyunaka River, one of the best spots to see Kawazu-zakura, also known as early blooming cherry blossoms. After enjoying the riverbank, you will then move to Asakusa district to the Sensoji Temple. Unlike the common sakura of Tokyo and Kyoto which typically bloom around late March, the sakura trees of Kawazu bloom in early February, and the blossoms last for about a month.
Day 3 : Tokyo
Start the day with a relaxing stroll around the classical landscapes of the Hamarikyu Gardens. Continue to the Meiji Shrine, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken, before driving past the famous Shibuya Crossing. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure, before rejoining the group for dinner.
Day 4 : Tokyo
Journey through the foothills of the iconic Mount Fuji to its base and the Fuji Five Lakes. The region is spectacularly dotted by the calm waters of five lakes, formed by past volcanic eruptions, reflecting Mount Fuji’s picture-perfect cone. Upon arrival, ascend 2,000 metres up to Mount Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting) and take in the breathtaking views over the landscapes below. Next, continue to Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to view the artist’s elaborate dyed silk creations and spend some time strolling around the beautiful garden. Also explore Iyashi no Sato Historical Village, a former farming village on the shores of Lake Saiko. Destroyed by a landslide in 1966, the remaining thatch-roofed houses of this old village have been transformed into an open-air museum and craft village. Stay overnight in Mishima and enjoy the public onsen facilities.
Day 5 : Atami
Start the day with a visit to Oshino Hakkai before learning how to make your very own traditional Japanese soba noodles which you will then tuck into for lunch. Later, transfer to Mishima station and journey on the bullet train to Kyoto. An enchanting city, Kyoto was capital for 1,000 years; today it is the legacy of ancient Japan, full of tranquil temples, silk-clad geisha and sublime gardens.
Day 6 : Atami and Kawazu
Meet your guide as you board the local train to Kawazu. This is the best spot to see early cherry blossoms. This early flowering variety of cherry tree starts opening around the beginning of February, these trees bloom slower and last longer compared to the most typical variety.The tour will end back in Atami.
Day 7 : Odawara
Take a rail journey to Odawara. Your guide will meet you at the station, and then catch the short local train to Shin-Matsuda. Here it’s a short walk to Nishiharabatake Park to see cherry blossoms and weather permitting you can enjoy a perfect and unique view of Mount Fuji together with the blossoms. Enjoy the park, the flowers, and the beautiful blooms before returning to your hotel in Odawara.
Day 8 : Odawara
Meet your guide at Odawara station and journey to Miharashi Chaya, for a hike along the 500-year-Old Tokaido Highway. Enjoy rice tea in the 4-century old Amazake Chaya teahouse that has seen Emperors and Shogun do the same. Continue hiking to Lake Ashi and stop for lunch at by the lake. Afterwards walk out to Hakone Shrine with its famous red tori gates in the lake. Catch the local bus to Genbegawa World Water Heritage area in Mishima, have a short walk along the river to Mishima station. Your tour ends as you take the train back to Odawara. Note the hike today is approx. 6kms.
Day 9 : Nagoya
Your next train brings you to Nagoya. Meet your guide at the station and visit Nagoya Castle. About 70 plum trees of more than 10 varieties decorate the Nishi-no-Maru and Ni-no-Maru areas, they come into bloom from mid-February to mid-March. The tour ends back at the last place visited or at your hotel.
Day 10 : Nagoya
Today, you will visit Arimatsu District, the only dyeing and textile town in Japan to be selected as a National Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings. Visit the Tie-Dyeing Museum, then, after a demonstration, it is time for you to make your own handkerchief using the shibori technique. Next is Osu shopping district, a huge and popular shopping area containing over 1,200 shops and restaurants. Nearby, is Osu Kannon, a popular Buddhist temple. This is where your tour ends.
Day 11 : Kyoto
Board your next train to Kyoto. Meet your guide and your Kyoto adventure begins. Your first stop will be Kiyomizudera, one of the most celebrated temples in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Kiyomizudera and Otowa Waterfall. You will also experience a traditional kimono wearing tea ceremony with a Tea Master at Kyo-machiya traditional wooden house.
Day 12 : Kyoto
Board your next train to Kyoto. Meet your guide and your Kyoto adventure begins. Your first stop will be Kiyomizudera, one of the most celebrated temples in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Kiyomizudera and Otowa Waterfall. You will also experience a traditional kimono wearing tea ceremony with a Tea Master at Kyo-machiya traditional wooden house.
Day 13 : Kyoto
Board your next train to Kyoto. Meet your guide and your Kyoto adventure begins. Your first stop will be Kiyomizudera, one of the most celebrated temples in Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Kiyomizudera and Otowa Waterfall. You will also experience a traditional kimono wearing tea ceremony with a Tea Master at Kyo-machiya traditional wooden house.
Day 14 : Departure
Your package ends with the check out from your hotel and a shared transfer to the airport.
