10-Nights Japan Odyssey: Cherry Blossom Edition - Festivals & Special Events, Odysseys by Goway, Escorted Tours from $8,599

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Upon arrival at Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT), you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist you with getting to your shared transfer that will take you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (4 Star Rating)

The Keio Plaza Hotel is the ideal location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Only minutes away from the most popular shopping and entertainment spots, the luxury hotel provides stunning views over central Tokyo. The Keio Plaza Hotel offers a wide variety of home-away-from-home hospitality, with 1,435 guest rooms to choose from to accommodate your every need. Located in Shinjuku, in the very heart of the Tokyo metropolis, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo extends top rated services and facilities, features that guests come to expect of a world class hotel.

Today, explore the dynamic neighborhoods of Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ginza, each offering its unique charm. Begin your journey as you head to the historic Asakusa district in the city's northwest, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple and its towering five-story pagoda. Next up, experience some Japanese culture through the ancient art of calligraphy. Starting with the basics of calligraphy, try writing your own name in Japanese or your favorite words in kanji. At the end of the lesson, you can take home a original Calligraphy Artwork made by yourself. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue your immersion into Japanese culture and history by learning the traditional purification ritual at the entrance of the Meiji-jingu Shrine. A Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, Meji is surrounded by a lush forest, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Many visitors come to the shrine to pray, write wishes on wooden plaques, and experience traditional Japanese culture. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant before you experience the magic of an evening stroll along Tokyo’s Meguro River, where rows of illuminated cherry blossoms transform the riverside into a glowing springtime wonderland. Soft lantern light reflects off the water as petals drift gently through the air, creating a romantic and serene atmosphere perfect for a relaxed walk. It’s an unforgettable way to enjoy Japan’s iconic sakura season after sunset.

Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (4 Star Rating)

The Keio Plaza Hotel is the ideal location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Only minutes away from the most popular shopping and entertainment spots, the luxury hotel provides stunning views over central Tokyo. The Keio Plaza Hotel offers a wide variety of home-away-from-home hospitality, with 1,435 guest rooms to choose from to accommodate your every need. Located in Shinjuku, in the very heart of the Tokyo metropolis, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo extends top rated services and facilities, features that guests come to expect of a world class hotel.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Begin your day with a trip to Chureito Pagoda. Perched on the hillside above Fujiyoshida, the Chureito Pagoda is one of Japan's most iconic viewing spots, offering a stunning panorama of Mount Fuji (when weather is clear) framed by traditional architecture. This five-story pagoda, part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine, is especially enchanting in spring, when Cherry Blossoms surround its crimson structure. A short climb up nearly 400 steps rewards visitors with breathtaking views that blend cultural heritage and natural beauty. Enjoy lunch before continuing to Lake Kawaguchiko, which is located in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mt. Fuji. It is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area. Nestled at the foot of Japan's iconic Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is a breathtaking destination that combines natural beauty with cultural charm. Known for its mirror-like waters reflecting the snow-capped peak, the lake offers spectacular views year-round - cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and serene snowscapes in winter.

Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (4 Star Rating)

The Keio Plaza Hotel is the ideal location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Only minutes away from the most popular shopping and entertainment spots, the luxury hotel provides stunning views over central Tokyo. The Keio Plaza Hotel offers a wide variety of home-away-from-home hospitality, with 1,435 guest rooms to choose from to accommodate your every need. Located in Shinjuku, in the very heart of the Tokyo metropolis, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo extends top rated services and facilities, features that guests come to expect of a world class hotel.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today, enjoy Tokyo at leisure, where every street corner offers a new discovery, from tranquil gardens to bustling markets. Explore the city's vibrant energy as you adventure into its diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks on your own. Why not explore the neighbourhood of Ginza, Tokyo's premier hub for entertainment, dining, and luxury shopping. Here, you'll find flagship stores of renowned Japanese and international brands, perfect for indulging in a little retail therapy. Your guide will be on hand to recommend personalized activities tailored to your interests.

Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (4 Star Rating)

The Keio Plaza Hotel is the ideal location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Only minutes away from the most popular shopping and entertainment spots, the luxury hotel provides stunning views over central Tokyo. The Keio Plaza Hotel offers a wide variety of home-away-from-home hospitality, with 1,435 guest rooms to choose from to accommodate your every need. Located in Shinjuku, in the very heart of the Tokyo metropolis, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo extends top rated services and facilities, features that guests come to expect of a world class hotel.

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning, enjoy breakfast and transfer to the train station in time for your train to Kyoto. In Kyoto visit Kiyomizudera, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the scenic hills of Eastern Kyoto. Marvel at the exquisite wooden architecture that stretches over a steep hillside, offering sweeping views of Kyoto's landscape. The day concludes in the atmospheric Gion district, Kyoto's renowned Geisha quarter. Here, you'll find traditional wooden machiya houses, many of which serve as tea houses where Geishas entertain their distinguished guests. Last stop for the day, a visit to Maruyama Park to see the Cherry Blossoms. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through Maruyama Park, where cherry blossoms bloom in soft shades of pink. At the heart of the park, the iconic weeping sakura stands in bloom, creating a picturesque and calming setting, perfect for experiencing Kyoto’s cherry blossom season at a leisurely pace.

Hotel: Kyoto Hotel Okura (5 Star Rating)

The 322 room Kyoto Hotel is the tallest building in Kyoto with a spectacular view, is the only deluxe hotel conveniently located right in the city centre. First established in 1888, the Kyoto Hotel has been totally rebuilt with a hint of the1920's. All guest rooms are Western-style and meet deluxe standards in luxury. It has all the modern flare, style and comfort that travellers from business people to couples and families would expect.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today, head to the foothills of Northern and Western Kyoto, beginning with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, the Zen Buddhist temple also known as the Golden Pavilion. The temple's top two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf, creating a stunning sight. Your guide will escort you through the beautiful gardens to the tea house, where you will exit the temple. In Arashiyama, you'll stroll through narrow alleys lined with dense bamboo groves, offering a serene and atmospheric experience. Next its time for a traditional tea ceremony. The way of tea includes many elements of Japanese culture and has influenced the aesthetic sense of Japan. At a traditional Kyoto townhouse, we’d like to provide you with a tranquil moment to get acquainted with the world of tea ceremony and enjoy a cup of tea. It would be an unforgettable memory in Kyoto. Learn the heart of Japanese hospitality through the tea ceremony.

Hotel: Kyoto Hotel Okura (5 Star Rating)

The 322 room Kyoto Hotel is the tallest building in Kyoto with a spectacular view, is the only deluxe hotel conveniently located right in the city centre. First established in 1888, the Kyoto Hotel has been totally rebuilt with a hint of the1920's. All guest rooms are Western-style and meet deluxe standards in luxury. It has all the modern flare, style and comfort that travellers from business people to couples and families would expect.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a bit of leisure time this morning before heading out for your Sake tasting and rolled sushi cooking class. After a curated sake tasting, try your hand at creating your own rolled sushi. This experience offers a taste of Japanese seasonal bounty and deep-rooted hospitality; all infused with the quiet elegance of everyday life in the old capital. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax and explore Kyoto. Your guide will be on hand to make personalized recommendations.

Hotel: Kyoto Hotel Okura (5 Star Rating)

The 322 room Kyoto Hotel is the tallest building in Kyoto with a spectacular view, is the only deluxe hotel conveniently located right in the city centre. First established in 1888, the Kyoto Hotel has been totally rebuilt with a hint of the1920's. All guest rooms are Western-style and meet deluxe standards in luxury. It has all the modern flare, style and comfort that travellers from business people to couples and families would expect.

Meal(s): Breakfast

After breakfast this morning, transfer to the train station in time for your train to Hiroshima. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Genbaku Dome, a memorial park in the center of Hiroshima. It is dedicated to the legacy of Hiroshima as the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack, and to the memories of the bomb's direct and indirect victims (of whom there may have been as many as 140,000). The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was planned and designed by the Japanese Architect Kenzo Tange, and you will find there many commemorative monuments. You will also find there the Genbaku Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the preserved remains of the former Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. It was one of the few buildings left standing near the hypocenter of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. After visiting the Memorial Park, head to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, dedicated to the memory of the victims of the atomic Bombing. It features poignant exhibits on the horrors of nuclear war, while promoting a message of peace and raising awareness of the importance of nuclear disarmament. The museum attracts visitors from around the world, providing a space for reflection and reconciliation. Enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure at your hotel. Feel free to enjoy the onsen at your hotel.

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima (4 Star Rating)

In Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima, an urban resort hotel, you will enjoy views over the Seto Inland Sea. Only a 15-minute drive from the city, at the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima you are surrounded by sky and sea. With the addition of Japanese-style hot bath facilities in 2007, you can now enjoy the real hotel spa experience, with all the relaxing services and facilities you could wish for. Since 2008, guests can now avail of Luxury Rooms and themed Club Urban Bay Floors, for the ultimate seaside resort experience.

The hotel is also conveniently located for tourism - you can reach Miyajima, a World Heritage Site, in only 26 minutes by high-speed boat from Motoujina Pier in front of the hotel.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will transfer by boat to Miyajima Island for the day. Rising serenely from the Seto Inland Sea, Miyajima Island - officially known as Itsukushima - is one of Japan's most iconic destinations. Famous for its "floating" torii gate, which appears to drift on the water at high tide, the island feels like a place where the sacred and the natural exist in perfect harmony. At its heart lies Itsukushima Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built over the sea, glowing softly in vermilion against the changing tides. Beyond the shrine, Miyajima invites exploration: wander charming streets scented with grilled oysters, encounter friendly free-roaming deer, or ascend Mount Misen for sweeping views across the islands and coastline. Whether bathed in mist, sunlight, or lantern glow at dusk, Miyajima offers a timeless beauty that lingers long after you leave. A must-see highlight of any journey through Japan. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then some free time to explore on your own (we highly recommend visiting Daishoin Temple) before returning to Hiroshima.

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima (4 Star Rating)

In Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima, an urban resort hotel, you will enjoy views over the Seto Inland Sea. Only a 15-minute drive from the city, at the Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima you are surrounded by sky and sea. With the addition of Japanese-style hot bath facilities in 2007, you can now enjoy the real hotel spa experience, with all the relaxing services and facilities you could wish for. Since 2008, guests can now avail of Luxury Rooms and themed Club Urban Bay Floors, for the ultimate seaside resort experience.

The hotel is also conveniently located for tourism - you can reach Miyajima, a World Heritage Site, in only 26 minutes by high-speed boat from Motoujina Pier in front of the hotel.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast this morning, transfer to the train station in time for your train to Osaka. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to a local restaurant for lunch. After lunch, begin your sightseeing of Osaka with a visit to Osaka Castle, one of Japan's most famous landmarks. It played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Once the largest castle in Japan when originally built in the 1580s, this castle has an observation platform with city views and a history museum. Next, head to one of Osaka's most famous tourist destinations - Dotonbori. This lively entertainment area is renowned for its neon lights, extravagant signage and large variety of restaurants and bars. Walk the narrow alleys of Hozenji Yokocho where the locals come to eat and drink or pick up some local souvenirs in the Shinshaibashi-Suji shopping street. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with the group as you get ready to say goodbye to Japan tomorrow.

Hotel: Hotel Vischio Osaka (4 Star Rating)

JR West Hotel’s new “Vischio” brand hotel emphasizes accommodability with a sophisticated modern urban flair.

“Vischio” is Italian for mistletoe, a plant that is considered sacred and a source of happiness, safety, and good fortune in Norse mythology.

The name is meant to express our desire to provide a relaxing, refreshing atmosphere for travelweary guests.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Sayonara, farewell, our tour concludes today. You will be transferred to Osaka Kansai International Airport for your onward flight.

Meal(s): Breakfast