Ultra Deluxe Private Journey Tour Code: GTR4404827

Luxury Japan Cherry Blossom Private Tour

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10 days 9 nights

fromUSD $21998.00

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Room Type Explained

Single Room

Single room types are rooms for single room occupants.
One person will be occupying the hotel room throughout the tour.

Twin Room

Twin room types are rooms set for two people who will occupy one room, but will have two separate beds.

Double Room

A double room is a room that has one bed for two people to share.

Triple Room

A triple room is one room where three people may share the same room. It has three separate beds.

Japanese Style Room

A Japanese-style room traditionally does not have a western-style bed, it is a tatami floor room with futon bedding. However, if you prefer a western-style bed, you may request one though we cannot guarantee it.

Please note: If you would like to request neighboring rooms next to your traveling companions, you and your traveling companions must have the same room types in order to be next to each other. For example, if you have requested a double room, but your traveling companions have requested a twin, or triple room, then neighboring rooms cannot be accommodated. However, if both you and your traveling companions match in room type, then neighboring rooms will likely be arranged for your convenience.

Plan a Luxury Japan Cherry Blossom Private Tour to experience the very essence of Japan in springtime. Almost nothing is as iconic to Japan as cherry blossoms, and their delicate, short-lived, seasonally recurring beauty has had a profound effect on Japanese culture, philosophy, and even national identity. Come experience these seasonal delights in their full bloom on an itinerary that takes you to some of the top cherry blossom-viewing spots in the country, combined with unmissable, authentic Japanese experiences.

We start the tour in Tokyo, including two of the best cherry blossom spots in the capital. The first is the Imperial Palace East Gardens, where you’ll find the cherry trees blooming brightly around the ruins of old Edo Castle. The second is the moat of Chidorigafuchi, where the delicate flowers can be seen falling gently into the nearby water, covering it in a pastel- pink carpet of petals. We include some of Tokyo’s best experiences: a tour of Toyosu Fish Market, shopping in downtown Ginza, Meiji Shrine, the Nezu Museum, Tokyo Skytree, and Asakusa Sensoji Temple.

We go from there to Mount Fuji – a must-see especially for first-time visitors, where you may visit the 5th station (depending on weather), and view the beautiful kimono of Itchiku Kubota Art Museum. In nearby Hakone, you’ll cruise Lake Ashi in a pirate ship and take the Hakone Ropeway into the primordial volcanic landscape of Owakudani, before going to appreciate the imaginative artistic structures at the Open Air Museum. Take a first- class bullet train to Osaka to see the cherry blossoms around Osaka Castle, then, at nearby Nara, view Todaiji Temple and nearby Deer Park in its springtime finery.

Then we go to Mount Yoshino, which many consider to be one of the best cherry blossom-viewing spots in Japan. The sides of the mountain are blanketed in trees lifting up bunches of cherry flowers, like puffy pink clouds. While in the area, visit picturesque Kinpusenji Temple, and view the flowers from Yoshimizu Shrine while enjoying a healthy vegetarian lunch. Next comes the ancient city of Kyoto, which is at its loveliest in spring. We make sure to visit the top cherry blossom spot in the city: Maruyama Park, known for the Shidarezakura, or “Weeping Cherry” tree. We also see the city’s most important landmarks: the Golden Pavilion with its shining phoenix, Kiyomizu Temple and its sacred springs, the Zen Garden of Tenryuji Temple – all decked out with cherry blossoms. We also visit Kodaiji Temple for a Green Tea Ceremony and a lesson in Zen Meditation, and enjoy a dinner of traditional Kaiseki Cuisine with Geisha entertainment in Gion.

Experience the very best of Japan’s cherry blossoms on our Luxury Japan Cherry Blossom Private Tour by AJT, which includes authentic cultural experiences, must-see historical treasures and, of course, unmatched natural splendor. Our luxury private tours are fully customizable, so if you had a different idea for your ultimate Japan cherry blossom vacation, we can change the itinerary to fit your vision. Transportation for the tours is facilitated by our comfortable and convenient private vans, and you will be accompanied by one of our friendly, professional English-speaking guides. Please see the detailed itinerary below for more information.

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Tour Information

Please Note:

All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy.
International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money!

We can arrange international flights for US customers if needed, please ask for details.

Deposit

We require US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at time of booking and the final payment is due 2 month prior to departure.

What's included

• 7 nights Western style and 2 nights Japanese style accommodation
• Meet and greet upon arrival at Tokyo Narita Airport or Haneda Airport
• Private airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Private transfers between destinations in Japan
• First class Shinkansen (bullet train) ride from Odawara to Osaka
• Comprehensive escorted with AJT professional English speaking tour guide
• Luggage forwarding from Hakone to Nara

Meals
• Breakfast everyday
• 2 kaiseki dinners at the ryokan
• 1 Shojin Ryori vegetarian lunch at the temple
• 1 special dinner with geisha performance

Admission fees and activities
• All entry fees to sites, activities listed in the itinerary

What's NOT included

• International Airfares
• Meals that are not included in the itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
• Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills

Additional Information

Transport
Travel by private van between destinations, baggage handling free.
Arrival Departure Airports
For arrivals at Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND), this tour starts in Tokyo and ends in Osaka, with departures at Osaka Kansai Airport (KIX) or Itami Airport (ITM).
Meal Requests
Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged. We can also make reservations at Michelin star rated restaurants upon request.
Meet and Greet
Meet and greet and private airport transfers on arrival and departure included

Itinerary In Brief

Day1 Arrive in Tokyo
Day2 Tokyo
Day3 Tokyo
Day4 Mt Fuji
Day5 Hakone
Day6 Osaka - Nara
Day7 Yoshinoyama
Day8 Kyoto
Day9 Kyoto
Day10 Tour ends

Click here for detailed itinerary

Tour schedule and prices subject to change without notice

Day1

Welcome to Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo! We will arrange your private transportation from the airport. Please look for the guide with the All Japan Tours sign.

Hotel Mandarin Oriental Tokyo or similar class

Day2

Tokyo (Toyosu Fish Market Tour / Imperial Palace East Garden / Ginza / Cherry Blossom Viewing at Chidorigafuchi)

You may begin your morning with a tour of Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market. Next, we will go to the Imperial Palace and see the beautiful East Garden. This is the current residence of Japan’s Imperial Family and a historic landmark. After the show, enjoy shopping in Ginza – known worldwide for its high- end boutique shops and department stores. Then we can go to Chidorigafushi, where a pink vista of hundreds of cherry trees line the moat around the Imperial Palace.

Breakfast

Hotel Mandarin Oriental Tokyo or similar class

Day3

Tokyo (Meiji Shrine / Nezu Museum / Tokyo SkyTree / Asakusa Sensoji Temple & Nakamise Street)

Our first stop for the day will be to enjoy the natural atmosphere of the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Next, at the Nezu Museum, you can enjoy a collection of pre-modern Japanese and East Asian art that Nezu Kaichiro put together. After bombing in World War II destroyed some of the collection, Nezu Kaichiro’s son continued to add to it to ensure that his father’s collection remained impressive. Then experience panoramic views of the city at 350 meters high at the Tokyo Skytree. These are the highest observation decks in Japan, and the tower is one of the tallest structures in the world. In the morning, you will be taken to Asakusa Kannon Temple, an active place of worship where you can see the largest paper lantern in Japan. You will also be able to explore the Nakamise Market, which is located right after the temple's outer gates. This is a traditional-style shopping street with several centuries of history.

Breakfast

Hotel Mandarin Oriental Tokyo or similar class

Day4

Mt Fuji (5th Station - Depending on the weather condition / Itchiku Kubota Art Museum)

If the weather is in our favor, we will travel to Mt. Fuji’s 5th station, the most popular and convenient spot to enjoy views of the iconic mountain. Afterwards we will tour the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum and view the Tsujigahana silk dyed artworks, regarded heavily as one of the lost arts of Japan. In the afternoon, transfer to Hakone, where you can enjoy an onsen and traditional kaiseki dinner at your Ryokan.

Breakfast / Dinner

Gora Kadan or similar class

Day5

Hakone (Lake Ashi Cruise / Hakone Ropeway / Owakudani / Open Air Museum)

Today, you will board a Lake Ashi Cruise where you can enjoy and appreciate Hakone’s natural scenery. We will take a 20-minute ropeway ride from Togendai to Owakudani. Along the ropeway, weather permitting, there will be great views of Mt. Fuji in the distance. While in Owakudani, visitors will have the chance to see hot springs and sulfurous fumes along the trails of an active volcanic zone. Next, we will visit the Hakone Open Air Museum which successfully attempts to create a harmonic balance of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its grounds in combination with views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

Breakfast / Dinner

Gora Kadan or similar class

Day6

First Class Bullet Train to Osaka, Osaka (Osaka Castle), Nara (Todaiji Temple / Nara Deer Park)

After breakfast, you will transfer to Odawara Station and board the bullet train to Osaka. When you arrive in Osaka, take some time to see Osaka Castle, which was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in aims for it to be the center of a new, unified Japan. Then, we will visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and a landmark of Nara, Todaiji Temple. Outside the temple, interact with the wild deer of Nara Deer Park. There are special deer crackers available at every corner of the area.

Breakfast

Auberge de Plaisance Sakurai or similar class

Note: We will ship your large luggage to your hotel in Nara (Included for up to one piece of baggage per person). Please pack your essentials for 1 night in a small bag to carry with you.

Day7

Yoshinoyama (Kinpusenji Temple / Yoshimizu Shrine / Vegetarian Lunch / Cherry Blossom Viewing)

Today, travel to Mount Yoshino, a mountain especially famous in Japan for the many cherry trees planted on its sides. Take a short trip to Kinpusenji Temple - known as one of the most important temples of Shugendo, which combines elements of Shinto and Buddhism. Next is Yoshimizu Shrine, which is noted in history for being the preferred hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot for Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Enjoy a healthy vegetarian lunch as you enjoy the delicate pink cherry blossoms fluttering in the breeze.

Breakfast / Lunch

Auberge de Plaisance Sakurai or similar class

Day8

Kyoto (Nijo Castle / Golden Pavilion / Arashiyama - Tenryuji Temple & Garden - Bamboo Grove - Togetsukyo Bridge)

This morning, explore Japan's old capital of Kyoto by traveling to Nijo Castle, a designated UNESCO world heritage site and a perfect architectural example of castles from the feudal era of Japan. Next, we will visit the Golden Pavilion covered with 18-karat gold leaf. This three-story structure was originally built by the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in 1397. Then we will tour the Arashiyama district. First is a visit to see Tenryuji Temple where you can catch a glimpse of the traditional rock landscape garden design. Then proceed through a dense bamboo grove, past several small shrines, tea shops and private houses before arriving at the Togetsukyo Bridge over Hozu River.

Breakfast

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto or similar class

Day9

Kyoto (Kiyomizu Temple / Kimono Wearing Experience / Kodaiji Temple - Zen Meditation & Green Tea Ceremony / Maruyama Park Cherry Blossom Viewing / Gion Geisha District - Kyoto Kaiseki Cuisine with Geisha Perfromance)

Today, we will tour Kiyomizu-dera, a famous temple in Japan that is best known for its large wooden stage that overlooks a hillside of natural scenery. We will begin our day by wearing the traditional clothing of Japan, Kimono, which are still widely popular to wear for important and formal events. It is also common to don the Kimono when visiting Kyoto to further enjoy the traditional atmosphere of the city. Then, we will travel to Kodaiji Temple, which is a lavish temple built in the memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Here, we can experience Zen meditation and a Green Tea Ceremony. You can go from there to view the cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park, including the rare "weeping cherry tree". We will end our day in the Gion Geisha District, where its streets are lined with ochaya (teahouses), exclusive establishments where guests are entertained by Geisha and Maiko. Here, we will enjoy traditional Kyoto Cuisine while viewing a special Geisha performance.

Breakfast / Dinner

The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto or similar class

Day10

Tour Ends

After check-out, private transfer to Osaka Kansai Airport for your departure flight.

Breakfast

Experiences

Accommodations

PLEASE NOTE: These are the hotels All Japan Tours generally uses on the touring styles and regions shown. There is no guarantee that you will stay in the lodgings listed on the website. We encourage you to check your travel documentation for confirmation of the exact accommodation you will be staying in.