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Cherry Blossoms in...
 

Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto

10 days |  12 days with Osaka & Hiroshima extension
10 days |  12 days with Osaka & Hiroshima extension
Group size1535 travelers
Reviews

4.1 star rating

27
Physical activity
hikone castle surrounded by cherry blossom trees in the spring
bowl of ramen noodles on table
a deer standing in nara park
the golden pavillion view from the water
OverviewItineraryDates & pricesReviewsTraveler photosHotels, flights & FAQ
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Springtime beauty blends with ancient history and cutting-edge culture.

Japan seamlessly merges centuries-old history with a modern way of life. On this tour, hues of pink and aromatic scents fill city streets and lush parks as cherry blossoms bring new life to an already vibrant country. See ancient temples alongside modern architecture while experiencing the beauty celebrated each year during the Japanese cherry blossom season.

Your tour package includes

  • 8 nights in handpicked hotels
  • 8 breakfasts
  • 1 lunch
  • 3 dinners with beer or wine
  • 1 sake tasting
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Included highlights

  • Cherry blossoms
  • Meiji Shrine
  • Mount Fuji
  • Hakone Open-Air Museum
  • High-speed bullet train ride
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Start planning today

An expert specializing in tours of this region is here to help.

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary
Overnight Flight1 night
Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Tokyo today.

Tokyo3 nights
Day 2: Arrival in Tokyo
Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Japan! Get settled in to your hotel before meeting your Tour Director and fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Day 3: Sightseeing tour of Tokyo
Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide and embark on your first tour of Japan’s bustling capital.

  • Make a photo stop and view the iconic Shibuya crossing from overhead as you drive through the central part of the city
  • Set off on a short walk from Yoyogi Park to the Meiji Shrine, final resting place of Emperor Meiji
  • Wander through the shrine’s Inner Garden, home to irises that bloom in springtime and the spiritually powerful Kiyomasa’s Well
  • Stroll through the colorful Harajuku neighborhood, where Tokyo’s history and present-day pop culture intertwine
  • See the beautiful cherry blossoms at Ueno Park
  • Explore Tokyo’s old town, including the ancient Asakusa Kannon Temple, the city’s oldest and most sacred temple
  • Peruse a vibrant variety of handmade crafts and local fare at the centuries-old Nakamise Shopping Arcade

Spend a free afternoon enjoying the views of the cherry blossoms throughout Tokyo or add an excursion.

Japanese Cooking Class & Dinner

From $155 per person

Day 4: Free day in Tokyo
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Tokyo or add an excursion.

Kamakura

From $169 per person

Mount Fuji Region1 night
Day 5: Sightseeing tour of Tokyo & transfer to Mount Fuji Region
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, follow your Tour Director on another guided sightseeing tour of vibrant Tokyo before continuing on to the Mount Fuji Region.

  • View the Imperial Palace and its impressive grounds
  • Head to the top of the Metropolitan Government Building to get a bird’s-eye view of the city
  • Walk along the banks of the Meguro River to view the cherry blossoms

Later, make your way to Hakone, a resort town in the Ōwakudani Valley that’s known for its hot springs.

  • Make a photo stop at Mount Fuji, which stands an imposing 12,388 feet high
  • Take in panoramic views of nearby lakes and villages from the midway-point observatory

Sit down for an included dinner this evening followed by free time to relax in the hotel’s hot springs.

Kyoto4 nights
Day 6: Mount Komagatake, Lake Ashi & train to Kyoto
Included meal: Breakfast

This morning, take a guided tour of Mount Komagatake and Lake Ashi.

  • Enjoy a ropeway ride up to the top of Mount Komagatake, admiring spectacular views from the cable car as you go
  • Embark on a cruise on Lake Ashi, formed after Mount Hakone erupted 3,000 years ago
  • Take in surreal views of Mount Fuji looming in the background
  • Pay a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, with endless sculptures over its 17 acres and a gallery with more than 700 works by Picasso
  • Soak in the annual beauty that the cherry blossoms bring to the city

This afternoon, board a high-speed bullet train to Kyoto.

Day 7: Sightseeing tour of Kyoto & Zen meditation class
Included meal: Breakfast

Join a local guide on a tour of Kyoto, the city that served as the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years—and is still considered its spiritual capital.

  • Tour the 17th-century Nijo Castle, which boasts intricate architecture and a unique alarm system: floors that sound like a nightingale when walked on
  • Take a stroll on the Philosopher's Walk, a pedestrian pathway along a canal that’s dotted with cherry blossoms
  • See one of Japan’s most famous temples, the glittering Golden Pavilion
  • Tap in to your unconscious mind during a guided Zen meditation session
  • Sit down to sip Matcha green tea alongside a traditional Japanese sweet

Please note: Today’s guided Zen meditation session may take place in the morning depending on the schedule.

Day 8: Sightseeing tour of Nara
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Journey to the former capital city of Nara for a guided tour led by a local guide today.

  • Tour UNESCO-listed Buddhist Todaiji Temple, site of the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue
  • Enter Kasuga-taisha to see the many bronze and stone lanterns in and around the Shinto shrine
  • Stroll through Nara Park, home to more than 1,200 wild deer considered sacred by locals
  • Enjoy an included lunch

Spend a free evening in Kyoto or add an excursion.

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

From $75 per person

Day 9: Free day in Kyoto
Included meals: Breakfast, Liquor tasting, Farewell dinner

Enjoy a free day in Kyoto or add an excursion.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner in Kyoto, where you’ll enjoy a sake tasting and enjoy traditional shabu-shabu (hot pot).

Arashiyama District & Nishiki Market

From $155 per person

Flight Home
Day 10: Transfer to Osaka, sightseeing tour & departure
Included meals: Breakfast, Tasting

Continue on to Osaka, the birthplace of many of Japan’s well-known arts, such as Kabuki theater and the tea ceremony. Today’s guided tour, led by your Tour Director, offers a look inside the city’s historic sights.

  • Make a photo stop at the massive Osaka Castle, which was built by legendary leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi
  • Stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market, famous for its selection of fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, and other Japanese specialties

This afternoon, transfer to the airport to board your flight home or choose to continue your adventure with a visit to Hiroshima.

Please note: If you are joining the tour extension in Hiroshima and Osaka, you will spend the evening of day 10 in Osaka.

Extension to Osaka & Hiroshima
We have Osaka to thank for some of Japan’s most well-known arts, like Kabuki theater and the tea ceremony. Drink it all in, then take a high-speed train to Hiroshima to remember one of the most infamous moments in history. Get to the heart of both cities, and marvel at UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, on sightseeing tours alongside local experts.
Osaka1 night
Day 10: Sightseeing tour of Osaka
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Continue on to Osaka, the birthplace of many of Japan’s well-known arts, such as Kabuki theater and the tea ceremony. Today’s guided tour, led by your Tour Director,  offers a look inside the city’s historic sights.

  • Make a photo stop at the massive Osaka Castle, which was built by legendary leader Toyotomi Hideyoshi
  • Stroll through Kuromon Ichiba Market, famous for its selection of fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, and other Japanese specialties
Hiroshima1 night
Day 11: Train to Hiroshima & sightseeing tour
Included meal: Breakfast

Board a high-speed bullet train to Hiroshima and get to know this world-renowned “City of Peace” on today’s guided sightseeing tour.

  • Visit Peace Memorial Park to see the Peace Memorial Museum and the Atomic Bomb Dome, which was the only structure to withstand the infamous atomic bombing of the city during World War II
  • Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island to view the 12th-century, UNESCO-listed Itsukushima Shrine
Osaka1 night
Day 12: Osaka via Himeji
Included meal: Breakfast

Travel back to Osaka, stopping in the city of Himeji along the way.

  • Step inside the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, the largest castle in Japan
  • Walk through Otemon Gate and view the castle’s striking white architecture
  • Climb a series of narrow staircases to the top floor, which offers stunning views of the beautiful roofs, defensive walls, and the city below
  • Enjoy free time to explore Kōko-en, a stunning garden that’s designed to be aesthetically pleasing through all four seasons

Continue on to Osaka and spend a free evening in the city or add an excursion.

Osaka by Night: Cruise & Dinner

From $165 per person

Flight Home
Day 13: Free morning in Osaka & departure
Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy a free morning in Osaka. Then, transfer to the airport to board your flight home.

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Reviews

4.1 star rating

Overall rating 4.1 out of 5

Based on 27 authentic traveler reviews
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    5.0 star rating

    Great Tour!
    3/23/23 by 1st-time traveler Phil

    We enjoyed our time in Japan! Our guide was knowledgeable and personable! The sites were amazing and beautiful! If there was one thing missing, it would have been more free time to explore! Outside that, it was awesome!

    3.0 star rating

    Beautiful Blossoms, but hasty tour!!
    3/23/23 by 5th-time traveler Libertad

    The Japan: Cherry Blossom tour is not worthy of a 5 star rating. GoAhead missed the mark as it relates the value and focus on Destination focused learning. Of all the Go Ahead tours I have been on, this tour was a disappointment. It is not the Tour Director’s fault. He put forth the best effort. The...

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    EF Go Ahead Tours replied on 5/2/23

    Hello traveler, thank you for this thoughtful revi...

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    4.0 star rating

    Deborah review
    3/26/23 by 1st-time traveler Deborah

    This trip was once in a lifetime for me. Exhausting with constant touring every day so advise future travelers that there is a lot of uphill and stairs to conquer almost every day Here are a few items that were disappointing to me Cooking class and dinner Boat trip on the Santa Maria Lack of explan...

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    Traveler photos

    Hotels, flights & FAQ

    Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

    Hotels

    We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.
    Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba
    Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba

    This comfortable hotel is located on Odaiba Island, Tokyo. Guests enjoy a fitness center, restaurant, and room service. Nearby, you’ll find Pallete To...

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    Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel
    Fujisan Mishima Tokyu Hotel

    This comfortable hotel is located in Mishima with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji. Guests enjoy the top floor communal bath, bike rentals, and sun terra...

    Read more +
    Kyoto Century Hotel
    Kyoto Century Hotel

    This classically designed hotel is located in the Shimogyo Ward of Kyoto. Guests enjoy 3 dining options, bicycle rentals, and convenient location. Nea...

    Read more +
    Citadines Namba Osaka
    Citadines Namba Osaka

    This modern styled hotel is located in high-energy Namba district of Osaka. Guests enjoy comfortable rooms, fitness center and lounge. Nearby you’ll f...

    Read more +
    Hotel Granvia Hiroshima
    Hotel Granvia Hiroshima

    This well-located hotel is located in Minami-ku, Hiroshima. Guests enjoy the fitness center, 6 dining options, and live music. Nearby, you'll find Shu...

    Read more +

    Flights

    Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.
    Add our airfare package and you'll get:
    • Round-trip flight for your tour
    • Airport transfers at your destination
    • A great price locked in today
    • 24/7 support from our dedicated service team
    • Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
    • Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes
    • Find out more about flights

    FAQ

    Print FAQ
    Passport, visa & entry requirements
    • In order to enter Japan, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
    • We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
    • If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact Japan's consulate for your specific entry requirements.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code JPC.
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    Tour pacing & mobility
    • You will walk for about 2.5 hours daily across mostly flat terrain, including paved roads and gravel paths, with few hills.
    • Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance. Adding optional excursions may increase the total amount of walking on your tour.
    • You should feel comfortable managing your own luggage at times, as well as getting in and out of trains and small boats.
    • Go Ahead Tours and the Tour Director who accompanies your group are unable to provide special, individual mobility assistance to travelers on tour. The responsibility of the Tour Director is to ensure the group as a whole enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing, individualized assistance to any one traveler.
    • If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.
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    Transportation & arrival information
    • Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in Tokyo and depart from Osaka. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
    • Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
    • A high-speed train transfer from Hakone to Kyoto is included in the price of your tour. (The tour extension also includes a high-speed train transfer from Osaka to Hiroshima.)
    • All other included transportation is by private motor coach.
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    Baggage allowance
    • Please note that our travelers are limited to one checked bag and one carry-on bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
    • Contact your airline(s) for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flights, which may include on-tour flights in addition to your round-trip flights to and from tour. Please note that your included on-tour flights may have more restrictive baggage limits.
    • Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage or exceed baggage size and weight restrictions. Be advised that you are responsible for any baggage fees incurred on all flights.
    • Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.
    • You will need a small overnight bag (such as your carry-on bag) for your stay in Hakone. Your luggage will be transferred for you from Tokyo to Kyoto directly.
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    Clothing & packing tips
    • We recommend packing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that can be easily layered to accommodate varying temperatures, as well as a light jacket or rainwear.
    • A sturdy pair of walking shoes or sneakers is recommended for sightseeing.
    • You may want to pack dressier attire if you plan to visit a high-end restaurant or attend a special performance.
    • It is preferable not to visit temples or other religious sites with bare legs and shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).
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    Health
    • At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
    • If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
    • If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.
    • You can see the most up-to-date entry requirements for the destination(s) you’ll visit on tour by going to goaheadtours.com/entry-requirements and searching the code JPC.
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    Cuisine
    • Most Japanese meals are based around rice or noodles with fish, meat, and vegetables flavored with soy sauce and miso. You may recognize popular dishes like sushi, tempura, and hot pot.
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    Electricity & air conditioning
    • Japan operates on 100 volts and uses a Type A plug, the same as in the U.S.
    • We recommend packing a universal adapter, as well as a voltage converter if you plan on using your own hairdryer or other electrical device without a built-in converter.
    • The strength of the air conditioning in Asian hotels is often not as strong or as cool as what you might be used to in the U.S. or Canada. When air conditioning is available, it is usually regulated seasonally and controlled centrally by the hotel.
    • Hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances, but these amenities cannot be guaranteed.
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    Connectivity
    • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
    • There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
    • Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.
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    Time zones
    • Japan is 13 hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
    • When it’s noon in New York, it's 1am on the following day in Japan.
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    Currency
    • You will use the Japanese yen in Japan.
    • Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
    • We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks as needed.
    • You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
    • Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
    • International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
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    Tipping
    • At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
    • We recommend tipping the equivalent of $8USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
    • If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
    • Tips can only be paid in cash.
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    Purchasing excursions on tour
    • Most optional excursions will be available for purchase while you are on tour.
    • Your Tour Director will only accept cash (in USD only), Visa, or MasterCard as payment for excursions.
    • Please be advised that if you pay for an excursion by credit card while on tour, it may take up to three months for your card to be charged.
    • Some optional excursions may only be purchased in advance. See page four of your tour itinerary for more information. International travel is, by its very nature, unpredictable. We must therefore reserve the right to change this itinerary, without advance notice, to meet with local conditions at the time of travel. We appreciate your understanding. Please refer to our website for Terms & Conditions, dates, and prices.
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