Blooming Season

Daily details in brief 

Day 1 Arrive at Kansai International Airport (Osaka) where you will be taken to your central Kyoto hotel for 3 nights. Day 2 Enjoy a full day visiting the sights of Kyoto, beginning with the beautiful temples and blossoming gardens of Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. Next, we will visit the famous Zen Buddhist rock garden at Ryoan-ji. In the afternoon we will visit Kiyomizu-dera, a hillside temple offering fabulous views over the city. Day 3 Today we will take the train to the sleepy town of Nara, Japan's first permanent capital and home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The highlight of the day is a visit to Todai-ji temple, the largest wooden building in the world and home to the Great Buddha. Nara Park is a lovely place to stroll, relax and feed the deer. This afternoon you are free to continue exploring Nara or return to Kyoto. Day 4 Today we say goodbye to Kyoto and board the Bullet Train bound for Hakone, a quiet mountain resort nestling in the foothills of Mt Fuji. We check into the wonderful Hakone Prince hotel for the night. You are free to spend the afternoon strolling through the mountain paths and relaxing in your hotel’s soothing hot spring bath, looking out over majestic Lake Ashi. Day 5 Following breakfast, we will explore the landscape of Hakone, ride in a cable car for a 360 degree panorama of the surrounding mountains and enjoy a cruise across Lake Ashi. In the afternoon the bullet train will speed you to Tokyo, a city which must be seen to be believed. Your clean and comfortable hotel is located in the lively Shinjuku district, an ideal place to experience modern, urban Japan. Day 6 Today we will visit the lively district of Harajuku. As it’s a Sunday, you’ll be able to see young Japanese dressed up in their wackiest clothing at this friendly spot. Nearby Meiji Shrine is a haven of tranquillity in busy Tokyo and one of the most beautiful shrines in Japan. We should be able to see cherry blossoms in Yoyogi Park and you are free to wander chic Omotesando Boulevard and browse the Oriental Bazaar for handicraft goods and souvenirs. Day 7 Enjoy a full-day city tour beginning with the Imperial Palace. We will then visit bustling Senso-ji Temple in the downtown area of Asakusa, and you will be able to browse a multitude of electronic stores in Akihabara, Tokyo's 'Electric City'. Relax in the afternoon and enjoy the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park. Day 8 Depart from Narita International Airport (Tokyo).