Cherry Blossoms & Castles: Springtime in Japan

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Ashley Kaminski-Horak, Travel Agent in Cameron, NC

Ashley Kaminski-Horak

Cameron, NC Travel Agent
Super Agent

Ashley Kaminski-Horak

Cameron, NC · 7 Years of Experience

Ashley Kaminski-Horak, an independent agent with Inteletravel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency
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We were so thankful for all the help planning our trip. As this was our first time out of the country, we weren’t 100% sure what... Read More >
COUNTRIES VISITED:Japan
PLACES VISITED:Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo
SUGGESTED DURATION:15 Days
Experience the beauty and wonder of Japan during the breathtaking cherry blossom season on this 15-day journey through vibrant cities, ancient cultural sites, and scenic countryside. From the neon-lit streets of Osaka and Tokyo to serene temples in Kyoto and the poignant history of Hiroshima, this itinerary blends adventure, tradition, and modern marvels. Delight in seasonal specialties, meet sacred deer in Nara, ride a rickshaw through Kurashiki, and watch snow monkeys bathe in hot springs near Nagano. Explore theme parks, sip sake, visit castles, and marvel at Mt. Fuji’s splendor—then unwind beneath blooming sakura trees for unforgettable moments of peace and beauty.
Close All Days
DAY1
Osaka
Close Day
Arrival in Osaka & Dotonbori Delights
Welcome to Japan! Arrive in Osaka and check into your hotel. After settling in, head to the neon-lit streets of Dotonbori, famous for its buzzing nightlife, quirky signs, and mouthwatering street food. Take in the energy of the city as you wander along the canal, grab a bite of takoyaki, and snap a photo with the iconic Glico Man sign.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Arrival in Osaka
Explore Dotonbori
Try takoyaki and other Osaka street foods
DAY2
Osaka
Close Day
Universal Studios Japan & Kansai Adventure
pend the day exploring Universal Studios Japan, home to thrilling rides, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Super Nintendo World. For those seeking something different, opt for a Kansai regional adventure such as exploring Osaka Castle or a quick side trip to Kobe.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Universal Studios Japan
Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World
Optional visit to Osaka Castle or Kobe
DAY3
Osaka
Close Day
Nara Park & Osaka Street Food
Journey to Nara to meet the friendly, free-roaming deer at Nara Park and visit the iconic Todai-ji Temple. Return to Osaka in the evening for a guided street food tour through the city’s culinary backstreets.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple
Feed and photograph sacred deer
Evening Osaka street food tour
DAY4
Osaka
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Kyoto
Close Day
Kyoto Highlights Tour
Enrich yourself with the fascinating history of Kyoto’s numerous UNESCO-listed temples and shrines during this full-day from Osaka or Kyoto. Explore the seemingly endless *torii* gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, visit Kiyomizu-dera temple, explore Kinkaku-ji temple, and stroll the bamboo-lined paths of Arashiyama. Cap off your day with a luxurious Wagyu dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Discover Temples and Shrines
Air conditioned bus
Michelin Starred Wagyu Beef Dinner
DAY5
Osaka
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Hiroshima
Close Day
Hiroshima and Korakuen Garden
Take the train to Hiroshima and check into your hotel. In the afternoon, head to Okayama to visit Korakuen Garden—one of Japan’s top three gardens—before returning for dinner featuring Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Train to Hiroshima
Visit Korakuen Garden in Okayama
Dinner: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki
DAY6
Hiroshima
Close Day
Hiroshima & Miyajima UNESCO Tour
This day trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima is the easy way to see many sights in a single day, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Travel by comfortable air-conditioned coach to important World War II-era places in Hiroshima, and the iconic red gates of Miyajima’s Itsukushima Shrine, which appear to float on water. Learn all about the history and culture of these attractions from your English-speaking guide and through an audio-guide on board your bus.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Peace Memorial Park & Museum
Atomic Bomb Dome
Ferry to Miyajima Island
DAY7
Hiroshima
Close Day
Day Trip to Kurashiki
Take the train to the charming town of Kurashiki. Enjoy a traditional rickshaw ride and explore the preserved Edo-period streets, canals, and art museums before returning to Hiroshima in the evening.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Train to Kurashiki
Rickshaw tour of the historic quarter
Canal strolls and art galleries
DAY8
Japan
Close Day
Travel to Nagano
Take the train to Nagano and check into your hotel. Spend your first evening here strolling around the historic streets, visiting Zenko-ji Temple if time allows, and enjoying local cuisine in a cozy izakaya.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Train to Nagano
Zenko-ji Temple (optional)
Local food exploration
DAY9
Japan
Close Day
Snow Monkeys, Hokusai & Sake
Enjoy a premium small-group tour (typically 6-8 guests, maximum 12), blending nature, culture, and culinary delights. Start your day at Nagano Station and visit the iconic Snow Monkey Park, where you’ll walk through serene forests to see wild monkeys soaking in natural hot springs. Next, explore the charming town of Obuse, enjoying a delicious local lunch and a sake-tasting session at a historic brewery, sampling two premium sakes. Discover the Hokusai Museum, showcasing masterpieces by Japan’s ukiyo-e legend, and stroll through picturesque streets lined with traditional shops. For those seeking more, an optional visit to the historic Zenkoji Temple—one of Japan’s most revered Buddhist sites—is available. Walk in the footsteps of centuries of pilgrims and experience its serene atmosphere. With stunning scenery, cultural experiences, and insights from a knowledgeable guide, this tour offers a carefully curated day immersed in Nagano’s nature, art, history, and flavors.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park
Hokusai Museum
Sake tasting
DAY10
Japan
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Tokyo
Close Day
Matsumoto Castle & Tokyo Arrival
Take a scenic train ride to Matsumoto to explore the beautiful black “Crow Castle,” then continue to Tokyo and check into your hotel. Enjoy a quiet evening walk or dinner near your accommodations.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit Matsumoto Castle
Train to Tokyo
DAY11
Tokyo
Close Day
Tokyo Disneyland
Step into the magical world of Tokyo Disneyland for a day of classic Disney attractions, parades, and seasonal cherry blossom-themed experiences.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Full day at Tokyo Disneyland
Cherry blossom photo ops and snacks
DAY12
Tokyo
Close Day
Tokyo DisneySea
Spend the day at Tokyo DisneySea, a one-of-a-kind park with stunning architecture, thrilling rides, and immersive lands like Mysterious Island and Mermaid Lagoon.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Full day at Tokyo DisneySea
Unique rides and immersive lands
DAY13
Tokyo
Close Day
Mt. Fuji Full Day Tour
Escape from the city of Tokyo and discover Japan's natural miracle around the World Heritage Mt. Fuji and Hakone in 1 day! The deluxe coach will take you to the 5th Station of Mt. Fuji first. And then enjoy a Lunch buffet with local fresh food at the bottom of Mt. Fuji! Feel the energy from beautiful Hakone nature! Go for a landscape ride on a sky gondola then feel the breeze from a Lake Ashi cruise. For return, take the bullet train to Tokyo station.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Full-day Mt. Fuji tour
Exhilarating experience at Hakone Ropeway
Relax yourself with the nature of Hakone
DAY14
Tokyo
Close Day
Tokyo Exploration & Sakura Finale
Spend your final full day on a self-guided tour of Tokyo. Visit the Capybara Café, explore Akihabara’s vibrant tech and anime shops, see the cherry blossoms in Ueno Park or Chidorigafuchi, and end the night with a sumo-themed dinner show.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Capybara Café
Akihabara exploration
Go Kart Experience
Ueno Park or Chidorigafuchi cherry blossoms
Sumo dinner show
DAY15
Tokyo
Close Day
Departure Day
Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your journey home, filled with memories of cherry blossoms, street food, samurai castles, and unforgettable adventures.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Head home
FINAL THOUGHTS
From cherry blossoms to neon lights, this is Japan at its most magical—one unforgettable experience at a time.