Experience the Magic of Japan’s Cherry Blossoms
Spring in Japan is a magical time when the landscape is blanketed in delicate pink and white blossoms, and the air is filled with a sense of renewal. The cherry blossom season, or sakura, is one of the most celebrated events in Japanese culture. Stroll through tranquil parks, and capture unforgettable moments in iconic locations like Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka. The cherry blossoms of Japan offer an experience like no other, serene, enchanting, and truly unforgettable.
Example itinerary
Day 1
AUSTRALIA TO TOKYO
Arrive Tokyo
Welcome to our Japan Cherry Festival tour! Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. Tokyo, a city of striking contrasts, dazzles with neon-lit skyscrapers, serene shrines, and beautifully maintained gardens.
Day 2
GETTING TO KNOW TOKYO
Local Guide
After breakfast, we begin with cherry blossom viewing at Shinjuku Gyo-en, then visit the tranquil Meiji Shrine, nestled in a vast forest. After lunch, we explore Asakusa, home to Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji, and stroll down the historic Nakamise shopping street. We finish the day with panoramic views from the 634m Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower in the world.
Day 3
TOKYO TO MT FUJI/HAKONE
Mt Fuji/Hakone
Our first stop is the scenic Chureito Pagoda, offering stunning views of Mt Fuji framed by cherry blossoms. We continue to Lake Ashi for a cruise across the volcanic crater lake, then ride the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani. Here, we experience the volcanic landscape and try the famous black eggs. We arrive at our hotel and enjoy dinner.
Day 4
MT FUJI TO KYOTO
Experience Bullet Train
Iyashi No Sato, a picturesque village of thatched-roof houses on Lake Saiko’s western shore is a must see, before we board a bullet train to Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital for over 1,000 years. On arrival, we transfer to our hotel and enjoy lunch. Kyoto is rich in culture, history, and national treasures including temples, gardens, and shrines.
Day 5
NARA
Rich History and Historical Buildings
This morning we travel to Nara, with a stop at the stunning Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its endless red torii gates. We enjoy a gentle walk partway up Mount Inari. In Nara, we explore Nara Deer Park and visit Todaiji Temple, home to Japan’s largest Buddha. Our final stop is the lantern-lined Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Day 6
KYOTO
Visit Landmarks
Today, we take a look at the Kinkakuji Temple, known as the ‘Golden Pavilion’ due to its golden exterior before arriving at the Arashiyama district. Our primary visit is to the famous Sagano Bamboo Forest and across the Togetsukyo Bridge which is Arashiyama’s well known central landmark.
Day 7
KYOTO TO OSAKA
Arrive Osaka
After breakfast, travel to visit the Osaka Castle, known for its impressive history and panoramic city views. After lunch, we head to the Umeda Sky Building for more stunning vistas. We finish the day exploring the vibrant Dotonbori district, famous for its lights, food, and energy.
Day 8
OSAKA TO HOME
Travel Home
We are transfer to the airport today after a wonderful, engaging time in a country so very different to our own. This will be a truly memorable trip and one we should be happy to have undertaken as part of our travelling life.
FAQs
Where does your tour expertise come from?
We have been working in tour planning for over 35 years. We are constantly researching new products, visiting properties and attractions, so your tours are current and have the most suitable accommodation and attractions for your groups. We will have the latest new events in the marketplace. As part of the Expanding Horizons network you benefit from other tour operators experiences as well. The feedback we receive from tours on the road assists in ensuring we are using the best available suppliers who will do the best for your passengers.
Can you arrange Flights, Trains, Cruises and Coach Charter?
Yes, as part of our tour service we book all these for you. So, all you need to do is sit back, while we do everything for you.
Do you have a cancellation fee?
Expanding Horizons does not charge a cancellation fee if your whole tour cancels. However, there may be cancellation conditions from suppliers, accommodation and/or airlines that will be passed on. Expanding Horizons will remind you of these deadlines to avoid any out-of-pocket expenses.
How do I get charged?
Our cost to you is always on a per person, twin share cost with a single supplement. We will send you easy to understand invoices, for total flight cost, total accommodation cost and any deposits required, with the number of passengers travelling, when we receive your final rooming list.
How will my customers know it is my tour?
The booking is in your name – it is your tour, not ours. The booking is made in your company’s name, with bookings confirmed in writing to you.
How much does it cost to get a tour going?
There is no charge to write, cost and book your tour, even if the tour cancels (with the exception of any supplier’s nonrefundable deposits). The only time we invoice you is when the tour is a go, and the cost has already been covered by your passengers.
What if I don't like some parts of my tour?
Not a problem, it is your tour! Nothing is set in concrete. We are happy to change any aspect of the tour for you and we encourage your feedback so we can make sure the tour is exactly what you are looking for before it is booked and costed.
What type of accommodation is booked?
We use various standards of accommodation ranging from 3.5 to 5 stars depending on what you want. All accommodation has an ensuite bathroom, the exception being some unique properties in outback locations. We will advise where shared facilities are necessary. We always look for accommodation with walk in showers and ground floor or with a lift (where possible) so it will suit a senior clientele.
Will my passengers know that Expanding Horizons help me organise my tours?
No – this is your tour. We are behind the scenes helping you, so you get all the credit for a successful tour.
Where did all the brilliant images come from?
Our thanks to the following tourism boards for supplying these images.
Tourism Australia
South Australian Tourism Commission
Tourism Western Australia
Destination NSW
Tourism NT
Tourism and Events Queensland
Tourism Victoria
