
Only the freshest sushi served in Tsukiji Fish Market!

Romantic train ride from Kameoka to Arashiyama

Evening illumination of the cherry trees in Chidorigafuchi

A canopy of sakura along the Philosopher's Path

Classic Sakura
10 days
Tokyo › Fuji Five Lakes › Kawaguchiko › Kyoto › Kameoka › Arashiyama › Kyoto › Nara › Yoshino › Osaka › Himeji › Osaka
An upscale ryokan with a fantastic view of Mt. Fuji


The weeping Japanese cherry in Heian Jingu

A luxurious hotel on a hillside overlooking Nara Park
Overview
Spring is a season of new beginnings. A season of hope and joy. A season where everything blossoms. To bring you the best of Japan during the best of seasons, we have created the definitive sakura experience. Spanning ten days, this tour features the best sakura spots during the bloom season from the end of March to early April.
This comprehensive itinerary covers the major destinations between Tokyo and Himeji. Between the two is every permutation for the best sakura viewing experience. You will see the magnificent cherry blossoms in urban parks, before a great mountain, around great temples, along a river, under the night sky, and more. You will also notice a diversity in species and colors. Such is the beauty of spring in Japan.
We made sure to include a variety of quintessential vernal activities to make the trip even more memorable. You will enjoy a hanami picnic, a romantic train ride, a philosopher’s walk, and more. You will also see the legendary hitome-senbon in Mt. Yoshino, where one thousand blossoming cherry trees are visible within your field of view. With our Classic Sakura tour, each spot is unique, each city has identity. A classic Japan tour has never been prettier.
Highlights
Outline
Arrival: Narita International Airport
Day 1: Arrival in TokyoTokyo
Arrive in Tokyo. Adventure is about to start!
Day 2: Tokyo TourTokyo
Explore Tokyo, a city where sakura is beautiful day and night
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Mt. Fuji TourFuji Five Lakes › Kawaguchiko
Explore the Fuji Five Lakes area, and enjoy panoramic views of the mountain
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Kyoto TourKyoto › Kameoka
Explore Kyoto, where cherry blossoms line your path between temples
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Arashiyama and Kyoto TourArashiyama › Kyoto › Nara
Explore Arashiyama, where flowers give color to the mountains and river
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 6: Nara TourNara
Explore Nara, where hundreds of deer roam under the cherry trees
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 7: Yoshino TourYoshino › Osaka
Explore Yoshino, the most famous sakura viewing spot in Japan
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 8: Osaka TourOsaka
Explore Osaka and its classic landmarks, and observe the city from above
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 9: Himeji TourHimeji › Osaka
Explore Himeji, home to the best castle in the whole country
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 10: Leaving JapanOsaka
Leave Japan, and bring home many wonderful memories!
Meals included : Breakfast
Departure: Kansai International Airport
What is included?
Tour Accommodation
Western hotel: 7 nights -- Japanese ryokan: 2 nights
Meals
9 breakfasts -- 8 lunches -- 3 dinners
Transport
Airport pickup -- Private car: 8 days -- Bullet train: 1 time (Odawara - Kyoto)
Tour guide
Airport pickup -- Guided tour: 8 days
Included activities
Tickets for attractions and rides as defined in the itinerary, where necessary
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the tour
You might be also interested in
Trip name | days | |
---|---|---|
Festive Sakura Tokyo to Tokyo | 10 | |
Valentine Sakura Tokyo to Tokyo | 7 | |
Sakura Express Tokyo to Osaka | 7 |
Overview
Spring is a season of new beginnings. A season of hope and joy. A season where everything blossoms. To bring you the best of Japan during the best of seasons, we have created the definitive sakura experience. Spanning ten days, this tour features the best sakura spots during the bloom season from the end of March to early April.
This comprehensive itinerary covers the major destinations between Tokyo and Himeji. Between the two is every permutation for the best sakura viewing experience. You will see the magnificent cherry blossoms in urban parks, before a great mountain, around great temples, along a river, under the night sky, and more. You will also notice a diversity in species and colors. Such is the beauty of spring in Japan.
We made sure to include a variety of quintessential vernal activities to make the trip even more memorable. You will enjoy a hanami picnic, a romantic train ride, a philosopher’s walk, and more. You will also see the legendary hitome-senbon in Mt. Yoshino, where one thousand blossoming cherry trees are visible within your field of view. With our Classic Sakura tour, each spot is unique, each city has identity. A classic Japan tour has never been prettier.
Highlights
Outline
Arrival: Narita International Airport
Day 1: Arrival in TokyoTokyo
Arrive in Tokyo. Adventure is about to start!
Day 2: Tokyo TourTokyo
Explore Tokyo, a city where sakura is beautiful day and night
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3: Mt. Fuji TourFuji Five Lakes › Kawaguchiko
Explore the Fuji Five Lakes area, and enjoy panoramic views of the mountain
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4: Kyoto TourKyoto › Kameoka
Explore Kyoto, where cherry blossoms line your path between temples
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5: Arashiyama and Kyoto TourArashiyama › Kyoto › Nara
Explore Arashiyama, where flowers give color to the mountains and river
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 6: Nara TourNara
Explore Nara, where hundreds of deer roam under the cherry trees
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 7: Yoshino TourYoshino › Osaka
Explore Yoshino, the most famous sakura viewing spot in Japan
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 8: Osaka TourOsaka
Explore Osaka and its classic landmarks, and observe the city from above
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 9: Himeji TourHimeji › Osaka
Explore Himeji, home to the best castle in the whole country
Meals included : Breakfast / Lunch
Day 10: Leaving JapanOsaka
Leave Japan, and bring home many wonderful memories!
Meals included : Breakfast
Departure: Kansai International Airport
Hotels
What is included?
Tour Accommodation
Western hotel: 7 nights -- Japanese ryokan: 2 nights
Meals
9 breakfasts -- 8 lunches -- 3 dinners
Transport
Airport pickup -- Private car: 8 days -- Bullet train: 1 time (Odawara - Kyoto)
Tour guide
Airport pickup -- Guided tour: 8 days
Included activities
Tickets for attractions and rides as defined in the itinerary, where necessary
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the tour
You might be also interested in
Trip name | days | |
---|---|---|
Sakura Express Tokyo to Osaka | 7 | |
Festive Sakura Tokyo to Tokyo | 10 | |
Valentine Sakura Tokyo to Tokyo | 7 |
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Arrival: Narita International Airport
Activities
The first day is a standard affair. Your guide will pick you up at the airport and assist you with preparations for the tour. A private coach will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After the check-in procedures are completed, you will have the rest of the day to yourselves.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
Day 2: Tokyo Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Transfer to Asakusa
- 10:00 - 11:30 Asakusa and Senso-ji
- 11:30 - 12:00 Transfer to Ueno Park
- 12:00 - 13:30 Ueno Park (bento lunch and hanami)
- 13:30 - 14:00 Transfer to Odaiba
- 14:00 - 15:00 Sightseeing around Odaiba
- 15:00 - 15:30 Transfer to central Tokyo / Shinjuku (Mon/Fri)
- 15:30 - 16:30 Tokyo Imperial Palace (East Garden) / Shinjuku Gyoen (Mon/Fri)
- 16:30 - 17:00 Transfer to Tsukiji
- 17:00 - 18:30 Sushi dinner
- 18:30 - 19:00 Transfer to Chidorigafuchi
- 19:00 - 19:30 Chidorigafuchi (sakura light-up)
- 19:00 - 20:00 Return to hotel
Meals
Activities





This day is designed around 3 different sakura viewing spots, each a different experience. On the first one, you will enjoy the hanami custom as the Japanese do, eating a light lunch under a cherry tree. For the second, you will visit either the East Garden of Tokyo Imperial Palace or Shinjuku Gyoen, both of which offer you great sakura views and neatly organized gardens. Finally, you will see cherry blossoms light up during the evening at Chidorigafuchi.
The sakura appreciation will be interspersed with famous Tokyo spots along the Sumida River, Asakusa and Odaiba. You will see, among other things, the Senso-ji temple, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay. You will also have an early dinner of delicious sushi at Tsukiji, the famous fish market. The best is yet to come, for you will be treated to even more marvelous sights on the next day.
Day 2: Tokyo Tour
Day 3: Mt. Fuji Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 11:30 Transfer to Fuji Five Lakes
- 11:30 - 12:30 Arakura Sengen Shrine
- 12:30 - 13:00 Transfer to Iyashi no Sato
- 13:00 - 14:30 Hoto udon lunch
- 14:30 - 15:30 Drive around Lake Kawaguchi
- 15:30 - 16:00 Transfer to ryokan
- 16:00 - 18:00 Ryokan check-in >> onsen, free time
- 18:00 - 19:30 Beef kaiseki dinner
Meals
Activities


The main highlight of the day is of course Mt. Fuji, which has high visibility during early spring. The destinations have been chosen to bring you the classic views often featured in Japanese postcards. You will see many faces of the great mountain: looming over a city, during lunch, reflected on a lake, outside your hotel. As beautiful as Mt. Fuji pictures are, they are at least twice as picturesque with the cherry blossoms in the same frame.
In an attempt to further capture the quintessential Japanese experience, we chose the meal and accommodation accordingly. For lunch, you will enjoy a local recipe. The famous udon noodles prepared with vegetarian ingredients is a specialty of the Fuji Five Lakes region. As for your hotel, it will feature not only an impressive panorama, but also indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. You will also enjoy a nice dinner of Koshu beef.
Day 3: Mt. Fuji Tour
Day 4: Kyoto Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Ryokan check-out >> transfer to Odawara
- 10:00 - 12:00 Transfer to Kyoto by shinkansen
- 12:00 - 13:30 Kyo-ryori lunch
- 13:30 - 13:45 Transfer to Heian Jingu
- 13:45 - 14:45 Heian Jingu
- 14:45 - 15:00 Transfer to Ginkaku-ji
- 15:00 - 16:30 Philosopher’s Path
- 16:30 - 17:30 Transfer to Kameoka
- 17:30 - 18:00 Ryokan check-in >> free time, onsen
- 18:00 - 19:30 Sukiyaki dinner
Meals
Activities



A bullet train will take you to Kyoto, a historic city of a thousand temples. Two of them you will visit today: Heian Jingu and Ginkaku-ji. In the former, you will see budding shidare-zakura blossoms, also known as the weeping cherry. From the latter, you will take a walk on the famous Philosopher’s Path, a 2-km stretch of blooming cherry trees. A canopy of flowers will filter the sunlight along the path, creating a breathtaking scene.
Throughout the day, you will experience the classic side of Japan that Kyoto epitomizes. For lunch, you will try authentic Kyoto cuisine, delectable for not only your palates but also all your senses. In the evening, you will enjoy a stay in a true ryokan in Kameoka, a hidden gem just west of Kyoto. In this atmospheric lodging, you can enjoy good food and refreshing onsen. Get plenty of quality rest after the long walk in Kyoto!
Day 4: Kyoto Tour
Day 5: Arashiyama and Kyoto Tour
Schedule
- 09:30 - 10:30 Ryokan check-out >> transfer to Kameoka Station
- 10:30 - 11:00 Sagano Romantic Train (Kameoka - Arashiyama)
- 11:00 - 12:30 Sightseeing around Arashiyama
- 12:30 - 14:00 Kyo-ryori lunch
- 14:00 - 15:00 Transfer to Kyoto
- 15:00 - 15:45 Kinkaku-ji
- 15:45 - 17:00 Transfer to Nara >> hotel check-in
Meals
Activities


Today, you will see the first highlight of the Classic Sakura tour. In the morning, you will board the Sagano Romantic Train from Kameoka Station. The scenic railway runs slowly along the Hozu River, affording you an incredible view of the surrounding nature, including the rows of cherry trees and the beautiful mountains. Stopping at Arashiyama, you will then take in even more unbelievable sights, including the panorama from the Togetsukyo bridge and the bamboo grove.
After a delightful kaiseki lunch by the river, you will return to the city of Kyoto and visit another of its iconic landmark: the golden pavilion. This temple will bedazzle you with its glittering exterior, reflected in the water along with the greens that surround it. You will bid Kyoto goodbye after briefly revisiting it and leave for Nara, where you will be staying tonight.
Day 5: Arashiyama and Kyoto Tour
Day 6: Nara Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Transfer to Nara Park
- 10:00 - 11:00 Nara Park
- 11:00 - 12:00 Todai-ji
- 12:00 - 12:15 Transfer to restaurant
- 12:15 - 13:45 Cha-gayu lunch
- 13:45 - 14:00 Transfer to Kasuga Taisha
- 14:00 - 15:00 Kasuga Taisha
- 15:00 - 15:45 Transfer to Horyu-ji
- 15:45 - 16:30 Horyu-ji
- 16:30 - 17:00 Return to hotel
Meals
Activities



Nara Park is simply gorgeous in spring, combining both adorable wildlife and a forest of cherry trees. You can take your time feeding the cute deer that roam around and enjoying the scenic view in the park. You will then visit the great temples and shrine that make Nara world-famous. In particular, you will see the country’s largest Daibutsu statue in the country’s largest wooden structure.
For the complete the Nara experience, you cannot miss out on the tea porridge for lunch. Called cha-gayu in Japanese, the dish originated in old Yamato, which was Nara’s name more than 1,700 years ago. At the end of the exciting day, you will once again return to your hotel in Nara, where you will stay another night.
Day 6: Nara Tour
Day 7: Yoshino Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:30 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Yoshino Station
- 10:30 - 11:30 Take the shuttle bus to Naka Senbon
- 11:30 - 13:00 Washoku lunch
- 13:00 - 14:00 Walk around Naka Senbon area
- 14:00 - 15:00 Yoshimizu Shrine
- 15:00 - 16:00 Kinpusen-ji Temple
- 16:00 - 16:30 Walk to Yoshino Station
- 16:30 - 18:30 Transfer to Osaka >> hotel check-in
Meals
Activities


Leaving Nara in the morning, you will be brought to another highlight of this Classic Sakura tour. Mt. Yoshino is by far the most famous cherry blossom spot in the country. Just by reaching the foot of the mountain, you will be treated to an explosion of spring colors. From there you will first ascend the mountain up to the Naka Senbon area, and then work your way down until eventually arriving at your starting point at Yoshino Station.
On the way down you will visit a shrine and a temple. The former features an iconic view of a thousand cherry trees covering entire slopes within an eyeshot. The latter has the second largest wooden structure in Japan, making it a nice follow-up to Todai-ji on the previous day. Words do not do the beauty of this mountain justice -- and as they say, seeing is believing. After the awe-inspiring adventure at Mt. Yoshino, you will be transferred to Osaka.
Day 7: Yoshino Tour
Day 8: Osaka Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Transfer to Osaka Castle
- 10:00 - 11:30 Osaka Castle
- 11:30 - 12:00 Transfer to Namba
- 12:00 - 13:30 Crab lunch
- 13:30 - 15:00 Sightseeing around Namba/Shinsaibashi
- 15:00 - 15:30 Transfer to Umeda Sky Building
- 15:30 - 16:30 Umeda Sky Building (Floating Garden Observatory)
- 16:00 - 17:00 Return to hotel
Meals
Activities



Exactly one week since your arrival in Tokyo, you will once again be touring a big city. As a change of pace from the natural attractions of the past few days, you will be visiting the man-made landmarks of Osaka. Two impressive works architecture await you: first is the repurposed Osaka Castle, now a museum, and second is the two connected towers collectively referred to as the Umeda Sky Building.
From atop the castle you will be able to see Nishinomaru Park teeming with visitors during the cherry blossom season, whereas on the open-air observation deck of the skyscraper you may see as far as the Awaji Islands across the strait on a typical clear day in spring. Of course, a classic Osaka tour is not complete without the famous crab dishes in Namba! As you will be staying yet another night in Osaka, this is also your chance to enjoy the lively evening atmosphere of the city.
Day 8: Osaka Tour
Day 9: Himeji Tour
Schedule
- 09:00 - 11:00 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Himeji
- 11:00 - 12:30 Teppanyaki lunch
- 12:30 - 12:45 Transfer to Himeji Castle
- 12:45 - 14:30 Himeji Castle
- 14:30 - 17:00 Transfer to Kansai International Airport >> hotel check-in
Meals
Activities


On your penultimate day in Japan, you will visit the ultimate castle. The newly restored castle complex, known for its brilliant white exterior, is the largest, best preserved, and most visited castle in the country. While exploring its vast premises, you may also get the chance to witness a sakura-fubuki (literally “a blizzard of cherry blossoms”) as the petals fall at the end of the flowering season.
Aside from the castle, another attraction of the day is the Japanese beef that Hyogo Prefecture is so renowned for. A teppanyaki lunch, where the chef prepares the beef in front of you, is an essential experience that you cannot miss in a classic Japan tour. When your time in Himeji is up, you will be brought to a hotel near Kansai International Airport, from which you will be flying out tomorrow.
Day 9: Himeji Tour
Day 10: Leaving Japan
Departure: Kansai International Airport
Meals
Activities
You have completed the Classic Sakura tour! We hope that you enjoyed your trip with ILJT! On the last day, you will check out of your hotel and conduct an independent transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight back home, and see you again soon!
Day 10: Leaving Japan
Arrival: Narita International Airport
Activities
The first day is a standard affair. Your guide will pick you up at the airport and assist you with preparations for the tour. A private coach will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city. After the check-in procedures are completed, you will have the rest of the day to yourselves.
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Transfer to Asakusa
- 10:00 - 11:30 Asakusa and Senso-ji
- 11:30 - 12:00 Transfer to Ueno Park
- 12:00 - 13:30 Ueno Park (bento lunch and hanami)
- 13:30 - 14:00 Transfer to Odaiba
- 14:00 - 15:00 Sightseeing around Odaiba
- 15:00 - 15:30 Transfer to central Tokyo / Shinjuku (Mon/Fri)
- 15:30 - 16:30 Tokyo Imperial Palace (East Garden) / Shinjuku Gyoen (Mon/Fri)
- 16:30 - 17:00 Transfer to Tsukiji
- 17:00 - 18:30 Sushi dinner
- 18:30 - 19:00 Transfer to Chidorigafuchi
- 19:00 - 19:30 Chidorigafuchi (sakura light-up)
- 19:00 - 20:00 Return to hotel
Activities





This day is designed around 3 different sakura viewing spots, each a different experience. On the first one, you will enjoy the hanami custom as the Japanese do, eating a light lunch under a cherry tree. For the second, you will visit either the East Garden of Tokyo Imperial Palace or Shinjuku Gyoen, both of which offer you great sakura views and neatly organized gardens. Finally, you will see cherry blossoms light up during the evening at Chidorigafuchi.
The sakura appreciation will be interspersed with famous Tokyo spots along the Sumida River, Asakusa and Odaiba. You will see, among other things, the Senso-ji temple, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, and Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay. You will also have an early dinner of delicious sushi at Tsukiji, the famous fish market. The best is yet to come, for you will be treated to even more marvelous sights on the next day.
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 11:30 Transfer to Fuji Five Lakes
- 11:30 - 12:30 Arakura Sengen Shrine
- 12:30 - 13:00 Transfer to Iyashi no Sato
- 13:00 - 14:30 Hoto udon lunch
- 14:30 - 15:30 Drive around Lake Kawaguchi
- 15:30 - 16:00 Transfer to ryokan
- 16:00 - 18:00 Ryokan check-in >> onsen, free time
- 18:00 - 19:30 Beef kaiseki dinner
Activities


The main highlight of the day is of course Mt. Fuji, which has high visibility during early spring. The destinations have been chosen to bring you the classic views often featured in Japanese postcards. You will see many faces of the great mountain: looming over a city, during lunch, reflected on a lake, outside your hotel. As beautiful as Mt. Fuji pictures are, they are at least twice as picturesque with the cherry blossoms in the same frame.
In an attempt to further capture the quintessential Japanese experience, we chose the meal and accommodation accordingly. For lunch, you will enjoy a local recipe. The famous udon noodles prepared with vegetarian ingredients is a specialty of the Fuji Five Lakes region. As for your hotel, it will feature not only an impressive panorama, but also indoor and outdoor hot spring baths. You will also enjoy a nice dinner of Koshu beef.
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Ryokan check-out >> transfer to Odawara
- 10:00 - 12:00 Transfer to Kyoto by shinkansen
- 12:00 - 13:30 Kyo-ryori lunch
- 13:30 - 13:45 Transfer to Heian Jingu
- 13:45 - 14:45 Heian Jingu
- 14:45 - 15:00 Transfer to Ginkaku-ji
- 15:00 - 16:30 Philosopher’s Path
- 16:30 - 17:30 Transfer to Kameoka
- 17:30 - 18:00 Ryokan check-in >> free time, onsen
- 18:00 - 19:30 Sukiyaki dinner
Activities



A bullet train will take you to Kyoto, a historic city of a thousand temples. Two of them you will visit today: Heian Jingu and Ginkaku-ji. In the former, you will see budding shidare-zakura blossoms, also known as the weeping cherry. From the latter, you will take a walk on the famous Philosopher’s Path, a 2-km stretch of blooming cherry trees. A canopy of flowers will filter the sunlight along the path, creating a breathtaking scene.
Throughout the day, you will experience the classic side of Japan that Kyoto epitomizes. For lunch, you will try authentic Kyoto cuisine, delectable for not only your palates but also all your senses. In the evening, you will enjoy a stay in a true ryokan in Kameoka, a hidden gem just west of Kyoto. In this atmospheric lodging, you can enjoy good food and refreshing onsen. Get plenty of quality rest after the long walk in Kyoto!
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:30 - 10:30 Ryokan check-out >> transfer to Kameoka Station
- 10:30 - 11:00 Sagano Romantic Train (Kameoka - Arashiyama)
- 11:00 - 12:30 Sightseeing around Arashiyama
- 12:30 - 14:00 Kyo-ryori lunch
- 14:00 - 15:00 Transfer to Kyoto
- 15:00 - 15:45 Kinkaku-ji
- 15:45 - 17:00 Transfer to Nara >> hotel check-in
Activities


Today, you will see the first highlight of the Classic Sakura tour. In the morning, you will board the Sagano Romantic Train from Kameoka Station. The scenic railway runs slowly along the Hozu River, affording you an incredible view of the surrounding nature, including the rows of cherry trees and the beautiful mountains. Stopping at Arashiyama, you will then take in even more unbelievable sights, including the panorama from the Togetsukyo bridge and the bamboo grove.
After a delightful kaiseki lunch by the river, you will return to the city of Kyoto and visit another of its iconic landmark: the golden pavilion. This temple will bedazzle you with its glittering exterior, reflected in the water along with the greens that surround it. You will bid Kyoto goodbye after briefly revisiting it and leave for Nara, where you will be staying tonight.
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Transfer to Nara Park
- 10:00 - 11:00 Nara Park
- 11:00 - 12:00 Todai-ji
- 12:00 - 12:15 Transfer to restaurant
- 12:15 - 13:45 Cha-gayu lunch
- 13:45 - 14:00 Transfer to Kasuga Taisha
- 14:00 - 15:00 Kasuga Taisha
- 15:00 - 15:45 Transfer to Horyu-ji
- 15:45 - 16:30 Horyu-ji
- 16:30 - 17:00 Return to hotel
Activities



Nara Park is simply gorgeous in spring, combining both adorable wildlife and a forest of cherry trees. You can take your time feeding the cute deer that roam around and enjoying the scenic view in the park. You will then visit the great temples and shrine that make Nara world-famous. In particular, you will see the country’s largest Daibutsu statue in the country’s largest wooden structure.
For the complete the Nara experience, you cannot miss out on the tea porridge for lunch. Called cha-gayu in Japanese, the dish originated in old Yamato, which was Nara’s name more than 1,700 years ago. At the end of the exciting day, you will once again return to your hotel in Nara, where you will stay another night.
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:30 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Yoshino Station
- 10:30 - 11:30 Take the shuttle bus to Naka Senbon
- 11:30 - 13:00 Washoku lunch
- 13:00 - 14:00 Walk around Naka Senbon area
- 14:00 - 15:00 Yoshimizu Shrine
- 15:00 - 16:00 Kinpusen-ji Temple
- 16:00 - 16:30 Walk to Yoshino Station
- 16:30 - 18:30 Transfer to Osaka >> hotel check-in
Activities


Leaving Nara in the morning, you will be brought to another highlight of this Classic Sakura tour. Mt. Yoshino is by far the most famous cherry blossom spot in the country. Just by reaching the foot of the mountain, you will be treated to an explosion of spring colors. From there you will first ascend the mountain up to the Naka Senbon area, and then work your way down until eventually arriving at your starting point at Yoshino Station.
On the way down you will visit a shrine and a temple. The former features an iconic view of a thousand cherry trees covering entire slopes within an eyeshot. The latter has the second largest wooden structure in Japan, making it a nice follow-up to Todai-ji on the previous day. Words do not do the beauty of this mountain justice -- and as they say, seeing is believing. After the awe-inspiring adventure at Mt. Yoshino, you will be transferred to Osaka.
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 10:00 Transfer to Osaka Castle
- 10:00 - 11:30 Osaka Castle
- 11:30 - 12:00 Transfer to Namba
- 12:00 - 13:30 Crab lunch
- 13:30 - 15:00 Sightseeing around Namba/Shinsaibashi
- 15:00 - 15:30 Transfer to Umeda Sky Building
- 15:30 - 16:30 Umeda Sky Building (Floating Garden Observatory)
- 16:00 - 17:00 Return to hotel
Activities



Exactly one week since your arrival in Tokyo, you will once again be touring a big city. As a change of pace from the natural attractions of the past few days, you will be visiting the man-made landmarks of Osaka. Two impressive works architecture await you: first is the repurposed Osaka Castle, now a museum, and second is the two connected towers collectively referred to as the Umeda Sky Building.
From atop the castle you will be able to see Nishinomaru Park teeming with visitors during the cherry blossom season, whereas on the open-air observation deck of the skyscraper you may see as far as the Awaji Islands across the strait on a typical clear day in spring. Of course, a classic Osaka tour is not complete without the famous crab dishes in Namba! As you will be staying yet another night in Osaka, this is also your chance to enjoy the lively evening atmosphere of the city.
Meals
Open previous day
Schedule
- 09:00 - 11:00 Hotel check-out >> transfer to Himeji
- 11:00 - 12:30 Teppanyaki lunch
- 12:30 - 12:45 Transfer to Himeji Castle
- 12:45 - 14:30 Himeji Castle
- 14:30 - 17:00 Transfer to Kansai International Airport >> hotel check-in
Activities


On your penultimate day in Japan, you will visit the ultimate castle. The newly restored castle complex, known for its brilliant white exterior, is the largest, best preserved, and most visited castle in the country. While exploring its vast premises, you may also get the chance to witness a sakura-fubuki (literally “a blizzard of cherry blossoms”) as the petals fall at the end of the flowering season.
Aside from the castle, another attraction of the day is the Japanese beef that Hyogo Prefecture is so renowned for. A teppanyaki lunch, where the chef prepares the beef in front of you, is an essential experience that you cannot miss in a classic Japan tour. When your time in Himeji is up, you will be brought to a hotel near Kansai International Airport, from which you will be flying out tomorrow.
Meals
Open previous day
Departure: Kansai International Airport
Activities
You have completed the Classic Sakura tour! We hope that you enjoyed your trip with ILJT! On the last day, you will check out of your hotel and conduct an independent transfer to the airport. Have a safe flight back home, and see you again soon!