Japan Highlights
Cherry Blossom Special - 12 Days 11 nights Tour to Hiroshima, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama, Mt. Fuji, Hakone & Tokyo
Download PDF BrochureEvery spring, Japan transforms into a soft pink wonderland as cherry blossoms—sakura—blanket the country in breathtaking beauty. From the ancient temples of Kyoto to the bustling parks of Tokyo, this fleeting season symbolizes renewal, reflection, and natural splendor. Whether enjoying a hanami picnic beneath the blossoms or strolling through lantern-lit paths at night, visiting Japan during cherry blossom season offers an unforgettable blend of culture, serenity, and seasonal charm
Upon arrival in Hiroshima, you are met and transferred to your hotel; subject to hotel check in policy, normally check in time is 15:00. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
Stay 2 nights in Hiroshima.
After breakfast, embark on a full-day tour to discover the scenic island of Miyajima, famously known as “Shrine Island.” The highlight is the iconic giant torii gate, which appears to float on the sea during high tide—a truly picturesque sight. As you explore the island, you may encounter wild deer roaming freely, adding to the island’s charm. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample fresh oysters, a beloved local delicacy. In the afternoon, return to the mainland to visit the Atomic Bomb Dome (Hiroshima Peace Memorial). Once the Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall, this UNESCO World Heritage Site now stands as a powerful symbol of peace and a poignant reminder of the city’s history. After the tour, return to your hotel for the evening.
This morning, board the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Osaka. Upon arrival, head to the vibrant Namba area, where your city exploration begins. Visit the historic Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest Buddhist temples. Then enjoy a scenic walk along the canal, browse the multi-story Don Quijote megastore, and experience the lively energy of Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, a paradise for shoppers and food lovers alike. In the afternoon, visit Osaka Castle, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by expansive parkland and moats, the castle offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation deck and a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past. After your sightseeing, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Osaka
This morning, depart Osaka and drive to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital. Visit the majestic Todaiji Temple, one of the country’s most important and historic Buddhist temples. Inside, you’ll find the Great Buddha Hall (Daibutsuden), housing one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. While exploring Nara Park, you’ll likely meet the city’s famous free-roaming deer, considered sacred messengers of the gods. Be sure to try feeding them shika senbei—special deer crackers available from local vendors. In the afternoon, continue your journey to Kyoto and visit the iconic Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stunning Zen Buddhist temple, with its top two floors covered in gold leaf, is beautifully set beside a reflective pond and surrounded by peaceful gardens. Afterward, check in to your hotel in Kyoto for the evening.
Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Kyoto’s most celebrated landmarks. Perched on a hillside, its famous wooden veranda juts out over the valley, offering sweeping views of the city below—especially breathtaking during cherry blossom or autumn foliage seasons. Continue to Arashiyama, a scenic and charming district on Kyoto’s western edge. Stroll across the symbolic Togetsukyo Bridge, explore quaint local shops and cafés. Don’t miss a walk through Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove, where towering stalks create a magical, tranquil atmosphere. A quick visit to Gion, Kyoto’s geisha district, with hostesses in colorful kimonos often sighted on the wooden Tatsumi Bridge, or amid upscale Japanese restaurants and boutiques on Hanamikoji Street before rreturning to your hotel.
Depart Kyoto at 10:00 AM, with a stop in the port city of Tsuruga for lunch and a short walk along the harbor. Then continue to Kanazawa; upon arrival in the afternoon, visit the renowned Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens, known for its seasonal beauty and elegant landscape design. Overnight stay in Kanazawa.
Today we visit Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go Gassho-zukuri village, which has beautiful retro landscape like the scenery of Japan back in the day. It was selected as an important traditional building preservation district in 1976, and in 1995, Shirakawa-go together with Gokayama (In Toyama Prefecture) was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Cultural Heritage). Shirakawago is also a place where you can deeply feel the rural culture way of life. Overnight in Takayama.
Spend the morning exploring Takayama on foot, strolling past traditional merchant houses and sake breweries in the beautifully preserved old town. Then drive toward Hakone, stop en route at Lake Suwa for lunch and leisurely take a lake cruise. Continue to Hakone and check in for a 2-night stay.
This morning, we drive up Japan’s highest mountain, the iconic Mt Fuji, arguably one of Japan’s most potent symbols. Proceed to Mt Fuji 5th Station to enjoy a breath-taking view of the volcano and its surrounds. After lunch at your own expense, take a leisure scenic cruise on Lake Ashi. It was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago, we then take the Hakone Ropeway to have a 360-degree view of Mount Fuji and Hakone area. We arrive Ohwakudani, also named as Great Boiling Valley, which is formed by volcanic eruption 4000 years ago. With white smoke coming out from the valley with very strong Sulphur smell, you can buy the “Kuro-tamago” (black boiled egg) there with the legend saying that eating one egg will add 7 years to your life.
NOTE: Ascending to Mt. Fuji 5th Station is subject to weather conditions. Alternatively, it will replace with Fujisan World Heritage Center
The morning is free at leisure, you may wish to attempt the round two onsen and /or wander around beautiful nature nearby. In the afternoon we drive to Tokyo.
Spend a worth full day sightseeing in one of the biggest Metropolitan cities in the world. The tour will start visiting the venerable Asakusa Kannon Temple, also called Sensoji, which has more than 1300 years of history. You will also go to the iconic Tokyo SkyTree. Then we will stop at Tsukiji fish market where you still can find many stalls selling seafood, seasonal fruits, assorted nuts, soft cream, egg rolls, sashimi and more, you will enjoy your own lunch there. Afterwards we will relax and take a cruise along the canal before we return to our hotel. Overnight in Tokyo.
This morning is at leisure; in the afternoon, transferred to the airport for your flight bound for Australia.
Japan Highlights
Start in Hiroshima:
Tue 24/03/2026
Finish in Tokyo:
Sat 04/04/2026
AVAILABLE
Tour code: JH260324
Airline | Price | |
---|---|---|
Land Only | $7680 | Book |
Remarks
- This tour is guarantee departure based on a minimum of 6 people and maximum of 20 people.
- Land only price: Tour starts from Arrival transfer in Hiroshima to Departure transfer in Tokyo, excludes any international flights.
- Visa: Not required for Australia passport holder for a stay up to 90 days.
- Sakura (cherry Blossom) period:Late March - Mid April; subject to weather conditions.
- Pre / Post Stay Hotel: Upon request
- 4* hotel references:
- Hiroshima Oriental Hotel
- Osaka Holiday Inn Namba
- Kyoto Nikko Princess Hotel
- Kanazawa Ken Hotel & Resorts
- Takayama Green Hotel
- Hakone Yumoto Tenseien
- Tokyo Bay La Vista Hotel
Inclusions
- Fully inclusive tour with all transfers between airports / piers / stations and hotels in each city; daily sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary; professional English speaking local guides and cruise etc. Most meals - breakfasts are Western / local cuisine style buffet at hotel, while lunches and dinners are mostly local cuisines served at selected restaurants, please refer to meal code on itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner, BD=buffet dinner, SD=specialty dinner, WD=western dinner).
- Most of our hotels are 4 star international standard hotels with twin share superior class accommodation. All rooms have private facilities, telephone, colour TV and in-room internet facilities. Many hotels have a swimming pool.
- Professional English speaking through guide will accompany the group throughout the trip. This is subject to the minimum of 10 clients for each tour. Should the group be less than 10 people, the local guide will meet you at the airport / station upon your arrival and return you to the station / airport for your next destination.
- Driver guide will be arranged for group size under 10 people.
- CBT Holidays travel wallet and travel kits.