Discover Japan Cherry Blossoms - Snow Monkeys & Nakasendo with Hiroshima

Day 1

Tokyo Narita Airport or Haneda Airport

Welcome to Tokyo! You will be met at the arrival gate by an AJT representative holding an "All Japan Tours" sign.

Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower or similar class

NOTE 1: The meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available on the first day of the tour. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, please contact us for the transfer if needed.

NOTE 2: If you wish to stay extra nights before the tour starts, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.

Day 2

Tokyo (Tsukiji Outer Market / Imperial Palace / Sushi Making Experience / Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden - Cherry Blossom Viewing / Shibuya Crossing)

After breakfast, enjoy a tour of Tsukiji Outer Market, an outdoor open market area which is all that remains of the old Tsukiji Wholesale Fish Market. It is one of Tokyo's busiest street markets; the perfect place to browse fresh seafood, produce, street food and other food-related goods. Continue from there to visit the Tokyo Imperial Palace, the residence of the Imperial Family, where you can admire the stately beauty of the outer grounds. Next, learn how to create your own sushi with a professional sushi chef. Whatever you make, you will get to eat for lunch! Then, take a walk around Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a large public park that contains a variety of beautiful gardens, including a traditional Japanese landscape garden, a French Garden, an old- fashioned English landscape Garden, and indoor botanical garden. The cherry blossoms around the garden are among the loveliest in Tokyo, and you will have opportunity to walk around and admire them. We proceed from there to Shibuya, known for the Shibuya “Scramble Crossing” which, at the right signal, floods the intersection with a great throng of oncoming businesspeople, shoppers, and travelers, converging from all directions in a jaw-dropping cloud of people.
Note: For Sushi Making Experience, if you are vegetarian, on gluten-free diets, have seafood allergy, or don't eat raw fish, please contact us for other ingredient options.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower or similar class

Day 3

Tokyo (Tokyo Skytree / Asakusa Sensoji Temple & Nakamise Street / Free for leisure in the afternoon)

After breakfast, join our half-day walking tour of Tokyo. We first ascend to the observation deck of Tokyo SkyTree – the tallest tower in Japan (and one of the tallest in the world), providing incredible panoramic 360-degree views of the Tokyo cityscape. Even Mount Fuji is visible on clear days! From there, we head over to Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple and shrine complex. Enter by way of the Kaminarimon “Thunder Gate,” in which hangs an enormous red paper lantern. Don’t forget to look up to see the dragon sculpture under the lantern! Walk through the Nakamise District – a street lined with shops selling traditional goods of all kinds, before appreciating the beauty of Sensoji Temple. In the afternoon, you are free for leisure to explore Tokyo on your own.

Breakfast

Hotel New Otani Tokyo Garden Tower or similar class

Day 4

Mt Fuji (Arakurayama Sengen Park - Chureito Pagoda - Cherry Blossom Viewing / Lake Kawaguchi / Kubota Itchiku Art Museum)

After breakfast, visit Arakurayama Sengen Park, where visitors can enjoy the sight of Mount Fuji (in clear weather) from an observation platform behind Chureito Pagoda. The pagoda, when viewed together with the iconic mountain, creates a quintessential scene of Japan. Next, we will visit Lake Kawaguchi, the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes with the best views of the sacred mountain and splendid lakeside nature scenes. Then, we will tour the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum and view the Tsujigahana silk dyed artworks of Itchiku Kubota, which includes dramatic scenes of Mount Fuji, his “Oceans” and “Universe” collections, and a continuous series of dyed kimono from his unfinished masterpiece “Symphony of Light.” After, we continue to Matsumoto for a relaxing evening at the ryokan accommodation, where you can enjoy a relaxing dip in a kaiseki cuisine dinner and a relaxing dip in an onsen hot spring bath.

Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Hotel Shoho Matsumoto or similar class

Day 5

Yudanaka (Snow Monkey Park), Obuse (Hokusai Museum)

In the morning, we depart from Matsumoto to Yudanaka to see the adorable Japanese Macaque, also called Snow Monkeys, as they roam the gorgeous mountain area or bathe in an outdoor hot spring. Though they are called "Snow Monkeys", they can be observed in every season throughout the year. Next, we go to Obuse, to the Hokusai Museum, which celebrates the creative genius of the artist Hokusai through its collection of his woodblock prints and paintings. These are done in the classical "ukiyo-e" style which was popular during the Edo period. After, we return to Matsumoto for a restful evening.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Shoho Matsumoto or similar class

Day 6

Narai (Kamidonya Shiryokan), Walk the Old Nakasendo Road from Magome to Tsumago, Tsumago (Honjin / Wakihonjin), Bullet train from Nagoya to Kyoto

After breakfast, we depart for the Kiso Valley, stopping first in the town of Narai, which was once one of the wealthiest towns in the area, nicknamed "Narai of a Thousand Houses". While there, we visit the Kamidonyo Shiryokan, the former residence of the town's wholesaler, where you can admire the beautifully preserved architecture. Next, enjoy a delightful walk on the Old Nakasendo Road from Magome to Tsumago (see below for note on hiking trail options). These two post towns served as rest stops and relay stations for government officials and others traveling the Nakasendo, which stretched from Kyoto to Tokyo during the Edo period. Both of the towns and the road between them are carefully kept to reflect that traditional time period, and offer idyllic natural landscapes to admire along the way. On arrival in Tsumago Post-Town, we visit the Honjin and Wakihonjin, two preserved inns. The Honjin was the town's most prestigious inn, and served only the noblest clientele, whereas the Wakihonjin was reserved for the lower social classes, and today contains a small museum containing exhibits connected to the history of the town. When we are done exploring Tsumago for the day, we go to Nagoya and take a speedy, comfortable bullet train to Kyoto.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto or similar class

Note: The full hike from Magome to Tsumago is 7 km and takes about 3 hours at a comfortable pace. We offer a few options for those who don't want to walk that distance. You can walk from Magome to Otaki-Metaki Waterfalls, a distance of 4.2 km, taking about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Or you can walk part of the way from Magome to Magome-Toge, a distance of 1.7 km, taking only 45 minutes. If you don't feel like walking the Nakasendo that day, please feel free to ride the private coach bus to Tsumago.

Day 7

Kyoto (Arashiyama - Tenryuji Temple & Zen Garden - Sagano Bamboo Forest / Golden Pavilion / Gion Geisha District - Dinner with Geisha Experience)

After breakfast, we head to the Arashiyama district to visit Tenryuji Temple, a fascinating Zen Buddhist Temple with a gorgeous traditional Japanese landscape garden that has survived in its original state for centuries. Then proceed through the nearby Sagano Bamboo Grove, where densely packed stalks of towering green bamboo create an otherworldly feeling of awe and mystery as you walk the pathway through the center. From there, we view one of Kyoto’s most coveted sights – the elegant Golden Pavilion. The temple’s shimmering golden walls can be seen reflected in the Mirror Pond below, but don’t miss the dainty phoenix ornament sitting on the roof! We will end our day in the Gion Geisha District, a heritage district featuring stone-paved streets lined with ochaya (teahouses) – exclusive establishments where guests are entertained by Geisha and Maiko. Here, we will enjoy a dinner in the company of an elegant Geisha.

Breakfast / Dinner

Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto or similar class

Day 8

Kyoto (Kiyomizu Temple / Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka / Green Tea Ceremony / Kimono Experience / Fushimi Inari Shrine / Fushimi Sake District - Sake Tasting)

We start the day with a visit to Kiyomizu Temple, also known as the Temple of Pure Water, a celebrated landmark famed for its iconic three-story pagoda and large wooden stage, and trio of sacred springs pouring from the base of the main hall. Leading up to the temple are Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka; these streets are filled with preserved buildings that retain the character of the Edo period. Many of the buildings sell souvenirs and Kyoto- specific wares. While in the area, you will be able to experience a formal Green Tea Ceremony – one of Japan’s arts of classical refinement. The ceremony is an elegant ritual of hospitality once only accorded to the social elite. Next, stop for a local experience where you can try on a stylish kimono – an item for which Kyoto is famous – to immerse yourself more completely in the traditional atmosphere. Then, we travel to Fushimi Inari Shrine – the chief of the thousands of shrines throughout the country dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of economic prosperity, agriculture, and foxes. What sets this shrine apart is the sight of hundreds of bright vermillion “torii” gates that form long pathways through the forest covering Mount Inari. After, head to the nearby Fushimi Sake District, where rows of old-fashioned buildings house over 40 traditional sake breweries, which use the clear spring waters flowing underground to produce their premium products. Many of these breweries offer limited sake-tasting opportunities for visiting guests eager to try the delicious local brews.

Breakfast / Lunch

Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto or similar class

Day 9

Mt Yoshino (Kinpusenji Temple / Yoshimizu Shrine / Cherry Blossom Viewing), Katsuragi (Sumo Experience at Kehaya- za)

After breakfast, we depart for gorgeous Mount Yoshino, which many consider to be the best place in Japan to view cherry blossoms. We visit Kinpusenji Temple, a temple of the Shugendo religion, which blends elements of Shugendo religion, which blends together elements of Buddhism and mountain worship. We also visit Yoshimizu Shrine, which is famous for being a place where samurai warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi held some of his cherry blossom viewing parties. Take some time to enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms covering the side of Mount Yoshino, rising above the landscape like large fluffy pink clouds. We go from there to Katsuragi for a Sumo Experience at Kehaya-za. Learn the culture and techniques of Japan's national sport, and engage in a practice match. After, the tour continues to Osaka.

Breakfast / Lunch

Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station or similar class

Day 10

Nara (Todaiji Temple / Deer Park), Osaka (Osaka Castle - Cherry Blossom Viewing / Dotonbori - Street Food Tour / teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka)

In the morning, we depart for the ancient city of Nara, where we will visit one of Japan’s most famous temples and an icon of the city: Todaiji Temple, which is home to the Great Buddha of Nara – a massive, seated image of the Buddha Vairocana, called a “Cosmic Buddha”. Outside the temple, spend some time with the friendly wild deer of Nara Deer Park. These adorable creatures are largely accustomed to interacting with people, and some have even learned to bow when asking for the special deer crackers, which can be bought around the park. Next, we return to Osaka to visit to Osaka Castle. This national treasure was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Warring States Period. Osaka Castle retains its traditional exterior, though inside is a modern museum about Hideyoshi and the castle’s history. We include some time to view the cherry blossoms in the nearby castle park. From there, we go to Dotonbori, the center of Osaka's "Kuidaore" street food culture. Enjoy a special street food tour, with Takoyaki, Kushikatsu, and one dessert included. We end the day at teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka. This after-dark art installation by popular digital art collective teamLab transforms the Nagai Botanical Gardens into a surreal fantasy forest. The installation emphasizes harmony with nature by projecting patterns of light and color over the garden’s natural features to avoid damage to the landscape.

Breakfast / Dinner

Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station or similar class

Day 11

Bullet Train from Osaka to Hiroshima
Hiroshima (Okonomiyaki Lesson / A-Bomb Dome - Peace Memorial Park - A-Bomb Museum)

Today, we take a bullet train from Osaka to Hiroshima. On arrival, we learn about the local Hiroshima style of Okonomiyaki, a kind of savory Japanese pancake. Enjoy a simple lesson where you will learn how to make this simple comfort food for yourself. From there, we visit the austere, stately Peace Memorial Park, which is by far the most significant feature of Hiroshima. The Peace Park consists of the Peace Memorial Museum, an awe-inspiring Cenotaph for the victims, and other small monuments. The Museum, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Kenzo Tange, details the history of Hiroshima leading up to the day of detonation, the events of the day, and the suffering that resulted from it. It ends in a hope for a peaceful world, free of nuclear weapons. You will also see the UNESCO- inscribed Hiroshima Peace Memorial (called the “Genbaku Dome”), which was formerly the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building was one of the few in the area to partially survive the nuclear blast and is now preserved in a state of arrested ruin.

Breakfast / Lunch

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel or similar class

Day 12

Miyajima Island (Senjokaku Hall / Five-Story Pagoda / Itsukushima Shrine / Daisho-in Temple / Mount Misen - Miyajima Ropeway)

In the morning, we take a ferry to Miyajima Island to visit Senjokaku Hall, a building within the Toyokuni Shrine complex. This impressive hall means "Pavilion of a Thousand Tatami Mats", but was never completed due to the death of its principal builder, samurai warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Standing on a hill next to the pavilion is the Five-Storied Pagoda - an magnificent work of Buddhist architecture dedicated to the Buddha of Medicine. We then go to view Miyajima's most famous landmark – Itsukushima Shrine. Cunningly built to stand partly out into Hiroshima Bay, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is most famous for its “floating” torii shrine gate, which appears to hover over the water at high tide. The view through the gate at high tide is considered one of the “Three Scenic Views of Japan”. Then, visit Daisho-in Temple, where you can admire its hundreds of Buddhist statues, including the 500 statues of Buddha’s disciples, statues of Jizo (the Buddhist guardian of children), and even adorable little “baby monk” statues. Finally, take the Miyajima Ropeway up to the observation area on Mount Misen, which offers spectacular views of the whole island.

Breakfast / Lunch

Sheraton Grand Hiroshima Hotel or similar class

Day 13

Tour Ends

After breakfast, our tour officially ends.
Checkout time is 11 am.
Transfer to the airport by Airport Limousine Bus

Breakfast

NOTE 3: The departure airport transfer is ONLY available on the last day of the tour. If you plan to stay extra nights after the tour, please contact us for the transfer if needed.

NOTE 4: If you would like to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.