8 Day Luxury Japan Cherry Blossom Tour

The Sensoji Temple located in Asakusa is one of the most popular Buddhist temples to visit. The temple was built and completed in the year 645 and is Tokyo’s oldest temple. The surrounding area offers shopping for souvenirs and food. The Sanja Festival is one of Tokyo’s biggest festivals and is held every May at Asakusa Temple.

The rickshaw is a traditional mode of transit – a throwback to a feudal age when these were constructed of simple wood. They were used as a medieval taxi service or as private transit for the rich, with an estimated 40,000 rickshaws in operation. Today’s rickshaw is more modern, with a sleek metallic frame and seats lined with plush cushioning, making it one of the best ways to view the historic streets of Asakusa District. While famous for Sensoji Temple, Asakusa is rich in history allowing you to see the more traditional side of Tokyo during your rickshaw ride through the narrow streets.

The taiko drum is an iconic musical instrument of Japan. The history of the taiko drum in Japan is rich and full of various techniques and styles to play the drums. There are many classes and lessons available for visitors to attend that teaches the art of taiko drums. Guests can learn about the different styles, techniques, and history of the taiko drums while taking these lessons.

Near the Imperial Palace is an broad moat named Chidorigafuchi, that once separated Edo Castle from the city proper. During most of the year, this landmark is a tranquil park of stately beauty - an excellent place for a short break from the ceaseless frenzy of downtown Tokyo. Yet during the waning weeks of spring, Chidorigafuchi is elevated from functionally pretty park to terrestrial paradise, when hundreds of cherry blossoms bloom and fall along the shallow banks, turning the peaceful moat into a pink pastel fantasy.

The outer Tsukiji Fish Market offers a variety of freshly prepared food products and ingredients. Travel in between the different stores and taste a few of their dishes, freshly prepared with some of the best ingredients.

Take a lesson from an expert and prepare fresh sushi. Experience the difference in the taste of Japanese-grown ingredients. Then, enjoy eating your masterpiece for lunch after completing your sushi lesson.

The Meiji Shrine is located next to Harajuku Station and next to Yoyogi Park. The shrine is located within a small forest with large trees and the entrance is designated by a large torii gate. This is also one of Tokyo’s most popular shrines, with more than a million visitors after New Year’s Day.

This modern museum was built to house the collection of traditional and Asian artworks amassed by businessman and avid collector Kaichiro Nezu, being founded and opened to the public by Nezu's sonafter his father's passing. The museum includes a permanent collection of traditional paintings, sculptures, ceramics, handicrafts, and more, with an especial focus on Buddhist artworks, and a more prominent exhibit that rotates every month or so.

Lake Ashinoko along with Mount Fuji in the background is the proud symbol of Hakone. One of the best views with the lake and Mount Fuji could be seen from one of the many sightseeing boats. There are a few boat cruises available, but the main two are ran by Hakone Sightseeing Boats and Izuhakone Sightseeing Boats. The best time to come is during the cherry blossom season and when the autumn colors are at its peak.

Owakudani is located in Hakone and is an area around a crater where gaseous fumes, hot springs, and hot rivers exist. Just like most of Hakone, on a clear day, it is possible to see Mount Fuji as well. There are hiking trails available for guests, but these trails are difficult for inexperience hikers.

The Hakone Open Air Museum is located near Chokoku No Mori Station in Hakone. There are over than one thousand pieces of art featured at this museum that will keep visitors busy besides the breathtaking views. The museum features various sculptures with beautiful views of the surrounding area of Hakone. The museum also features indoor galleries of paintings, sculptures, ceramic art, and other artistic creations.

The shinkansen (or "bullet train") is a type of high speed train that travels between most of the major cities in Japan. By taking the shinkansen, trips between destinations that might take almost a full day by car can be reached in a few hours. The bullet trains can run up to 320 kilometers per hour (close to 200 miles per hour), and are known to be generally on time, comfortable and safe.

The machiya of Kyoto are old-fashioned wooden townhouses from the Edo period, usually serving as the residences and shops for merchant families of that period. The strict propriety laws of the period contributed to the simplistic nature of the machiya, which ooze rustic charm from the smooth tatami mats and minimalist decoration through the thin folds of bamboo window screens. Merely to experience the atmosphere that prevails in the Machiya Townhouse is to be immersed in the time-honored traditions of old Kyoto.

Japanese calligraphy is the art of writing beautiful artistic characters of the Japanese language. The history of Japanese calligraphy is rich and has different techniques and styles just like any other form of art. There are classes and lessons available for visitors to attend that teaches the art of Japanese calligraphy. Guests can learn about the different styles, techniques and the history of Japanese calligraphy while taking these lessons.

Ikebana is one of Japan’s oldest crafts, which is the art of flower arrangement. The history of Ikebana (also known as Kado in Japanese) is rich and has different techniques and styles just like any other form of art. There are classes and lessons available for visitors to attend that teaches the art of Ikebana. Guests can learn about the different techniques, styles, and history of Ikebana while taking these lessons.

The famous Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Temple is located in northern Kyoto and is most known for the building covered in gold leaf. This famous building is the number one most popular destination for tourist visiting Kyoto. The Golden Pavilion sits overlooking a large pond and various small attractions and shops are available for visitors.

Arashiyama is located on the western outskirts of Kyoto and is a well-known destination for both the cherry blossoms and fall colors seasons. North of the famous Togetsukyo Bridge is Sagano, and together they make this place a nice little getaway from temples and shrines to enjoy nature. Popular destinations include the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Forest of Arashiyama.

The Kimono Forest of Arashiyama is a dense bamboo- like "forest" of about 600 pillars next to Randen Tram Station on Kyoto's Keifuku Arashiyama line. It was designed by Japanese artist and interior designer Yasumichi Morita. The pillars are cleverly arranged in a fashion similar to Arashiyama's famous bamboo grove, and bisected by a walking path where visitors can enjoy the brightly colored poles. The path leads down to a small pond called Ryu no Atago (the "Dragon Pond"), where visitors make wishes for their future. The pillars themselves are clear Plexiglas with kimono fabric displayed inside. The kimono inside reflect Kyoto's history of fashionable textiles, as they include 32 kimono patterns in the traditional "Kyo-yuzuen" style. The evening is one of the best times to visit, as the pillars are illuminated with internal LED lights.

Located in the Arashiyama district in Kyoto, the Tenryu- Ji Temple is Arashiyama’s most popular temple. The temple is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The original buildings of Tenryu-Ji Temple was lost many times throughout its history, except for Tenryu-Ji’s garden. The Tenryu-Ji Temple Zen Garden that visitors see today is the original garden and landscape.

One of the most popular and well-known spots for visitors is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. A nice walking path takes visitors through the groves of bamboos. The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is also one of the most famous and photographed places in all of Kyoto and brings many visitors every year during the autumn color season.

In the northern part of central Kyoto is Nijo Castle, where it was once the former Kyoto residence of the shogun. This area is also listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This area was once home to the shogun when he would visit Kyoto. This place serves as the best examples of castle palace architecture from Japan’s feudal era because most of the buildings here survived since they were originally built.

The Fushimi Inari-Taisha Grand Shrine is located in southern Kyoto and is one of the most famous and visited shrines in Kyoto. This shrine is only five minutes away from Kyoto Station by train, and features over a thousand vermillion colored torii gates that brings many tourist to this shrine every year.

The Kiyomizu-Dera Temple is located only 15 minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station to the eastern side of Kyoto. This temple is one of the most popular temples in Kyoto and is listed as one of Japan’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple features a large wooden terrace that offers a fantastic view of the cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn colors during the fall season with the city of Kyoto in the background.

Japan is a very unique cultural experience because much of Japan’s history is still preserved, protected, and celebrated. One of the best ways to experience a visit to Japan would be to explore it while wearing a kimono. The kimono is one of Japan’s most oldest and traditional pieces of clothing. There are many places available in Japan to rent a kimono to wear and explore this beautiful country.

Zen meditation is unique and is central in Zen Buddhism. This form of meditation calms both the body, mind, and to also gain enlightenment by seeking insight into the nature of existence. There are lessons and classes available for visitors where a Zen priest guides guests to practice Zen meditation and teaches the significance of Zen as part of the Japanese culture.

Green tea has a rich history in Japan and has been the most popular non-alcoholic beverage for years. A green tea ceremony is the ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea that has been practiced for hundreds of years. The ceremony is full of many rituals and has a strong Zen Buddhism influence. The tea is prepared by the host for the guests and is usually green tea made from powdered tea leaves.

Located only 20 minutes away by bus from Kyoto Station, is the Gion Geisha District. The Gion Geisha District is one of the most famous and popular destinations for tourist visiting Kyoto. This area is filled with restaurants, teahouses, shops, and other attractions to entertain guests. The machiya merchant houses along with river and the occasional geisha walking around, brings visitors from everywhere to experience everything that this area has to offer.

Kyoto is known for its Gion district which is famous for its geisha (geiko in Kyoto dialect) and apprentice geisha called maiko. There are many locations within Kyoto and the Gion district where visitors can have a maiko experience. Enjoy a traditional Japanese kaiseki dinner in the company of a Maiko.