Japan Cherry Blossom Escape: 11 Nights in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka

Overview

Come with us to Japan for springtime when soft pink cherry blossoms decorate the cities. We start your trip in Tokyo, a great mix of modern buildings and old history. Then we go to Kyoto to see temples, gardens and streets covered in flower petals. We visit Hiroshima, a place with parks, museums and memorials that link to the past. We finish in Osaka where you can enjoy street food, bright neon lights and cherry trees along the rivers. This is a dream trip where culture, food and nature meet under the beautiful Japanese spring sky.

Best season: Spring is the best time to see the cherry blossoms.

Gallery

Trip highlights

• Fly to Japan with a top airline
• Visit four iconic cities: Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka
• Stay 11 nights in three star and four star hotels
• Travel between cities on the JR Pass
• See the famous cherry blossoms

Day by day itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrival in Tokyo

   Welcome to Tokyo, Japan's exciting capital. We will transfer you from the airport to your hotel in the city centre. You can relax or explore famous areas like Shibuya and Shinjuku. See the lively crowds, bright lights and blooming cherry trees. Enjoy your first Japanese dinner at a local restaurant. Take in Tokyo's wonderful evening skyline before heading back to your hotel. You will stay overnight in Tokyo.

2. Day 2

   Tokyo Sightseeing

   Start your day at Meiji Shrine, a peaceful place with lovely trees. Visit the Imperial Palace and its East Gardens. Explore Asakusa and the Senso ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Wander through Nakamise Street with its souvenir shops and snacks. See Tokyo from above at the Tokyo Skytree. Explore Harajuku and cross the famous Shibuya Crossing. The evening is free for shopping or dinner in Shinjuku. You will stay overnight in Tokyo.

3. Day 3

   Tokyo Discovery

   Begin your day in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a calm spot with cherry blossoms. Visit Tsukiji Outer Market for sushi, seafood and local treats. Go to Odaiba, a modern entertainment area on Tokyo Bay. See TeamLab Planets Tokyo, an immersive art museum. Explore Ginza for high end shopping and delicious food. Walk in Ueno Park, a popular cherry blossom spot with museums and ponds. As the day ends, relax and enjoy Tokyo's amazing skyline. You will stay overnight in Tokyo.

4. Day 4

   Tokyo to Kyoto

   Board the Shinkansen bullet train for a scenic journey to Kyoto. Watch the Japanese countryside pass by with its rows of cherry trees. Arrive in Kyoto and check into your hotel. Explore the Gion District, known for its geisha history and tea houses. Walk along Shirakawa canal at night, lit by lanterns and cherry trees. Enjoy a delicious kaiseki dinner, a traditional Japanese multi course meal. You will stay overnight in Kyoto.

5. Day 5

   Kyoto Highlights

   Visit the Kinkaku ji Golden Pavilion, reflected in a peaceful pond. Stroll in the calm Ryoan ji Zen Garden. Discover Nijo Castle, once home to the Tokugawa shoguns. Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Togetsukyo Bridge. Enjoy a boat ride on the Katsura River among the spring blossoms. Iwatayama Monkey Park offers great views of Kyoto. Pontocho Alley, with its riverside cafes, is a great place for dinner. You will stay overnight in Kyoto.

6. Day 6

   Kyoto Heritage

   Start at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its many red torii gates. Walk along the Philosopher's Path, lined with cherry trees and small shrines. Visit Nanzen ji Temple and the Heian Shrine with its large torii gate. Wander through Nishiki Market, Kyoto's kitchen, and try local foods. Teramachi Street offers matcha treats and artisan goods. You can also attend a traditional tea ceremony. The evening is free to relax or explore Kyoto's nightlife. You will stay overnight in Kyoto.

7. Day 7

   Kyoto to Hiroshima

   Travel by train to Hiroshima, a city of peace and strength. Check into your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome. Explore the Peace Memorial Museum to learn about Hiroshima's past. Walk through Shukkeien Garden, a calm spot in the city centre. Try Hiroshima style okonomiyaki for dinner. The evening is free to rest or explore downtown Hiroshima. You will stay overnight in Hiroshima.

8. Day 8

   Miyajima Island Excursion

   Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, one of Japan's most beautiful places. Visit Itsukushima Shrine, known for its floating torii gate. Walk around the charming village streets with souvenir shops and cafes. Try fresh oysters and momiji manju, local treats. Hike or take the ropeway to Mount Misen for amazing island views. Return to Hiroshima for a quiet evening. You will stay overnight in Hiroshima.

9. Day 9

   Hiroshima to Osaka

   Take a scenic train trip from Hiroshima to Osaka, Japan's food capital. Settle into your hotel. Explore the lively Namba and Dotonbori areas, enjoying the neon lights. Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki, popular Osaka street foods. Take a night cruise along the Dotonbori Canal for wonderful views. Enjoy the city's lively atmosphere and street performers. You will stay overnight in Osaka.

10. Day 10

    Osaka Discovery

    Visit the impressive Osaka Castle, surrounded by blooming cherry trees. Discover Shitenno ji Temple, Japan's oldest Buddhist temple. Wander through Kuromon Market, a food lover's paradise. The Umeda Sky Building offers stunning city views. Enjoy shopping in Shinsaibashi, Osaka's most fashionable area. You can also visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Return to Dotonbori for another evening of dining and entertainment. You will stay overnight in Osaka.

11. Day 11

    Nara Day Trip

    Take a short train trip to Nara, Japan's first permanent capital. Visit Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue. Walk in Nara Park, where friendly deer roam among the cherry trees. Explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine, known for its thousands of stone lanterns. Higashimuki Shopping Street offers local crafts and refreshments. Return to Osaka for your final night in Japan. Celebrate with a farewell dinner and a toast to your adventures. You will stay overnight in Osaka.

12. Day 12

    Departure from Osaka

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before checking out. You can relax or do some last minute shopping. We will transfer you to Kansai International Airport for your flight back to the UK. You will leave with lovely memories of Japan's cherry blossoms, traditions and hospitality. Say goodbye to Japan until your next amazing trip!