Price from: $448
Highlights: Mutianyu Great Wall | Dingling Tomb (Ming Tombs) | Tian’anmen Square | Forbidden City | Summer Palace
- Country: China
9 Days Japan Cherry Blossom Journey Through Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka
Tour highlights: Cherry blossom viewing | Senso-ji Temple | Meiji Shrine | Shibuya & Shinjuku | Bullet train | Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) | Fushimi Inari Shrine | Arashiyama Bamboo Grove | Philosopher’s Path | Gion district | Nara Deer Park | Todaiji Temple | Osaka Castle | Dotonbori Street
English Speaking Guide
Max Group size of 12 people
All accomodations included
Our tours get great reviews!
We have over 15 years experience
Price of tour: $3394*
* (Price can be 10% lower or higher depending on the season. Please tell us your preferred travel month in the booking form)
Tour summary
Experience Japan’s most spectacular season with the 9 Days Japan Cherry Blossom Journey through Tokyo, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka!
Witness vibrant cherry blossoms in full bloom as you explore Tokyo’s iconic Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Shrine, and bustling neighborhoods. Ride the bullet train to Kyoto for ancient temples, geisha districts, Arashiyama’s bamboo forest, and picture-perfect sakura by the Philosopher’s Path. Discover the friendly deer and majestic Todaiji Temple in Nara.
Tour Itinerary
Tour Table of Contents
Day 1: Tokyo Arrival
Welcome to Japan! Upon arriving at Tokyo’s airport, make your own way to the hotel. Use this evening to relax after your journey or take an initial stroll to feel the pulse of this incredible metropolis.
Rest well—your Japanese adventure begins tomorrow!
Day 2: Tokyo Tour | Parks, Temples & the World's Busiest Crossing
Today, we dive into Tokyo’s captivating blend of old and new. We begin at Ueno Park, where paths lined with blooming cherry trees (sakura) create a breathtaking spring canopy.
Next, we visit Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, located in the traditional Asakusa district.
We then contrast the serene with the spectacular at Meiji Jingu Shrine, dedicated to the revered Emperor Meiji and set in a lush forest. Finally, we experience the famous organized chaos of the Shibuya Crossing, a symbol of modern Tokyo’s endless energy.
Day 3: Tokyo - Lake Kawaguchi - Tokyo | Sacred Views of Mt. Fuji
We journey today to the iconic Five Lakes region for stunning views of Japan’s most sacred natural icon: Mount Fuji. We’ll visit Arakurayama Sengen Park, where a photogenic five-story pagoda stands framed against the majestic mountain—a classic Japanese scene.
Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a relaxing scenic cruise on Lake Kawaguchi, offering another peaceful perspective of Fuji-san’s snow-capped peak (weather permitting). We then return to Tokyo for the evening.
Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen | An Afternoon of Free Exploration
Say goodbye to Tokyo as we board the renowned Shinkansen (Bullet Train) for a thrilling ride to Kyoto, the heart of traditional Japan. Upon arrival, the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace.
Wander through quaint streets, discover local cafes, or simply soak in the more relaxed atmosphere of this ancient capital.
Day 5: Kyoto Tour | Temples, Teahouses & a Traditional Tea Ceremony
Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Kyoto. We start at Kiyomizudera Temple, whose wooden stage offers magnificent views over the city—especially beautiful amid cherry blossoms. We’ll then stroll down the charming preserved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, lined with traditional shops.
Next, we visit Maruyama Park, a popular hanami (flower-viewing) spot centered around a magnificent weeping cherry tree. We explore the historic Gion district, known as the geisha quarter, and cap the day with an authentic Japanese tea ceremony experience, learning about this graceful art form.
Day 6: Kyoto Tour | Gold, Bamboo & a Scenic Railway Ride
Today showcases more of Kyoto’s diverse wonders. We first visit the stunning Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple covered in gold leaf that shimmers in its pond. Next, we explore Nijo Castle, known for its “nightingale floors” that chirp to warn of intruders.
Then, we board the charming Sagano Scenic Railway for a picturesque ride through the lush Hozugawa Ravine.
We continue on foot through the ethereal Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, visit the elegant Tenryu-ji Temple, and cross the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge overlooking the mountains.
Day 7: Kyoto - Nara - Osaka | Thousand Gates & Sacred Deer
We depart Kyoto for a day of exploration. First, we stop at the mesmerizing Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, famous for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates forming a path up the mountain.
Then, we continue to the ancient capital of Nara. Here, we’ll visit the colossal Todaiji Temple, home to one of Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statues, and wander through Nara Park, where friendly, sacred deer roam freely.
We also see the beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shrine, renowned for its hundreds of stone and bronze lanterns, before continuing to the vibrant city of Osaka for the evening.
Day 8: Osaka Tour | Castle, Culture & Culinary Delights
Discover the energetic spirit of Osaka today! We begin at the impressive Osaka Castle Park, an iconic symbol of the city’s history.
We then immerse ourselves in Japanese art at the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, which specializes in woodblock prints from the Osaka region. Later, we dive into Osaka’s legendary food and shopping scene, exploring the bustling Shinsaibashi-suji shopping arcade and the neon-lit entertainment district of Dotombori.
Our final stop is the unique Namba Yasaka Shrine, known for its massive, lion-headed stage designed to swallow evil spirits.
Day 9: Osaka Departure
Your incredible journey through Japan concludes today. After breakfast, you will independently transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for your departing flight, taking with you a treasure trove of memories from the timeless temples, modern marvels, and beautiful cherry blossoms of Japan. Safe travels, and sayōnara!
Included in the price
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Accommodation: Stay in 4-star hotels in each city throughout Japan.
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Meals: Daily breakfasts are included.
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Attraction Tickets: Entrance fees for all listed attractions are covered, ensuring complete access. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, suitable alternatives will be arranged in consultation with the group.
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Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles throughout the trip.
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Tour Services: Comprehensive support, including tour planning, coordination, operations, and assistance until the completion of your journey.
- Shinkansen Tickets: High-speed train tickets for intercity travel as specified in the itinerary (no guiding service during train rides).
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English-Speaking Guide: Professional local guide to accompany and assist throughout the trip(no).
Excluded from the price
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Visa: Travelers are responsible for obtaining their own visas and covering related fees.
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Airfare: International round-trip and domestic flights are not included (booking services and instant quotes are available upon request).
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Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off services are not provided on arrival and departure days.
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Travel Insurance: Not included and should be arranged independently.
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Single Room Supplement: Prices are based on double occupancy. Guests requiring a single room must pay an additional supplement.
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Tips: Gratuities for drivers and guides (tipping customs may vary; please confirm with your guide in advance).
Enquiry & Booking
Please fill out this short form and we will send you an itinerary and options to book this tour with us. Thank you for your trust and looking forward to welcome you on this amazing tour!
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Price from: $358
Highlights: Terracotta Warriors | Xi’an City Wall | Bell and Drum Tower Square | Big Wild Goose Pagoda | Muslim Street Food Tour
- Country: China
Price from: $320
Highlights: Yongding Tulou Cluster | Zhencheng Building | Kuiju Building | Rusheng Building | Gulangyu Island | Sea Garden Paradise | Shuzhuang Garden | Piano Museum | Nanputuo Temple | Huandao Road | Shapowei Art Zone
- Country: China
Reviews from Our Travelers
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What Makes Us the Best Travel Agency for Asia?
Meet Our Expert Local Team
Our multilingual team’s passion ensures you receive personal, attentive, and friendly guidance—from planning to the last day of your trip.
Jessie | Founder
10 years experience in organizing expat tours in China.
Jessie first worked as travel consultant for many years, her excellent organizing skills and great travel route planning have won the trust of many customers. In 2018 she founded experiencetibet.org, an agency offering tours in Tibet autonomous region and other Tibetan areas in China such as Gansu, Yunnan and Sichuan. In 2020 she started yellowbirdtour.com, with destinations all over China.
Penny | China travel consultant
Penny has rich experience in organizing foreigners tours to many places in China, such as Tibet, Gansu, Yunnan, Xinjiang, Zhangjiajie. She is very responsive, always quick and patient. Customers like her, they always come back for more tours, and also recommend many of their friends to join.
Dawei | Tour guide / operator
Dawei is a Tibetan Buddhist, and comes from the most north edge of the Tibetan plateau in Qinghai province, Western China. He has travelled as a tour leader to many South Asian countries such as India, Bhutan and also nearly the entire country of China. He focuse especially on guiding in Qinghai, Gansu, Sichuan, Ningxia provinces and Tibetan regions. The activities of these various tour groups have included adopting family, horse racing, hiking, bird watching, cycling, camping, overseas students, cultural and religious sightseeing.
Andrew | Touir guide / operator
Andrew was born and grew up in a small village of Zhangjiajie, Hunan. From 2009-2012 he works for royal Caribbean International cruise as an onboard guest services officer. After that, he dedicates his life/time to guiding and operating tours in Zhangjiajie and around. As a native person, he knows all the corner of the scenic area, such as good restaurants, souvenir shops and cultures. He is very experienced and super flexible, he knows how to avoid the crowds and take advantage of the weather and offer the best travel experience to customers, all you need to do is just relax and enjoy!
