Japan Blossoms Explorer Tour

Explore Japan’s rich culture, art, traditions, and crafts. Immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere of temples and shrines, marvel at stunning gardens, and safely stroll through Tokyo’s trendy neighbourhoods.

From the historical significance of Hiroshima and the marvels of ancient Kyoto to the charming farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, the serene beauty of Mount Fuji, and the tranquility of Miyajima Island, Japan promises to captivate your senses!

• Home pick up and return within the Auckland Metropolitan area (if applicable).
• Services of your Tour Leader; Tracey Garland, throughout.
• Economy class airfares from Auckland to Tokyo, Tokyo to Hiroshima then Tokyo back to Auckland on Air NZ & All Nippon Airways (ANA) including all airfare and airport taxes.
• Shinkansen Bullet Train from Kobe to Kyoto.
• All Coach travel within Japan.
• Quality hotel accommodation throughout, including 1 night at a traditional Ryokan on historic Miyajima Island.
• All dinners included and many in local restaurants.
• Sightseeing tours in Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kobe, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Takayama and Lake Kawaguchi.
• All airport, hotel and railway station transfers throughout.
• Tour Guide and Driver gratuities.
• Documentation and travel bag.

• Ueno Park’s more than 1000 cherry trees
• Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine.
• Tokyo Farewell Dinner
• Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima.
• Himeji (White Heron) Castle Kobe.
• Umemori Sushi school in Nara.
• Kodai-ji Temple traditional tea ceremony
• The revered Kiyomizu-dera Temple
• World-renowned Fushimi Inari shrine
• Arashiyama Serene Bamboo Grove, Kyoto.
• A Gold Leaf experience in Kanazawa.
• Historic Takayama.
• Shirakawa-go,  Traditional farmhouses.
• Oshino Hakkai village at the base of Mount Fuji.

Day 1 – AUCKLAND – TOKYO    D                          

Pick up from your home address and transfer to the airport for your Air NZ flight NZ99 to Tokyo. Arrive 4.50pm local time. Dinner included tonight.

Accommodation: Hotel & Spa Resort La Vista or similar (2nights).

 

Day 2 – TOKYO SIGHTSEEING   B,D                                      

A city tour including a visit to the iconic Ueno Park, home to over 1000 cherry trees. Take in the Tokyo National Museum, Sensoji the oldest temple in Tokyo and the Asakusa Shrine. Take in the view from City Hall observatory in Shinjuku and the famous Shibuya Crossing.  

 

Day 3 – TOKYO – HIROSHIMA    B,L,D                              

Transfer to Haneda Airport for your ANA flight to Hirsohima. Enjoy an delectable lunch and then a tour of modern Hiroshima, including the Peace memorial. Stroll through mesmerising Shukkei-en gardens and marvel at Hiroshima Castle.  

Accommodation: ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel or similar. (1 night).

 

Day 4 – HIROSHIMA – MIYAJIMA ISLAND   B,D                                             

Depart to the extraordinary island of Miyajima. It’s original temples are centuries old. Explore Daisho Temple and Itsukushima Shrine. Spend the night at a traditional Ryokan, where you will have a multi course gourmet dinner tonight.

Accommodation: Miyajima Grand Hotel Arimoto or similar. (1 night)

 

Day 5 – MIYAJIMA – KOBE     B,D         

After breakfast return to Hiroshima and then on to majestic Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A national treasure of Japan. Then onward to Kobe.

Accommodation: Crown Palais Kobe or similar (1 night)

 

Day 6 – KOBE – KYOTO    B,L,D

This morning take the legendary Shinkansen ‘Bullet train’ to Kyoto. Experience the art of sushi making in Nara. Visit the Todai-ji Temple, home to the awe-inspiring Daibatsu Buddha statue.

Accommodation: Miyako Hotel Kyoto Hachijo (3 nights)

 

Day 7 – KYOTO SIGHTSEEING  B,D

Enjoy a full day tour of Kyoto, the old imperial capital – including a traditional tea ceremony at Kodai-ji Temple, and a visit to the revered Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Explore the beautiful streets of the Higashiyama and the Gion district, home to the famous Geisha culture.

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Day 8– KYOTO SIGHTSEEING    B,D

Sightseeing includes world famous Fushimi Inari Shrine and the shimmering gold leaf in a Zen temple in Kinkakuji. Stroll through Arashiyama’s bamboo grove.

 

Day 9 – KYOTO – KANAZAWA      B,D

Travel to Kanazawa, and experience it’s famed gold leaf. Visit the museum of Contemporary Art and the beautiful gardens of Kenroku-en, one of the most beautiful in Japan. Take a break at Omchi market for fresh sushi and sashimi or a sake brewery visit.

Accommodation: Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel or similar (1 night)

 

Day 10 – KANAZAWA – TAKAYAMA    B,D                      

Travel to Shirakawa-go, a World Heritage site famed for its traditional farmhouses. Wander the village streets and tour the Monk’s residence in the Buddhist temple of Myozenji.

Accommodation: Takayama Green Hotel or similar. (1 night)

 

Day 11 – TAKAYAMA – MATSUMOTO   B,D                                   

Go back in time. More touring of Takayama today known as “Little Kyoto”. A visit to the Festival Floats Museum, for an insight into the area’s Spring and Autumn celebrations. Enjoy a sake tatsing and this evening indulge in some local delicacies.

Accommodation: Richmond Hotels Matsumoto or similar. (1 night)

 

Day 12 – MATSUMOTO – LAKE KAWAGUCHI-MT FUJI    B,L,D                              

Visit imposing 16th century Matsumoto-jo Castle, then proceed to beautiful Mt Fuji Five Lakes area, with stunning views of Mt Fuji. Indulge in a traditional meal and soak in the hot springs at the hotel.

Accommodation: Isawa View Hotel or similar (1 night).

 

Day 13 – LAKE KAWAGUCHI – YOKOHAMA    B,D                  

Journey through the stunning lakes to Oshino Hakkai, a charming village at the base of Mt Fuji. Breathtaking views of cherry blossoms blooming along the Katsura River. Travel on to Yokohama.

Accommodation: New Otani Inn Yokohama Premium or similar.

 

Day 14 – YOKOHAMA – TOKYO     B,D     

Take in the sights of Yokohama including a stroll along Osanbashi Pier, the historic neighbourhood of Yamate and the early Spring Flowers at Yamashita Park. Then on to Tokyo proper.

Accommodation: Sunshine City Prince Hotel or similar (2 nights).

 

Day 15 – TOKYO     B,D                     

Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine, before exploring bustling Ginza. Then to Odaiba precinct for free time. A special farewell dinner tonight at a local Izakaya.

 

Day 16 – TOKYO – AUCKLAND     B

Free time in the morning and a late check out (explore the bustling shopping centre that the hotel is part of). After lunch, transfer to Narita Airport to join your Air NZ flight NZ90 direct to Auckland, departing at 6.35pm.

 

Day 17 – AUCKLAND

Arrive in Auckland at 9.00am where you will be transferred to your home address in Auckland.

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