Travel site for foreigners visiting Japan Lumina Travel

Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)

Tokyo / Hakone / Kyoto / Nara / Osaka / Hiroshima - With Private Vehicle & English-Speaking Guide

A 13-day private journey exploring Japan’s most beautiful cherry blossoms, from Tokyo to Kyoto and beyond.

  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)

Travel Itinerary

DAY City/Area Highlight Details & Experiences Accomodation Style Photo
DAY1 Tokyo Welcome to Japan in full bloom. Tonight you will feel the magic of spring as you walk under illuminated cherry blossoms. The journey begins with sakura guiding your first steps in Tokyo.
  • Meet English-speaking guide at Narita Airport
  • Transfer to hotel by private vehicle
  • Evening cherry blossom walk at Ueno Park
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Tokyo Upscale hotel Tokyo
DAY2 Tokyo Full-Day Sightseeing Tokyo blends tradition and modernity, wrapped in a pink canopy. Cherry blossoms soften the city’s skyline. Today you will see both temples and towers framed by sakura.
  • Asakusa & Sensoji Temple – explore Tokyo’s oldest temple
  • Sumida Park – riverside cherry blossoms
  • Tokyo Skytree – sweeping views
  • Sumida River Cruise (daytime) – enjoy cherry blossoms from the boat
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Tokyo Upscale hotel Tokyo Full-Day Sightseeing
DAY3 Tokyo Full-Day Sightseeing Tokyo in spring is a city of gardens and history. From palace moats to sacred shrines, blossoms crown each landmark. Today is a celebration of Tokyo’s most graceful sakura spots.
  • Shinjuku Gyoen Garden – 1,000+ cherry trees
  • Meiji Jingu Shrine & Outer Garden – peaceful grounds with blossoms Imperial Palace & Chidorigafuchi – moat-side cherry blossoms
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Tokyo Upscale hotel Tokyo Full-Day Sightseeing
DAY4 Excursion to Hakone A retreat into nature and mountains. From steaming valleys to lake cruises, Hakone reveals another side of Japan. On clear days, cherry blossoms frame views of Mt. Fuji.
  • Lake Ashi Cruise – gentle boat ride with Mt. Fuji views and cherry blossoms
  • Owakudani Valley – volcanic steam vents and local black eggs
  • Hakone Ropeway – aerial views with spring colors
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Tokyo Upscale hotel Excursion to Hakone
DAY5 Tokyo →
Kanazawa
Today is about elegance and tradition. Kanazawa in spring is painted pink and white. Kenrokuen Garden is a masterpiece of sakura beauty.
  • Guide-assisted transfer to Tokyo Station. Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Kanazawa.
  • Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s top gardens, stunning in sakura season
  • Kanazawa Castle Park – blossoms around stone walls
  • Higashi Chaya District – preserved teahouse quarter
  • Check in hotel in the evening
Kanazawa Upscale hotel
Boutique Ryokan
Machiya / Townhouse Stay
Tokyo →<br>
Kanazawa
DAY6 Excursion to Gokayama –
Shirakawago
Step back in time to villages where tradition lives on. Thatched-roof houses framed with cherry blossoms tell stories of old Japan. Today you will discover the timeless beauty of Gokayama and Shirakawago.
  • Transfer to Gokayama (1h) by private car
  • Visit Suganuma & Ainokura – UNESCO villages
  • Transfer to Shirakawago (40 min)
  • Visit Open-air Museum & Wada House
  • Return to Kanazawa (1h)
Kanazawa Upscale hotel
Boutique Ryokan
Machiya / Townhouse Stay
Excursion to Gokayama –<br>
Shirakawago
DAY7 Kanazawa →
Kyoto
Mornikng excursion in Kanazawa, a perfect mix of mystery and local flavor,Saying goodbye to Kanazawa and heading to Kyoto, welcomes you with history and elegance. Tonight, illuminated cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park will dazzle you.
  • Ninjadera (Myoryuji) – Ninja Temple with secret passages
  • Omicho Ichiba Market – lively seafood market
  • Afternoon transfer to Kyoto by Shinkansen bullet train & express train
  • Evening visit to Maruyama Park – night illumination
  • Check in hotel in the evening
Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Stay
Luxury / Boutique Hotels
Gastronomic / Design Auberge
Kanazawa →<br>
Kyoto
DAY8 Kyoto Full-Day
Sightseeing
Kyoto shines brightest in spring. Temples, gardens, and cherry-lined canals await. The Philosopher’s Path will be your dreamlike stroll.
  • Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) – golden walls reflected in pond, framed by blossoms
  • Kiyomizudera Temple – sweeping city views from wooden stage
  • Philosopher’s Path – canal walkway under cherry trees
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Stay
Luxury / Boutique Hotels
Gastronomic / Design Auberge
Kyoto Full-Day<br>
Sightseeing
DAY9 Excursion to Nara Today is about harmony between nature, history, and life. Deer wander under blooming cherry trees. Nara offers a serene spring landscape.
  • Todaiji Temple – Great Buddha Hall
  • Kasuga Shrine – lanterns and blossoms
  • Nara Park – cherry blossoms and deer
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Stay
Luxury / Boutique Hotels
Gastronomic / Design Auberge
Excursion to Nara
DAY10 Kyoto Full-Day Sightseeing Kyoto in spring offers countless treasures. Today you will explore its most celebrated cherry blossom spots, and enjoy a serene tea ceremony surrounded by seasonal beauty.
  • Heian Shrine & Garden – cherry trees and ponds
  • Nijo Castle – palace gardens with sakura
  • Tea Ceremony Experience – art of Japanese tea
  • Arashiyama – bridge, bamboo grove, mountain blossoms
  • Return to hotel in Osaka in the evening.
Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Stay
Luxury / Boutique Hotels
Gastronomic / Design Auberge
Kyoto Full-Day Sightseeing
DAY11 Kyoto →
Osaka
Today’s blossoms surround history. Osaka Castle rises proudly among thousands of trees. This is one of Japan’s grandest hanami settings.
  • Transfert to Osaka
  • Osaka Castle Park – 4,000 cherry trees
  • Aqualiner boat -You can enjoy views of the city from the river.
  • Dotonbori – canalside entertainment district, best enjoyed with Osaka’s street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
  • Check in hotel in hotel in the evening.
Osaka Kyoto →<br>
Osaka
DAY12 Hiroshima &
Miyajima
Sakura in remembrance and in celebration. From Hiroshima’s Peace Park to Miyajima’s island blossoms. Today balances reflection and beauty under cherry trees.
  • Transfer to Shin-Osaka. Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima
  • Peace Memorial Park – A serene space dedicated to remembrance and peace.
  • Miyajima & Itsukushima Shrine – A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its “floating” torii gate expecting some beautiful shots with torii and cherry blossoms!
  • Return Ferry – Back to Hiroshima by train,Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka
Osaka Upscale Hotels Hiroshima &<br>
Miyajima
DAY13 Osaka The journey ends, but spring remains in memory. A final walk under blossoms will complete your story. Sakura will farewell you with gentle petals.
  • Free time for last-minute shopping in Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s bustling arcade. Private transfer to Kansai International Airport (KIX) for departure.
- Osaka

Travel Itinerary

DAY1

City / Area
Tokyo
Highlight
Welcome to Japan in full bloom. Tonight you will feel the magic of spring as you walk under illuminated cherry blossoms. The journey begins with sakura guiding your first steps in Tokyo.
Details & Experiences
  • Meet English-speaking guide at Narita Airport
  • Transfer to hotel by private vehicle
  • Evening cherry blossom walk at Ueno Park
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Tokyo Upscale hotel
Photo
Tokyo

DAY2

City / Area
Tokyo Full-Day Sightseeing
Highlight
Tokyo blends tradition and modernity, wrapped in a pink canopy. Cherry blossoms soften the city’s skyline. Today you will see both temples and towers framed by sakura.
Details & Experiences
  • Asakusa & Sensoji Temple – explore Tokyo’s oldest temple
  • Sumida Park – riverside cherry blossoms
  • Tokyo Skytree – sweeping views
  • Sumida River Cruise (daytime) – enjoy cherry blossoms from the boat
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Tokyo Upscale hotel
Photo
Tokyo Full-Day Sightseeing

DAY3

City / Area
Tokyo Full-Day Sightseeing
Highlight
Tokyo in spring is a city of gardens and history. From palace moats to sacred shrines, blossoms crown each landmark. Today is a celebration of Tokyo’s most graceful sakura spots.
Details & Experiences
  • Shinjuku Gyoen Garden – 1,000+ cherry trees
  • Meiji Jingu Shrine & Outer Garden – peaceful grounds with blossoms Imperial Palace & Chidorigafuchi – moat-side cherry blossoms
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Tokyo Upscale hotel
Photo
Tokyo Full-Day Sightseeing

DAY4

City / Area
Excursion to Hakone
Highlight
A retreat into nature and mountains. From steaming valleys to lake cruises, Hakone reveals another side of Japan. On clear days, cherry blossoms frame views of Mt. Fuji.
Details & Experiences
  • Lake Ashi Cruise – gentle boat ride with Mt. Fuji views and cherry blossoms
  • Owakudani Valley – volcanic steam vents and local black eggs
  • Hakone Ropeway – aerial views with spring colors
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Tokyo Upscale hotel
Photo
Excursion to Hakone

DAY5

City / Area
Tokyo →
Kanazawa
Highlight
Today is about elegance and tradition. Kanazawa in spring is painted pink and white. Kenrokuen Garden is a masterpiece of sakura beauty.
Details & Experiences
  • Guide-assisted transfer to Tokyo Station. Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Kanazawa.
  • Kenrokuen Garden – one of Japan’s top gardens, stunning in sakura season
  • Kanazawa Castle Park – blossoms around stone walls
  • Higashi Chaya District – preserved teahouse quarter
  • Check in hotel in the evening
Accomodation Style
Kanazawa Upscale hotel
Boutique Ryokan
Machiya / Townhouse Stay
Photo
Tokyo →<br>
Kanazawa

DAY6

City / Area
Excursion to Gokayama –
Shirakawago
Highlight
Step back in time to villages where tradition lives on. Thatched-roof houses framed with cherry blossoms tell stories of old Japan. Today you will discover the timeless beauty of Gokayama and Shirakawago.
Details & Experiences
  • Transfer to Gokayama (1h) by private car
  • Visit Suganuma & Ainokura – UNESCO villages
  • Transfer to Shirakawago (40 min)
  • Visit Open-air Museum & Wada House
  • Return to Kanazawa (1h)
Accomodation Style
Kanazawa Upscale hotel
Boutique Ryokan
Machiya / Townhouse Stay
Photo
Excursion to Gokayama –<br>
Shirakawago

DAY7

City / Area
Kanazawa →
Kyoto
Highlight
Mornikng excursion in Kanazawa, a perfect mix of mystery and local flavor,Saying goodbye to Kanazawa and heading to Kyoto, welcomes you with history and elegance. Tonight, illuminated cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park will dazzle you.
Details & Experiences
  • Ninjadera (Myoryuji) – Ninja Temple with secret passages
  • Omicho Ichiba Market – lively seafood market
  • Afternoon transfer to Kyoto by Shinkansen bullet train & express train
  • Evening visit to Maruyama Park – night illumination
  • Check in hotel in the evening
Accomodation Style
Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Stay
Luxury / Boutique Hotels
Gastronomic / Design Auberge
Photo
Kanazawa →<br>
Kyoto

DAY8

City / Area
Kyoto Full-Day
Sightseeing
Highlight
Kyoto shines brightest in spring. Temples, gardens, and cherry-lined canals await. The Philosopher’s Path will be your dreamlike stroll.
Details & Experiences
  • Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) – golden walls reflected in pond, framed by blossoms
  • Kiyomizudera Temple – sweeping city views from wooden stage
  • Philosopher’s Path – canal walkway under cherry trees
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Stay
Luxury / Boutique Hotels
Gastronomic / Design Auberge
Photo
Kyoto Full-Day<br>
Sightseeing

DAY9

City / Area
Excursion to Nara
Highlight
Today is about harmony between nature, history, and life. Deer wander under blooming cherry trees. Nara offers a serene spring landscape.
Details & Experiences
  • Todaiji Temple – Great Buddha Hall
  • Kasuga Shrine – lanterns and blossoms
  • Nara Park – cherry blossoms and deer
  • Return to hotel in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Stay
Luxury / Boutique Hotels
Gastronomic / Design Auberge
Photo
Excursion to Nara

DAY10

City / Area
Kyoto Full-Day Sightseeing
Highlight
Kyoto in spring offers countless treasures. Today you will explore its most celebrated cherry blossom spots, and enjoy a serene tea ceremony surrounded by seasonal beauty.
Details & Experiences
  • Heian Shrine & Garden – cherry trees and ponds
  • Nijo Castle – palace gardens with sakura
  • Tea Ceremony Experience – art of Japanese tea
  • Arashiyama – bridge, bamboo grove, mountain blossoms
  • Return to hotel in Osaka in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Kyoto Luxury Ryokan Stay
Luxury / Boutique Hotels
Gastronomic / Design Auberge
Photo
Kyoto Full-Day Sightseeing

DAY11

City / Area
Kyoto →
Osaka
Highlight
Today’s blossoms surround history. Osaka Castle rises proudly among thousands of trees. This is one of Japan’s grandest hanami settings.
Details & Experiences
  • Transfert to Osaka
  • Osaka Castle Park – 4,000 cherry trees
  • Aqualiner boat -You can enjoy views of the city from the river.
  • Dotonbori – canalside entertainment district, best enjoyed with Osaka’s street foods like takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
  • Check in hotel in hotel in the evening.
Accomodation Style
Osaka
Photo
Kyoto →<br>
Osaka

DAY12

City / Area
Hiroshima &
Miyajima
Highlight
Sakura in remembrance and in celebration. From Hiroshima’s Peace Park to Miyajima’s island blossoms. Today balances reflection and beauty under cherry trees.
Details & Experiences
  • Transfer to Shin-Osaka. Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Hiroshima
  • Peace Memorial Park – A serene space dedicated to remembrance and peace.
  • Miyajima & Itsukushima Shrine – A UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its “floating” torii gate expecting some beautiful shots with torii and cherry blossoms!
  • Return Ferry – Back to Hiroshima by train,Ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Osaka
Accomodation Style
Osaka Upscale Hotels
Photo
Hiroshima &<br>
Miyajima

For quotes and course arrangements, please feel free to contact us here.

  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)
  • Springtime Sakura Journey – Discover Japan Beyond the Cities (13 Days)