2027 Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossom Japan
Small group hosted journey • Guaranteed to go • Flights included
Each spring, Japan’s landscape is host to fragile pink and white sakura blooming; stunning colour that is celebrated throughout the entire country.
Start this journey in bustling Tokyo and see its impressive gardens, go in search of the famous ‘snow monkeys’ and the alpine ‘old town’ of Takayama. On to cultural Kyoto and poignant Hiroshima, ending with spectacular views of Mt Fuji from the top of Mt Owakudani. This unique and incredibly scenic country with enchanting culture, wonderful cuisine and gracious people awaits you.
18 Days Departs 24 March 2027
$23,595 per person share twin & $30,495 Single
Your journey at a glance
Visit some of the best spots for cherry blossom colour
Enjoy Tokyo’s mix of traditional and modern culture
Visit the ‘snow monkeys’ in Yudanaka
Explore Japan’s most atmospheric townscape, Takayama
See beautiful Buddhist temples, imperial palaces, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto
Visit poignant yet vibrant Hiroshima
See spectacular views of Mt Fuji, an iconic landmark
A World Journeys host to guide you every step of the way
Special Experiences
Enjoy the ultimate sushi-lovers experience in Tokyo A sushi master will guide us through making sushi rolls and nigiri which we will then enjoy for lunch
Visit steaming hot springs to see monkeys bathing Visit Yudanaka Onsen to see wild snow monkeys relaxing in the steaming hot springs surrounded by thick forest
Tour the historic villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama Set in a mountainous region that was cut off from the rest of the world for a long period of time, these villages with their Gassho-style houses subsisted on the cultivation of mulberry trees and the rearing of silkworms. On this tour you’ll see the large houses with their steeply pitched thatched roofs, the only examples of their kind in Japan.
Tour Inclusions
Small group tour (max. 18) • Economy Class airfares ex Auckland • Fully hosted by experienced tour guide • Accommodation in 4-star hotels • Transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary • Train journeys as per the itinerary • Meals 16 x breakfast, 8 x lunches, 10 x dinners Not Included Items of a personal nature • Travel insurance (mandatory) • Visas (if applicable) • Optional activities Gratuities Tipping is neither required nor expected in Japan
Highlights of Japan
Tokyo • Nikko • Mt Fuji • Hakone • Ryokan stay • Kyoto • Bullet train • Hiroshima • Osaka
A wonderful introduction to Japan – from the bustle of Tokyo to the majesty of Mt Fuji.
Tranquillity abounds in Hakone where you will experience staying in a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan). In Kyoto explore the historic sites and marvel as you walk through the Sagano Bamboo Grove. To visit Hiroshima is a moving experience as you view this city that has been rebuilt from ashes into one that is prosperous and vibrant.
This is a private tour and departs daily year-round. Pricing is per person share twin.
$13,175pp for travel 16 Apr–25 May & 17 Sep–27 Oct 2026
$12,435pp for travel 26 May–16 Sep & 01–31 Dec 2026
$14,270pp for travel 28 Oct–30 Nov 2026
Itinerary
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On arrival at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, you will be welcomed by your English speaking assistant. They will transfer you to your hotel by Narita Express rail service and local taxi.
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This morning you will have a half day tour of Tokyo with your guide using private vehicle. You can start by visiting Meji Shrine Tokyo’s most famous Shinto Shrine. Then continue to the colourful and quirky Harajuku and Omotesando street full of trendy cafes and restaurants. Finish the morning by seeing the Shibuya Crossing, a popular pedestrian crossing and considered one of the busiest in the world. Your afternoon is at leisure.
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Enjoy a full day at leisure in Tokyo visiting its vibrant streets or exploring local restaurants and shopping areas
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Today you can prepare a smaller overnight bag for your stay in Hakone, and your main luggage will be sent by overnight transfer to Kyoto. This morning you will be met and for a full day tour to Hakone using private vehicle. On arrival in Hakone, take a ride on the ropeway for spectacular views, see the Owakudani Boiling Valley, and enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi. At the end of the day, you will be taken to your ryokan for your overnight stay. Enjoy the chance to soak in the hot spring waters that the area is so famous for, and savour an included multi-course dinner.
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This morning you will be privately transferred to Mishima Station. Travel by bullet train to Kyoto, where you’ll be met on the platform and transferred to your hotel by local taxi. Your afternoon is at leisure.
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This morning you have a half day tour of Kyoto with your guide using private vehicle. Visit the famous Nijo Castle, Kinkakuji temple and Ryoanji temple. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure.
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Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kyoto, known for its Buddhist temples, beautiful gardens and colourful shrines.
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Today you can prepare a smaller overnight bag for your stay in Hiroshima, and your main luggage will be sent by overnight transfer to Osaka. This morning make your own way to the station and travel by bullet train to Hiroshima. On arrival you will be welcomed on the platform by your guide, who will take you on a full day tour of Hiroshima and Miyajima using public transport. Hiroshima has rebuilt itself as one of Japan’s most laid back yet vibrant cities full of wide boulevards and art museums, great food and friendly, welcoming people. Visit the Peace Memorial and Museum and A-Bomb Dome in the city, and take a short ferry ride out to Miyajima, a small, wooded island located in the Inland Sea. Here you will find the famous Torii Gate, a shrine known worldwide for being built over water, seemingly floating in the sea.
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Today make your own way to the station and travel by bullet train to Osaka. After making your own way to your hotel for check-in, your time is at leisure to explore the city. Osaka is known for its vibrant streets, modern architecture and historical landmarks.
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Today you will be privately transferred to either Kansai or Itami Airport in time for your onward flight, where arrangements conclude.
Itinerary Inclusions
Tailor-made journey
8 nights’ hotel accommodation
1 night in a ryokan (Traditional Japanese Inn)
9 breakfasts and 1 dinner
Private transfers as per itinerary
English-speaking local guides
Private sightseeing as per itinerary
Tourist class train Mishima to Kyoto to Hiroshima to Osaka
Overnight luggage transfers (1 bag per person) Tokyo to Osaka
Not Included
International airfares
Travel insurance
NOTE: Pricing varies due to fluctuations in exchange rates; pricing current as of 12 Jan 2026. Please contact your travel expert for current pricing or other changes. Please enquire about cross-season pricing or for a single travelling alone Surcharges apply during the Bon Festival, the Cherry Blossom Festival, and during Golden Week Surcharges may apply during events, festivals, public/religious holidays, or other high-demand dates. Tipping is neither requested nor required in Japan.
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