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Japan's Cherry Blossom Route
April 9-20, 2024

ONLY 1 ROOM LEFT!
Spend 12 days exploring a different side of Japan including majestic castles, traditional Japanese villages, and a local cherry blossom festival starting at $4475 per person, double occupancy, land only

 

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Includes:

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  • 2 nights in Tokyo at the Shibuya Excel Tokyu Hotel with breakfast, transfer from airport

  • Half day Tokyo city tour

  • Bullet train to Nagoya

  • 2 nights in Nagoya at the Mitsui Garden Premier Hotel with breakfast

  • Tour of Nagoya with Nagoya Castle & the Tokugawa Art Museum

  • Special train journey on the Nagara River Railway to Hokuno with lunch

  • Tour of Gujo Hachiman

  • 2 day luggage transfer to Takayama

  • 2 night at the Hida Plaza Hotel in Takayama with breakfast

  • Tour of Takayama and free time to enjoy the Spring festival

  • Drive to Kanazawa with a visit to Shirakawa-go Village

  • 2 nights at the Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel with breakfast

  • Tour of Kanazawa

  • Drive to Toyama & Toyama Bay Cruise

  • 2 nights at the Yamanoha Ryokan with dinner and breakfast

  • Tour of Kurobe Gorge

  • Bullet train to Tokyo

  • 1 night at the Shibuya Excel Tokyu Hotel with breakfast

  • Transfer to airport

  • English-speaking guide throughout


Double occupancy: $4475 per person for a group of 15
Price may vary based on the number of travelers

 

Group Maximum: 16

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Single occupancy price upon request

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ITINERARY

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Day One - April 9, 2024

Arrive in Tokyo

Arrive at Narita Airport and transfer to the Shibuya Excel Tokyu Hotel in Tokyo.

Image by Yosuke Ota

Day Two - April 10, 2024

Tokyo Sightseeing

Take a half day tour of Tokyo, visiting some of the city's most important and beautiful sights including the Meiji Shrine and its gardens, the fashionable Harajuku neighborhood right next door, Asakusa, and more. The rest of the day will be free for you to explore Tokyo on your own.

Image by Fikri Rasyid

Day Three - April 11, 2024

Bullet train to Nagoya

In the morning, take the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Nagoya. Check into the Mitsui Garden Premier Hotel before heading off to visit Nagoya Castle and the Tokugawa Art Museum.

Image by Tara Vester

Day Four - April 12, 2024

Gujo Hachiman & the Nagara River Railway

Head to Mina-Ota to take the Nagara River Railway deep into the heart of Gifu prefecture, where old Japan still exists in these mountain villages. Enjoy lunch in Hokuno before driving to Gujo Hachiman, which was once known for its castle and is now known as the center of Japan's ubiquitous plastic food replicas. After your tour, return to Nagoya.

Image by Vladimir Haltakov

Day Five - April 13, 2024

Takayama's Spring Festival

Heavy Walking Day
Head to Takayama for the town's Spring Festival, considered one of the most beautiful festivals in all of Japan. Watch the elaborate floats as the travel down the streets and entertain the festival goers with special marionette performances. In between festival events, explore Takayama's historical center and taste local delicacies.

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Day Six - April 14, 2024

Takayama's Spring Festival

Heavy Walking Day
Continue to explore Takayama and enjoy the Spring Festival with the group.

Image by Sorrawis Chongcharoen

Day Seven - April 15, 2024

Shirakawago

Drive to Kanazawa and stop along the way in the traditional village of Shirakawa-go, known for its distinctive farmhouses with steep angled roofs. Overnight in Kanazawa.

Image by Yu

Day Eight - April 16, 2024

Kanazawa

Take a tour of Kanazawa with visits to the famous Kenrokuen gardens, where we'll enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. From there wander through the Higashi Chaya district to Omichi Market, Kanazawa's biggest market. Take a tour of the Nomura Samurai House to see how samurai and their families lived up until the 1800s.

Image by Fred Rivett

Day Nine - April 17, 2024

Toyama

Drive to Toyama and enjoy a cruise on Toyama Bay. The bay is home to unique marine life, including the phosphorescent firefly squid. In the afternoon, check into the Yamanoha Ryokan to enjoy the onsen baths and a traditional kaiseki dinner.

Image by Ajeng Larasati

Day Ten - April 18, 2024

Kurobe Gorge

Head to the Kurobe Gorge, which is only accessible by train. Depending on the weather, you can sit in open air cars and watch the scenery go by. At the end of the line there is a short hiking trail and a foot bath where you can sit and soak your feet after you explore the gorge.

Image by Jezael Melgoza

Day Eleven - April 19, 2024

Bullet train to Tokyo

Take a bullet train back to Tokyo. Check into the Shibuya Excel Tokyu Hotel and use the rest of the day to explore Tokyo.

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Those joining our Kyoto Extension will head to Kyoto via Kanazawa.

Image by Kevin Woblick

Day Twelve - April 20, 2024

Fly home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

ACTIVE GROUP REQUIREMENTS:
This trip is designed for active travelers. You will need to be able to walk several miles a day (with breaks). If you have mobility issues and still want to join the group, please contact daniella@escapesltd.com to see if we can make accommodations for you.

Small group COVID-19 Vaccination
& Masking Requirements

Due to the increased potential for the spread of COVID-19 within a small group, we require all travelers who sign up for our small group trips to be fully vaccinated and boosted with the most recent booster. we recommend getting your booster about one month before departure.
We also require that all groups wear masks indoors, including on the tour bus and on public transportation, unless they are eating or in the privacy of their own rooms.

 

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EXCLUSIONS

Meals not listed in the itinerary

Luggage transfer from Toyama to Tokyo (available upon request)

Travel insurance

Gratuities for guides, drivers, waitstaff, bellhops, etc.

Services not listed on the itinerary
Optional Tours

International Flights

KYOTO EXTENSION


Double occupancy: $1567

Single occupancy :$1914

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Those who sign up for the Kyoto Extension will receive a revised price for the main tour above as some services included in the extension were already included in the main tour.

Pricing based on 2 travelers.
Price may decrease with additional sign-ups.

Image by Tianshu Liu

Day One - April 19, 2024

Toyama to Kyoto

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Toyama Station with the group.

While the group heads back to Tokyo, you will take the train to Kyoto via Kanazawa (you will need to change trains in Kanazawa).

Upon arrival in Kyoto, a guide will meet you and transfer you to the Kyoto Century Hotel.

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Day Two - April 20, 2024

Kyoto Sightseeing

Breakfast at the hotel. Take a full day tour through Kyoto including visits to Nishiki Market, the Golden Pavilion, Ryoanji Temple, and the bamboo groves of Arashiyama.

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Day Three - April 21, 2024

Kyoto Sightseeing

Breakfast at the hotel. Continue your exploration of Kyoto on a full day guided tour with stops at Fushimi Inari Shrine (famous for its appearance in Memoirs of a Geisha), Sanju Sangendo Temple, Kiyomizu Shrine, the historical Ninenzaka and Sannenzka streets, and the Gion district.

Image by Jezael Melgoza

Day Four - April 22, 2024

Return to Tokyo

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer on your own to Kyoto Station and take the bullet train to Tokyo. From there a driver will meet you and transfer you to the Shibuya Excel Tokyu Hotel.

Image by Ving N

Day Five - April 23, 2024

Return Home

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the hotel

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