The Authentic Sakura Trail is a 14-day private tour designed for travelers who want to experience Japan’s spring at a relaxed pace. The itinerary combines cultural highlights with peaceful moments among the cherry blossoms, allowing you to see, feel, and enjoy Japan beyond the usual sightseeing routes.
Each day offers a balance of exploration and rest—from traditional experiences and scenic walks to time for yourself. This is a journey created to let you appreciate the charm of spring in Japan naturally, through real encounters and quiet, memorable scenes along the way.

Why This Tour Stands Out

• Go beyond typical sightseeing with local encounters and cultural activities that offer a genuine connection to Japan’s traditions.
• The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to blend exploration and relaxation, giving you time to enjoy each moment without feeling rushed.
• Travel with a private guide and flexible arrangements tailored to your interests, ensuring comfort and meaningful experiences throughout.
• Discover Japan when it’s most enchanting—under the cherry blossoms—while visiting both iconic and lesser-known spring landscapes.
• Experience Japan from many angles—its vibrant cities, serene nature, and deep historical roots—all woven together through the beauty of spring.

Tour Period

This tour is available from March to April in 2026.

Tour Pricing

Tour prices do not include airfare, guide tips, meals, or transportation to/from airports.

*Exchange rate used: 1 USD = 145 JPY

Group size is flexible—please contact us for details.

Itinerary

Day 1 |  Osaka

New Beginnings | Welcome to Spring in Osaka

After arriving at your hotel, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Take this time to relax, settle in, and prepare for the unforgettable experiences that await you tomorrow.

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Osaka

Day 2 | Osaka

Urban Spirit | From Castle Walls to Neon Streets

Visit Osaka Castle, the city’s most famous landmark, surrounded by spacious park grounds that burst into shades of pink during cherry blossom season. Continue to the retro district of Shinsekai and enjoy views from the Tsutenkaku Tower. In the afternoon, explore the lively streets of Namba and Shinsaibashi, known for their endless shopping, neon lights, and local street food.

• Osaka Castle
• Shinsekai Area and Tsutenkaku Tower
• Namba and Shinsaibashi Area

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Osaka

Day 3 | Himeji

Elegant Heritage | Castles, Gardens, and Temple Serenity

Take a day trip to Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, Japan’s most magnificent surviving feudal-era castle, and stroll through the nearby Kokoen Garden with its beautifully landscaped ponds and tea houses. Continue to Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, set on a serene mountainside, where you’ll experience the art of Japanese calligraphy in a peaceful temple setting.

• Himeji Castle
• Kokoen Garden
• Shoshazan Engyoji Temple

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Osaka

Day 4 | Kyoto

Spiritual Grace | Walking Through Kyoto’s Iconic Paths

Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its endless rows of vermilion torii gates that create one of Kyoto’s most iconic scenes. Continue to the Kiyomizu area to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, celebrated for its sweeping views and beautiful cherry blossoms in spring. Stroll through the charming lanes of Kiyomizu-zaka, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka, lined with traditional shops and teahouses.

• Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 5 | Kyoto

Grace in Bloom | Kimono Strolls and the Golden Pavilion

Begin the day with a kimono dressing experience, complete with traditional hairstyling, and enjoy the elegance of Japanese attire. Continue to the Arashiyama District to stroll through the Bamboo Grove and along the Katsura River surrounded by seasonal scenery. In the afternoon, visit Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, whose reflection shimmers beautifully in the surrounding pond.

• Kimono/Yukata Dressing Experience
• Arashiyama
• Kinkakuji

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 6 | Nara

Spring Grace | Cherry Blossoms and Gentle Deer in Nara

Spend the day in Nara, one of Japan’s most historic cities and a beloved cherry blossom spot. Stroll through Nara Park, where gentle wild deer roam freely, and visit iconic temples and shrines such as Tōdai-ji, Kōfuku-ji, and Kasuga Taisha, all surrounded by soft pink sakura in spring.

• Nara Park
• Tōdai-ji
• Kōfuku-ji
• Kasuga Taisha

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 7 | Kyoto

Timeless Harmony | From Tea Traditions to Spring in Kyoto

Begin the day with a traditional tea ceremony experience, where you’ll learn the graceful rituals behind Japan’s art of hospitality. Continue to Nijo Castle, known for its ornate interiors and gardens beautifully adorned with cherry blossoms. In the afternoon, explore the Kawaramachi and Karasuma areas, home to stylish boutiques, cafés, and local shops that blend Kyoto’s classic and modern charm.

• Tea Ceremony Experience
• Nijo Castle
• Kawaramachi and Karasuma Area

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Kyoto

Day 8 | Hakone

Where Earth Breathes | Valleys, Peaks, and the Spirit of Hakone

Travel by bullet train to Odawara and continue to Owakudani, a volcanic valley known for its hot springs and dramatic landscapes. Ride the Hakone Ropeway for sweeping views of the mountains, then visit Hakone Shrine and enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi with a stunning view of Mount Fuji.

• Bullet Train
• Owakudani
• Hakone Ropeway
• Lake Ashi Cruise

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Fuji Area

Day 9 | Fuji Yoshida

Everyday Wonders | From Local Streets to Lava Caves

Explore Honcho Street, a charming local area lined with shops and cafés offering a glimpse of everyday life. Continue to the Narusawa Ice Cave and Fugaku Wind Cave, both formed by ancient lava flows and known for their mysterious underground beauty. End the day at Oshino Hakkai, a picturesque village of crystal-clear ponds fed by Mount Fuji’s spring water.

• Honcho Street
• Narusawa Ice Cave
• Oshino Hakkai

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Fuji Area

Day 10 | Lake Kawaguchi

Threads of Nature | Kimono Art and Fuji’s Reflection

Enjoy a relaxing morning around Lake Kawaguchi, taking in the beautiful scenery with Mount Fuji reflected on the water. Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art Museum to admire exquisite kimono artworks inspired by nature and the changing seasons. In the afternoon, return to Tokyo by express train.

• Lake Kawaguchi
• Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 11 | Tokyo

Contrasts of Tokyo | Tradition, Energy, and Artful Calm

Visit Meiji Shrine, a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by lush forest in central Tokyo. Continue to Shibuya and Harajuku, where modern fashion, culture, and street life create an energetic atmosphere. In the afternoon, visit the Nezu Museum, known for its elegant architecture, refined art collection, and serene Japanese garden.

• Meiji Shrine
• Shibuya and Harajuku
• Nezu Museum

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 12 | Tokyo

Rhythms of Tradition | From Hokusai to Taiko in Asakusa

Visit the Sumida Hokusai Museum to admire the works of Japan’s legendary ukiyo-e artist. Enjoy a lively sumo show over a traditional chanko nabe lunch, then head to Asakusa to explore Senso-ji Temple and the bustling Nakamise shopping street. End the day at the Taiko Drum Museum, where you can see and try traditional Japanese drums.

• The Sumida Hokusai Museum
• Sumo Show
• Asakusa Area
• Senso-ji Temple
• Nakamise Street
• Taiko Drum Museum

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 13 | Tokyo

Free Day | Finding Your Own Tokyo

Enjoy a free day in Tokyo to explore at your own pace. You might revisit your favorite neighborhoods, shop for last-minute gifts, or relax at a café while soaking in the city’s atmosphere. Whether you choose to wander through art museums, or stroll along tree-lined streets, it’s the perfect way to end your journey in Japan.

Hotel: 3 Star Hotel in Tokyo

Day 14 | Tokyo

Departure Day | A Gentle Farewell to Tokyo

Check out from your hotel and transfer to Haneda or Narita Airport.
As you leave Japan, carry with you the quiet beauty of spring—each moment a fleeting bloom, still unfolding in memory.

Inclusions

• Fully private tour
• Dedicated English-speaking guide
• Detailed daily itinerary
• 13 nights accommodation in 3-star accommodation
• Breakfast everyday
• Transportation based on group size (see pricing)
• All entry fees to sites, activities as specified
• Cultural experiences as specified
• Ride the shinkansen bullet train

Exclusions

• International airfares
• Arrival airport transfer / Departure airport transfer
• Visas
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Luggage transfer for bullet train (if required)
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Important Notes:

If your inquiry is made within three months of your desired arrival date, the above prices may not apply. In such cases, we will provide a custom quotation based on availability and travel conditions.

Let’s Start Planning Your Cherry Blossom Tour in Japan

If you’re interested in one of our 2026 cherry blossom tour packages in Japan, please contact us to begin your booking.

Looking for something a little different—or a fully private experience? We’d be delighted to create a custom itinerary just for you. Feel free to reach out with your ideas and preferences. To learn more, check out Tailor-Made Tour by ENJYU JAPAN.