Places You'll See
Highlights
- Adventure & Exploration: The itinerary seamlessly blends outdoor activities such as walking through the Mountainous region of Nagano and the historic backdrop of Nara. There are many opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and history.
- Cultural Immersion: By exploring the ancient shrines and temples of Ueno and Miyajima, to exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hiroshima’s Atomic Bomb Dome, you’ll have a deep connection with Japan’s rich history, culture, and traditions along the way.
- Breathtaking Natural Landscapes: From the iconic Cherry Blossom of Japan and the Snow Monkeys of Nagano, the historic gardens of Kanazawa, to the beauty of blooming flowers in Toyama . This itinerary offers diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes that highlight the beauty of Japan’s natural world.
Description
For most people travelling to Japan, they will visit and stay in Tokyo during their trip! For this reason, Tokyo is seen as the gateway to exploring Japanese heritage and culture, but is also the perfect location to visit the other amazing regions of Japan! For any first timer’s or return visitors to Japan, we have created a number of seasonal itineraries to help inspire your travels and help you tailor your trip to suit your preferences and interests depending on the time of year you’re visiting. For this itinerary we suggest a 6 day Spring plan that covers Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa, Nara, Hiroshima and Miyajima. This itinerary is perfect for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the stunning Cherry Blossoms, and offers a good variety of attractions along the way. We hope this will help you when planning where to go and what to do on your dream Spring trip!
Please note that the Cherry Blossom Forecast across Japan is subject to change and depending on where you are located in the Country, you may see Cherry Blossom in some areas, but none in another area. So please keep this in mind when booking. We advise you check the upcoming Cherry Blossom Forecast 2025 to get the most updated news on when and where the Cherry Blossoms will be in bloom.For most people travelling to Japan, they will visit and stay in Tokyo during their trip! For this reason, Tokyo is seen as the gateway to exploring Japanese heritage and culture, but is also the perfect location to visit the other amazing regions of Japan! For any first timer’s or return visitors to Japan, we have created a number of seasonal itineraries to help inspire your travels and help you tailor your trip to suit your preferences and interests depending on the time of year you’re visiting. For this itinerary we suggest a 6 day Spring plan that covers Tokyo, Nagano, Kanazawa, Nara, Hiroshima and Miyajima. This itinerary is perfect for those hoping to catch a glimpse of the stunning Cherry Blossoms, and offers a good variety of attractions along the way. We hope this will help you when planning where to go and what to do on your dream Spring trip!
For travellers who are fans of seeing the famous Cherry Blossoms or ‘Sakura’ in Japan, this 6 day itinerary will include iconic attractions along the way to satisfy travellers. You will be able to the experience the iconic areas of Ueno, Shinjuku, Shibuya and Yanaka in Tokyo, witness Snow Monkeys naturally bathing in hot springs, walk the historic streets and garden of Kanazawa, explore Nara Park and meet its resident Deer, venture down to the beautiful Hiroshima and Miyajima, and much more!
Day 1 TOKYO, UENO AND YANAKA
How to Start Off Your Day
Tokyo is the perfect starting point for your journey, offering a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation that will captivate and inspire you from the moment you arrive. Whether you're drawn to its historic temples, bustling streets, or cutting-edge technology, Tokyo provides an unforgettable introduction to the wonders of Japan. Plus, the city offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget. From luxurious 5-star hotels with stunning skyline views to cozy boutique guesthouses and traditional ryokan inns, you're sure to find the perfect place to rest after a day of exploration.
For many travellers, the areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo, and Asakusa are very popular as they are very central, offer great hotels and links to transport. Check out our Tokyo destination page for more information on where to stay. We highly recommend staying in the Ueno station area which is a very central and highly convenient place full of restaurants, cafes, museums and great transport links. For the Ueno and Yanaka tour, you will meet your tour guide in Ueno outside of the Park gate/ exit of Ueno station.
1 Day Walking Tour in Ueno and Yanaka : Culture, Art and Old Tokyo / All Year Round
This tour will provide guests with a well balanced itinerary including museums, a park and nature, shrines and temples, and traditional architecture. You will walk around the popular and expansive Ueno Park to visit its many temples, shrines and beautiful landscape. Known as the place to go if you’re a culture vulture due to its many museums and heritage attractions. You will then visit a bustling and lively retro area of Ueno famous for its old style shopping arcades and restaurants.You will then visit a perfect example of a Shitamachi or ’lower city’ in Tokyo, Yanaka. A cosy and traditional neighbourhood not many tourists know about, you will step back in time and enjoy an atmosphere that is very different to many parts of Tokyo.
* Tour does not include transportation before or after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude in Tokyo at approximately 5pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Or, you may wish to stay another night in Tokyo and travel to Nagano in the morning. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. In Tokyo you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Nagano from Tokyo, you will need to go to Tokyo station to get your Bullet Train. Please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Nagano from Tokyo.
The tour will conclude back in Nagano City. The city centre is extremely convenient for travellers, and offers a wide range of restaurants outside of and inside of Nagano station. You can easily find something to eat for dinner after your busy day! The city centre also has some great shops, as well as entertainment like Karaoke and Games Arcades. Most importantly, the city centre offers many comfortable hotels which are only a short distance from the tour drop off location. Check out our Nagano City Area page for more information.
Recommended Accommodations
For your stay in Nagano city, we recommend two excellent accommodations that offer both comfort and convenience. Hotel New Nagano NeXT is a cozy, modern hotel located right in front of Nagano Station, making it incredibly easy to access and explore the city. With its welcoming atmosphere and great amenities, it’s an ideal spot for a restful stay after a day of sightseeing.
Day 2 NAGANO, SNOW MONKEY PARK AND CHERRY BLOSSOM
How to Start Off Your Day
Hop aboard the Hokuriku Shinkansen at Tokyo Station for a scenic and comfortable ride to Nagano Station, where your unforgettable half-day tour of the city begins. As you travel, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Japanese countryside, including the majestic Alps, setting the stage for the cultural adventure that awaits you in Nagano. See the 'How to Get to Nagano' page for more information about your transportation to Nagano.
Cherry Blossom and Snow Monkey Tour / April only
Day Tour
Popular
(Spring Only) 1-Day Tour: Snow Monkeys & Cherry Blossoms in Nagano
- Spots:
- NaganoSnow Monkey
- Pick-up:
- Nagano City
- Drop-off:
- Nagano City
¥17,800
Operating by necessity only in April, this tour brings you to the Snow Monkey Park as well as to see the blooming cherry blossoms. Using our local knowledge, we change the cherry blossom viewing area as necessary each day to ensure our guests get to see the blossoms at as close to their best as is possible. Rather than searching on your own, why not leave it up to us? With a visit to the Monkey Park included this is a great way to enjoy the spring season, and is even possible to do as a day trip from Tokyo if you use the Shinkansen to reach Nagano. As the blossoms in Nagano bloom later than Tokyo, this is a great way to get to see them even if you missed the season in Tokyo.
Tour includes the following Pick Up Locations: Nagano Station, Hotel Kokusai 21
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude back in Nagano at approximately 5.30pm - 6.30pm depending on the Cherry Blossom sites chosen for that day which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. In Nagano station you are well connected with transport options to reach your next destination, and you easily buy tickets before or after the tour from either the ticket counter or ticket machines. For customers heading onto Kanazawa from Nagano, please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Kanazawa from Nagano. The Bullet Train journey from Nagano to Kanazawa can take between 66 minute - 90 minutes depending on the service you book.
With a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels, to traditional ryokan inns, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a comfortable stay in Kanazawa. For many travellers, the area around Kanazawa station is very popular as it is central, offers great hotels and links to transport. Check out our the Kanazawa station area page below for more information on where to stay.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 3 KANAZAWA AND TOYAMA
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up fresh in Kanazawa and meet your guide to begin your day. Today you’ll be exploring the charming area of Toyama offering stunning Spring scenery of floral landscapes and nature!
SPRING QUARTET OF FLOWERS / April
Day Tour / Event Tour
¥25,800 / 23,800
Set between the sea and the Northern Alps, Toyama’s Spring Quartet of Flowers showcases Japan’s four distinct seasons in a captivating journey. This tour highlights the seasonal blooms: vibrant spring tulips, summer water lilies, autumn cosmos, and winter camellias. Along the way, you’ll encounter cherry blossoms, unique water features, and a serene temple nestled in a small valley. Toyama’s blend of natural beauty and cultural charm offers a harmonious glimpse into the passage of the seasons. Each flower and location tells its own story, making this tour an unforgettable experience.
*Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
End your day staying in Kanazawa for a second night and take your time to explore more of what the city has to offer! There a good selection of restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from.
Day 4 KANAZAWA
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up in Kanazawa for a second day ready to explore! Today you will venture to see what the city of Kanazawa has to offer. Your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour through the city’s historic and cultural highlights, including the amazing garden, Geisha and Samurai districts!
KANAZAWA MAIN SIGHTS TOUR / all year round
This tour has you walk in the same streets as those from times past. Walk the streets the samurai of the Kaga clan and see a warriors house from the Edo period. Relax and enjoy matcha in a tea house overlooking a beautiful garden next to the impressive castle walls. Stroll through the Kenroku-en garden like the daimyos of the Edo period and admire the artistry of the landscaping of not just the land but of the trees as well. Finally, walk through Higashi Chayamachi, the old geisha district, where you can shop, snack and take a tour of a former tea house that was used by actual geisha in the past.
* Tour does not include transportation after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude in Kanazawa at approximately 5.30pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. At Kanazawa station you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Nara from Kanazawa, you will need to take the JR Nara Line bound for Nara for approximately 50 minutes. We recommend buying an ‘Ekiben’ or train bento to enjoy as a light meal during your journey! You can buy these from shops inside the station before departing. Please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Nara from Kanazawa.
Nara has a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels, to traditional ryokan inns, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a comfortable stay in Nara. For many travellers, the area around Nara station is very popular as it is central, offers great hotels and links to transport. Check out our the Nara station area page below for more information on where to stay
Recommended Accommodations
Day 5 NARA
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up in Nara! Today you will have the entire day to explore the beautiful city of Nara. Upon arrival at Nara Station, your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour through the city’s historic and cultural highlights, including the famous Nara Park and its resident Deer!
1-Day Walking Tour in Nara: Palace, Deer and Inkstick / All Year Round
Explore the cultural and historical treasures of Nara with our immersive day tours. Begin your journey at the Nara Palace Historical Park, where you can delve into the ancient history of Japan's first capital. Visit the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue, and wander through Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely. Experience the ancient art of inkstick making with a hands-on workshop, crafting your own traditional inkstick and learning about its significance in Japanese calligraphy. Conclude your tour at the tranquil Kasuga Taisha Shrine, offering a glimpse into Japan's spiritual traditions. Each tour provides a unique and memorable exploration of Nara's rich cultural heritage.
* Tour does not include transportation before or after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach the next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude in Tokyo at approximately 4.30pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. In Nara you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Hiroshima from Nara, you will need to go to make your way to Shin-Osaka station, and from there you can take the Bullet Train to Hiroshima. Please read our guide below for further details on how to reach Hiroshima from Nara.
With a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget hotels to luxury hotels, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a comfortable stay in Hiroshima. For many travellers, the area around Hiroshima station is very popular as it is central, offers great hotels and links to transport. Check out our the Hiroshima station area page below for more information on where to stay.
Recommended Accommodations
Day 6 HIROSHIMA AND MIYAJIMA
How to Start Off Your Day
Wake up fresh in Hiroshima on your last day of your trip! Today, you will have the entire day to explore the great city of Hiroshima and the nearby island of Miyajima. Upon arrival at Hiroshima Station, your guide will greet you and take you on a memorable tour through the city’s historic and cultural highlights, including the UNESCO Heritage Site of the Peace Memorial and Atomic Bomb Dome. You will then venture over to Miyajima island to witness its beauty and charm.
1 Day Walking Tour in Hiroshima & Miyajima / All Year Round
Operating all year round, this Hiroshima & Miyajima tour is designed so that those visiting Hiroshima for just one day are able to explore the prefecture's most famous and iconic locations. Starting within the city, guests will be able to tour important cultural spots such as the Shukkei-en garden and Hiroshima Castle. You will of course also be making a stop at Peace Memorial Park, where you will have the opportunity to learn about the impact that the atomic bomb had on Hiroshima and how the city was able to recover thereafter. The park is full of monuments dedicated to those who lost their lives due to the bombing, and it is also the place where one can find the emblematic Atomic Bomb Dome. Additionally, guests will be able to tour the Peace Memorial Museum, which displays the artifacts and stories of the bombing victims.
A visit to Hiroshima is of course not complete without a stop by Miyajima, a scenic island located not too far from the city. Miyajima is most well-known for its iconic "floating" O-torii gate and shrine; however, the island still has a lot more to offer. With plenty of delicious delicacies to sample, deer roaming around freely, a fantastic scenery, and many other shrines and temples to visit, Miyajima is without a doubt one of the most scenic locations in all of Japan, and a must-see for those visiting Hiroshima for the first time.
You can find out more information about this tour by clicking the "View Details" button above. Or, if you've already made up your mind and are interested in joining us, click the "Book Now" button and get ready to enjoy the best that Hiroshima has to offer!
* Tour does not include transportation before or after the tour, and does not include accommodation. Customers will need to book their own transportation to reach their next destination.
How to End Your Day
The tour will conclude at Hiroshima station outside of the Bullet Train gates at approximately 5.30pm which will provide you with time to travel to your next destination at a reasonable hour. Your tour guide will happily assist you with any questions or tickets regarding your onward destination. At Hiroshima station you are well connected to transport options to reach your next destination. For customers heading onto Tokyo, you can take the Bullet Train from Hiroshima bound for Tokyo station, and it will take approximately 231 minutes.
Once you arrive into the Tokyo station / Marunouchi area, you are perfectly located to many restaurants, bars, shops and hotels. This is one of the most popular areas for visitors to stay in Tokyo.
