cherry blossom - 2009

7 days from Osaka to Tokyo (JP-7C)

Dates and Prices

Starting at: $1,998.00*

USA Departure:
03/08/09 03/15/09 03/22/09 03/29/09
04/05/09 04/12/09 04/19/09

Vacation Overview

In the spring there is an explosion of color and festivities with the arrival of the cherry blossoms. Known locally as “Sakura” this is the national flower of Japan. Since olden times, cherry blossoms have captivated the hearts of the Japanese people.
The traditional custom of "Hanami"(Cherry Blossom Viewing) is to visit mountains and parks with cherry blossoms and hold sake-drinking parties under the cherry trees in full blossom. Tokyo's Ueno Park and Mt.Yoshino in Nara are famous spots for viewing cherry blossoms.

Our March and April departures provide the once in a lifetime chance to see this natural wonder.

Itinerary

Day 1 Sun. DEPARTURE

Depart your home airport to Japan, the magnificent "Land of the Rising Sun". Our destination is Osaka, the western gateway for foreign travelers. Enjoy meals on board.

Day 2 Mon. ARRIVAL OSAKA

You will arrive at Kansai Airport. After immigration and customs, you will be met by tour guide who will escort you to the hotel. You are free to settle in and rest for the next day.

Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport or similar

Day 3 Tue. NARA-KYOTO

We will start our tour fom Nara, was the capital before Kyoto, it has a number of elaborate temples in the main park. When we arrive at Nara we visit the huge Deer Park which, in addition to the more popular temples and Giant Buddha, has many quieter areas of natural beauty. As the name suggests, the park is home of many deer – visitor need to be brave to feed them as they are likely to be buffeted from all sides by the greedier ones. Kyoto - A must-see on any visit to Japan, is the ancient capital for over a thousand years. After lunch, we will visit Kiyomizu-dera, considered as one of the Japan’s best-loved temple, then we will enjoy the seasonal performance of 'Miyako Odori'. This is a special celebration of spring in Kyoto which has been held since 1872, supposedly to maintain the city's pride after the capital moved to Tokyo. It is performed by twenty Maiko and Geiko (the real name of Geisha in Kyoto!) on a set adorned with cherry blossom.

For 3/08, 3/15, 3/22 departures, we will visit Nishijin Kimono Show instead of Miyako Odori.

Hotel: Grand Prince Hotel Kyoto or similar

Day 4 Wed. KYOTO-SHIZUOKA

Whitehorse

Today we will visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Nijojo Castle. As with Christianity, Buddhism has many denominations and each famous temple is often the seat of one particular sect. More religious Japanese people may consider it a personal pilgrimage to visit such temples. The glittering Kinkaku-ji Temple is a three-storey structure overlaid with gold leaf, which was restored in 1988. Then we will visit the World Tea Museum in Shizuoka, one of Japan’s top three green tea plantations. Marvel at the lushness of the green tea tapestry. Enjoy the traditional tea ceremony – prepared a green tea at the museum. This should be one of the most interesting experiences throughout the tour. And of course, the tour would not be complete without a long, relaxing soak in the natural onsen waters that have rejuvenated the Japanese for hundreds of years.

Hotel: Hotel Resorpia Hakone or similar

Day 5 Thu. HAKONE- MT. FUJI

The Hakone checkpoint on the historic Tokaido road marks the edge of the Kanto region. While Hakone has its fair share of hot springs and health resorts, the main attractions are the views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. Closer inspection reveals that 'Fuji-san' is not quite as perfect as it appears as there are several volcanic craters on its slopes. The area known as Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is still volcanically active and its Great Boiling Valley is full of sulphurous springs After lunch, we will visit Japan’s most iconic symbol, the sacred Mt. Fuji, we shall drive up to Mt. Fuji's Fifth Station (Altitude 2503m) where you will see the panoramic view of mountains and lakes.

Hotel: Tokyo Prince Hotel or similar

Day 6 Fri. TOKYO

We will organize for a full day tour around metropolis as the last visiting area of the tour. With such a wealth of experiences to be had, choosing what to see in Tokyo can be a little tricky so your guide will show you some of the highlights as well as giving you the chance to check out anywhere else that has particularly caught your eye. We will visit, Imperial Palace Plaza, Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Ginza Shopping District and Shinjuku. You will also take a river cruse from Asakusa to Hamarikyu Gardan. By the end of the day, we are sure that you will get a genuine feel for Tokyo life as well as having a real expert on hand to explain the myriad of sights and sounds around you.

Hotel: Tokyo Prince Hotel or similar

Day 7 Sat. TOKYO-HOMETOWN

Your pleasant and memorable Yokoso Japan Tour ends today. Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan or in Asian Cities.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Airport transfers may be included when you make your international flights arrangements.

Tour Price Includes

Round trip air fare from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Honolulu
Accommodations, 4 nights Western style hotel, 1night Japanese style Inn
13 meals as listed on this itinerary (Mixture of Japanese and Western cuisine)
Service of Multi-lingual Professional Tour Guides throughout
All ground transportation during tour (Private motor coach), Admission Fee
Package prices are per person, based on double occupancy(2 people sharing 1 room)

Not Included in the Tour Price

Federal Inspection Fees for the U.S. Customs and immigration; International Air Transportation Tax; agricultural tax; any other taxes; security fee; airport taxes of $520.00 (Tax price is subject to change.)
Passports; visas and vaccinations; laundry; telephone; mini bar; alcohol; beverages and food not on the regular table menu (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel or restaurant); optional excursions; porterage at airports; travel protection insurance; excess baggage fees; all other items of a personal nature
Gratuities to your tour guide and tour driver(Approx.$60.00)
Add-on fare for other US cities; East Coast $300.00, Midwest and West coast $200.00
Peak season surcharge of $300.00 per person applicable for Jun-Aug & Dec departure
Single room supplements of $580.00 and triple reductions of $100.00 may be applicable
Land Only Arrangements available at $1498.00 per person(no-tax)

Add on air fare extension to Saigon/Hanoi/Manila/Bangkok $400.00, Taipei/Hong Kong $300.00, Seoul $400.00, Okinawa $250.00 and more

Please contact us for detailed information.