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Cherry Blossoms of Japan

Follow the ephemeral cherry blossom trail as it blooms across Nikko, Kanazawa, Kyoto and Tokyo on a 15 day tour that includes Japan’s great ‘Strolling’ gardens. Experience a fascinating mix of ancient Zen serenity and modernity that makes Japan such an exciting cultural destination.

  • $12,512.77 USD
  • 15 Days
  • calendar-icon 26 MARCH - 9 APRIL 2027
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Itinerary
  • sun iconDay 1
  • calendar icon Friday 26 March 2027
Arrive Tokyo

Welcome to Tokyo. Check-in to your hotel, conveniently located at Haneda Airport. Settle in and meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers the following morning.

hotel iconAccommodation:

Hotel Villa Fontaine Grand Haneda Airport, Tokyo

  • sun iconDay 2
  • calendar icon Saturday 27 March 2027
Tokyo to Nikko (B/D)

Our coach takes us to Nikko this morning, with a stop to see the sacred way of ancient cedar trees, and to visit the Omiya Bonsai Village and Museum. The village was established in 1925 when an earthquake in central Tokyo forced bonsai nurseries to look for an alternative location. They chose Omiya for its clean water and good soil.

There are several nurseries in the village that specialise in bonsai and private gardens also have good collections by their front doors. The museum itself offers a great introduction to this ancient art.

Your hotel in Nikko for the next two nights is located in the forest by Lake Chuzenji in Nikko National Park.

hotel iconAccommodation:

Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel, Nikko

  • sun iconDay 3
  • calendar icon Sunday 28 March 2027
Nikko (B/D)

We visit the impressive red Sacred Bridge then take a walking tour of the nearby Toshogu Shrine, and hear the history behind this sacred region and its traditions. The shrine was built in 1542 to honour the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

Rinnoji Temple, on the avenue leading to the shrine, contains three gigantic gilded wooden images of Buddha. The buildings are inspiring, but it is the natural beauty of the place that drew the rich and powerful all those centuries ago, and it still casts a spell.

There are giant cryptomerias over 1000 years old, the turbulent waters of the Daiya River, and mists wrapping the mountain. The entire site is World Heritage listed. Afterwards, visit the Kanaya Samurai House.

This afternoon there is time to explore the charming town of Nikko, shopping for vintage kokeshi dolls and soaking up the tranquil atmosphere. Dinner included tonight.

hotel iconAccommodation:

Chuzenji Kanaya Hotel, Nikko

  • sun iconDay 4
  • calendar icon Monday 29 March 2027
Nikko to Awazu (B/D)

Express train north this morning, through Japan’s picturesque countryside to Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan. Kanazawa is a lovely change of pace where traditional crafts, such as ceramic, embroidery and gold leaf work are still practiced.

Today we visit Kenroku-en Garden which combines the six essential features of true gardens: vastness, symmetry, solemnity, coolness, antiquity and pleasure. This is one of Japan’s three most famous landscapes and was developed from the 1620’s by the local daimyo Lord Maeda and includes Japan’s oldest fountain operating by natural water pressure.

Tonight you’ll stay in a Japanese ryokan, and enjoy a traditional Japanese style kaiseki dinner. Make sure you take time to enjoy the very special hot Japanese baths at the ryokan.

hotel iconAccommodation:

Mantenno Tsujinoya, Awazu Onsen

  • sun iconDay 5
  • calendar icon Tuesday 30 March 2027
Awazu to Kanazawa (B/D)

A visit to Nomura Samurai house with a garden of meandering streams, waterfalls, lanterns and plants.

The remainder of the day is free.

hotel iconAccommodation:

Hotel Nikko, Kanazawa

  • sun iconDay 6
  • calendar icon Wednesday 31 March 2027
Shirakawa-go (B)

A once in a lifetime experience today, as we travel deep into the Japan Alps to visit Shirakawa-go Village.

This village, nestled in a rural setting that looks unchanged for centuries, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The traditional farmhouses have steep thatched roofs, called Gassho-zukuri, a style used more than 250 years ago.

 

hotel iconAccommodation:

Hotel Nikko, Kanazawa

  • sun iconDay 7
  • calendar icon Thursday 1 April 2027
Kanazawa to Nagoya (B/D)

Travel by bullet train to Nagoya.

This afternoon visit Nabana no Sato in Mie prefecture. This theme park is a new concept in world-class show gardens covering many hectares with beds filled with thousands of every type of spring flower possible and huge glasshouses overflowing with tuberous begonias and more hanging baskets than you could count.

After dark enjoy one of Japan’s largest illumination shows. Dinner included tonight.

hotel iconAccommodation:

Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, Nagoya

  • sun iconDay 8
  • calendar icon Friday 2 April 2027
Nagoya to Kyoto (B)

Visit the iconic Nagoya Castle this morning. Hommaru Palace reopened in 2018 after 10 years of restoration, showcasing Japan’s finest example of Shoin-zukuri Samurai style residential architecture.

This afternoon travel by bullet train to Kyoto, the beautiful former imperial capital of Japan.

hotel iconAccommodation:

Westin Miyako Hotel, Kyoto

  • sun iconDay 9
  • calendar icon Saturday 3 April 2027
Kyoto (B/L)

Legend has it that Ginkakuji – the Silver Pavilion – was to be covered in silver leaf, but the shogun died before that could happen. An alternative theory for the name holds that the glistening black tiles on the pavilion roof reflected the light of the full moon in such a way as to look like silver. We’ll come to our own conclusion as we admire the elegance of the pavilion and the wonderful Zen gardens with their raked and moulded gravel. This serene garden also features ancient pines, ginkgoes, maples and camellias.

Our next stop is Hakusa Sonso, a garden, villa and museum created by the famous Japanese painter Kansetsu Hashimoto in 1915. We’ll watch a tea ceremony performed by his wife, a Tea Master. The garden is a showcase of Japanese plants and Chinese statuary and we’ll have plenty of time to admire it. Lunch is included in the family’s restaurant.

We’ll stroll along the famous Philosopher’s Path this afternoon, under thousands of cherry trees in full bloom and perfumed spring flowering shrubs, and with the rushing snow-fed waters of the Shirakawa River below us. Three rows of cherries line this most-admired walk, which stretches from the local temple to the entrance of the Silver Pavilion, Ginkaku-ji.

hotel iconAccommodation:

Westin Miyako Hotel, Kyoto

  • sun iconDay 10
  • calendar icon Sunday 4 April 2027
Kyoto (B/D)

We’ll experience iconic Japanese garden design today. First, an early start to catch the wonderful morning light glowing on the 18-carat gold leaf-covered roof of the Golden Pavilion, Kinkaku-ji. Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu built this three-tiered pavilion in 1397. He used it for entertaining, and as a space for quiet contemplation of nature. It’s perfect proportions are reflected in the broad Mirror Lake before it.

Ryoanji Temple is our next stop, renowned throughout the world as Japan’s finest example of a rock and sand garden (seki-taki). We’ll take time here to reflect on the meaning of the raked patterns and enigmatic placement of rocks. While this stone garden is the most famous part of the temple grounds, the garden itself is large and planted with Japanese cedars and hundreds of exquisite flowering cherries. It’s also home to a stone water-basin, Tsukubai, engraved with a famous Zen script.

hotel iconAccommodation:

Westin Miyako Hotel, Kyoto

  • sun iconDay 11
  • calendar icon Monday 5 April 2027
Kyoto (B/D)

It’s an early start at Kyoto’s eastern Higashiyama Mountains to wonder at the towering, World Heritage listed, Kiyomizu Temple.

Our next stop is Nijo Castle, famous for its fortress-like interior and the ingenious escape routes built into the design by the Tokugawa shogunate in the early 17th century. The garden here, Ninomaru Garden, is planted with ancient pine trees and 430 ‘Sakura’ cherry trees.

We’ve arranged a very special dinner tonight with an elegant geisha/maiko traditional dance performance.

hotel iconAccommodation:

Westin Miyako Hotel, Kyoto

  • sun iconDay 12
  • calendar icon Tuesday 6 April 2027
Kyoto to Tokyo (B)

This morning Heian Shrine, with its unique pairing of Chinese and Japanese architectural styles. The entrance to this Meiji-era strolling garden is through an avenue of 300 weeping flowering cherries. It’s a popular venue for wedding parties, and we can expect to see brides in exquisite bridal kimono posing for photographs.

In the afternoon board the bullet train bound for Tokyo. This afternoon we’ll check in to the luxurious New Otani Hotel, our accommodation for the next two nights. The hotel is set in 10 acres of beautiful gardens dating back to the 16th century.

hotel iconAccommodation:

New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

  • sun iconDay 13
  • calendar icon Wednesday 7 April 2027
Tokyo (B/D)

We’ll visit Nezu Shrine, one of the famous Meiji Ten Shrines of Tokyo this morning, but our first destination is Rikugien Garden. This strolling garden was laid out in 1695 and restored in the 18th century.

A path takes us around a lake, which features 88 stops, each offering a view that is a symbolic representation of scenes from classical Japanese literature. The rhythm achieved by alternating dark and bright zones, spacious and confined areas, sunlit groves and mysterious forests, produces virtually a musical effect. The azaleas and cherries will be putting on the last of their spring show.

The serenity of Meiji Shrine will finish the day surrounded by forest in the middle of Tokyo. Farewell dinner tonight is held at the New Otani Hotel

hotel iconAccommodation:

New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

  • sun iconDay 14
  • calendar icon Thursday 8 April 2027
End of tour (B)

Late check out included today, so our day is free to explore some more of Tokyo. Stroll through the famous Ginza district, visit Hibiya Park, or catch up with some last-minute shopping.

How to Book
To secure your booking and make your deposit, please complete our

online booking form

You will be contacted by a Ross Tours Travel Consultant to confirm your details and preferred method of payment.

Cancellation Policy
  • Cancellations received prior to departure will incur loss of deposit.
  • Cancellations received between 119-60 days prior to departure will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations received between 59-30 days prior to departure will incur a 75% cancellation fee plus any non-recoverable costs incurred.
  • Cancellations received within 30 days prior to departure will incur 100% cancellation fee.
  • Cancellations must be sent in writing.
  • Cancellation fee is based upon the total amounts paid including tours, airfares and all other travel arrangements.

Please refer to the Ross Tours standard terms and conditions

Book This Tour
Tour Inclusions
Colin-Barlow-326x340
Tour Escorted by Colin Barlow
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  • shinkansen and express train travel Shinkansen and express train travel
  • ac-icon Deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach throughout tour
  • bed-icon Deluxe accommodation for 13 nights
  • lunch-icon Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch and 8 Dinners
  • man-icon National (English speaking) Japanese Guide

Entrance fees to all gardens and sightseeing including

  • Ginkakuji, Hakusa Sonso, Ryoan-ji, Nabana no Sato, Kenrokuen, Rinnoji Temple, Omiya Bonsai Museum, Rikugien Garden, Nezu Shrine, Hashimoto Art Museum , Tea Ceremony, Philosophers Path, Normura Samurai House, Seisonkaku Villa, Shirakawa-go, Tamozawa Imperial Villa, Toshogu Shrine, Kanaya Samurai House, Meiji Shrine.
TOUR PRICE
  • Twin Share land only
    $12,512.77 USD per person
  • Twin Share incl. airfare
    $2,785.78 USD
  • USD prices may vary slightly at booking.
  • Prices based on minimum 15 passengers.
Book This Tour
DISCOUNTS
Early Bird
$300
Book & pay by
calendar icon 4/12/2026
  • Previous Traveller
    $100
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{Come to Japan at Cherry Blossom time with us!} Experience Japan at its most magical - Cherry Blossom time! From Tokyo to Nikko, Kanazawa and Kyoto, stroll beneath clouds of pink sakura in exquisite gardens and ancient temple grounds.

Visit Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s three great strolling gardens, walk the Philosopher’s Path, marvel at the Golden Pavilion, and travel by bullet train through breathtaking landscapes. Stay in luxury hotels and a traditional ryokan, with onsen and banquet dinner. It’s a journey of beauty, culture and blossom!

Visit our website for more details: www.rosstours.com/japan-cherry-blossom

#rt_cherryblossom #rosstours #travelwithfriends #japan #sakura #cherryblossom #tokyo #nikko #kanzawa #kyoto

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Open post by rosstoursofficial with ID 18394492150197705
{Come to Japan at Cherry Blossom time with us!} Experience Japan at its most magical - Cherry Blossom time! From Tokyo to Nikko, Kanazawa and Kyoto, stroll beneath clouds of pink sakura in exquisite gardens and ancient temple grounds. Visit Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s three great strolling gardens, walk the Philosopher’s Path, marvel at the Golden Pavilion, and travel by bullet train through breathtaking landscapes. Stay in luxury hotels and a traditional ryokan, with onsen and banquet dinner. It’s a journey of beauty, culture and blossom! Visit our website for more details: www.rosstours.com/japan-cherry-blossom #rt_cherryblossom #rosstours #travelwithfriends #japan #sakura #cherryblossom #tokyo #nikko #kanzawa #kyoto

{2025 Tours Programme}

If you are on our mailing list, our printed programme for next year should arrive in your mailbox this week. We have a packed programme full of new exciting tours like Bhutan & Nepal, Spain & Morocco, Ireland and Sabah and old favourites like Japan Spring Festivals, Northern India and Melbourne Flower Show.

You can see all our 2025 tours on our website: www.rosstours.com/tours

Or if you wish to receive our printed programme, please enquire via the website or call us on 1300 233 200.

#rosstours #rossgardentours #travelwithfriends #rt_norfolk #rt_indianorth #rt_mifgs #rt_cherryblossom #rt_nzautumn #rt_bhutan #rt_springfestivals #rt_englandchelsea #rt_spainmorocco #rt_sabah #rt_ireland #rt_singapore #rt_hawaii #rt_wildflowers #rt_flinders #rt_ki #rt_vicspring #rt_tassiespring #rt_nzspring #rt_southamerica #rt_mexico #rt_japanautumn #rt_christmas

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Open post by rosstoursofficial with ID 18023366948393238
{2025 Tours Programme} If you are on our mailing list, our printed programme for next year should arrive in your mailbox this week. We have a packed programme full of new exciting tours like Bhutan & Nepal, Spain & Morocco, Ireland and Sabah and old favourites like Japan Spring Festivals, Northern India and Melbourne Flower Show. You can see all our 2025 tours on our website: www.rosstours.com/tours Or if you wish to receive our printed programme, please enquire via the website or call us on 1300 233 200. #rosstours #rossgardentours #travelwithfriends #rt_norfolk #rt_indianorth #rt_mifgs #rt_cherryblossom #rt_nzautumn #rt_bhutan #rt_springfestivals #rt_englandchelsea #rt_spainmorocco #rt_sabah #rt_ireland #rt_singapore #rt_hawaii #rt_wildflowers #rt_flinders #rt_ki #rt_vicspring #rt_tassiespring #rt_nzspring #rt_southamerica #rt_mexico #rt_japanautumn #rt_christmas
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