CHERRY BLOSSOM TOUR: See Japan in 2026! Springtime is one of the best times to visit Japan, when cherry blossom trees come out in full bloom across the nation. Take in the highlights of Japan, visit some of the country’s most beautiful gardens, witness the famous Spring Geisha Dances in Kyoto, enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and sample the crop (if you dare) at Japan's oldest Wasabi Farm.
Doni was an excellent tour guide and is very knowledgeable about the areas we visited.
We were only a small group and through his leadership we immediately felt like a family.
The only feedback I would like to leave is that it should be included that participants in this tour will be expected to walk 12000 steps on a daily basis, and not always on flat ground. We thoroughly enjoyed the trip but may have reconsidered it due to my health issues.
Great experience! We saw wonderful parts of Japan, including Tokyo, Mt. Fuji, and Hiroshima. The hotels were wonderful! Our travel director was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. My advice to Trafalgar is to reduce the number of visits to temples and shrines. Maybe allow more free time. Also, there were too many set Japanese meals with no options.
This is a great tour with a diverse itinerary. Although it is advertised as a trip with moderate pace, be ready for a lot of walking, about 12-15,000 steps a day. You should also be ready for the ryokan experience with shared bathroom facilities. The hotels were correct, all clean, with generally small rooms that is the standard for Japan. Transferring your suitcases in advance of day trips, as suggested by Explore, is highly recommended. Japan is very clean, there are no garbage cans on the streets, and public toilets are amazingly clean and are available everywhere and are free. Credit cards are generally accepted, except for a few small restaurants. We were particularly lucky with our guide, Synjun who was super professional, very knowledgeable and kind.
Take your tastebuds on an 11-day culinary journey through Japan’s most delicious hotspots, relishing the flavours of the land of the rising sun. Uncover the secrets of sushi in Tokyo, pick local produce with an expert in Kanazawa, feast on plant-based monastic cuisine in Koya-san, meet local farmers in Uji and go on a food crawl in Osaka. Take part in cooking classes, cooking demonstrations and market visits, feasting on local delights along the way. From temples to tempura, shrines to sashimi, seafood markets to sake breweries, you’ll join a local leader on a food-focused adventure that has all the best Japanese ingredients.
Loved it all. The usual mix of guided tours and free time, with excellent hotels and a good crowd on the bus. Of course in any country there is so much to see and one tour cannot see it all but this was certainly a great effort at experiencing as much as possible within my time and budget constraints.
There's no destination quite like Japan, and there's no better way to see it than by bike. Get off the beaten path, cycling from the historic village of Shirakawa-go to the Sea of Japan and Toyama Bay. Explore the hidden gem of Sado Island on two wheels. Along the way we see one of the finest Japanese gardens in Kanazawa, rest your head in a traditional ryokan, sample excellent local seafood and soak in coastal scenery. Finally, hop on a bullet train to explore the neon-clad, beating heart of Japan, Tokyo.
Sado Island - Discover breathtaking landscapes, rugged coastal beauty, rich culture and historical significance
Kyoto and Tokyo - Get lost amongst the bustle and vibrancy of Japan's two biggest cities, teeming with cultural hot spots and ancient sites
Delicious local food - Refuel with tasty Japanese cuisine from street food in the city, to authentic local meals in the countryside
Have been on many guided tours in the world. This tour tops them all.
A couple from Canada made our group feel uncomfortable by being demanding and rude sometimes. Min did a great PR job.
Sculpture Park was amazing, especially the Picasso Museum. Seeing cherry blossom for the first time with Mountains of snow in background was a plus. Trying and tasting the local food was a gastronomical experience.
With a small group I and the others received personalized attention. I have a problem with heights and stairs. I was lucky to have Min's arm to guide me so I did not feel apprehensive or falter.
Where would you like to visit next?: Not sure, but I don't like cruising. Only land travel. Congrats to your travel firm for such a wonderful experience to Japan. Special thanks to Min.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Japan, where timeless traditions meet breathtaking landscapes. Your adventure begins in Tokyo, a vibrant metropolis where ancient culture and modern life coexist. Explore the peaceful grounds of the Meiji Jingu Shrine, stroll through the lively Tsukiji Fish Market, and admire the historic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most revered Buddhist temple. Next, escape the city to witness the majestic beauty of Mount Fuji. Enjoy a tranquil boat ride on Lake Kawaguchi, soar above the scenery on the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, and visit the serene Arakurayama Sengen Park and traditional Oshino Hakkai Village. Unwind for the night in Hakone, known for its relaxing hot springs and scenic views. Continue to the charming town of Takayama, where you'll explore the vibrant Morning Market and the historic Kusakabe Folk Museum, showcasing traditional architecture and craftsmanship. From there, travel to the storybook village of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its iconic thatched-roof houses at the Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum before arriving in Kanazawa. In Kyoto, immerse yourself in Japan’s cultural heart. Wander through the enchanting bamboo groves of Arashiyama, marvel at the golden splendor of Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and climb the iconic paths lined with vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine. Before your journey ends, stop in Osaka to visit the magnificent Osaka Castle, a symbol of Japan’s feudal history. As your tour concludes, depart from Osaka with a heart full of unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Japan’s cultural and natural wonders.
Craving a blend of ancient and alpine Japan? The 'Feudal Japan with Japanese Alps' trip takes seniors on a 10-day guided exploration from Tokyo, highlighting both historic traditions and mountain landscapes. With comfortable accommodations, included meals, and stress-free transport, this tour is crafted for a gentle pace. Its USP is the unique combination of feudal heritage and natural beauty, making it a standout option for those seeking variety and depth in their Japanese adventure.
Imagine strolling beneath cherry blossoms in Tokyo and exploring the vibrant energy of Busan—all in one seamless journey. The "Sakura Dreams with South Korea" tour offers seniors a 20-day, easy-paced group experience that blends the best of Japan and South Korea. With hotel accommodation, included meals, and convenient transport, you’ll enjoy leisurely sightseeing and cultural immersion at every turn. Unique to this tour package is the chance to witness both Japan’s famed sakura season and Korea’s dynamic cities, creating a memorable dual-country adventure for those who cherish comfort and discovery.
