This was our first visit to Japan. The small group tour, led by an excellent guide as all that we hoped for. Cultural experiences, history, exploring cities, and some countryside, and architecture. This is a wonderful tour, especially for people visiting this amazing country for the first time
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.
I thoroughly enjoyed the Highlights of Japan trip as it basically picked up from my 2020 Japan tour which was cancelled half way through due to Covid. The tour gives a good insight into Japan and is perfect to get ideas for a longer trip to Japan for places to revisit and see in more depth as there is so much to see. The trip was a good pace and our guide, David Lam, was excellent and really went out of his way to ensure everyone in the group enjoyed the tour, thanks David for enhancing my trip to Japan.
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.
Our guide, Karique, was extremely knowledgeable and an expert in steering the group through crowded rail stations without losing his cool or any members of the group. He also led us to some very unique restaurants, giving us a real introduction to the flavours of Japan.
The tour itself was full on and pretty comprehensive, providing a good introduction to many aspects of this amazing country.
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.
Immerse yourself in the ancient and modern cultures of Japan. Learn the art of the tea ceremony, and stand before the famous Senso-ji Buddhist temple. Tour Matsumoto Castle, known as the “Crow Castle” for its black exterior. Taste legendary Hida beef and sip sake at a local brewery. Delve into Kyoto, the marvelous cultural capital of Japan. Board the Shinkansen “bullet” train to travel to Hiroshima to visit Shrine Island and the Peace Memorial Museum. Absorb the beauty of the Golden Pavilion and the majesty of Nijo Castle. Japan slowly draws you into its eclectic culture and charm, revealing incredible moments every step of the way.
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.
Our tour of eight from the UK and the US literally ate our way around Japan. Our leader, Dean, was outstanding and interpreted, guided, and answered all our many questions with patience and good humor. This is listed as an "Active" trip and my pedometer said I walked 87 miles the second week of the tour, and the first week was similar. I am 70 and thought I was in good shape but my legs were very tired at the end of each day. I particularly liked our stay in Takayama at a minshuku. The smaller city was a welcome break from the crowds of Tokyo.
If you're looking for an unforgettable trip to Japan, our Japan Cherry Blossom Tour for small-group passengers is the perfect choice. This 10-day journey through Japan’s best cherry blossom destinations offers an unforgettable experience during peak cherry blossom season. From the energetic cityscapes of Tokyo to Kyoto’s cultural richness and Hiroshima’s historic sites, this tour combines Japanese culture, history, and natural highlights into an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
With a small group tour of a maximum of 16 people, this tour ensures a personalized, immersive experience. You’ll stay in comfortable hotels, including a traditional Japanese ryokan in Hakone, complete with soothing hot springs relaxation. Throughout the tour, you’ll benefit from our knowledgeable local guides, who share captivating stories and insights to help you appreciate the beauty, history, and culture of each destination.
Our commitment to seamless travel begins with a Door-to-Airport Service, where an on-way chauffeur will handle your airport transfer, so you start your adventure stress-free. Imagine beginning your journey without the hassle of traffic or arranging transport. Upon arrival, our Airport Meet-and-Greet Service will welcome you with a local tour guide for 24/7 assistance and travel guidance.
With guaranteed departures for as few as two guests and Tweet World Travel’s unique “local-host” experience, you’ll enjoy exclusive insights and interactions only locals can provide. Every detail has been considered to create a world-class experience from start to finish, making this cherry blossom tour an ideal way to witness Japan’s Sakura season in comfort and style.
