Japan at Cherry Blossom Time

Tuesday 25 March

A morning departure from Auckland on Air New Zealand for Tokyo. Arrive early evening and transfer to the hotel for an overnight stay. 

Wednesday 26 March

This morning, we travel by Bullet Train (2h 30m - 515km) to Osaka. After lunch at a local restaurant we visit the Osaka Castle before continuing onto Kyoto for a three night stay. Welcome Dinner tonight.

Thursday 27 March

Depart for a full day sightseeing tour of nearby Nara with eight UNESCO sites, including the Tôdai-ji Temple with its 15m high bronze Buddha and Japanese garden. Return to Kyoto. Dinner at local restaurant.

Friday 28 March

By coach a morning sightseeing tour of Kyoto including the Golden Pavilion and a rickshaw experience in the Arashiyama Area. Afternoon free to explore and shop. 

Saturday 29 March

Travel by Bullet Train (2h 45m – 360km)  to Hiroshima. Visit the Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, plus the A-Bomb Dome Museum – the only structure left standing near the bomb’s hypocentre. Listen to a talk by a Hiroshima survivor. Transfer to hotel for a two-night stay.

Sunday 30 March

Morning travel to Miyajima Island in Hiroshima Bay by train and ferry for half-day sightseeing tour to see the forests, temples and a nostalgic street where you feel you have stepped back in time. Return to hotel late afternoon. 

Monday 31 March

Early departure by bullet train to Takayama (5h30m) via Nagoya, arrivingearly afternoon. Enjoy an afternoon tour of Takayama a mountainous city with narrow streets, merchant houses and known as the ‘City of Festivals.’ Dinner at local restaurant.

Tuesday 01 April

Today’s travel takes you through a remote mountainous region to Shirakawago – a village with traditional farmhouses, some up to 250 years old. Lunch at a local restaurant.  

Wednesday 02 April

Travel to the Mt Fuji Visitor Centre with time to experience the national park and surroundings. Also visit Matsumoto Castle.

Thursday 03 April

Enjoy a morning cruise on the crater Lake - Ashi, the Hakone Cablecar Ropeway with views to Mt Fuji on a fine day before travelling to Tokyo by Romance Car (train). Transfer to hotel.

Tokyo is a paradox of ancient tradition and post-modern culture where consumerism and elegance and serenity go hand-in-hand.

Friday 04 April

A sightseeing tour of Tokyo including the Imperial Palace, Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Shopping Street. Dinner at a local restaurant tonight.

Saturday 05 April

Late morning transfer to Yokohama Port to board the ‘Diamond Princess.’  Sail out of Tokyo late afternoon. 

Sunday 06 April

Monday 07 April

This beautiful city is often described as the San Francisco of Japan. The city occupies verdant hills surrounded by a deep-water bay. Nagasaki’s Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum draw visitors from around the world. Late afternoon departure.

Tuesday 08 April

Busan, South Korea’s second largest city. Prepare for a contrast of countries as mountains, beaches, fish markets, high-rise apartments sit alongside ancient Buddhist temples - an amalgam of old and new - will make for an interesting afternoon.

Wednesday 09 April

Step ashore and enjoy a day in Sakaiminato found wedged between sea, sky and mountains. This small fishing port has been esteemed for centuries for its superb seafood.

Thursday 10 April

Today possibly features some of the best cherry blossom viewing in the region. Located in the middle of the city, the Fukuoka ruins date back more than half a century to the Edo period. Sail away late afternoon.

Friday 11 April

Why not take an optional shore excursion today and marvel at the gold leaf that is a major art form synonymous with the city. Just outside the castle park blooms the enchanting Kenroku-en Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan and the home of the country’s oldest fountain. 

Saturday 12 April

After breakfast, step ashore in Sakata which is known for its high-quality rice. The city grew as an important stop along the coastal shipping route that connected Hokkaido with Osaka. Sail away late afternoon.

Sunday 13 April

Akita was once a castle town of the Satake clan, but today is a vibrant, prosperous city. There are several fine museums and surrounding the city, fertile farmland and rice fields produce some of the best sake in the country.  Nature lovers won’t know which way to turn.

Monday 14 April

Today we explore Aomori which derives much of its beauty from the apple orchards and cherry blossoms that encompass its landscape and the snow-covered Hakkoda Mountains that look on from a distance. Late afternoon departure.

Tuesday 15 April

Wednesday 16 April

Disembark for half day sight seeing and last minute shopping before transferring to the airport for your Air New Zealand evening flight to Auckland. 

Thursday 17 April

Morning Arrival Auckland.