8 Days Essence of Spring Tour - Cherry Blossom Seasonal Tour with Sumo

Day 1 Osaka | Complementary Arrival Transfer to The Hotel

Welcome to Japan! We will have transportation services to take you to your hotel. Please refer to your tour handbook for more information.
Rest at the hotel and be ready to start your exciting tour tomorrow.

**INFORMATION**
From KIX Airport to downtown hotel in Osaka - about 70 mins (Bus)
From ITM Airport to downtown hotel in Osaka - about 30 mins (Bus)

Day 2 Osaka | An Unforgettable Sumo Tournament

Our Japan tour begins the day with a couple of choices. You can either enjoy the morning at your leisure to explore the charms of Osaka, or join us for an optional excursion to a Sumo Stable to see the morning training sessions. ($80 /person) If you don't plan on joining our excursion tour, Japan Deluxe Tours highly recommends exploring the impressive array of Japanese street food and dining Osaka is known for. We recommend sampling Takoyaki octopus balls, a staple for Osaka street food culture during your morning.

During the evening, our tour group will make our way to the Osaka Prefectural Gymnasium to observe a Sumo Tournament. While Sumo wrestling first began as a Shinto religious ceremony in hopes to improve the fertility of the year's crops, Sumo has since grown to become the national sport in Japan as a beloved martial arts. The massive wrestlers may look overweight, but you'd be surprised how quick and agile these Sumo master Japanese martial artists are. Enjoy this unique Japanese experience with the roaring crowds rooting for their favorite rikishi. We then proceed to the Hotel.

Day 3 Nara & Kyoto | Traditional Trinkets along Ninenzaka

We will start the day by heading south to Nara to explore Todaiji Temple and the Deer Park. Todaiji Temple is considered one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and holds the largest Buddha statue in Japan, a truly impressive sight to behold. A short walk over and you will stand among the deer of the Nara Deer Park. Considered divine, they are adored by people all over the world. Just be sure not to get chased by one.

The group will then head back to Kyoto for an informative visit to a sake museum and brewery to learn more about Japan’s national drink. You can also sample sake that was made on site and purchase your favorite to bring home. We will continue our day at Fushimi Inari Shrine, home of the famed thousand torii gates. Explore the area by either making your way through the torii gates to the Omokaru Stone or watch the local priests performing prayers every so often.

The rest of the day will be spent taking part in activities that are quintessential to Japanese culture. First up will be a hands-on lesson on the tea ceremony. Learn about the history and meaning behind the ceremony as you watch it being performed before your eyes. We will then end the evening with a kaiseki dinner accompanied by a maiko performance. Maiko are apprentice to Geisha and the meal is a great chance to take photos and learn about Kyoto's traditional culture.

Day 4 Kyoto | Authentic Japanese Foodie Experience

Our day in Kyoto will start off with a spirited rickshaw ride through the serene Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Experience what it was like to get around the city back in the day as you enjoy the relaxing scenery. Next, the group will make its way to the Golden Pavilion, or Kinkakuji Temple, an absolute must-see attraction where the upper two floors are covered with gold leaf.

Before you depart Kyoto, we will stop for a kaiten sushi lunch, a perfect way for travelers to pick and try new flavors. Most kaiten sushi restaurants will also offer other options such as kaarage (Japanese fried chicken) or noodle dishes.

We will then depart Kyoto and speed through central Japan as you ride the bullet train to your ryokan (Japanese style hotel) where the welcoming bath waters of the onsen await you. Your Japan tour would not be complete without a long relaxing soak in the onsen (Japanese hot springs), to rejuvenate you for tomorrow’s adventure. An informal, cotton Kimono or Yukata will be provided for you to wear at the ryokan. Your vacation's ryokan includes a hot-spring onsite to enjoy at your leisure during your night's accommodation.

Day 5 Hakone & Mt. Fuji | Hakone Rope-way Ride through the Sky

Our Japan tour will start the day by heading to the renown Hakone area. The first stop of the day wIll be Owakudani Valley for a ride on the Hakone Ropeway. The valley itself is an active volcanic crater and is famous for its black boiled egg that is said to add seven years to your life. If weather permits, enjoy a scenic view of Mt. Fuji as your ride the ropeway down the hill.

Before we head to our next destination, enjoy a warm bowl of Hoto, a Japanese noodle dish native to the Yamanshi area, for lunch. After your hearty meal, we’ll make our way to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station where you will find breathtaking views of the mountain as well as the surrounding scenery. Be sure to snap some pictures and take in the nature before we head to Tokyo.

Day 6 Tokyo | The City's Most Popular Japanese Temple

Today, we’ll start our morning exploring the Tsukiji Fish Market, former home of the world-famous tuna auction. Browse through the numerous vendors lining the walkways and pick up a couple of mouth-watering snacks made from the freshest ingredients while you are there. The tour then takes you the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crosswalk in the world. Be a part of the almost 2500 people crossing and pay a visit to the Hachiko Statue.

After our time in Shibuya, we’ll dive into the center of Japanese street fashion in Harajuku. Shop through the trendy district while snacking on the famous Harajuku crepes and other kawaii treats from Takeshita Dori. For lunch, enjoy a delicious, authentic Teppan-yaki meal in Akihabara.

After our wagyu lunch, our tour guide will lead us to the old town district of Asakusa where you can purchase traditional Japanese souvenirs at the Nakamise area. The shopping area is lined with tasty snacks loved by locals and fun trinkets to take home as souvenirs. Be sure to snap a photo with Senoso-ji Temple, Tokyo's most popular temple.

Finishing up souvenir shopping and photos in Asakusa, your tour will venture to the enormous Tokyo Skytree shopping center to enjoy Tokyo's iconic landmark. Be sure to stop and sample tasty treats at the world-famous Tokyo Banana or decorative Japanese candy art of Ameshin. We then return to the hotel.

Day 7 Tokyo | At your Leisure & Optional Excursions

We've cleared up the day for you to enjoy at your leisure, or join one of our popular excursion tours in the morning or afternoon.

Our morning excursion ventures to the Yokohama Cup Noodles Museum to make our own custom cup noodles.
In the afternoon, enjoy a complimentary Cherry Blossom Walking tour to see the beautiful Sakura Japanese Flowers.

Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea are also popular options to spend your leisure-free day in Tokyo.

Day 8 Tokyo | Tour Disbands & Depart from Japan

Your pleasant and memorable Japan tour ends today. The tour will disband after breakfast.
Fly home with cherished memories or enjoy your extended stay in Japan.

**INFORMATION**
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Narita Airport - about 90 mins(Bus)
From downtown hotel in Tokyo to Haneda Airport - about 30 mins(Bus)