Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival at the airport, make your own way to the hotel and complete check-in. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax after your flight or begin exploring Tokyo at your own pace. As Japan's capital city, Tokyo offers an interesting contrast between historic traditions and modern city life. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore nearby shopping districts, sample local Japanese cuisine or simply familiarise yourself with the surrounding area before the tour begins. Hotel check-in is generally available from 3:00 PM onwards. If arriving earlier, luggage storage may be available at the hotel subject to availability.

After breakfast, begin your Tokyo sightseeing at Ueno Park, one of Japan's most popular cherry blossom viewing locations, with more than 1,300 cherry trees spread throughout the park. Continue to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo's oldest temple, where you can see seasonal sakura displays and Tokyo Skytree as the background. Walk through Nakamise Shopping Street, lined with traditional snacks, souvenirs and local products leading to the temple grounds. Continue to Meiji Jingu Shrine, an important Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Explore the shrine grounds, see the famous Sake Barrel Wall, and you may even be fortunate enough to witness a traditional Japanese wedding procession. Make sure to dress appropriately and be mindful of noise levels when visiting the shrine. Later, visit Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world, before stopping at the Hachiko Statue, built in honour of Japan's most famous loyal dog.

Travel to the Mount Fuji region for a full day excursion to two of the area's most popular viewing locations. Begin at Arakurayama Sengen Park, known for its seasonal cherry blossoms and views that combine Mount Fuji, the Chureito Pagoda and surrounding landscapes in a single panorama. A hike of approximately 15 to 20 minutes leads to Arakurayama Sengen Shrine and the Red Fuji Observation Deck, one of the most photographed viewpoints in the region. Continue to Lake Kawaguchi, one of the Fuji Five Lakes and a popular location for viewing Mount Fuji. Enjoy a Lake Kawaguchi Cruise and, on clear days, admire reflections of Mount Fuji across the lake's waters. There will also be time to stroll around the lakeside area before returning to Tokyo. Mount Fuji visibility is weather dependent and cannot be guaranteed. Early mornings and clear weather generally offer the best viewing conditions. This excursion is limited to a maximum of 8 hours. Additional hours beyond the scheduled touring time will incur a surcharge.

Transfer to Tokyo Station and board the Shinkansen Bullet Train to Kyoto. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours and provides views of both urban and rural landscapes as you travel between eastern and western Japan. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. For those wishing to explore independently, consider a stroll along the Kamo River, where riverside pathways and dining terraces line the waterfront, or walk part of the Philosopher's Path, a canal side route particularly popular during cherry blossom season.

Begin at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its wooden stage overlooking eastern Kyoto. Explore the temple complex, including the Hondo Main Hall, Jishu Shrine, Otowa Waterfall, and the Tainai-Meguri experience. During spring, cherry blossoms can be seen throughout the surrounding hillsides. Enjoy a complimentary Sakura Ice Cream before continuing through the preserved streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, where traditional shops and tea houses reflect Kyoto's historic character. Continue to Maruyama Park, one of Kyoto's best known cherry blossom locations, before visiting nearby Yasaka Shrine. The day concludes in the historic Gion District, followed by a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), one of Kyoto's most recognised landmarks, followed by Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former residence of the Tokugawa Shoguns. Continue to the Arashiyama district, where you will experience either the Sagano Scenic Railway or a traditional Yakatabune Boat Ride, subject to seasonal operations and availability. Both experiences provide views of the surrounding countryside and sections of the Hozugawa River. Explore the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, visit Tenryu-ji Temple, known for its landscaped gardens that incorporate the surrounding mountains as part of the design, and continue to Togetsukyo Bridge, one of Arashiyama's most recognisable landmarks. The Sagano Scenic Railway or Yakatabune Boat Ride will be arranged according to seasonal operating schedules.

Start the day at Fushimi Inari Taisha, one of Japan's most visited Shinto shrines, famous for its thousands of vermilion Senbon Torii Gates that extend through the forested slopes of Mount Inari. As you explore, you will also encounter the shrine's traditional Fox Statues, regarded as messengers of the deity Inari. Travellers wishing to continue further may note that the Yotsutsuji viewpoint can be reached in approximately 30 to 40 minutes on foot. Continue to Nara and visit Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site housing the Great Buddha, one of the world's largest bronze Buddha statues. Walk through Nara Park, home to hundreds of freely roaming deer, where deer crackers known as Shika Senbei are available for purchase. Complete your visit at Kasuga Taisha Shrine, recognised for its thousands of bronze and stone lanterns lining the shrine grounds and surrounding woodland. After sightseeing, continue to Osaka for your overnight stay.

Begin at Osaka Castle Park, one of the city's most important historic landmarks and houses over 600 cherry trees making it a popular cherry blossom location during spring. Continue to the Kamigata Ukiyo-e Museum, dedicated to the traditional woodblock print art of the Kansai region. Later, enjoy time at Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street and Dotonbori, one of Osaka's best known entertainment districts, famous for its restaurants, neon displays and the Glico Man Sign. There will be opportunities to sample local specialities such as takoyaki, kushikatsu and okonomiyaki at your own expense. Continue to Namba Yasaka Shrine, known for its giant lion head stage, before concluding the day in Shinsekai, an old Osaka neighbourhood where Tsutenkaku Tower remains a symbol of the district.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and enjoy some free time before your departure. Depending on your flight schedule, you may wish to do some last minute shopping or explore the surrounding area before heading to the airport. Your Japan Cherry Blossom Golden Route Tour concludes today. From the bustling streets of Tokyo and the views of Mount Fuji to the historic temples of Kyoto, cultural treasures of Nara and the local character of Osaka, this journey offers an opportunity to experience some of Japan's most celebrated destinations during the cherry blossom season. Important Note: Airport transfers are not included in the package. Should you require a private transfer to Kansai International Airport, arrangements can be made upon request. We recommend contacting Fayyaz Travels in advance of your departure date to ensure availability.