Availability
- Limited Available PackagesMondayMarch 30, 2026FridayApril 10, 2026$9,999
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Boutique, Ryokan, Glamping, 5-Star
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Ground, High-speed rail
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English, Japanese
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Cherry Blossom
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7
Overview
This 12-day, all-inclusive journey offers the perfect blend of Japan’s iconic highlights and immersive, hands-on experiences for curious, active travelers. While covering must-see destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto, the itinerary also explores lesser-known areas that remain peaceful even during the busy cherry blossom season.
Rather than simply visiting famous sites, you’ll engage deeply with Japanese culture: make sushi and udon with local masters, experience a traditional tea ceremony, feel the rhythm of Taiko drums, craft your own chopsticks, and explore the countryside by E-bike or riverboat—all while discovering Japan’s rich food culture, arts, and natural beauty.
A unique highlight of the trip is a visit to Japan’s leading organic farming town, where you’ll take part in voluntourism activities such as organic farming and forest conservation. These experiences offer a chance to give back, learn about sustainability, and connect with local communities.
Designed to minimize transit time and maximize cultural immersion, the itinerary combines comfort, adventure, and authenticity. Accommodations range from glamping tents and traditional ryokans to high-end hotels. Activities are suitable for both adults and teens, making this a rewarding and memorable experience for families.
Highlights
- Cultural Immersion: Sushi & udon workshops, chopstick crafting, tea ceremony, Taiko drum experience
- Experience the Way of the Samurai and delve into Bushido philosophy.
- Sustainable Voluntourism: Organic farming and forest conservation projects.
- Discover off-the-beaten-path locations like Ogawamachi and Chichibu for authentic local encounters.
- Hands-On Nature Activities: E-bike tours, river boating.
- Family-Friendly Design: Engaging for both adults and teens.
- Adventure with Comfort: Mix of glamping, ryokans, and high-end hotels.
- Seasonal Beauty: Timed for cherry blossoms and spring harvests.
- All-Inclusive Simplicity: Includes most meals, transport, guides, fees, and activities.
Itinerary
Arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport in Tokyo, where your driver will greet you in the arrivals area with a name placard. You’ll be transferred to your hotel by private vehicle.
Check into your hotel. The Blossom Hibiya is a great place to stay if you want to be in the heart of Tokyo. It’s right near Shimbashi Station, so it’s easy to get around and explore spots like Ginza, Hibiya Park, and the Imperial Palace. All the rooms are up high—19th floor or above—so the views are amazing. The hotel has everything you need: comfy rooms, fast Wi-Fi, a gym, and a nice lounge. The style is a mix of modern and Japanese touches. Breakfast is amazing and there are tons of places to eat nearby. Super convenient and relaxed, with a nice touch of style.
Welcome Dinner
Enjoy a specially arranged welcome dinner at a local restaurant. This casual gathering is an opportunity to meet fellow travelers, review the trip itinerary, and set the tone for the journey ahead.
Accommodation: THE BLOSSOM HIBIYA
Tsukiji & Sushi Making Tour
Your day begins with a 2-hour tour of the Tsukiji area with a local guide, including tasting street food and shopping for essential sushi ingredients. Afterwards, enjoy an exclusive hands-on sushi-making experience with guidance from a local expert as you craft your own sushi. Along the way, you’ll also learn about Japan’s seasonal food culture and deep culinary traditions.
teamLab Immersive Digital Art Museum
In the afternoon, shift into a different kind of sensory journey with a visit to teamLab Borderless—a world-famous immersive digital art museum where boundaries between viewer and artwork disappear. This vibrant, interactive space offers a perfect fusion of art and technology that fascinates both adults and children alike.
Dinner at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy dinner together at a restaurant recommended by your guide, who knows the area well. It’s a great chance to relax and experience local flavors with the group.
Accommodation: THE BLOSSOM HIBIYA
Explore Trendy Tokyo
Spend the day exploring Tokyo with your local guide. Start by exploring the vibrant vibes of Shibuya, the trendy charm of Cat Street, the quirky energy of Harajuku, and the serene beauty of Meiji Shrine. When lunchtime rolls around, trust your guide to lead you to a well-loved local restaurant for a flavorful lunch.
Explore the Old-Town Charm of Tokyo
In the afternoon, head over to Ueno, Asakusa, or other parts of Tokyo’s traditional east side. Your guide will have plenty of tips and suggestions based on your interests and energy level.
Free Time for Evening
Expect to return to your hotel by around 5pm. This evening is yours to enjoy—choose whatever you like for dinner and explore at your own pace. There are plenty of great restaurants nearby, all within walking distance or a short taxi ride. Of course, your local guide will be happy to offer recommendations.
Accommodation: THE BLOSSOM HIBIYA
Voluntourism for Sustainable Farm Work
Travel to Ogawa Town, a satoyama area nestled in the northern suburbs of Tokyo, known today as one of Japan’s leading organic farming communities. This transformation began with one passionate farmer who pioneered organic practices there, mentoring many trainees who would go on to spread and deepen the movement through the town. Experience voluntourism by taking part in sustainable farm work and learning firsthand about environmentally conscious agricultural practices, while supporting a community rooted in care for the land and future generations.
Voluntourism for Sustainable Forest Work
After enjoying a seasonal lunch made with fresh organic vegetables, continue your journey with a meaningful forest restoration activity. This hands-on project supports the sustainable management of local forests before transferring to Chichibu. Across Japan, many traditional satoyama forests and mountains are no longer actively used. In some areas, large-scale deforestation is taking place to make way for mega-solar developments, raising serious environmental concerns. Join a sustainability-driven project that protects these valuable ecosystems, and learn about the challenges Japan’s forests face today—and the grassroots efforts aiming to overcome them.
Dinner at the Ryokan
Enjoy a traditional Kaiseki dinner at your Ryokan. *A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese-style inn, often featuring tatami floors, futon bedding, and elaborate multi-course meals.
Accommodation: Wado Onsen – Yuno-Yado Wado
Traditional River Boating in Nagatoro
Enjoy a refreshing and exciting river boat ride in Nagatoro, as you gently float down the scenic Arakawa River. Take in the stunning natural landscapes and the famous layered rock formations known as Iwadatami. It’s a fun and safe experience that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike.
Udon Noodle-Making Workshop
Take part in a hands-on udon noodle-making session. In this region, udon has long been a local favorite, with many families traditionally making their own noodles at home. Learn tips and techniques from a professional udon maker, who will share his expert knowledge on what makes great udon. After the workshop, enjoy tasting the freshly made noodles with some Tempura—especially satisfying when you’ve made them yourself!
Shrine Visit & Mt. Hodo Ropeway
Visit the historic Hodosan Shrine, surrounded by nature and seasonal beauty. Afterwards, take the ropeway up Mt. Hodo and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains, along with seasonal flowers in bloom. You’ll see just how mountainous Japan is—even right next to Tokyo!
Dinner at the Ryokan
Savor another delightful dinner at your traditional Japanese inn.
Accommodation: Wado Onsen – Yuno-Yado Wado
Breakfast at Ryokan.
Travel to Fujinomiya. Weather permitting, make a stop at the hidden gem of Higashi Chichibu Village, where you can enjoy panoramic cherry blossom views across the mountain slopes. Unlike the famous spots in Tokyo that are often extremely crowded, this peaceful local site is less touristy and has been lovingly maintained by the local community for generations. A small conservation fee will be offered on behalf of the group to support their preservation efforts.
Enjoy a lunch stop at a local restaurant en route.
Outdoor BBQ Dinner with Mt. Fuji Views
Upon arriving at your Mt. Fuji glamping site, take in the majestic views of Mt. Fuji stretching out before you with no crowds to block the scenery, just open skies and peaceful surroundings. After a bit of rest, enjoy an outdoor BBQ dinner featuring local ingredients, including fresh vegetables and the region’s renowned Asagiri meat.
Accommodation: MT. Fuji Satoyama Vacations
Breakfast at the Mt. Fuji Glamping Site.
Morning Tour to Shiraito Falls
If you’re up for an early start, take a refreshing morning walk along a quiet village path to the majestic Shiraito Falls, ideally after enjoying the beautiful sunrise.
Satoyama E-Bike Eco Tour
Explore the countryside on an e-bike eco tour through the scenic satoyama landscape, with views of Mt. Fuji in the background. A knowledgeable local guide will accompany you, sharing insights into the area’s culture, traditions, and way of life along the way.
Lunch – Handmade Soba Noodles
Enjoy handmade soba noodles prepared by a local group of mothers, using traditional techniques and seasonal ingredients. Later, transfer to Shizuoka for the night.
Breakfast at the Hotel.
This area is known for its fresh seafood. Feel free to choose where to eat for dinner—whether it’s a Japanese seafood restaurant, a lively izakaya, a cozy dining café, or even an Italian or French-style restaurant. Enjoy dinner wherever suits your taste and mood.
Hands-on Craft Activity at Takumishuku
Begin with a hands-on workshop at Takumishuku, where you can try your hand at traditional crafts such as chopstick making. You’ll be able to take home your personally crafted item as a memorable keepsake.
Shizuoka Tea Farm Visit & Tasting Experience
At a local tea farm, enjoy a tasting experience of Shizuoka’s distinct teas while taking in views of the tea fields. Learn directly from the tea farmer about the region’s tea culture and how to brew delicious tea. Optional: Relax at a nearby café and enjoy tea-infused sweets and desserts.
Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with your group.
Free Time for Evening
The evening is free for you to explore Shizuoka’s dining scene at your leisure.
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Travel to Kyoto via Shinkansen (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival at Kyoto Station, you will be met by your guide and vehicle, enjoy lunch, and then proceed for an afternoon excursion to Nara.
In the afternoon, take a historical journey to Nara, once the ancient capital of Japan. Begin with a visit to Tōdai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, housed within an immense wooden hall.
After exploring Tōdai-ji, you’ll head by vehicle to the summit of Mt. Wakakusa, located just behind Nara Park. This mountaintop experience is more of a local secret, offering panoramic views of the city and temple rooftops stretching below. Here you’ll encounter some of the relaxed deer that roam the peaceful summit, revered as messengers of the gods in Japanese tradition.
Afterward, continue on to Kyoto, with an expected arrival between 5:00 and 6:00 PM.
Afternoon Excursion to Nara
Explore Nara Park, interacting with its famous resident deer.
Visit Todai-ji Temple, marveling at the Great Buddha statue and the temple’s grand wooden architecture.
Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Spend the day discovering two of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks with your guide. Begin at Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding through the forested hillside. Then visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji), a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf, reflecting beautifully on its surrounding pond. This day offers a deep glimpse into the spiritual and architectural beauty of Japan’s former capital.
Enjoy a hands-on introduction to traditional Japanese culture through Wadaiko (Japanese drums). Led by expert instructors from Taiko Center, you’ll learn the basics of playing Taiko and experience the energy and spirit of this iconic art form.
Free time for evening: Kyoto is home to an incredible variety of dining options. Take this evening to enjoy dinner at a spot that catches your eye—your guide will be happy to offer recommendations. Ninja Cafe, where you can enjoy a ninja training experience in costume along with food, is one fun and unique option.
Fushimi Inari & Kinkakuji Visit
Explore the thousands of red torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine and marvel at the gold-leafed Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion).
Taiko Drumming Experience
Immerse yourself in the powerful rhythms of Japan with an exhilarating Taiko drumming workshop at the Taiko Center.
Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
Breakfast at the Hotel.
Samurai Experience
In the morning, take a deep dive into the mindset and training of the samurai. Dressed in traditional Bushido attire, you’ll learn how the philosophy of Zen is intertwined with swordsmanship—and even try your hand at wielding a sword, now that you understand its cultural significance.
Traditional Tea Ceremony
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the refined art of the Japanese tea ceremony. Guided by a kimono-clad host, you’ll learn about the cultural significance of matcha and observe the graceful rituals involved in its preparation. This serene experience offers a moment of calm and reflection, rooted in centuries of tradition.
Farewell Dinner at a Local Restaurant
Enjoy a final dinner together with the group you’ve shared this journey with—a chance to reflect on the experiences, connections, and memories made along the way.
Accommodation: Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
Availability
- Limited Available PackagesMondayMarch 30, 2026FridayApril 10, 2026$9,999
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