Japan: Land of Cherry Blossoms

Arrive in Tokyo and check into your hotel. Explore– see the famous scramble crossing. Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya. Take in your first taste of Japan's vibrant energy.

Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa and walk through the Nakamise shopping street. Stop by Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum. In the afternoon, head to the upscale district of Ginza. Evening walk through Akihabara’s anime and electronics paradise.

Take a day trip to Nikko (see Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls) or Kamakura (see the Great Buddha and Hasedera Temple). Return to Tokyo in the evening. Try ramen or sushi in a local neighborhood spot.

Travel to Hakone – ride the ropeway over the volcanic Owakudani Valley. Take a boat across Lake Ashi for views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). Stay overnight in a traditional ryokan with hot springs and Japanese dinner.

Take the bullet train to Kyoto. Visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and Ryoan-ji Zen rock garden. Explore the Arashiyama bamboo grove. Evening walk in Gion, with a chance to spot a geisha.

Start at Fushimi Inari Shrine with its 10,000 red torii gates. Visit Kiyomizu-dera and stroll along Ninenzaka street. Stop at Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and the Philosopher's Path. Enjoy a matcha dessert in a teahouse.

Visit Nara – see the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple. Wander Nara Park among the friendly deer. Return to Kyoto in the afternoon. Enjoy a quiet dinner by the Kamogawa River.

Travel to Osaka – visit Osaka Castle and walk through its lush park. Head to the Dotonbori district for neon lights and street food. Try local specialties like takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Overnight in Osaka.

Take a day trip to Hiroshima – visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Continue to Miyajima Island to see the famous floating torii gate. Return to Osaka in the evening.

Travel back to Tokyo by bullet train (or fly out from Kansai Airport). Final shopping or walk if time allows. Head to the airport for your flight home.