Cherry Blossoms in Japan & Korea

Check in at LAX airport for the flight to Tokyo. AV Travel Tour Leader will fly with the group.

Fly across the Pacific.

Arrive Tokyo in the morning, the capital city of Japan. It is one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world with a population of over 13 million residents. Tokyo is not only the center of politics and economy of Japan, but also a center of the global economy and culture. Visit Ushiku Daibutsu, recognised in the Guiness Book of Records as the world’s largest standing statue of Buddha. The Ushiku Daibutsu is surrounded by a spacious park with over 100 cherry trees. (D)

After concluding your gourmet breakfast. Start our cherry blossom (Sakura) viewing trip by visiting Shinjuku Gyoen National Park, where has the most beautiful place for sakura-viewing. The Shinjuku Garden features more than 2000 sakura trees of over 60 varieties with numerous colors, including green. Cherry blossoms are fragile and only last for 2-3 weeks. During this time, not only the Japanese but people from all over the world also come to Japan to enjoy the delicate flower. You can not miss to stop at Nakamise is the most famous shopping street in Asakusa. The street runs for 250 meters on the main approach to Sensoji Temple and is lined on both sides with shops selling traditional souvenirs, snacks, and sweets. Come to visit Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most colorful and busy districts, is a center for youth fashion and culture, and its streets are the birthplace to many of Japan’s fashion and entertainment trends. Come night time, Shibuya’s most prominent landmark is the busy intersection in front of the station’s Hachiko Exit. The intersection is heavily decorated by neon advertisements and giant video screens and gets flooded by pedestrians each time the lights turn green, making it a popular photo spot. (B/D)

Morning depart to visit the Imperial Palace (outside), located on the grounds of what used to be Edo Castle. The palace grounds feature the East Gardens, known as Higashi-gyoen in Japanese, and the remains of the inner citadel and outer citadel, are around 21 hectares and every year, the hanami cherry blossom viewing season draws many visitors. Drive to Mount Fuji is a symbol of Japan with 3776 meters Japan’s highest mountain, is listed as a UNESCO heritage and known as the symbol of Japan.. It is not surprising that the nearly perfectly shaped volcano has been worshiped as a sacred mountain and experienced big popularity among artists and common people throughout the centuries. (Note: If the weather permits, the bus will drive us to the 5th station.) You will enjoy walking along the pathway that leads to the Peace Garden, with sakura trees lining up on both sides. Continue to visit Oshino Hakkai – Eight Magnificent Ponds, is a peaceful nature area around Mount Fuji. These natural ponds are crystal clear and each one is a little unique. The water in the lakes directly come from Mount Fuji, the natural pools are deep, the large fish swimming around make it feel like an aquarium. This is a very popular spot for nature lovers and it is beautiful every season. We’ll be staying at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn). After dinner, you can enjoy bathing in the onsens (thermal hotsprings) that Mount Fuji has to offer, and have all of your tiredness after a long day rinsed out. (B/L/D)

Kickstart your day with a lovely breakfast. Morning visit Owakudani, a fantastic, dreamy scenery created by a volcano 3,000 years ago. The result of a volcanic eruption over 3,000 years ago. This area is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hakone due to its volcanic activity and striking scenic views, you can even catch an amazing view of Mt. Fuji on a clear day. Depart to Nagoya, an important industrial hub, the home city of many big companies such as Honda Motor Company, Roland Corporation, Kawai Pianos, Yamaha, Sony, Suzuki Motor… Visit the Toyota Kaikan Museum, where Toyota displays its new models and technologies to the public and periodically holds robot shows. (B/L/D)

Depart to the home of the Ise Grand Shrine, the most sacred Shinto Shrine in Japan with the nickname “The Holy City”. Ise Grand Shrine worships 8 million Shinto gods and 124 emperors of Japan. Visit the Mikimoto Pearl Island with the “Woman diver show” This area is the Shima Peninsula, birthplace of Kokichi Mikimoto, who rose to become one of the pioneers of pearl culture with the production of the first D-shaped pearl in 1893. His achievements are commemorated at the Pearl Museum in his hometown of Toba, in Mie Prefecture on Japan’s main island of Honshu. In the early days, Mikimoto employed the Ama divers to raise adult oysters from the sea bed and replace them after the implantation of a nucleus. But with the development of new breeding and growing techniques in the 1950s, the Ama were no longer required.” Make a stop at the Wedded Rocks (known as Meoto Iwa in Japanese). The two rocks represent a married couple who, according to Shinto mythology, created Japan and the spirits that exist in people, places, and objects. The rocks were featured in the movie Sayonara co-produced by Japan and the U.S. (B/D)

We’ll move on to Nara, Japan’s first capital city. Visit the Ninja Museum of Igaryu, is a museum dedicated to the history of the ninja and ninjutsu. It was established in 1964. Ninja were a type of warriors during Japan’s feudal ages, specialized in gathering information about the enemy and conducting various acts of espionage and sabotage. The Iga Ninja Museum delivers a comprehensive ninja experience: it consists of a ninja residence, two exhibition halls and a stage which hosts ninja shows. The Ninja residence looks ordinary from the outside, but within it is devised with revolving walls, trap doors and hidden compartments. The Ninja show features authentic ninja skills and real weapons, including a splendid demonstration of using throwing stars. Although the shows are held in Japanese only, they are still highly entertaining for non-Japanese speakers as most of the action speaks for itself. Continue to visit to Todaiji Temple, once one of the powerful Seven Great Temples and still houses the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha Vairocana. We will also stop by Nara Deer Park before moving on to Kyoto. Come to the Philosopher’s Path,
A walking trail famous for cherry blossoms, is a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. (B/L/D)

Once you have finished your gourmet breakfast. Start your journey of visiting Kyoto. Known as the cradle of Japan’s cultural heritage, Kyoto was Japan’s capital and the emperor’s residence from 794 until 1868. You’ll see the main highlights of the wonderfully rich culture of Kyoto. Your guide will also introduce you to Kyoto’s most popular temple, Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, which together with the stage was built without the use of nails, houses the temple’s primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon. Continue to visit the shining Golden Pavilion is a symbol of Kyoto. This temple has been burnt down many times in the flames of war and other conflagrations, and more recently by arson, which incident has been made famous by Yukio Mishima’s novel, Kinkakuji (The Temple of the Golden Pavilion). However, it was restored in 1955, with major improvement work being done on it in 1987, so that all of the gold leaf has been replaced. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, Golden Pavilion is one of the historical buildings most representative of Japan. Kiyomizudera is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall’s pure waters. The temple was originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita Hosso sect in 1965. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

Come to visit Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of Kyoto’s top sights and for good reason: standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo is like being in another world. It’s one of the most photographed sights in the city. But no picture can capture the feeling of standing in the midst of this sprawling bamboo grove – the whole thing has a palpable sense of otherness that is quite unlike that of any normal forest we know of. Tenryu-ji is an impressive temple complex in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto and its walkway runs through the famous bamboo grove. Enjoy time for experience of wearing Kimono to take a lot of pictures. (B/D)

After your full delicious breakfast. Depart to visit Himeji castle, which is Japan’s foremost historic castle, was built in the 17th century, and became the first site in Japan to be registered in the World Cultural Heritage listings in 1993. The stunning appearance, and high level of detail of this wooden architectural masterpiece have made Himeji Castle known all over the world. Furthermore, the castle is surrounded by Sakura trees. Each spring, the trees flower simultaneously, covering Himeji castle in a sea of beautiful pink blossoms. Early April is the one chance each year to see Himeji Castle with its cherry blossoms in full bloom, one of Japan’s truly beautiful and iconic sights. The sight of this amazing scenery will live long in the memory as a memento of your visit to Japan. Continue to visit Kobe city, scene of the worst earthquake in the living memory of most Japanese, has rebuilt and revitalized to form one of the most delightful and peaceful cities you can wish to visit. Historically, due to its port, Kobe has a long history of foreign contact, which has imbued its people with a very global outlook and attitude. It is also home to the famous Kobe Beef, which is known for its tenderness, sweet flavor and fine texture. Lunch at a restaurant specialized in Kobe beef – a delicious treat! Tasting some Sake at a Sake brewery is also a must-do while you’re visiting Kobe. Enjoy Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Kobe – Osaka with speed 320kn/h. Perhaps spend the rest of your afternoon in Shinsaibashi – the largest shopping area in Osaka where many boutiques and specialty shops are gathered, attracting local people and visitors. Dining and shopping on Shinsaibashi street will be a memorable experience while you’re in Osaka. (B/L)

Morning visit the Osaka Castle (outside), one of the main attractions in Osaka. It was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the most powerful feudal lords in Japan, known as the second person who united Japan. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Seoul, the capital city of Korea, is a tourist destination to a host of activities to enjoy, ranging from traditional royal palaces to trendy shopping districts. (B/L)

Once you have finished your gourmet breakfast. Depart to Nami island, is a half-moon-shaped isle. If you have heard or seen the famous Korean drama “Winter Sonata”, you’ll already be familiar with this romantic island. One of the most special characteristics about this beautiful island is that it showcases a different, yet equally amazing, scenic experience each season, making it the perfect day trip from Seoul, any time of the year. When the cherry blossoms flourish in South Korea, Nami island becomes a heaven for cherry blossom fanatics. In front of the Water Stages Swimming Pool, the Cherry Tree Lane transforms into ravishing pink. Each year, the flowers bloom typically sometime around March and April and last just a few weeks. Proceed to Myeongdong shopping street, the fashion trends start here in Korea. Don’t think the fun ends here. Enjoy the Jeongdong Theater Korea Traditional Performance show, is a special treat as it is one of the best traditional Korean art performance centers that have been highly praised. The dynamic modern recreations of the highlights of Korea’s traditional art in dancing, instruments, folk music and songs. (B/L/D)

After finish a delicious breakfast. Depart to Freedom road to Imjingak, the park has many statues and monuments. Imjingak is where the “Bridge of Freedom” lies. It does actually cross the Imjin River; it is a former railroad bridge which was used by repatriated POWs/soldiers returning from the north. Visit Blue House, is the executive office and official residence of the President of the Republic Of Korea. The Blue House is in fact a complex of buildings, built largely in the traditional Korean architectural style with some modern elements. Continue tour to the area of Bukchon Hanok Village, the only place in Seoul where hundreds of traditional Korean houses, or hanoks, are clustered together. It is an important area for culture and the arts, with its number of museums, craft workshops and historic landmarks. Afternoon visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, is a royal palace, first constructed in 1394 and reconstructed in 1867, it was the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by the Joseon Dynasty. Enjoy time for experience of wearing Hanbok to take a lot of pictures. (B/L/D)

Transfer to the airport for flying Non-Stop to Los Angeles. (B)