10-Day Japan: Your Exclusive Cherry Blossom Romance

Upon your arrival at Osaka International Airport, your private driver will greet you for a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Spend your first evening at leisure, easing into the vibrant atmosphere of Japan's "Kitchen" as you prepare for the journey ahead.

• Your journey begins at Osaka Castle, where massive stone walls are softened by hundreds of cherry trees blooming against the historic moats.
• Next, dive into a fun, interactive session at the Cup Noodles Museum. Discover the history of the world's first instant ramen and create your own custom cup noodle, designing the packaging and selecting your favorite flavors.
• The afternoon city walk dives into Osaka's vibrant soul. Start at Kuromon Market to absorb its lively energy, then find a quiet change of pace in the stone-paved alleys of Hozenji Yokocho. Then, make and savor your own Takoyaki at a local shop, learning the craft behind this iconic street food.
• As dusk falls, head to Nipponbashi Bridge to watch the Dotonbori Canal transform as iconic neon signs, like the Glico Man, begin to glow. The experience culminates with a Dotonbori River Cruise, gliding past dazzling reflections and electrifying urban scenery.
• Finally, explore Denden Town, a vibrant maze of anime collectibles and pop-culture treasures.

Osaka Castle in Spring

Dotonbori River Cruise

• Step back in time as you travel to Nara, Japan's first ancient capital and the spiritual heart of early Japanese civilization.
• The morning is dedicated to Todai-ji Temple, home to a massive bronze Buddha housed within a hall filled with the scent of ancient incense.
• Nearby lies Kasuga Taisha, where thousands of bronze lanterns lead into a mystical forest. Here, you will encounter the Nara Park deer, regarded as divine messengers, roaming freely among the weeping cherry trees.
• After a morning of spiritual discovery, enjoy a refined Sake Tasting at Gekke.
• Your day concludes at the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, walking through thousands of vermilion Torii gates that wind up the mountainside, offering a moment of quiet reflection away from the city bustle.

Sake Tasting at Gekke

Fushimi Inari Shrine

• Begin your morning with the formidable history of Nijo Castle, where the "nightingale floors" once protected shoguns from silent intruders.
• Transition to a soulful exploration as you cycle through Kyoto's hidden gems. Beyond the main thoroughfares, discover charming backstreets that reveal the city's secret beauty.
• During your ride, stop along the serene banks of the Kamo River for a curated Sakura picnic lunch. Beneath a canopy of blooming cherry blossoms, savor exquisite local flavors while soaking in the gentle riverside breeze.
• The day culminates in the Gion district with a rare, seasonal performance of the Miyako Odori （Geisha Cherry Blossom Dance）. At the historic Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre, witness the breathtaking elegance of Geiko and Maiko as they perform traditional dances, a vibrant celebration of Kyoto's heritage that has enchanted visitors for over a century.

The Nijo Castle

Kyoto cycling in spring

• Begin your morning by embracing the grace of old Japan. Dress in a traditional silken Kimono and wander through the historic, stone-paved lanes.
• Your journey into stillness continues at Kodai-ji Temple. Partake in an authentic private tea ceremony within its renowned Zen garden, harmonizing respect and purity to find the profound "Oneness of Zen and Tea".
• Drive west to the mystical Arashiyama to indulge in a Traditional Tofu Banquet, a refined local specialty reflecting Kyoto's Buddhist culinary heritage.
• Wander through the towering green stalks of the Bamboo Grove as they whisper in the wind, before concluding your day at the iconic Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion). Behold its brilliant gold-leaf reflection shimmering on the Mirror Pond, a final, radiant moment of Zen beauty.

Kodai-ji Temple Zen Garden

Bamboo Grove

• Travel east to the shores of Lake Biwa to discover the charming water town of Omihachiman. Board a traditional hand-prowed boat to cruise the Hachiman-bori canals, once used by wealthy merchants and now lined with leaning cherry trees that create a tunnel of blossoms.
• Following the cruise, indulge in a gourmet lunch featuring Omi Beef, one of Japan's top three Wagyu brands known for its incredible marbling.
• In the afternoon, visit Hikone Castle, one of the few original fortresses remaining in Japan. Its hilltop position offers commanding views of the lake and pink-capped mountains.
• Conclude in Genkyuen, a stunning Daimyo garden at the base of the castle, where the story of the revolutionary Ii Naosuke and the "Red Demon" samurai comes to life amidst perfectly pruned pines.

The Hachiman-bori canals cruise

• Bid farewell to Kyoto as you board the Shinkansen (Bullet Train). This high-speed journey is a quintessential Japanese experience, whisking you toward the volcanic landscapes of Hakone.
• The afternoon is reserved for pure leisure. You will check into a luxury Ryokan, where the focus shifts to the healing powers of Onsen (hot springs). Relax in your private bath, enjoy a soak with forest views, and prepare for a multi-course Kaiseki dinner celebrating the season's best ingredients.

Take the Tokaido Shinkansen

• The day begins along the Hakone Skyline, a scenic route offering iconic views of Mount Fuji.
• Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where world-class sculptures by Picasso and Moore sit in harmony with rolling hills.
• To see the earth's raw power, take the Owakudani Ropeway over active sulfur vents and try the "black eggs" said to prolong life.
• The descent takes you to Lake Ashi for a pirate ship cruise. Glide across the caldera lake, capturing the famous "floating" red Torii gate of Hakone Shrine against the mountain backdrop.
• Late in the afternoon, transition by private car from the serenity of the mountains to the glittering lights and modern energy of Tokyo.

Frame Mt. Fuji from the Hakone Skyline.

The Owakudani Valley

• Your final day of exploration begins at Shibuya Sky. Ascend to this futuristic glass sanctuary early in the day to witness the mesmerizing pulse of the world's busiest intersection from 229 meters above, offering a stunning 360-degree panorama of the waking metropolis.
• After taking in the views, dive into the colorful world of the Pokémon Center, a playful celebration of Japan's most iconic pop-culture phenomenon.
• As midday approaches, your journey takes a savory turn at the Tsukiji Outer Market. Immerse yourself in Japan's world-class seafood culture, navigating bustling stalls to taste everything from melt-in-your-mouth fatty tuna to sweet, hand-rolled tamagoyaki.
• The grand finale takes place at teamLab Borderless, a digital art museum where boundaries between the observer and the art dissolve. 

Shibuya Crossing

Pokémon Center

Your private chauffeur will meet you at your hotel for a seamless transfer to the airport. Reflect on a decade's worth of memories gathered in ten days as you board your flight home.

Sayonara! Wishing you a safe and peaceful onward journey!

Have a safe flight home!