Classic highlights meet hidden island paradise
Japan's Scenic Cherry Blossom Journey -Golden Route & Sacred Shikoku
Tour Code: AO-085P
13
Days
12
Nights
springDiscover Japan beyond the ordinary on the journey combining iconic destinations with the hidden treasures of Sacred Shikoku.
Begin in Tokyo's electric energy before flying to Shikoku, where ancient pilgrimage traditions still thrive. Sleep in a Buddhist temple, walk vine bridges over emerald gorges, and witness cherry blossoms cascading down Mount Shiude toward the island-dotted Setouchi Sea—a view few travelers ever see.
Experience hands-on cultural moments: make soba with local grandmothers, prune bonsai with master artisans, roast tea in mountain villages, and taste legendary black eggs at volcanic Owakudani. Visit UNESCO treasures including Himeji's "White Heron Castle" and Kyoto's golden temples.
Your journey culminates at Mount Fuji's fifth station, standing at 7,562 feet with Japan's most sacred peak rising above you.
From Tokyo's modernity to Shikoku's spiritual heart, from Kyoto's timeless beauty to Fuji's majesty—this is the Japan that transforms you. Cherry blossoms, ancient temples, mountain mysteries, and moments that take your breath away.
Unforgettable memories. The journey of a lifetime.
Itinerary
13
Days
12
Nights
Highlights:
🌸 Cherry blossom viewing at Mount Shiude with Setouchi Sea panorama
🙏 Shikoku Pilgrimage temple experiences with temple lodging
🗻 Hidden valleys and mountain villages of Iya
🎨 Hands-on cultural experiences: bonsai pruning, soba making, tea roasting
🚴 Cycling through pilgrimage routes and forest trails
🌊 Setouchi island-studded seascapes
🏯 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Himeji Castle, Kyoto temples
⛰ Unforgettable Mt. Fuji and Hakone experience with breathtaking view from 5th Station at 2,305 meters (7,562 ft.).
Tokyo || Haneda (HND) or Narita (NRT)
Welcome to Tokyo!
You driver will greet you at the arrival gate, holding a sign displaying your name.
PM: Hotel Check-in
Breakfast
Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Nihonbashi or Similar
Tokyo
Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide (6hrs.)
Your English-speaking guide will lead you to the finest cherry blossom viewing spots, selecting the most efficient route, like Asakusa, Ueno Park & Shinobazu Pond, Chidorigafuchi Boat Ride or East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, and Shinjuku Gyoen (famous for its wide variety of cherry blossoms).
You may also share any preferred locations in advance for a customized experience.
Breakfast
Tokyo
Free time to explore Tokyo at your leisure
＜Add-on Attractions＞
Akihabara (Tokyo)
The ultimate otaku hub, filled with anime shops, figure stores, maid cafés, and game centers.
Odaiba / DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (Tokyo)
Features the life-size Gundam statue, anime-themed cafés, and VR experiences.
Tsukiji outer Fish Market
Explore the lively Tsukiji Outer Market, filled with fresh seafood, street bites, and traditional food shops.
teamLab Borderless
teamLab Borderless is a world of artworks without boundaries, a museum without a map created by art collective teamLab.
Tokyo Ski Tree
Standing at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the world's tallest tower and Tokyo's most iconic landmark. Its observation decks offer spectacular views of the sprawling metropolis and distant Mount Fuji.
#teamLabBorderless
Breakfast
Tokyo ✈ Tokushima
Transfer to Haneda Airport
Domestic flight: Haneda Airport → Tokushima Airport
Meet English-speaking guide
Transfer by private vehicle (approx. 30 min)
Lunch: Restaurant Sakai (Japanese cuisine featuring local ingredients)
Visit Ryozenji Temple, Temple No. 1 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage (*Walking pilgrimage introduction available upon request)
Local sake tasting at Matsuura Brewery
Check-in at Anrakuji Temple lodging (shukubo)
Buddhist vegetarian dinner at the temple
Evening service & Buddhist introduction experience (Goma fire ritual & lantern floating, 30 min)
Buddhist vegetarian dinner at the temple
Iya Valley
After breakfast, Transfer by private vehicle to Iya area (approx. 1 hour)
Stop at Koboke Observation Point (rest break)
Oboke Gorge sightseeing boat ride
Transfer by private vehicle (approx. 40 min)
Lunch: Soba noodle-making experience at Tsuzuki Shoten, followed by local folk song performance
Ochiai Village Observation Point / Village walk
Transfer by private vehicle (approx. 30 min)
Hotel check-in
Dinner at accommodation
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
© Kotohira-gu Shrine OfficeWest Iya
After breakfast, depart hotel
Transfer by private vehicle (10–15 min )
Tea roasting experience and "Otengu" Shinto ritual at Shigesue Village (2 hours)
Transfer to Nio area with stops at Hino-ji Gorge and Iya Valley's Peeing Boy Statue (1.5–2 hours)
Lunch: TBD (Kotohira area)
Visit Kotohira-gu Shrine (stroll along the approach) *Adjusted based on guests' stamina
Transfer by private vehicle to Nio
Hotel check-in
Breakfast/Lunch/DinnerDinner: NIPPONIA Nio: Restaurant MAWARU / URASHIMA VILLAGE: In-room dining
Setouchi Coast
After breakfast, depart hotel
Transfer by private vehicle to Zentsuji (approx. 40 min)
Visit Zentsuji Temple, Temple No. 75 of the Shikoku Pilgrimage
Lunch: TBD (Kaikōsha Café, etc.)
Chichibugahama Beach and Nio townscape stroll (traditional candy shop, bakery, etc.)
Transfer by private vehicle (approx. 30 min)
Cherry blossoms and Setouchi panorama at Mount Shiude
Hotel check-in
*The itinerary may be adjusted to coincide with the low tide at Chichibugahama Beach.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Takamatsu
After breakfast, depart hotel
Transfer by private vehicle (approx. 1 hour)
Bonsai garden tour, branch pruning experience, matcha and Japanese sweets at Nakanishi Chinshoen
Lunch: TBD (Ritsurin Garden, local udon restaurant, etc.)
Ritsurin Garden
Transfer by private vehicle (40–50 min)
Cycling from Shiromineji Temple (No. 81) to Negoroji Temple (No. 82)
Transfer by private vehicle (approx. 30 min)
Hotel check-in
Breakfast
Takamatsu to Kyoto via Himeji Castle
After breakfast, check out from hotel
Transfer to Takamatsu Port
Ferry: Takamatsu Port → Okayama (approx. 1 hour)
Train: Okayama → Himeji (approx. 40 min by Shinkansen)
Arrive at Himeji Station / Meet English-speaking guide
Half-day tour of Himeji Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Explore the magnificent "White Heron Castle" and grounds (approx. 2-3 hours)
Optional: Koko-en Garden visit
Lunch in Himeji (local cuisine)
Train: Himeji → Kyoto (approx. 1 hour by Shinkansen)
Arrive in Kyoto / Check-in at hotel
Free time to explore Kyoto at your leisure
Breakfast/Lunch
Kyoto
Meet guide at hotel lobby
Full-day guided tour of Kyoto highlights (6hrs.)
Suggested sites: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Gion district, Keage Incline, etc..
Return to hotel
Breakfast
Kyoto
Optional activities available (Nishiki Market, tea ceremony experience, kimono rental, additional temple visits, traditional crafts workshops, etc.)
Breakfast
Kyoto to Odawara, Tokyo
After breakfast, check out from Kyoto hotel
Transfer to Kyoto Station
Shinkansen: Kyoto → Odawara (approx. 2 hours 15 min)
Arrive at Odawara Station
Meet English-speaking guide
Hakone & Mt. Fuji tour
Lake Ashi: Iconic Mt. Fuji reflection across pristine waters
Owakudani: Dramatic volcanic valley with black egg tradition
Lunch: Traditional Japanese cuisine in scenic Hakone area
Mt. Fuji 5th Station: Stand at 2,305m with summit views
Evening: Swift return to vibrant Tokyo
Breakfast
After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Then way to the airport or next destination!
We can freely customize your itinerary before and after this hotel package. Please reach out to us for a personalized plan!
BreakfastAccommodations
Nihonbashi, Tokyo
Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Nihonbashi or Similar
Royal Park Hotel Tokyo Nihonbashi is located in the historic Nihonbashi area of central Tokyo. The quiet neighborhood is located in the city center, but away from the hustle and bustle. It’s perfect not just for business, but also to experience a taste of Japanese culture. You can rely on our proud Japanese hospitality for an unforgettable trip.
Tokushima, Shikoku
Anrakuji Temple Shukubo
In the past, there were no designated lodging facilities for pilgrims and travelers in the old Awa Province (now Tokushima Prefecture).
The Ekiji-ji (Station Road Temple) were temples specially designated by the feudal domain to provide lodging and meals, and offer hot spring cure to pilgrims.
Anraku-ji is the only one of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage temples that holds the title of "Ekiji-ji" to this day.
Iya Onsen.Tokushima
Hotel Iya Onsen OR Hotel Kazurabashi
Stay at a hotel overlooking the Iya mountains with majestic views and peaceful open-air baths.
Mitoyo City, Kagawa
URASHIMA VILLAGE OR NIPPONIA HOTEL Nio
～A VILLA on a peninsula in Setouchi～
The legend of Urashima Taro has been handed down from generation-to-generation.
Shonai Peninsula in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture.
It is said to be the place where Urashima Taro once rescued a turtle from an uninhabited island
From this tale URASHIMA VILLAGE was born.
The time that Taro Urashima spent in the Dragon Palace under the sea.
The flow of eternity that cannot be measured in everyday time.
From a daily life of cutting our time to a daily life of letting time take care of itself.
Takamatsu, Kagawa
JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu
Welcome to the hotel overlooking the sea
Panoramic views of the sky and the sea, the edges of the green beyond the town—JR Hotel Clement Takamatsu welcomes you with the magnificent panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and Takamatsu City. Our sophisticated hospitality is designed to enrich your life. Please relax deeply and enjoy a superior experience.
JR Kyoto Station Central Exit, Kyoto
Hotel Granvia Kyoto or similar class
An Elegant Haven of Modern Comfort and Style
Hotel Granvia Kyoto is an integral part of the JR Kyoto Station Building Complex, a visually striking architectural masterpiece that also includes a department store, museum, musical theater, and a vast underground shopping mall.
Minato-ku, Tokyo
Daiichi Hotel Tokyo or Similar
The elegance & excellence flagship hotel
Situated in Shimbashi which boasts the great access as the main area of Tokyo. It is the flagship hotel of the Hankyu-Hanshin-Daiichi Hotel Group, and prides itself on its luxuriousness and dignity. Enjoy its high-grade service which has been cultivated with the long history since 1938.
Notes
Please review the notes below for important details about your trip. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact us. These notes are designed to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Accommodations
12 nights accommodation
Meals
Breakfast Daily, 6 Lunch, 5 Dinner
Admission Fees & Activities
Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide (No Vehicle /6hrs.)
5 Days "Shikoku" Package with Guide & Vehicle
Private Himeji Tour with Licensed Guide (No Vehicle/4hrs.)
Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (6hrs.)
Hakone 1Day Tour with Guide & Vehicle (6hrs.)
Others
Ticket delivery fee
Gratuities
Airfares
International Airfares
Meals
Meals that are not included in the itinerary
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance
Others
Personal expenses such as telephone and laundry bills
The Day tours may involve admission fees depending on the selected course, but these fees are not included in the tour price. We will provide a separate estimate after confirming your preferred tour itinerary.
Price
All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy. Single Supplement : USD $- *Please ask for the details.
Deposit
We require a NON-Refundable US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at the time of booking and the final payment is due 2 months prior to departure.
Others
International flights are not included on our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure and get the best value for your money!
We can arrange international flights if needed, please ask for details.
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