Deluxe 7-Days Explore Iconic Japan – Small Group Luxury Japan Cherry Blossom Experience

Konnichiwa (こんにちは)! Welcome to Tokyo, the dynamic heart and capital city of Japan. Upon your arrival in Tokyo, depending on your flight schedule, you will make your own way to your carefully selected 4-star hotel located in the city’s convenient and bustling areas. This comfortable accommodation sets the perfect tone for your luxury Japan cherry blossom tour. Tokyo is not only Japan’s largest metropolis but also one of Asia’s leading economic and cultural hubs. Known for its seamless blend of tradition and cutting-edge innovation, Tokyo boasts world-class museums, art galleries, theaters, and venues that celebrate Japanese culture and artistic expression. It’s also a global leader in technology, home to pioneering companies in electronics, automotive, and robotics sectors. Nestled at the southern tip of the Kanto Plain, Tokyo offers spectacular natural backdrops, including the iconic Mount Fuji, providing abundant opportunities for leisure and outdoor activities even within this sprawling urban landscape. With a metropolitan population exceeding 36 million, Tokyo represents about one-third of Japan’s total population, offering unparalleled convenience despite being one of the world's most vibrant and fast-paced cities. From upscale shopping districts and entertainment hotspots to a culinary landscape that ranges from gourmet Michelin-starred restaurants to authentic street food stalls, Tokyo presents an unforgettable fusion of experiences for luxury travelers. Start your bespoke Japan adventure in this energetic city and prepare for an immersive journey through Japan’s rich culture and stunning sakura season with Vip Tralux Travel.

Embark on a full-day luxury Japan cherry blossom tour to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest and most iconic mountain. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mount Fuji (3,776m) captivates travelers as both a cultural and spiritual symbol—a sacred Shinto mountain with a perfectly symmetrical cone and snow-capped peak. Begin your day at Arakurayama Sengen Park, famous for its picturesque five-story pagoda framed by the majestic mountains. Enjoy a peaceful 15-20 minute hike to the Arakurayama Sengen Shrine, dedicated to the mountain deity, surrounded by tranquil gardens. Don’t miss the photo-worthy moment at the renowned Red Fuji Observation Deck, offering spectacular vistas of Mount Fuji altitudinously highlighted by the striking pagoda foreground. Afterward, travel to the serene Lake Kawaguchi, one of the best vantage points for immersive views of Mount Fuji amidst crystal-clear waters. Here, indulge in a relaxing luxury cruise across the lake, soaking in the breathtaking reflection of Mount Fuji beneath the sky—a moment not to be missed on any bespoke Japan Golden Route or cherry blossom itinerary.

After a delicious breakfast, your private guide and driver will pick you up from your 4-star Tokyo hotel for an unforgettable small-group Tokyo tour. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and iconic sights of Japan’s bustling capital. Start at the serene Meiji Jingu Shrine, a magnificent Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken—pivotal figures in Japan’s modernization and celebrated poets of traditional Waka verse. Meiji Shrine is a cherished site for traditional Japanese weddings, offering a unique chance to witness an authentic wedding procession and experience Japan’s timeless cultural heritage. Nestled within a lush 70-hectare forest, Meiji Shrine provides a peaceful sanctuary amid Tokyo’s urban landscape. This sacred woodland was created from over 100,000 trees donated from across Japan, honoring the legacy of Emperor Meiji who established Shinto as Japan’s state religion. As you stroll the tranquil paths, pass beneath Japan’s largest wooden Torii gate, a stunning natural-hued structure weighing approximately 13 tons that marks the spiritual transition from the everyday world to the sacred. Continue your Tokyo luxury tour to iconic highlights such as the bustling Shibuya Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections, and the historic Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple, famed for its vibrant Nakamise shopping street. Marvel at panoramic city views from the Tokyo Skytree Tower observation decks, and finish your day exploring the lively Tsukiji Fish Market, where fresh seafood delights and local culture abound.

Embark on a seamless luxury travel experience as your private driver escorts you to Tokyo Station to board the iconic Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Kyoto. This approximately 2.5-hour journey offers a fast, comfortable, and scenic adventure through Japan’s diverse urban and rural landscapes—an essential highlight of any Japan Golden Route or cherry blossom tour. Arriving in Kyoto, the cultural heart of Japan’s Kansai region and former imperial capital, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and driver ready to immerse you in the city’s rich heritage. Kyoto is world-renowned for its tranquil temples, exquisite gardens, colorful shrines, imperial palaces, and majestic castles. With 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,000 Buddhist temples, and 400+ Shinto shrines, Kyoto is a must-visit for luxury travelers craving authentic Japanese culture, traditional arts like tea ceremonies, kaiseki dining, ikebana, and glimpses of elusive geishas. This afternoon, explore two of Kyoto’s most famous historical landmarks: **Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion)**: A UNESCO World Heritage Site noted for its dazzling gold leaf-covered upper floors, originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu and later converted to a Zen temple. The pavilion’s shimmering reflection in the surrounding pond creates a breathtaking photo opportunity and peaceful ambiance. **Nijo Castle**: Also a UNESCO World Heritage site, built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Edo period shogun. Discover the castle’s impressive fortified grounds and ornate interiors that reveal the power and grandeur of Japan’s samurai era.

Discover the timeless charm of Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital and a cultural treasure trove with 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites, over 1,000 Buddhist temples, and more than 400 Shinto shrines. Renowned for traditional arts like tea ceremonies, kaiseki dining, and ikebana (flower arranging), Kyoto also offers rare chances to glimpse authentic geishas in their historic neighborhoods. After breakfast, start your day early to explore Kyoto’s iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, famous worldwide for its mesmerizing vermilion torii gates known as Senbon Torii (“thousands of torii gates”). Wander through endless layers of vibrant orange and black gates that cascade over the lush hillsides, creating a captivating and photogenic spiritual corridor. Founded in 711 AD, Fushimi Inari Taisha is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, fertility, sake, agriculture, and industry. Along your visit, discover hundreds of mystical fox statues—Inari’s revered messengers—many holding symbolic keys representing the gateway to rice granaries. Continue your Kyoto cultural exploration by visiting the breathtaking Kiyomizudera Temple, with panoramic city views and stunning cherry blossom backdrops; stroll the historic Ninenzaka & Sannenzaka preserved streets filled with traditional shops and teahouses; visit the vibrant Yasaka Shrine, famous for its festivals and stunning lanterns; and immerse yourself in the atmospheric streets of Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district, where tradition and elegance blend beautifully.

Begin your morning with a scenic 1.5-hour luxury transfer from Kyoto to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital and a top cultural destination boasting 8 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites—second only to Kyoto in historical richness. Explore the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for housing the world’s largest bronze statue of Buddha Vairocana. Standing over 16 meters tall and weighing 437 tonnes, this magnificent bronze Buddha is flanked by two Bodhisattvas within Todaiji’s main hall, Daibutsu-den—one of the largest all-wood structures globally, rebuilt in 1692. Next, wander through the tranquil Nara Park, adjacent to the vibrant Kasuga Taisha Shrine. The park is renowned for its hundreds of friendly, freely roaming deer—considered sacred messengers of the gods in Shinto belief. Enjoy feeding the deer with special shika senbei (deer crackers) while soaking up the natural beauty. Visit Kasuga Taisha, Nara’s most celebrated Shinto shrine and another UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its hundreds of hanging bronze lanterns and thousands of stone lanterns lighting the pathways. Experience the magical ambiance these lanterns create during the biannual Lantern Festivals held in February and August. After soaking in Nara’s cultural treasures, continue your bespoke luxury journey to Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city known as the “nation’s kitchen” for its rich culinary heritage. This vibrant metropolis dazzles with brightly lit neon signs, bustling shopping streets, and an inviting food culture ranging from street delicacies to gourmet dining. Explore iconic sites such as Osaka Castle Park, a historic landmark set amidst beautiful gardens, and shop at the lively Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street—the perfect way to end your day of cultural discovery before you delve into Osaka's dynamic nightlife and savory cuisine.