Japan’s First Blooms: Plum, Sakura & Spring Festivals

Dates Feb 28 - Mar 9 2026 (10 days)

Type Cultural

Overview
Itinerary
Tour Details

An unforgettable travel in Japan through early cherry blossoms and plum festivals, folklore, traditional gems in a less-crowded season in Japan.

Embark on a journey visiting must-see cities in Japan such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Kanazawa while attending local early spring festivals and other authentic experiences that would allow you to connect with Japanese and their traditions in your wonderful time in Japan.

Highlights on the tour

Unwind yourself at a beautiful Japanese traditional ryokan serving local delicacies
Private visit to local artisans workshops, exclusive Japanese folk exhibition and tea ceremony experience
Visit must-see cities in Japan such as Hakone, Kyoto, Tokyo, Kanazawa during less-crowded season
Enjoy spring season like locals: visit local festivals in Mito and Kawazu and enjoy street food under beautiful plum or sakura trees

4.7 | Excellent

How many will travel?

Room type(s)

Twin 0

Single 1

Per person

What’s included

Want something tailor-made?

Custom tour enquiry

Day 1 - Tokyo Arrival

Reach Tokyo Haneda where our local guides, who will be with you for the entirety of the tour, will meet you up and guide you to your accommodation for the night: Shibuya Excel Tokyu Hotel. Check-in and enjoy your free time in your first night in Japan in the vibrant Tokyo.

Included accommodations

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

4 stars hotel located few steps away from the world’s busiest pedestrian Shibuya crossing—an iconic symbol of Tokyo’s hustle and bustle.

Day 2 - Tokyo Between Future and Traditions

Awaken refreshed at the Shibuya Excel Tokyu Hotel, ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Tokyo. Today it will be your opportunity to visit many of the city's iconic landmarks such as Asakusa Temple and Ginza A delightful lunch awaits, offering a taste of Tokyo's culinary delights, before we visit the modern district of Shibuya with its iconic "Shibuya crossing"

Included accommodations

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

4 stars hotel located few steps away from the world’s busiest pedestrian Shibuya crossing—an iconic symbol of Tokyo’s hustle and bustle.

Day 3 - Mito Plum Blossom Festival

Our journey continues with a day-trip to Mito, Ibaraki prefecture. Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting atmosphere of the Kairakuen plum festival, a symphony of blossoms heralding the arrival of spring. In the afternoon, we will have an exclusive visit to a soy sauce factory, offering a glimpse into centuries-old local craftsmanship. As the day gracefully concludes, we return to Tokyo to our accommodation.

Included attractions

Kurosawa Soy Sauce Factory Tour

Kurosawa Soy Sauce has been making soy sauce while preserving traditional methods since its founding in 1905. This naturally brewed soy sauce is made from carefully selected local ingredients and brewed in wooden barrels that have been passed down within the company.

Mito Plum Blossom Festival

The Mito Plum Blossom Festival is held at Kairakuen Garden ,a huge and historic park at the center of Mito. The park is known for its natural beauty in all seasons but particularly in early spring, when its 3,000 plum trees are in bloom. The park has a total of 100 varieties of plum trees with many different-colored flowers.

Included accommodations

Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

4 stars hotel located few steps away from the world’s busiest pedestrian Shibuya crossing—an iconic symbol of Tokyo’s hustle and bustle.

Day 4 - Kawazu Cherry Blossom and Hot Spring Serenity

Leaving Tokyo behind, today we head to the picturesque Izu Peninsula. Our first stop is Ao Terrace, where we will enjoy breathtaking views of Mt.Fuji (weather permitting). After lunch, we reach the joyous spectacle of the Kawazu cherry blossom festival, a truly early and vibrant sakura bloom. As evening descends, we check into Ginsuiso Inn Inatori, a charming Japanese-style inn where the ultimate relaxation of natural hot springs awaits.

Included attractions

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Each year between February and March, this town hosts the Kawazu Sakura Festival, one of Japan's most unique cherry blossom festivals. Unlike regular cherry blossoms, the Kawazu cherry blossoms begin blooming earlier, last longer, and are graced with a vibrant pink hue.

Included accommodations

Ginsuiso Inn Inatori

Situated in the heart of Izu, this 4 stars Japanese-style hotel offers guestrooms with a view of the Izu seven Islands. It also offer easy access to the town's charming attractions, stunning beaches, and natural hot springs.

Day 5 - Hakone's Majestic Landscapes

We continue our journey today by unveiling the majestic beauty of Hakone. Ascend on the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani station, marveling at the volcanic vistas. To follow, glide across the serene waters of Lake Ashi on a scenic cruise, with views of iconic Mount Fuji (weather permitting). We end our day at Gotemba Hotel Clad, where you can enjoy a deserved rest after an eventful day.

Included attractions

Lake Ashi Boat Ride

Board a charming pleasure boat for a peaceful cruise across Lake Ashi, framed by forested slopes and with the chance to spot the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine rising from the water.

Included accommodations

Gotemba Hotel Clad

HOTEL CLAD is a hot spring resort hotel within Gotemba Premium Outlets. Enjoy shopping at the outlet mall and stunning views of UNESCO World Heritage site Mt. Fuji.

Day 6 - Journey to the castle town of Matsumoto

Today we proceed our journey by reaching the historic city of Matsumoto. There will be plenty of time at your disposal to fully immerse yourself into the city's rich heritage, highlighted by the magnificent Matsumoto Castle and an exploration of its charming streets. For evening, check into the elegant Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel, situated just few steps away from the fascinating black crow castle!

Included accommodations

Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel

Located close to Matsumoto Castle, is a comfortable modern hotel to explore the city and nearby attractions.

Day 7 - Kanazawa: Garden of Elegance

This morning we check out from Matsumoto Marunouchi Hotel and we reach Nagano station where we will have our first Shinkansen bullet train experience to Kanazawa. After a delightful lunch, immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan's most exquisite landscape gardens. An exclusive guided tour will unveil its hidden stories and artistic design. Our day concludes at Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel.

Included attractions

Kenrokuen Garden Tour

Tea ceremony experience and special guided tour.

Included accommodations

Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel

4-star hotel located in Korinbo, the center of Kanazawa, within walking distance of Kenrokuen Garden.

Day 8 - Shirakawago and Gokayama: A Glimpse into Tradition

Today's excursion is a step back in time, as we will be visiting the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Shirakawago and Gokayama.

Here, nestled amongst breathtaking scenery, we'll experience the unique Gassho-zukuri farmhouses, complete with an engaging musical instrument and folk song experience, truly connecting with ancient Japanese traditions. We return to the comfort of our hotel in Kanazawa as the day draws to a close.

Included accommodations

Gokayama Folk Song

Experience Japanese traditional folk village song "Kokiriko" passed down through generations. It's accompanied by traditional dances and instruments like the sasara.

Day 9 - Eiheiji: The spiritual centre of Zen Buddhism.

Checking out from our hotel in Kanazawa, today we will have a profound spiritual experience at Eiheiji, a serene Zen Buddhist temple nestled amidst ancient cedars of Echizen area. After this reflective visit, we enjoy a satisfying lunch based on Echizen soba before heading to our last destination, the ancient capital of Kyoto. For evening, stay at Kyoto Tokyu Hotel.

Included accommodations

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel

The Kyoto Tokyu Hotel is a serene, contemporary heaven perfectly placed amid the narrow streets that shelter Kyoto's temples, gardens, and shrines.

Day 10 - Kyoto's Golden Splendor and Jonangu's Charm

Begin your day by setting out to explore the shimmering beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, a truly iconic sight in your Japan trip.Afterwards, enjoy a lunch break nearby the tranquil and picturesque Arashiyama district, famed for its bamboo groves and scenic river. Our afternoon is dedicated to the visit of the splendid hidden gem of Jonangu shrine, famous for its bright pink, red and white weeping plum and camelia trees blossoming during this period. We will end our journey at the astonishing Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site offering panoramic views of Kyoto city.

Included accommodations

Kyoto Tokyu Hotel

The Kyoto Tokyu Hotel is a serene, contemporary heaven perfectly placed amid the narrow streets that shelter Kyoto's temples, gardens, and shrines.

Day 11 - End of the Tour and Departure

Today , after checking out from the hotel, we bid farewell to Japan, carrying cherished memories of blossoms, culture, and discovery. This marks the end of your main tour, unless you would like to book an extension tour with us through other wonderful destinations in Japan!

Tour Map

Some of the locations

Tour Details

Important Information

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Room Type

Twin

¥478,000 / $3,185

Single

¥561,812 / $3,745

Includes

Meet and greet on arrival and private transfer to accommodation
Transfer by private bus throughout the tour
Shinkansen Nagano - Kanazawa on Day 7
Accommodations throughout the tour, including city tax/onsen bathing tax fees
Breakfast included for the entire length of the tour.
Dinner included on Day 4
Lunch included on Day 2, Day 6, Day 7, Day 8, Day 9 and Day 10.
Private English-Speaking Guide and Coordinator throughout the tour
All activites listed in the itinerary
All entry fees to museums and attractions visited along the itinerary.
*Japan Travel Emergency phone line on tour
*Accident, injury or sickness that needs medical attention, when has been victim or witness of a crime.
Natural disaster or force majeure event that disrupts the tour
Japan Travel operative mistake that affected the tour execution
Minor details such as lunch locations are subject to change