Sakura Season in Japan

Picture yourself standing beneath a canopy of cherry blossoms in ancient Kyoto, their delicate pink petals drifting like snow while your fellow travelers pause in wonder beside you. This is Japan as you've always imagined it: golden temple pavilions reflecting in still ponds, snow monkeys soaking in steaming hot springs, and the quiet grace of a tea master's movements as she prepares matcha in a centuries-old ceremony.

Over nine unforgettable days, journey from Kyoto's timeless temples to Tokyo's electric energy, discovering a land where ancient traditions and cutting-edge innovation exist in perfect harmony. Walk through vermilion torii gates at Fushimi Inari, their thousands of pillars creating mysterious tunnels up the mountainside. Glide past snow-capped peaks aboard the legendary Shinkansen bullet train. Share laughter with Maasai women in a traditional village, learning their stories and traditions. Marvel at Matsumoto's black castle reflected in its moat, and lose yourself in the digital wonderland of teamLab's ever-changing art installations.

This is adventure wrapped in comfort, culture brought to life through expert storytelling, and the joy of discovering one of the world's most captivating countries alongside like-minded women who will become friends for life. From the serene gardens of Kanazawa to the bustling streets of Shibuya, every moment invites wonder, connection, and transformation.

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

SATURDAY, MARCH 27 - DEPART THE US
Board your flight for Japan today. You'll fly from the US to Kansai International Airport (KIX), which is the large international airport serving the Kyoto and Osaka region. 

Note: We recommend leaving the US on March 27 as you will arrive one day later in Japan due to crossing the International Date Line. Flights to land in at KIX airport on March 28th by 3pm local time.

SUNDAY, MARCH 28 - KYOTO
Welcome to Japan, where your adventure begins the moment you step into the gleaming arrivals hall at Kansai International Airport. A private driver meets you with a warm greeting and whisks you northward to Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital where 2,000 temples and shrines preserve a thousand years of Japanese culture. As you wind through the city's tree-lined streets, traditional wooden machiya townhouses stand shoulder-to-shoulder with modern buildings, offering your first glimpse of Japan's remarkable ability to honor the past while embracing the future. Check into Cross Hotel Kyoto, a stylish boutique property perfectly positioned just off Kawaramachi Street in the heart of downtown. From here, Gion's geisha district, the peaceful Kamogawa River, the vibrant chaos of Nishiki Market, and countless restaurants are all within walking distance. The hotel's stepped facade reflects the neighborhood's traditional scale, while inside, washi paper lighting and Kyoto-patterned textiles create a quiet warmth that feels distinctly Japanese. Settle into your room and perhaps freshen up before the real magic begins this evening, when you'll gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Over delicious local cuisine, you'll meet the diverse and spirited group of women bonded together by the promise of discovering Japan's wonders side by side.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodations: Cross Hotel Kyoto or equivalent

MONDAY, MARCH 29 - KYOTO
After breakfast, your private guide meets you in the hotel lobby, ready to unlock Kyoto's treasures through a half-day tour that balances iconic landmarks with atmospheric hidden corners. You might walk beneath the soaring stalks of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where towering green culms filter sunlight into an otherworldly glow and the gentle rustling creates nature's own symphony. Perhaps you'll follow the vermilion torii gates of Fushimi Inari as they wind up the mountainside in mesmerizing tunnels of color, each donated by businesses and families seeking blessings. The golden pavilion of Kinkaku-ji might catch the morning light, its reflection shimmering in the mirror-still pond while your guide shares stories of the shogun who built this retreat six centuries ago. For sweeping views, Kiyomizu-dera temple perches on wooden pillars extending from the hillside, offering perspectives across Kyoto's rooftops to the mountains beyond. Your guide shapes the morning around the group's interests, perhaps introducing you to quiet shrines tucked down stone-paved lanes, artisan workshops where craftspeople practice techniques unchanged for generations, or atmospheric neighborhoods where the pace of life feels wonderfully unhurried. After your tour concludes at midday, board the Shinkansen bullet train for a swift journey to Kanazawa, watching the landscape transform as you glide past rice paddies and mountains at 200 miles per hour. A private transfer delivers you to KUMU Kanazawa, a contemporary hotel within walking distance of Kenrokuen Garden that beautifully blends the city's rich heritage with modern design. Each floor features contemporary art installations, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of Kanazawa's celebrated 21st Century Museum. Evening at leisure to rest or explore the neighborhood before tomorrow's adventures.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: KUMU Kanazawa or equivalent

TUESDAY, MARCH 30 - KANAZAWA
With a full day to discover Kanazawa, your private guide helps you experience this castle town where traditional crafts and contemporary creativity flourish side by side. Wander the Higashi Chaya District, where beautifully preserved wooden teahouses echo the city's geisha heritage, their latticed facades concealing elegant interiors where guests once enjoyed music and dance. The energy shifts dramatically at Omicho Market, Kanazawa's lively food market where vendors have sold fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan, seasonal produce, and traditional specialties for nearly 300 years. Narrow aisles burst with color and energy as locals shop for dinner ingredients and visitors sample fresh seafood bowls that showcase the region's culinary treasures. Modern creativity shines at the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where innovative installations invite interaction and playfulness. Yet your guide balances these highlights with quieter discoveries: perhaps artisan workshops where gold leaf is still hammered by hand using centuries-old techniques, or hidden alleys where traditional sweets shops have served the same confections for generations. Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most celebrated landscape gardens, reveals its carefully composed beauty through the seasons—in late March, early cherry blossoms might dust the grounds with pink while camellias add splashes of red against evergreen pines. The garden's name means "six attributes garden," referring to the six essential elements of spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features, and panoramic views that create the perfect landscape. Return to your hotel as evening falls, perhaps taking advantage of the hotel's collaboration with local tea masters for a quiet moment of reflection before dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: KUMU Kanazawa or equivalent

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 31 - NAGANO
Journey deeper into Japan's mountain heartland today as you travel to Nagano Prefecture, where the Japanese Alps rise dramatically against the sky and sacred peaks have drawn pilgrims for over a thousand years. After a private transfer to Kanazawa Station, board the Shinkansen bullet train for a swift journey through stunning landscapes. Your private guide meets you at Nagano Station, ready to reveal this region's unique character through a full-day tour. Zenkō-ji Temple, one of Japan's most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, draws visitors who have walked here for 1,400 years seeking blessings from the hidden Buddha statue enshrined in its inner sanctuary. The temple's massive wooden gate and main hall create an atmosphere of timeless devotion, while your guide explains the rituals and beliefs that make this place so significant in Japanese spiritual life. Perhaps you'll visit Togakushi Shrine, where ancient cedar trees tower overhead along the approach path, their massive trunks creating a natural cathedral that feels sacred even before you reach the shrine buildings. The area's natural beauty shifts with the seasons—late March might bring the last of winter's snow to higher elevations while valley floors show the first hints of spring green. Check into Hotel Metropolitan Nagano, a polished property directly connected to JR Nagano Station that offers spacious rooms with views stretching across mountain ranges and the evolving cityscape. The design reflects Shinshu's—Nagano Prefecture's traditional name—quiet character, where simplicity and warmth guide the atmosphere. After settling in, gather for dinner and share stories of the day's discoveries with your fellow travelers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Hotel Metropolitan Nagano or equivalent

THURSDAY, APRIL 1 - JIGOKUDANI & MATSUMOTO
This morning brings one of Japan's most delightful wildlife encounters as you journey to Jigokudani Monkey Park, where Japanese macaques gather to soak in natural hot springs. A private transfer winds through forested valleys to the park entrance, where a scenic 30-minute walk along a forest trail builds anticipation. Then suddenly, there they are: wild monkeys lounging in steaming thermal pools, their expressions of pure contentment unmistakably human-like as they relax in the warmth while snow might still dust the surrounding landscape. At an elevation of 850 meters, this remote corner of Nagano Prefecture offers a rare opportunity to observe these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat, completely uncaged and unbothered by the respectful observers. Watch mothers cradle babies, juveniles play and squabble, and elders close their eyes in blissful relaxation. Your guide shares insights into the troop's social structure and behaviors while ensuring everyone maintains the proper distance. After this magical morning, your private transfer returns you to the hotel before continuing to Matsumoto, a historic castle town nestled in the Northern Alps. Check into Richmond Hotel Matsumoto, ideally located just minutes from JR Matsumoto Station and perfectly positioned for exploring the city's treasures. The afternoon invites relaxation or independent exploration—perhaps a stroll to glimpse Matsumoto Castle's distinctive black exterior, or simply rest before tomorrow's adventures.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodations: Richmond Hotel Matsumoto or equivalent

FIRDAY, APRIL 2 - MATSUMOTO & TOKYO
Matsumoto reveals its charms this morning through a full-day guided tour by public transportation, offering an authentic taste of how locals navigate their city. Matsumoto Castle commands attention immediately—this striking black fortress, one of Japan's oldest and most beautiful original castles, rises from its moat like a magnificent crow spreading its wings. Built in the late 16th century, it has survived wars, earthquakes, and the passage of time to stand as a testament to samurai-era architecture and engineering. Climb the steep wooden stairs inside to explore its six floors, where defensive features and living quarters reveal how feudal lords once lived and protected their domains. The castle moat reflects seasonal beauty—cherry blossoms frame it in spring, while autumn brings fiery foliage. Wander Nakamachi Street, where beautifully preserved white-walled kura storehouses now house boutiques, cafes, and craft shops, their traditional architecture creating an atmospheric journey into Edo-period Japan. The Matsumoto City Museum of Art might showcase works by Yayoi Kusama, the internationally celebrated artist who was born here and whose polka-dotted pumpkin sculptures have become icons of contemporary art. Your guide tailors the day to the group's interests, perhaps visiting sake breweries, traditional craft workshops, or simply soaking in the mountain town atmosphere. As afternoon wanes, board the Limited Express train for a scenic journey to Tokyo, watching the landscape transform from alpine valleys to the sprawling metropolis. Arrive at Shinjuku Station—one of the world's busiest transportation hubs—where a private transfer delivers you to Asakusa View Hotel. This grand property rises above one of Tokyo's oldest neighborhoods, where temple grounds, street food vendors, and shopping arcades attract a constant flow of visitors. From upper-floor rooms, Tokyo Skytree and the city skyline stretch out in every direction, offering dramatic perspectives on this vast metropolis.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Asakusa View Hotel or equivalent

SATURDAY, APRIL 3 - TOKYO
Tokyo reveals its multifaceted character today through a full-day guided tour by public transportation that balances ancient traditions with cutting-edge modernity. Begin in Asakusa, where Sensō-ji Temple—Tokyo's oldest, established in 628—draws millions of visitors who approach through the iconic Kaminarimon Gate with its massive red lantern. Nakamise Street, one of Japan's oldest shopping streets, stretches from the gate to the temple, its stalls overflowing with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and crafts. Your guide shares the temple's fascinating history, including how Tokugawa Ieyasu prayed here before the Battle of Sekigahara, the decisive conflict that established his shogunate. The contrast couldn't be more dramatic as you journey to Shibuya, where the famous Scramble Crossing sees up to 3,000 people cross simultaneously in organized chaos that somehow works perfectly. The Hachiko statue commemorates Japan's most loyal dog, while Shibuya Sky offers panoramic views from 229 meters above the streets. Perhaps visit the Nintendo Store to see iconic Japanese animation characters come to life, or explore Harajuku's Takeshita Street, the birthplace of Japan's kawaii culture and Instagram trends. The Imperial Palace and its gardens offer peaceful respite, where manicured landscapes surround the moated residence of Japan's emperor. Meiji Jingu Shrine provides another serene sanctuary, its vast forest of over 100,000 trees creating a natural cathedral in the heart of the city. This afternoon, experience the profound beauty of Japanese tea ceremony in Ginza with a tea master who guides you through the traditional ritual. In an authentic tea room, you'll learn the history and philosophy behind this practice that has refined the art of hospitality for centuries. Watch the precise, graceful movements as the master prepares matcha, then enjoy the bitter-sweet tea with delicate wagashi sweets before trying your hand at the preparation yourself. This intimate experience offers insight into the Japanese aesthetic of finding beauty in simplicity and mindfulness in everyday actions. Return to your hotel as evening falls, perhaps with time to explore Asakusa's atmospheric streets or relax before dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodations: Asakusa View Hotel or equivalent

SUNDAY, APRIL 4 - TOKYO
Today offers the freedom to explore Tokyo at your own pace, with one spectacular experience already arranged: teamLab Borderless, the digital art museum that has captivated visitors from around the world. This isn't a traditional museum where you observe art from a distance. Here, you step into the artwork itself as immersive installations transform entire spaces into interactive, ever-changing environments where light, sound, and motion respond to your presence. Waterfalls of digital flowers cascade down walls and across floors, following your movements. Rooms filled with floating lanterns create ethereal forests of light. Mirrored chambers stretch infinity in every direction. By combining cutting-edge digital technology with Japanese aesthetics and nature-inspired themes, teamLab creates a fluid, exploratory world that feels more like stepping into a living artwork than visiting a traditional museum. Allow at least two to three hours to fully immerse yourself in this wonderland. The rest of the day is yours to craft your own Tokyo adventure. Perhaps explore the upscale shops and department stores of Ginza, where flagship boutiques showcase the latest in fashion and design. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden offers 144 acres of peaceful landscapes blending traditional Japanese, English, and French garden styles—especially beautiful during cherry blossom season when hundreds of trees burst into bloom. Ueno Park combines cultural attractions with seasonal beauty, housing several museums and a zoo alongside scenic walking paths. The quirky streets of Shimokitazawa invite browsing through vintage shops and cozy cafes. Or simply wander and discover your own hidden corners of this endlessly fascinating city. Tonight, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner, sharing favorite moments and promising to stay connected long after this journey ends.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodations: Asakusa View Hotel or equivalent

MONDAY, APRIL 5 - DEPARTURE
Enjoy a final Japanese breakfast before your private transfer to Haneda Airport for your departure flight. As you journey through Tokyo's morning streets one last time, reflect on the incredible experiences of the past nine days: the serene beauty of Kyoto's temples, the creative energy of Kanazawa, the sacred mountains of Nagano, the playful snow monkeys, the precision of the tea ceremony, and the electric vitality of Tokyo. You leave carrying memories of Japan's extraordinary ability to honor ancient traditions while embracing innovation, and the profound connections forged with fellow travelers who shared in these discoveries. The friendships formed over shared wonder at a golden temple, laughter during a cooking class, and quiet moments in a traditional garden will endure long after you return home.

Meals: Breakfast

Note: Please book departing flights out of Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) after 12pm local time.