Trip summary statistics
8days
Japan in Bloom: Sakura Season Highlights
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Osaka
Experience Japan’s Sakura season from iconic spots, where blossoms frame the perfect view.
Explore Tokyo’s gems from Sensoji Temple and Tsukiji Market to Meiji Shrine with your guide.
Follow Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, framed by cherry blossoms.
Walk beneath Fushimi Inari’s red torii gates and meet sacred deer at Nara’s temples.
Consult your Destination Expert to personalize extensions and secure the best hanami spots.
* Please note: USD per person, double occupancy. Custom designed personal tour. Prices subject to change.
A travel experience like no other
This sample itinerary was created by experts and is meant to inspire your next trip. It is ready to be customized to suit your interests, tastes and budget so you can connect with local cultures and experience authentic travel on your own terms and departing whenever you choose.
TokyoGet In and Get Some Rest
- Japan Welcome Package
- Private Airport Transfer
TokyoCity Streets and Tasty Treats
- Tokyo Highlights with Tsukiji Market (with Lunch, 6 hrs) – Private Tour by Public Transit
TokyoExplore a City of Contrasts
- The Art of Sakura: Tradition and Modernity in Bloom (6 hrs) – Private Tour by Public Transit
- Self Guided - Tokyo Ramen Suggestions
Tokyo to HakoneA Sight To Behold
- Tokyo to Hakone with Mt. Fuji & Lakeside Escapes (9 hrs) – Private Tour by Private Vehicle
Hakone to KyotoLike a Speeding Bullet
- Train Station - Private Transfer
- Train - Hakone - Kyoto [2 hrs ] - First Class
- Train Station - Private Transfer
- Tranquil Steps: The Philosopher’s Path (4 hrs) – Private Tour by Public Transit
KyotoNurtured by Nature
- Immersive Arashiyama Walking Tour (with Lunch & Tea, 6 hrs) - Private Tour by Public Transit
- Self Guided - Pontocho
KyotoA Journey Back in Time
- Highlights of Fushimi Inari & Nara (8 hrs) - Private Tour by Public Transit
Kyoto to OsakaBon Voyage
- Kyoto to Kansai Airport (1 hr) - Private Transfer
TOKYO
Get In and Get Some Rest
A welcome package with your itinerary and any relevant documents or tickets required for your trip will be provided to you on your arrival in destination.
Meet your Kensington Tours Airport Representative who will escort you to your driver for an accompanied airport transfer to your hotel by private vehicle.
Where you’ll be staying
Classy Room
TOKYO
City Streets and Tasty Treats
Uncover the best of Tokyo on a private full-day exploration, pairing historic temples, bustling markets, and stylish streets in one day by Japan's efficient public transportation. Your guide collects you from your hotel for Asakusa, home to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo's oldest Buddhist temple. Stroll Nakamise Shopping Street, sampling traditional snacks and souvenirs, then continue to Tsukiji Market for a lunch of fresh, local flavors. From there, wander through Ginza, Tokyo's polished shopping district known for striking architecture and elegant boutiques, before returning to your hotel.
Where you’ll be staying
Classy Room
TOKYO
Explore a City of Contrasts
Set out on a private day of discovery through Tokyo in full bloom, uncovering hidden cherry blossom havens and iconic landmarks where tradition and modernity meet in harmony. Meet your English-speaking guide in your hotel lobby and embark on a seamless journey across the city using Japan’s efficient public transportation. Begin with a peaceful stroll through the Imperial Palace East Gardens, where cherry blossoms frame centuries-old stone walls and tranquil pathways. Then, glide along Chidorigafuchi’s picturesque moat by boat, enjoying serene views away from the bustle. Continue to Yanaka, a historic district steeped in old-world charm, pausing to admire the elegant blooms in Yanaka Cemetery before heading to Ueno Park, one of Tokyo’s most celebrated hanami spots. The atmosphere transforms as you step into Akihabara, famed for its vibrant pop culture and neon lights. Conclude with a guided architecture walk through Ginza, where sleek modern designs and luxury boutiques showcase Tokyo’s contemporary sophistication. Experience the captivating contrast of tradition and innovation framed by the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, before your guide escorts you back to your hotel to conclude the day.
Please note: This tour makes use of Tokyo's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.
Choose from a variety of ramen spots across Tokyo on your own, discovering the city’s rich noodle culture. Savor Michelin-starred Tantanmen at Nakiryu, refreshing Yuzu Shio at Afuri, or creamy Tsukemen at Fuunji. Aternatively, you could visit Rokurinsha beneath Tokyo Station - widely regarded as one of Tokyo's most iconic ramen shops, and credited with pioneering the popularity of tsukemen (dipping noodles) since it first opened in Osaki in 2005. During your stay in Tokyo, you can also try bold broths at Menya Musashi, Tonkotsu at Ichiran, refined Shoyu at Ramenya Toy Box, and spicy miso at Kikanbo.
Where you’ll be staying
Classy Room
TOKYO TO HAKONE
A Sight To Behold
Today, enjoy a private transfer from Tokyo to Hakone, featuring a full day discovery of Kawaguchiko and Mt. Fuji, where scenic beauty and cultural charm come together. Depart your hotel with your English-speaking guide and private driver for a picturesque drive to Hakone. Begin your exploration in Kawaguchiko, riding the Kachi Kachi Ropeway to take in stunning panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding lake. Descend to visit the Arakura Sengen Shrine, famous for its iconic Churito Pagoda framing the mountain. After a leisurely lunch, continue to the Kubota Itchiku Art Museum, where exquisite kimono artistry and immersive exhibits celebrate traditional craftsmanship. Conclude your day immersed in breathtaking landscapes, cultural highlights, and the serene charm of this iconic region, before continuing your transfer to your hotel in Hakone.
Where you’ll be staying
Maisonette Room with Open-Air Bath
HAKONE TO KYOTO
Like a Speeding Bullet
Meet your driver for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
Board a train from Hakone's Odawara station to Kyoto. The train ride is approximately 2 hours.
Meet your driver and guide for a train station transfer with a private vehicle.
Set out on a private half day journey along one of Kyoto’s most peaceful and contemplative routes. Meet your English-speaking guide in your hotel lobby and begin seamless travel using Japan’s efficient public transportation to the northern Higashiyama district, where your walk begins near the serene Ginkakuji “Silver Pavilion”. From there, follow the charming Philosopher’s Path, a stone-lined canal walk once favored by scholars and poets. Flanked by cherry trees and quiet lanes, this gentle trail winds south toward Nanzenji, passing a number of smaller temples, shrines, and hidden gardens along the way. Your guide will offer thoughtful insights into the cultural and historical significance of each stop, allowing for unhurried exploration and quiet reflection. This walk offers a serene immersion into Kyoto’s spiritual heart, concluding at the tranquil Nanzenji Temple. Your guide will accompany you back to your hotel, completing a memorable cultural journey.
Please note: This tour makes use of Kyoto's efficient public transportation to travel around the city.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior King
KYOTO
Nurtured by Nature
Discover a more contemplative side of Kyoto on this privately guided full-day journey through the spiritual heart of Arashiyama. After meeting your guide at the hotel, proceed by Japan's efficient public transit to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, a hidden gem nestled in the hills. Here, 1,200 whimsical stone figures—each with a unique expression—line moss-covered paths, inviting quiet reflection. From the temple, follow your guide along peaceful backroads, passing traditional homes and forested paths that lead toward the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Walk beneath towering green stalks swaying gently in the breeze—a serene, almost otherworldly experience. Midday, pause for a refined vegetarian shojin-ryōri lunch, prepared in the spirit of Zen Buddhism, where each dish honors seasonal ingredients and mindful presentation. In the afternoon, visit Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an exquisite Zen garden framed by mountain views. Then ascend to the tranquil Okochi Sanso Villa, once home to a famed Japanese actor. Wander through manicured gardens and enjoy a cup of hot green tea, before returning to your hotel by public transit.
Enjoy a self-guided stroll through Kyoto’s Pontocho, a charming alleyway running parallel to the Kamo River. Discover an incredible range of dining options, from casual yakitori and izakayas to exquisite high-end Kyoto cuisine. Wander at your own pace, soaking up the traditional atmosphere, lantern-lit streets, and riverside views while sampling the flavors that make Pontocho a culinary hotspot.
Please note: This is a suggestion for your leisure time and does not include admissions, a guide, or transfers
Where you’ll be staying
Superior King
KYOTO
A Journey Back in Time
Explore the spiritual landmarks of southern Kyoto and Nara on this privately guided full-day journey, beginning with a morning visit to the iconic Fushimi Inari Taisha. After meeting your guide at the hotel, use Japan’s efficient public transit to reach this revered shrine, where thousands of vibrant vermilion torii gates wind through forested trails up Mount Inari. Your guide shares the significance of Inari, the Shinto deity of prosperity, as you walk beneath the gates in a setting that feels both sacred and cinematic. Continue on to Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, and visit Todai-ji, a monumental temple housing the Great Buddha—one of the largest bronze statues in the world. Wander through Nara Park, where sacred deer roam freely, believed to be messengers of the gods. Then, stroll along lantern-lined paths to Kasuga Taisha, a centuries-old Shinto shrine surrounded by moss-covered stone lanterns and vermilion halls nestled in a primeval forest. After a day rich in heritage and natural beauty, return to your hotel using the region’s excellent public transportation network.
Where you’ll be staying
Superior King
KYOTO TO OSAKA
Bon Voyage
Enjoy a transfer with a private driver from Kyoto to Osaka’s Kansai Airport. Transfer time is approximately 1 hr.
TOKYO
The Gate Hotel Tokyo
The Gate Ginza offers a contemporary urban retreat in the heart of Tokyo’s vibrant Ginza district, where sleek design meets thoughtful comfort. Each room is designed with modern elegance, featuring windows that frame the bustling city streets below, while interiors blend minimalistic style with subtle Japanese accents. Dining at the onsite restaurant highlights seasonal ingredients, presenting a mix of Japanese and international flavors in a relaxed setting. Later, enjoy a crafted cocktail at the stylish bar, an inviting spot to reflect on the day’s adventures. The Gate Ginza combines a prime location with sophisticated design and attentive service, creating a seamless balance of urban excitement and calm retreat. It is the perfect base for discovering Tokyo while enjoying comfort and style at every turn.
HAKONE
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
Set amid the serene mountains of Hakone, Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu offers a tranquil retreat where traditional Japanese hospitality blends seamlessly with nature. Each of the 150 thoughtfully designed rooms features a private open-air onsen bath, allowing you to soak in natural hot springs while taking in the mountain views. Delight in seasonal delicacies at the onsite restaurant, where fresh ingredients reflect the region’s flavors. Unwind in the infinity hot spring, its shimmering horizon merging with the sky for an unforgettable moment of calm. After a day of exploring Hakone’s art museums and scenic trails, enjoy a handcrafted cocktail in the elegant lounge bar or stroll through the beautifully landscaped Japanese gardens. For deeper relaxation, choose from soothing spa treatments that restore balance and ease. With its serene surroundings and authentic ryokan experience, Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu invites you to reconnect with nature and embrace the timeless charm of Japanese tradition.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum and Hakone Gora Park are only a 6-minute bus ride from Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu. Chisuji Falls is a 13-minute walk away, and Owakudani Valley is 1.4 miles away.
KYOTO
Dhawa Yura
Dhawa Yura Kyoto, a boutique hotel near the tranquil Kamo River, beautifully combines the essence of Japan’s rich history with modern elegance. Offering 138 contemporary rooms and suites, each designed to provide a high-quality stay focused on peace and relaxation, the hotel invites you to unwind in serene surroundings. Dine at the on-site restaurant, where you can savor delicious meals that nourish both body and soul. The bar offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, perfect for enjoying expertly crafted drinks. For quiet moments, the lobby lounge provides a cozy corner to read a book or simply reflect. The spa offers an authentic experience with impactful therapies that nurture both self and nature. Ideally located in Sanjo, the hotel is within walking distance of Kyoto’s iconic temples, shrines, shopping areas, and cultural landmarks, offering easy access to the city's most treasured sights.
Made to Order
- Choose from a range of places to stay, from impeccable five-star hotels to equally outstanding boutique ones.
- Tailor your trip to include a wide variety of activities, from the must-see's to the lesser-known, local experiences, and even the exclusive ones you may not know about.
- With no fixed dates or set schedules, you can explore on your terms.
- Whether you're celebrating one of life's big moments or looking to fulfill a personal journey, we always work with you to ensure we're creating a trip-of-a-lifetime.
What's included
- A fully customized itinerary based on your interests and schedule
- 24/7 in-destination support from our local office
- Regional flights between stops in your itinerary (unless otherwise indicated)
- All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
- A private driver for tours and transfers (in some countries our local private guides also act as your driver - your Destination Expert will discuss with you if applicable)
- Local private guides or shared tours that take you through your itinerary highlights and experiences, your final itinerary will confirm the type of tour
- A greeting at the airport or at your accommodation from one of our representatives – your expert will confirm your meet and greet location with you
- Breakfast each morning at your hotel, plus any meals indicated in the itinerary
- One suitcase and one carry-on per person for trip transfers
What's not included
- Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you'd like to receive pricing from our Air Team
- Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you've booked your tour
- Visas (unless noted)
- Tips for services and experiences
- Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary
- Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare
- Personal charges such as laundry, phone calls, SIM cards or room service
- Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified)
- Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary
- Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees
- Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable)
Protect your travel
- We recommend travel protection. Between missed connections, lost or delayed luggage, or medical emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected.
- No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a travel protection plan before you travel. Still unsure? Consider these frequently asked questions.








