Cherry Blossom Time

What could be more delightful?
Join InterAsia’s
Cherry Blossom Time
12 day tour of Japan
Beginning in Tokyo on Wednesday 3rd April, 2013, including flights with
Singapore Airlines from Australia and visiting: Tokyo . Kamakura . Hakone .
Matsumoto . Takayama . Shirakawago . Hiroshima . Miyajima . Okayama .
Himeji . Kyoto . Nara . Osaka .
Explore the traditions and culture of the land of the Samurai warrior, the exquisite
Geisha and the Tea Ceremony, against a backdrop of glorious cherry blossoms and
complemented by some tantalizing dining experiences. April is the best time to see
cherry blossoms. The gardens abound with many varieties of flowering trees and
are usually filled with families enjoying a picnic under the falling petals.
Call us on 1300 133 001
or email [email protected]
4/33 Heatherdale Road, Ringwood 3134
IATA AFTA TCF Lic. No. 32572
Cherry Blossom Time - 12 day tour
April is the best time to see cherry blossoms throughout
Japan. The gardens abound with many varieties of
flowering trees and are usually filled with families
enjoying a picnic under the falling petals.
Wed 10 Apr - Hiroshima - Okayama - Himeji - Kyoto
Travel to Okayama for a stroll through Korakuen Park, one of the top
three gardens in Japan, owned and influenced over the centuries by
various daimyo (powerful territorial lords). See groves of plum, cherry
and maple trees. Drive on to visit Engyogi Temple on Mt Shosha near
Wed 03 Apr - Australian to Tokyo
Himeji, used for the filming of “The Last Samurai”. Tour the temple
Board your Singapore Airlines flight either early this morning or the
night before, depending on your departure city, and fly via Singapore and receive meditation instruction from a Zen monk. Arrive Kyoto in
to Tokyo. Meet your guide on arrival at Narita airport and transfer by the evening and stay three nights at the Mitsui Garden Hotel Shijo.
coach to the Keikyu EX Inn for a three night stay. Stretch your legs on Dinner is in a quiet back street a short walk away in a cosy Japanese
restaurant that offers modern home-style cooking. (B,L,D)
a short walk to a local restaurant for dinner. (D)
Thu 04 Apr - Tokyo
Begin to explore Tokyo on a full day city tour. In the historic Asakusa
district visit Kaminari Gate, Nakamise Arcade and Sensoji Temple.
Lunch is Sumo Wrestler’s Stew! Stroll in the lovely Rikugien Garden,
well known for its cherry blossoms, and take in the panorama at
Roppongi Tokyo City View. A Welcome Dinner tonight is in Tokyo’s
most famous shopping street, the Ginza. (B,L,D)
Fri 05 Apr - Tokyo
Marvel at the sights and sounds at the Tsukiji Fish Market then visit
Meiji Shirine, the Imperial Family’s official shrine. Shop in Harajuku
and Omotesando district - there’s something for everyone. Lunch is a
modern version of Japanese kaiseki. The afternoon and evening are
free to explore at your own pace. (B,L)
Sat 06 Apr - Tokyo - Kamakura - Hakone
Travel by coach to Kamakura to visit the Kotokuin Temple with its
statue of Great Buddha. Walk through an arcade of cherry blossom
trees leading to the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. Continue to
Hakone for a cruise on Lake Ashi and a gondola ride up to the Owakudani Valley with views of Mt Fuji. Stay one night in the traditional
ryokan style Hotel Okada and dine-in on traditional kaiseki. (B,L,D)
Thu 11 Apr - Kyoto
Your experience in and around Kyoto includes visits to the Kinkakuji
Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Ryoanji with a Zen Garden, Maruyama
Park with weeping cherry trees, Kiyomiza Temple and time to stroll in
the Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka districts. Sushi and udon noodles are
featured for lunch. (B,L)
Fri 12 Apr - Nara excursion
Immerse yourself in Japanese culture at Nara, the first permanent
capital and birthplace of much of the Japan’s traditional arts and
literature. Visit Todaiji Temple to see the Great Buddha. Return to
Kyoto for lunch at famous Ninja Kyoto which offers traditional cuisine
in a setting that transports diners back to the time when Ninja, medieval spies and masters of martial arts, roamed Japan. Time to stroll
along Nishiki Market Street, then the remainder of the day is free before a farewell meal of Shabu Shabu at Restaurant Torataro. (B,L,D)
Sat 13 Apr - Depart Osaka
Transfer to Osaka Kansai airport for exit flight this morning (B)
Sun 14Apr - Arrive Australia
Sun 07 April - Hakone - Matsumoto - Takayama
Price ex Australia: $6978 per person, twin share
(Your suitcases will be sent on to Hiroshima, so an overnight bag is
Plus airport taxes/levies approx $680
required for tonight.) Travel to Matsumoto by coach and visit the MaLand Only ex Tokyo: $5684 per person, twin share
tsumoto Castle for an insight into the traditions of Samurai warriors.
Single Supplement: $1022
The castle moat is surrounded by hundreds of cherry trees. Pasta is
on the menu for lunch today for those missing a taste of home! Travel Includes:
on to Takayama and check-in at the Associa Takayama Resort and
 International flights with Singapore Airlines, ex Melbourne, Perth,
Spa for an overnight stay. Dinner features Hida Beef and Hoba miso
Sydney, Brisbane or Adelaide & airport & airline taxes & charges.
paste. (B,L,D)
(Those departing from Sydney and Adelaide will require a stopover in Singapore at additional cost.)
Mon 08 Apr - Takayama - Nagoya - Hiroshima

First & superior class hotel accommodation as listed or similar, &
Sightseeing in the history filled streets of Takayama includes the
an overnight stay in a traditional ryokan, sleeping on floor mats
morning market and Sannomachi Old Town. Proceed to nearby

Meals as listed (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner) featuring the
Shirakawago World Heritage Village with its traditional thatched
best of Japanese cuisine
houses in a mountain setting. Drive on to Nagoya enjoying views of

All transfers and internal transportation
cherry blossoms en route. Board an evening bullet train for the super

English speaking guide throughout, sightseeing as listed and
fast 2.5 hour journey to Hiroshima. Enjoy a Bento Box meal onboard.
entrance fees
Your hotel for two nights, the Granvia, is just a short walk from the
 InterAsia’s versatile travel bag
station. (B,L,D)
Tour prices and inclusions are based on a minimum of 15 passengers.
Tue 09 April - Hiroshima & Miyajima
Hiroshima was the first city in the world to experience an atomic
explosion - the city and its name will forever be synonymous with that Your travel agent:
event. Your city tour includes visits to the Bomb Dome and Peace
Memorial Museum. After lunch at a local restaurant travel to Miyajima
by ferry to see the Itsukushima Shrine (the “shrine in the sea”), the
pagoda and cherry blossoms. Okonomiyaki, or Japanese omelettes,
are on the menu tonight. (B,L,D)