ESSENCE OF CHERRY BLOSSOM SPECIAL

• Morning: Visit Asakusa & Senso-ji Temple: Start your day with a visit to Asakusa, home to Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple. Wander around the Nakamise Shopping Street for traditional souvenirs and street food.
• Afternoon: Visit the Meiji Shrine & Harajuku: Visit Meiji Shrine, an iconic Shinto shrine surrounded by a beautiful forest. Afterward, explore the fashionable district of Harajuku and Takeshita Street, known for quirky shops and trendy youth culture.
• Evening: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden & Tokyo Skytree: If time permit, visit Shinjuku Gyoen for a peaceful stroll in a traditional Japanese garden. Alternatively, you can end the day at the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the city.
• Dinner: Try a different local dish, like tempura or yakitori, in one of Tokyo’s izakayas (Japanese pubs).

• Morning: Travel to Hakone (1.5-2 hours): Today take the Romancecar or Shinkansen to Hakone for a taste of Japan’s hot springs and natural beauty.
• Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum: Explore this fascinating museum, which blends art and nature with sculptures displayed in an outdoor setting.
• Afternoon: Owakudani Valley & Hot Springs: Visit Owakudani Valley, a volcanic area where you can see active fumaroles and enjoy the famous black eggs (eggs boiled in sulfuric hot springs). Afterward, relax in an onsen (hot spring bath) for a rejuvenating experience.
• Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Japanese kaiseki (multi-course) meal at your ryokan (traditional inn) or a local restaurant. Overnight stay at hotel.

• Morning: Travel to Takayama (5-6 hours): Today check out early from Hakone and take the Shinkansen to Nagoya, then transfer to a limited express train to Takayama (this will be a longer travel day, but the journey is scenic and comfortable).
• Afternoon: Explore Takayama Old Town: After arriving check in at hotel, Later stroll through the well-preserved Hida Takayama Old Town, with its traditional merchant houses, sake breweries, and quaint streets. Don't miss the Takayama Jinya, a historical government building that dates back to the Edo period.
• Dinner: In evening try local specialties like Hida beef (high-quality Japanese beef) or Takayama ramen.

• Morning: Visit the Morning Market & Hida Folk Village: Start your day at the Takayama Morning Market, where you can find local produce, crafts, and souvenirs. If time permits, visit Hida no Sato, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Gassho-style farmhouses.
• Afternoon: Travel to Hiroshima (via Nagoya): Later travel to Hiroshima by taking the Shinkansen from Takayama to Nagoya and then switching to the bullet train to Hiroshima (around 4-5 hours total).
• Evening: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park: Upon arrival, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome. This area is a poignant reminder of the tragic past and a symbol of peace. Later relax and overnight stay at hotel.

• Morning: Miyajima Island: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famous Itsukushima Shrine, known for its "floating" torii gate. You can also hike up Mount Misen for stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea.
• Afternoon: Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum: After returning from Miyajima, visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum for a more in-depth understanding of the events surrounding the atomic bombing.
• Dinner: Try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake) for dinner.

• Morning: Travel to Osaka (2.5-3 hours): Depart for Osaka by taking the Shinkansen from Hiroshima (approximately 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Osaka Castle and Dotonbori: After arriving, head straight to Osaka Castle, a symbol of Osaka’s history. You can explore the castle grounds and learn about its history at the museum inside.
• Evening: Dotonbori and Namba District: Explore the Dotonbori area, famous for its neon lights, street food, and entertainment. Don’t miss trying takoyaki (octopus balls) or okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes).
• Dinner: Enjoy Osaka’s famous street food or visit one of the many restaurants in the Namba district.

• Morning: Universal Studios Japan (Optional): If you're interested in theme parks, spend the day at Universal Studios Japan. Otherwise, you can visit Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city or explore Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Osaka.
• Afternoon: Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan): Visit Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring a diverse range of marine life from the Pacific Rim.
• Evening: Shinsaibashi and Amerikamura: Spend the evening exploring the vibrant neighborhoods of Shinsaibashi and Amerikamura, known for their shopping and trendy cafes.

• Morning: Last-minute Shopping: Visit the Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade or Namba Parks for any last-minute shopping or souvenirs before heading to the airport.
• Afternoon: Transfer to Kansai International Airport: Depending on your flight time, head to Kansai International Airport for your departure.

Additional Tips:

• Japan Rail Pass: If you're traveling by Shinkansen and trains frequently, consider purchasing a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) for discounted travel on the Shinkansen and JR trains.
• Luggage: Japan is known for its efficient luggage delivery services (called Takuhaibin), which allows you to send your bags ahead to your next destination. This is especially useful when traveling between cities to make your travel more comfortable.
• Language: While English is spoken in major tourist areas, learning a few basic Japanese phrases or using a translation app can help with communication, especially in more rural or remote areas.
• Weather: Be aware of the weather, as it can vary across regions. Pack accordingly, as Japan experiences four distinct seasons.

This itinerary offers a balanced mix of Japan’s vibrant cities, rich culture, beautiful nature, and historical landmarks. Enjoy your trip!