Sakura Season: Japan's Cherry Blossom Journey-Tokyo to Kyoto
A 6-night/7-day journey through Japan's most magical season
March 30 - April 5, 2026
Special Inaugural Journey Pricing
$7,995 per person with your own private room throughout the journey
$7,495 per person when sharing a room with a friend or family member
Key Trip Details:
Group Size: Limited to 8 women to ensure an intimate, personalized experience
Activity Level: Moderate - Walking tours through temple grounds, gardens, and city streets. Some uneven surfaces and stairs at temples. Alternative arrangements available when possible.
Accommodation: Carefully selected 4-star accommodations in Tokyo and Kyoto, blending modern comfort with Japanese elegance and hospitality.
Season: Late March to early April is Japan's most celebrated season. Cherry blossoms (sakura) are at peak bloom, with comfortable spring temperatures (typically 50-65°F/10-18°C). Bring layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo (Monday, March 30)
Afternoon: Individual arrivals and check-in at our centrally-located 4-star hotel in Tokyo
Dinner: Welcome dinner at an intimate Tokyo restaurant showcasing seasonal spring ingredients
Evening: Brief introduction to our journey and overview of Japanese customs and cherry blossom viewing traditions
Welcome dinner included
Day 2: Tokyo Exploration & Cherry Blossoms (Tuesday, March 31)
Morning: Leisurely breakfast followed by a visit to one of Tokyo's premier cherry blossom viewing spots, perfectly timed for peak bloom
Late Morning: Guided walking tour through a historic Tokyo neighborhood, experiencing the contrast between ancient shrines and modern energy
Lunch: Group lunch at a beloved local ramen shop - an authentic Tokyo experience
Afternoon: Visit to a vibrant street market where local artisans, seasonal treats, and everyday Japanese life unfold before you
Evening: Dinner on your own with personalized recommendations from your GlidePath host
Cherry blossom viewing, walking tour, and lunch included
Day 3: Tokyo Culture & Iconic Sights (Wednesday, April 1)
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel followed by a visit to the world-famous Shibuya Crossing—experience the organized chaos of Tokyo's busiest intersection
Late Morning: Explore nearby Harajuku and Omotesando, where cutting-edge fashion meets traditional shrines
Lunch: Interactive yakiniku experience where you grill premium Japanese beef and vegetables at your table—a fun, social meal perfect for bonding
Afternoon: Private hands-on lesson in traditional Japanese calligraphy or ikebana (flower arranging) with a local master—a meditative introduction to Japanese aesthetics
Evening: Free time to explore Tokyo's neighborhoods with dining recommendations from your GlidePath host
Shibuya/Harajuku tour, yakiniku lunch, and calligraphy or ikebana lesson included
Day 4: Tokyo to Kyoto (Thursday, April 2)
Morning: Leisurely breakfast and store main luggage at our Tokyo hotel (pack light for Kyoto!)
Mid-Morning: Experience Japan's legendary shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto—a smooth, scenic 2.5-hour journey that's an adventure in itself
Afternoon: Check-in at our beautiful 4-star hotel in Kyoto followed by free time to rest or explore the neighborhood
Late Afternoon: Glide along blossom-covered waterways by traditional boat, witnessing sakura from a perspective few travelers experience
Evening: Group dinner at a traditional Kyoto restaurant
Bullet train tickets, boat cruise, and dinner included
Day 5: Kyoto's Golden Pavilion & Tea Ceremony (Friday, April 3)
Morning: Visit to the breathtaking Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), its golden exterior reflecting in tranquil pond waters surrounded by cherry blossoms at their peak
Late Morning: Traditional tea ceremony led by a tea master in a serene Kyoto setting, learning the grace and intention behind every gesture
Lunch: On your own - your host will provide suggestions for authentic Kyoto cuisine
Afternoon: Free time to explore Kyoto's enchanting streets, shop for traditional crafts, visit neighborhoods at your own pace, or simply relax
Evening: Dinner on your own with personalized recommendations
Golden Pavilion visit and tea ceremony included
Day 6: Return to Tokyo (Saturday, April 4)
Morning: Marvel at cherry blossoms in full bloom at Kyoto's most spectacular temple gardens, arriving early to capture the serene morning light
Late Morning: Visit to additional sacred temples and shrines
Lunch: Group lunch at a local favorite showcasing Kyoto's refined culinary traditions
Early Afternoon: Return to Tokyo via bullet train—sit back, relax, and reflect on your Kyoto experiences
Late Afternoon: Retrieve luggage and check back into our Tokyo hotel
Evening: Farewell celebration dinner, toasting to new friendships and unforgettable memories
Temple visits, lunch, bullet train tickets, and farewell dinner included
Day 7: Departure from Tokyo (Sunday, April 5)
Morning: Leisurely breakfast at the hotel
Individual departures from Tokyo (Narita or Haneda Airport)
Optional transfer to airport
What’s Included:
4 nights in 4-star accommodation in Tokyo (3 nights at start + 1 night at end)
2 nights in 4-star accommodation in Kyoto
Daily breakfast
Welcome and farewell dinners
Select group lunches during activities
Cherry blossom viewing at optimal locations
Private tea ceremony with master in Kyoto
Private calligraphy or ikebana lesson with local master
Interactive yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) lunch experience
Traditional boat cruise through blossom-covered waters
Golden Pavilion and sacred temple visits
Shibuya Crossing and Harajuku exploration
Vibrant market tour
Expert local guides throughout
Bullet train tickets between Tokyo and Kyoto (roundtrip)
Local transportation for excursions
Skip-the-line access where applicable
All entrance fees
All gratuities for guides and drivers
GlidePath Travel host throughout
What's NOT Included:
Airfare
Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cocktails, sake at meals)
Most lunches and dinners
Personal expenses, shopping, and souvenirs
Required travel insurance
Please Note:
A $1,000 deposit secures your place
Final balance is due 60 days before departure
Sequence of activities may be altered due to weather, cherry blossom bloom timing, or other logistics. Alternative activities of equal quality will be provided if needed. Cherry blossom peak bloom dates can vary by a few days each year - we monitor forecasts closely and adjust timing within the trip to ensure optimal viewing.
Group size limited to 8 travelers
Travel Together Bonus: Bring a friend who books and you both save $200!
Optional Add-Ons: Consider arriving a day early to adjust to the time zone, or stay longer to explore Tokyo on your own! We're happy to arrange additional nights and provide recommendations.