Sun and Sakura 2018 | March 31-April 11, 2018
$4,195 (Full Tour)
(What’s included? Read the Tour Information)
Read Terms & Conditions and FAQ / Prices listed are per person, double occupancy.
Sign up & payment deadline: CLOSED
Blossoms in the air. Sand between your toes.
There are few flowers more iconic than Japan’s sakura (cherry blossoms), and Sun and Sakura is designed to give you the best possible view of them: a relaxed one. With a slower pace than the typical tour, Sun and Sakura will take you to three different views of the sakura – from the river on a riverboat cruise, from a picnic in the park, and a local festival! We’ll also head to the historical city of Kamakura to check out the shrines in full bloom.
In keeping with the relaxing vibe, we’ve also added two special stops to the journey: an overnight stay at a hot spring resort by Nikko, and a truly unforgettable stay next to one of Japan’s best beaches on Miyakojima Island! You’ll be able to start your summer vacation early as you swim, snorkel, and explore warm ocean waters while pampering yourself in one of Okinawa’s most pristine environments.
Get ready to kick back, friends; the springtime of a lifetime is just a plane ride away!
| TOUR AT A GLANCE |
|---|
 Shopping:   Walking: Baggage: 1 check-in sized bag, 1 carry-on sized bag (ALL checked bags will be kept in Tokyo; no checked bags may be taken along during the Kinugawa/Okinawa portions of the trip.) PLEASE LET US KNOW IF YOU HAVE TATTOOS WHEN YOU SIGN UP; we need to make arrangements. Single Rooms: $650 (Tokyo ONLY; no single rooms in Kinugawa Onsen or Okinawa) |
Tour price includes:
- R/T airfare from LAX (Los Angeles, CA) to Japan
- Tour dates: Departs March 31; returns on April 11
- Hotel accommodations: 6 nights Tokyo, 1 night Hot Spring Resort in Kinugawa Onsen, 3 nights Beachfront Resort on Miyako Island
- Stops in Tokyo, Kamakura, Nikko, Kinugawa Onsen, Miyako Island, and points in between
- All transportation (train, air, ropeway, bus, shinkansen/”bullet train”, etc.) within Japan
- Professional bilingual guide services
- Admission to all activities
- Customized tour guidebook
- Nightly turndown service with local snacks and homemade sweets
- Much, much more!
ONSEN TATTOO NOTE:Guests with large, visible tattoos may be denied entry to the baths at the onsen. To prevent this, please let PacSet know what kind of tattoos you have when you sign up. PacSet cannot offer any compensation if you are denied entry.
We depart from LAX for Tokyo!
Day 2: Passports and Picnics
After arriving in Tokyo, we’ll drop our stuff at the hotel. Feeling awake? Join us for the first cherry blossom party of the trip, under the blossoms at Ueno Park!
Day 3: Harajuku Heights
Time to get a peek at Tokyo! We begin the day at Meiji Jingu Shrine, where cool spring breezes will lead us to picturesque shrine courtyards before our wallets whisk us off to our second stop, Harajuku! Here you’ll be able to shop, eat crepes, check out art galleries, or join your guide for a relaxing tour of our favorite neighborhood cafes. That evening, join us aboard a traditional Yakatabune longboat for a feast of Tempura and a cruise past the blossomsalong the Sumida River.
Day 4: From the river to the mountains
We begin our day in Asakusa, the most famous temple area in the city of Tokyo! You’ll shop for traditional goods and souvenirs on the famed Nakamise-dori and have the chance to explore Sensoji Temple. Afterwards, we’ll board an express train to the mountains and settle in at a resort in Kinugawa Onsen! Wander the mountainsides of the town, take in the views from the ropeway or the footbath, or just relax in the spa – the choice is yours. In the evening, join your friends and guides for an evening party and get-together.
Day 5: Nikko!
The Tokugawa Shoguns have their masoleums here, and when you visit, you’ll see why they chose Nikko: it’s breathtaking. We’ll start our visit at the Kegon Waterfall, where we’ll take in some fantastic views and breathe in some mountain air. Then it’s back to central Nikko for a visit to the riverside Tamozawa Imperial Villa, where you can explore the gorgeous rooms of this historical treasure before taking in the view over a cup of tea. A visit to the gorgeous Toshogu Masoleum will round out the day before we return to Tokyo.
Day 6: Hase and History
Considered by some historians a former capitol of Japan, Kamakura sits on the sea and will offer us a variety of good blossom views! We’ll start at the Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and its picturesque ponds before taking a break to explore the city’s merchant quarter in search of trinkets and treats. The afternoon will have us relocating to Hase Temple to take in views of the seaside and see the caves (yes, CAVES) that have long been part of the temple. Finally, we’ll visit the giant statue of the buddha at Kodaiji!
Day 7: Urban Freedom!
Today is a free day! Take your time to explore any corner of Tokyo and the Kanto area as you like. Your guides will be on hand to assist with directions, maps, and more.
Day 8: Soar to the Sea
It’s time to bid farewell to Tokyo and the blossoms; we’re Okinawa-bound! When we touch down, we’ll begin our journey in the rural part of the island we’ll be calling home. Settle into your resort hotel room before joining your guides for a quick bike tour of the surrounding area, including the bridge to Kurima Island, where we’ll gaze at the shoreline from the deck chairs of a local cafe. In the evening, return to the resort for a beachfront meal and BBQ!
Day 9: Snorkels and Sunshine
We’ve been staring at the sea – let’s get in it! Join your guides for a trip out to Yoshino Beach, where we’ll snorkel through some of Japan’s clearest waters and see some friendly locals (if they’re not too shy!). After we snorkel around for a while, we’ll head into Hirara Town to do a little souvenir shopping and nibble on local delicacies. This is also when you’ll have a chance to head across the more than mile-long Irabu-Ohashi bridge to Irabu Island.
Day 10: Treat yourself!
You have a few choices today: to head to the shores again, kick back at the resort with a massage, or get back in the water or on the wheels for more snorkeling, cycling, or anything else your heart desires. Tonight, join us for a special dinner and party as we close out the last night at our resort in style!
Day 11: FREE DAY!
Today is a free day to enjoy the island! Your guides will be on hand as always to help with any additional help you might need. In the afternoon, we’ll bid Miyako goodbye and head back to Tokyo.
Day 12: Return home
Return home to tell your friends how much fun you had!
| SIGN-UP IN: | Price | Price (Land Only) |
|---|---|---|
| August | $525 | $425 |
| September | $600 | $485 |
| October | $700 | $570 |
| November | $840 | $680 |
| December | $1,050 | $850 |