Kagoshima to Kyoto 14-Day Cherry Blossom Viewing Tour on a Private Chartered Car

There is never a bad time to visit Japan, Asia's Land of the Rising Sun, but perhaps the best time for nature lovers is during its spring season when the cherry blossoms and other spring-blooming flowers blanket the country from North to South. During this time, locals and visitors alike hold cherry blossom viewing parties or hanami, celebrating the end of the harsh winter and welcoming the warmth of spring. Gardens are adorned with many varieties of flowering cherry trees and are usually packed with locals and visitors enjoying a picnic under the tree canopies. 

On this 14-day tour from Kagoshima to Kyoto, you have the flexibility to customize your itinerary, visiting cultural landmarks, fashionable neighborhoods, diverse shopping districts, and of course, the best places for cherry blossom viewing.

Kagoshima

Start your tour at Kagoshima, a stunning seaside city on Japan's Kyushu Island, and well-known for its Sakurajima volcano. If you want to enjoy hanami or cherry blossom viewing with the enchanting volcano as the backdrop, then Senganen Garden is the place to be. You may also enjoy a picnic at Kotsukigawa Riverside that has over 500 cherry trees or the family-friendly Sakurajima Dinosaur Park or Hirakawa Zoo. 

Nagasaki

The historic city of Nagasaki, a port city on the island of Kyushu, is another hotspot for cherry blossom viewing. Enjoy your sake while savoring the views of the city at Tateyama Park, where about 700 cherry trees are planted. Then, spend some time at Nagasaki Peace Park, a tranquil space that commemorates the atomic bombing of Nagasaki in 1945 during World War 2. While you're here, you may also swing by the Atomic Bomb Museum and the memorial hall for the atomic bomb victims next to it. Other notable places are Saikai Bridge Park, Shimabara Castle, and the City Sports Park.

Fukuoka

Boasting one of the best food scenes in Japan, Fukuoka becomes even more of a favorite among locals and visitors during its cherry blossom season. Perhaps the best viewing spot is Maizuru Park where thousands of cherry trees are planted among the ruins of Fukuoka Castle. If you wish to see fields of various seasonal flowers aside from cherry blossoms including mustard and poppies, you can also visit Nokonoshima Island Park. And while you're at one of the culinary capitals of the country, might as well try some cherry blossom flavored delicacies including sakura mochi, sakura ice cream, sakura-flavored chocolate and so much more.

Hiroshima

If you wish to have a historical tour while enjoying the spring season in all its glory, then Hiroshima is the place to be. Stop by Itsukushima Shrine, where the view of the flowers in full bloom with the vermilion Itsukushima Shrine as a backdrop is simply breathtaking. You may also enjoy a serene stroll at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is near the place where the first atomic bomb was dropped in 1945 during World War II. And of course, Hiroshima Castle, where you can also visit a museum and learn about Hiroshima’s history.

Matsuyama

There's more to Matsuyama than its famed Dōgo Onsen Honkan, a luxurious 19th-century public bathhouse built over ancient hot springs. In the center of the city is Matsuyama Castle, which towers over hundreds of cherry trees during the spring season. Love to have barbecues while enjoying a picnic under the cherry trees? Try Dogo Park that offers many attractive spots for holding hanami parties.

Osaka

Osaka may not be as picturesque as its neighbor Kyoto but the beauty of spring and cherry blossom can transform even the most urban of places. A great place to start your sightseeing is Osaka Castle grounds that's filled with over 3000 cherry trees and other seasonal blooms. If you wish to escape the city buzz especially during this busy time, then head out to Daisen Park, a luscious 35-hectare park with a large Japanese garden. The park also has a few varieties of cherry trees including Prunus speciosa or Oshima and mountain cherry. You can also visit Kema Sakuranomiya Park, Japan Mint Bureau, and the Expo 70 Commemorative Park.

Kyoto

The ancient city of Kyoto is already impressive as it is but it becomes even more so during the cherry blossom season. Rent a kimono and take snapshots beneath the canopy of cherry blossoms in Shinbashi Geisha District, the flagstoned and teahouse-lined area around the Shirakawa River right in the center of Gion. Then, experience the tunnel of cherry blossoms at the Testugaku no Michi, which look stunning against the backdrop of small temples and tiny bridges that line the canal. If you're up for a hike, then visit Ninnaji Temple that's framed with a frill of white and pink flowers during springtime.

Inclusions

• Flexibility to customize your tour
• Private tour vehicle
• Hotel accommodation for 13 nights

Exclusions

• Personal expenses
• Entrance fees
• Tips and gratuities
• Foods and beverages

• Tour schedule is dependent on the cherry blossom blooming season and dates could not be determined until weeks before the annual event. Cherry blossom season could be anytime from mid-March to mid-May, depending on the location.