10-Day Japan Cherry Blossom Tour: Discover Less Crowded Blossoms and Cultural Gems

Day 1: Hirosaki Cherry Bloom

Hirosaki, Japan on April 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Komeda's Coffee

Enjoy a hearty Japanese breakfast with a speciality of fresh toast and coffee to start your bloom-filled adventure.
JPY700, 1h

9:30am

Hirosaki Castle Park Cherry Blossoms

Explore the park famous for over 2,600 cherry trees surrounding the historic castle, offering one of Japan’s best and less crowded sakura experiences.
JPY320, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tsugaru Soba Restaurant

Try local soba noodles with seasonal vegetables for a light and authentic meal.
JPY1,200, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Neputa Village

Discover traditional festival floats in this cultural museum that’s away from usual tourist crowds.
JPY500, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Ramen Kamesho

Sample regional miso ramen in a cozy local spot perfect for winding down after a day of sightseeing.
JPY900, 1h
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Day 2: Sendai City Blossoms

Sendai, Japan on April 2, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe de noel

Fuel up with a fresh breakfast featuring Japanese-style pancakes and locally brewed coffee.
JPY800, 1h

9:00am

Zuihoden Mausoleum

Visit the ornate resting place of Date Masamune, surrounded by beautiful cherry trees and tranquil forest paths.
JPY550, 1h30m

11:00am

Sendai Mediatheque Visit

Explore this architectural marvel and cultural hub that often hosts exhibitions and is less crowded in the mornings.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Rikyu Sendai

Enjoy the regional specialty gyutan (grilled beef tongue) in a reputable and peaceful eatery.
JPY1,500, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Tsutsujigaoka Park

Take in quiet cherry blossoms and scenic views with far fewer crowds compared to major parks.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ishigami

Dine on fresh sushi and local seafood in an authentic Sendai sushi bar known for fresh seasonal offerings.
JPY2,000, 1h30m
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Day 3: Historic Aizu Blossom

Aizu-Wakamatsu, Japan on April 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel New Palace

Start the day with a traditional Japanese breakfast buffet focused on regional fresh produce and rice dishes.
JPY1,000, 1h

8:30am

Tsuruga Castle Park

Visit the beautifully restored castle framed by cherry blossoms and learn about samurai history with minimal crowds.
JPY410, 2h

11:00am

Sazaedo Pagoda

Explore this unique double-spiral pagoda surrounded by tranquil cherry groves, a hidden gem away from tourist hubs.
JPY100, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Kamado Soba

Taste handmade soba served with local mountain vegetables in a rustic setting.
JPY1,000, 1h

2:00pm

Oyakuen Garden

Wander in this serene garden famous for medicinal herbs and classic spring blooms, far quieter than more famous sites.
JPY200, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Izakaya Tetsu

Enjoy local Aizu cuisine in an authentic tavern known for its fresh river fish and sake selection.
JPY1,800, 1h30m
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Day 4: Takayama Old Town

Takayama, Japan on April 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe Miyagawa

Start your day with freshly brewed coffee and pastries in a quaint riverside cafe within the old town.
JPY700, 1h

9:00am

Takayama Old Town Walk

Stroll through charming streets lined with Edo-period houses and cherry blossoms, exploring artisan shops with fewer tourists early morning.
Free, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Heianraku

Enjoy Hida beef, Takayama’s famous delicacy, grilled or in a hot pot, in a peaceful traditional restaurant.
JPY2,000, 1h

2:00pm

Hida Folk Village

Visit this open-air museum showcasing traditional thatched houses surrounded by early cherry blossoms and gardens.
JPY700, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Suzuya

Choose from a range of Hida beef dishes in this long-standing local favourite with calm atmosphere.
JPY2,500, 1h30m
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Day 5: Kanazawa Gardens

Kanazawa, Japan on April 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Curio Espresso and Vintage Design Cafe

Enjoy expertly brewed coffee and waffles in a stylish cafe near the old samurai district.
JPY800, 1h

9:30am

Kenrokuen Garden

Explore one of Japan's most celebrated gardens with cherry blossoms and fewer crowds early in the morning.
JPY320, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Omicho Market

Savour fresh sushi and seafood bowls at this vibrant, authentic market with local cherry blossom views.
JPY1,500, 1h

1:30pm

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art

Visit this cutting-edge museum which blends art, architecture, and daylight filtering through cherry trees outside.
JPY1,000, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Fuwari

Enjoy Kaga cuisine emphasizing seasonal ingredients in an intimate setting away from the hustle.
JPY2,200, 1h30m
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Day 6: Kyoto Sakura Experience

Kyoto, Japan on April 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee

Relish Kyoto-style breakfast with classic coffee in a historic cafe well known for its ambience.
JPY900, 1h

9:00am

Philosopher’s Path

Walk this peaceful canal-side path lined with over 500 cherry trees, usually less crowded early morning.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Nanzenji Temple

Visit this large Zen temple complex near the Philosopher’s Path with gardens blossoming with cherry trees.
JPY500, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Omen

Dine on fresh udon noodles and tempura in a traditional setting close to the temple area.
JPY1,200, 1h

3:00pm

Maruyama Park

Enjoy blossoms in Kyoto’s most famous park with a calm atmosphere in the later afternoon.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gion Kappa

Experience Kaiseki (traditional multi-course meal) with seasonal cherry blossom inspired dishes in Kyoto’s historic Gion district.
JPY5,000, 2h
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Day 7: Nara Cherry Tranquillity

Nara, Japan on April 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Nakatanidou

Try fresh mochi rice cakes with green tea at this popular yet peaceful local sweet shop.
JPY500, 1h

9:30am

Nara Park Cherry Blossoms

Visit this expansive park with deer and scenic cherry trees, which is more serene on weekday mornings.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Edogawa Naramachi

Eat grilled eel, a local specialty, in a traditional setting within Naramachi district.
JPY2,000, 1h

3:00pm

Isuien Garden

Explore this beautiful strolling garden that mixes cherry blossoms with historic tea houses for a quiet afternoon.
JPY900, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Kasuga Ninai Jaya

Enjoy seasonal kaiseki cuisine in a traditional environment right near the park.
JPY4,000, 2h
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Day 8: Osaka Urban Blooms

Osaka, Japan on April 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at LiLo Coffee Roasters

Begin with specialty coffee and fresh pastries in this hip Osaka cafe area.
JPY700, 1h

9:00am

Mint Museum Cherry Blossom Lane

Experience thousands of cherry trees along the canal in a tranquil setting not crowded early in the morning.
Free, 2h

11:30am

Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade

Browse shops and cafes in this famous covered shopping street for a lively contrast to quiet blossom spots.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Kushikatsu Daruma

Savour Osaka’s iconic deep-fried skewers in a relaxed and authentic setting.
JPY1,200, 1h

3:00pm

Osaka Castle Park

Explore the castle grounds filled with cherry trees and quiet gardens especially in the afternoon light.
JPY600, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tsurutontan Udon Noodle Brasserie

Enjoy artisanal udon noodles with innovative twists in a modern, spacious setting.
JPY1,800, 1h30m
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Day 9: Osaka to Tokyo Travel

Osaka to Tokyo, Japan on April 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a hotel breakfast with a mix of Western and Japanese options preparing for travel.
JPY1,000, 1h

8:30am

Travel from Osaka to Tokyo by Shinkansen

Take the high-speed bullet train for a fast and comfortable journey to central Tokyo, lasting around 3 hours.
JPY14,000, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Tokyo Station Ramen Street

Try different ramen styles at this renowned street inside Tokyo Station, great for quick, diverse options.
JPY1,200, 1h

1:30pm

Check-in and Rest

Check in to your Tokyo hotel and rest after your train journey.
Varies, 2h

3:30pm

Ueno Park Cherry Blossoms

Explore one of Tokyo’s venerable cherry blossom sites with less crowd in late afternoon and early evening.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ippudo Ramen

Delight in a bowl of rich tonkotsu ramen at this popular chain with excellent flavour and atmosphere.
JPY1,500, 1h
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Day 10: Tokyo Sakura Finale

Tokyo, Japan on April 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Tsukiji Outer Market

Start with fresh sushi or tamago-yaki (egg omelet) in the vibrant but quieter morning market.
JPY1,500, 1h30m

9:30am

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Spend the morning in one of the best cherry blossom parks in Tokyo, known for its vast grounds and rare varieties.
JPY500, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Nabezo Shinjuku 3 Chome

Enjoy sukiyaki or shabu-shabu hot pot with fresh vegetables in a calm dining setting.
JPY2,500, 1h

2:00pm

Meiji Shrine and Yoyogi Park

Visit the peaceful shrine and then explore Yoyogi Park, both ideal spots for cherry blossom viewing with fewer tourists mid-afternoon.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Gonpachi Nishi-Azabu

Experience an atmospheric izakaya famous for traditional decor and delicious seasonal dishes, closing your cherry blossom journey beautifully.
JPY3,000, 2h
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