Cherry Blossoms, Culture & Sights of Japan

Arrive at Osaka airport, where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a Welcome Dinner this evening where you will meet your Botanical Guide and fellow travellers. Stay: Osaka, Hilton Hotel (D)

This morning, after breakfast, we will set off for Kyoto. Visit the gardens of Ginkakuji, one of Kyoto's most celebrated Zen temples. Afterwards, take a stroll with your Botanical Guide along the famous Philosopher's Path, lined with sakura cherry trees, during cherry blossom season. Tonight, enjoy a private dinner and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) performance. Gain insight into the life of Maiko and Geisha during this unique experience. Stay Two Nights: Kyoto, Hotel Okura (B/L/D)

Visit the exquisite Ryoanji rock garden, before heading to Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, a fine example of Muromachi-period garden design. Afterwards, visit Tenryuji Temple, then take a stroll through the famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove on our way to the Shinto shrine Nonomiya. (B/L/D)

This morning you will board a bullet train bound for Himeji, home of Himeji Castle, one of Japan's biggest and most beautiful castles. You will also visit the Kokoen garden, which consists of nine separate walled gardens. Later, board another bullet train and travel to Hiroshima. Stay Two Nights: Hiroshima, Hotel Granvia (B/L/D)

Visit the compelling Peace Memorial Park. The park is dotted with memorials, including the cenotaph that contains the names of all the known victims of the atomic bomb dropped on the city in 1945. Visit the Peace Memorial Museum before continuing to Miyajima island, where you'll see one of Japan's top scenic wonders, the scarlet Torii Gate which appears to float above the surface of the water. (B/L)

Today, travel to Nagato via the town of Hofu, where we will explore the gardens at the Mohri Principal Residence, designed in the early 20th century. Considered a masterpiece of garden designer Sakuma Kintaro, the garden, which harmoniously mixes flat spaces with trees and water features, is designed to look attractive whatever the season. It will be particularly spectacular when we visit in early spring. While in Nagato, visit Motonosumi Shrine, one of the most beautiful places in Japan. This evening, choose to stay in a traditional Japanese-style room with tatami mat floor or a western-style room. Stay: Nagato, Yamamura Bekkan (a traditional Japanese style room*) (B/L/D)

This morning, explore Hagi, one of Japan's most beautiful castle towns, where you can explore the old streets, the Hagi Castle ruins, Shizuki Park and Tokoji Temple. We tour the old Samurai residential quarter, where we visit Kikuya Residence, a well-preserved Samurai family home. We will also visit the historic Kubota House. Built in the late Edo period, it represents a classic example of traditional life. Stay Three Nights: Matsue, Excel Hotel Tokyu (B/L)

Today explore Matsue, known as the ‘City of Water', which is nestled by a scenic lake and lagoon. We'll visit the stunning island garden of Yuushien, full of colour and blossoms, and famous for growing ginseng and peonies. Later we'll visit Matsue Castle. Known as the ‘Black Castle', it is one of only a few wooden medieval castles remaining in Japan today. Admire the graceful exterior of the complex structure, then take the opportunity to explore the interior, with its magnificent views of Lake Shinji. (B/L/D)

Today we'll delve into Japan's modern art and culture at the highly regarded Adachi Museum of Art. A collection of contemporary art works, including paintings by Yokoyama Taikan and other leading artists, are on display here. The museum's adjoining garden is a masterpiece of modern design which has won many awards and accolades. It is a work of ‘natural art', and designed not to be entered, but to be admired from various vantage points. (B/L)

This morning we travel to Okayama where we will visit the circuit-style garden of Korakuen, officially recognised by the government as a ‘Special Place of Scenic Beauty'. We will then enjoy some time in the quaint riverside town of Kurashiki, exploring its narrow stone-paved streets lined with traditional white-walled buildings, cafes and galleries. Stay Two Nights: Okayama, Hotel Granvia (B/L/D)

Today, tour the stunning city of Takamatsu on Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main islands. We'll cross over the Seto Ohashi Bridge, then wander through Ritsurin Park, a 350-year-old garden, famous for its magnificent spring colours and Chrysanthemum Moon Pavilion. We'll also visit Kinashi, a leading producer of pine trees used for bonsai and the home of around 100 bonsai nurseries. (B/L)

Board a bullet train this morning for your journey to Tokyo. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Stay Two Nights: Tokyo, Shibuya Excel Hotel (B/L)

Today we will visit some of central Tokyo's most impressive sights and gardens, including the Imperial Palace East Gardens, the former site of Edo Castle's innermost circles of defence, and surrounded by the original moats, walls, entrance gates and guardhouses. Later we will visit Asakusa, Tokyo's Old Town, where you can soak up the atmosphere of what Tokyo would have been like hundreds of years ago. Enjoy time to explore the shopping street of Nakamise, which leads to Sensoji Temple. This afternoon is free for you to explore further. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening. (B/D)

Your tour finishes after breakfast this morning with a transfer to the airport. (B)