Japan’s Favourite Season

Spring in Japan.
Cherry Blossoms in Bloom.

A small-group journey with an itinerary that captures the true spirit of Japan.

2027.3.17 ~ 2027.3.31

The Perfect Balance Between City Life and Nature

Fukuoka

Anyone who follows my Instagram or Facebook posts knows that Fukuoka is my favourite city in Japan. It’s the city I know best, and without a doubt, one of Japan’s hidden gems.

Ask Japanese people about Fukuoka, and they’ll almost certainly mention its incredible food scene. From tonkotsu ramen to motsunabe, the local cuisine is something special.

Day 1 (March 18)

We’ll arrive in Fukuoka in the evening, so our Japanese adventure will begin straight away.

We’ll experience Fukuoka’s local culture at its finest by visiting the city’s famous yatai – small open-air food stalls where locals unwind after work, sit shoulder to shoulder with strangers and enjoy delicious food together.

This is where you’ll get your first taste of the real Japan.

Day 2 (March 19)

We’ll start the morning at Tōchōji Temple, home to a giant Buddha statue, followed by Kushida Shrine, a historic shrine that has watched over the city for more than 1,200 years.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to one of Fukuoka’s most impressive sights – Nanzoin Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze reclining Buddha, surrounded by a beautiful bamboo forest.

In the evening, we’ll visit Canal City shopping complex to enjoy its spectacular fountain and projection show.

Remembering One of History’s Greatest Tragedies

Hiroshima

Day 3 (March 20)

We’ll travel to Hiroshima and take a ferry to Miyajima Island, where we’ll visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine.

We’ll then take the ropeway to the summit of Mount Misen to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

Later, we’ll visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where we’ll see the Atomic Bomb Dome, the Cenotaph and the Flame of Peace, while learning about the tragic history that shaped this city.

P.S. No matter the weather, Miyajima Island is simply breathtaking!

Home to Japan’s Most Beautiful Castle

Himeji

Day 4 (March 21)

In the morning, we’ll visit Kintaikyo Bridge, one of Japan’s most elegant and iconic bridges.

Next, we’ll head to what I consider the most beautiful castle I’ve ever seen – Himeji Castle. It’s one of Japan’s best-preserved feudal castles, often called the White Heron Castle because of its elegant white exterior.

Afterwards, we’ll travel to Osaka, where we’ll get to witness live sumo wrestling during a professional tournament!

One of Japan’s oldest traditional sports is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

The Ancient Capital of Samurai and Geisha

Kyoto

Day 5 (March 22)

We’ll immerse ourselves in traditional Japanese culture by taking part in a tea ceremony and spending the day dressed in kimono.

We’ll visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple and step back in time as we wander through the historic streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, with the iconic Yasaka Pagoda nearby.

We’ll also explore the famous Philosopher’s Path and Ginkakuji Temple.

We’ll round off the day with a traditional chopstick-making workshop.

Day 6 (March 23)

We’ll spend the entire day discovering Kyoto with a professional local guide.

Our itinerary includes Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of iconic red torii gates, followed by a visit to the historic Gion district.

Later, we’ll explore Kinkakuji (the Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji Temple and Nijo Castle.

The Birthplace of Japanese Civilization

Nara

Day 7 (March 24)

We’ll take a day trip to Nara.

This is the city where deer roam freely through the streets and parks, practically asking visitors for deer crackers.

We’ll visit Todaiji Temple, home to Japan’s largest bronze Buddha statue.

Next, we’ll head to Kasuga Taisha Shrine, where hundreds of stone lanterns emerge from the surrounding moss-covered landscape.

We’ll finish our Nara experience with an authentic Japanese calligraphy lesson led by a master calligrapher.

Back in Kyoto, we’ll enjoy a sake tasting.

Japan’s national drink comes in many varieties – dry, sweet, fruity, smoky and much more diverse than you might expect!

A Paradise of Hot Springs and Traditional Ryokans

Hakonė

Day 8 (March 25)

We’ll make our way to Hakone, a popular retreat among Japanese travellers and the perfect place to slow down and unwind.

First, we’ll explore this mountainous resort area, including the volcanic valley of Owakudani, where clouds of sulphuric steam rise from the ground.

This is also where you can try the famous black eggs, which, according to local legend, add seven years to your life. After all, who wouldn’t want an extra seven years out of their trip? :)

Hakone offers some of the most memorable traditional ryokan experiences, complete with outdoor onsen hot springs.

And we’ll get to enjoy that experience ourselves!

Day 9 (March 26)

After enjoying a traditional Japanese breakfast at our ryokan, we’ll continue exploring Hakone.

We’ll visit Hakone Shrine, where samurai once prayed for good fortune before heading into battle.

Afterwards, we’ll take a relaxing cruise across Lake Ashi. On a clear day, the lake offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji reflected in its waters.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Kamakura, a charming coastal town famous for its 13-metre-tall bronze Great Buddha statue, sitting peacefully in the open air.

We’ll enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze and, weather permitting, admire Mount Fuji rising majestically in the distance.

In the evening, we’ll arrive in Tokyo.

The Future, Here and Now

Tokyo

Day 10 (March 27)

We’ll discover Tokyo with a professional local guide.

We’ll leave the itinerary in the hands of our guide Justina, who knows the city inside out and proudly claims she’s never had an unhappy guest!

We’ll end the day with a Bunraku puppet theatre performance, followed by dinner with our Japanese friend Hiro – a model and entrepreneur originally from Kagoshima who now lives in Tokyo.

Day 11 (March 28)

We’ll visit Sensoji, Tokyo’s oldest temple.

Nearby, a real test of character awaits: a samurai experience where we’ll watch a performance and get the chance to try our hand at handling a samurai sword.

Next, we’ll head up Tokyo Skytree for incredible views of the city.

In the evening, we’ll immerse ourselves in digital art at the teamLab museum.

If time permits, we’ll also explore the Odaiba waterfront and enjoy its spectacular fountain show.

Day 12 (March 29)

We’ll take a day trip to Nikko, one of the most spectacular destinations near Tokyo.

This region captivates both international visitors and Japanese travellers alike.

We’ll explore Toshogu Shrine, the lavishly decorated resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.

We’ll also see the iconic Shinkyo Bridge, considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful bridges, and Kegon Falls, often ranked among the country’s three most beautiful waterfalls.

In the evening, we’ll have the opportunity to witness the world’s largest projection mapping display on a building!

Day 13 (March 30)

We’ll start our final day with something both delicious and practical – a sushi-making class in the Tsukiji Market area.

Once you’re back home in Lithuania, your friends won’t be able to resist asking you to make them some of your very own sushi! :)

Afterwards, you’ll have some free time to enjoy Tokyo, pick up those last souvenirs and do a little spontaneous shopping.

Finally, we’ll make our way to the airport and say goodbye to Japan… at least until next time!

Trip price

What's included

  • Tour leader services throughout the entire journey.

  • Transportation costs during the trip, according to the itinerary.

  • Accommodation in 3–4-star hotels and one night at a traditional ryokan.

  • Breakfasts throughout the trip, including dinner at the traditional ryokan.

What's not included

  • Paid experiences and activities mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Meals and restaurant expenses (except hotel breakfasts and breakfast and dinner at the traditional ryokan).

    P.S. Don’t worry – all our dining arrangements have already been planned! You’ll definitely get to experience Japanese cuisine. And if you’d prefer to eat separately from the group, I’ll be happy to provide recommendations. You’re free to do your own thing!

  • Personal expenses.

  • Entrance fees and activities not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.

  • Transportation costs not included in the itinerary (during free time).

  • Luggage forwarding services. I’ll be happy to help arrange luggage delivery between cities, but the price depends on the size and weight of your bags, so it cannot be determined in advance.

  • Single-room supplement (if travelling alone): +€545.

€2,970

+ flights (from €1300) and selected experiences

Optional experiences and activities

  • Dinner with our Japanese friend Hiro.

  • teamLab Borderless Museum.

  • Tokyo Skytree admission.

  • Full-day guided tour in Kyoto.

  • Guided tour of Tokyo with Justina.

  • Samurai experience.

  • Sumo wrestling tournament tickets in Osaka.

  • Entrance tickets to the temples and shrines included in the itinerary (all cities).

  • Bunraku puppet theatre performance.

  • Sushi-making class with a professional chef.

  • Atomic Bomb Museum admission.

  • Mount Misen ropeway (Miyajima).

  • Japanese garden admission.

  • Tea ceremony with a maiko, including kimono rental in Kyoto.

  • Sake tasting.

  • Nijo Castle admission.

  • Chopstick-making workshop.

  • Japanese calligraphy lesson.

  • Hakone Free Pass.

  • Kamakura Great Buddha admission.

  • Kintsugi workshop.

  • Nikko Pass.

Three steps to your adventure

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Initial consultation

Deposit

Final payment and Travel Details

We’ll have a chat to see whether the Discover Japan journey is the right fit for you.

Everything sounds good? All that’s left is to pay the deposit to secure your place.

The remaining balance is due 45 days before departure, when flight tickets are also purchased.

You’ll then receive all the information you need for your journey.

All that’s left is to meet at the airport!

Important

  • The trip will go ahead once a minimum of 8 travellers have registered. If fewer than 8 travellers sign up, the trip price will be recalculated.

  • Flight tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable. Name changes are possible for an additional fee only.

  • Lithuanian citizens must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months after the end of the trip.

  • For logistical reasons, the order of excursions, activities and sightseeing attractions may change.

  • To ensure the safety of all travellers, the tour organiser (UAB “Kelionės Jums”) reserves the right to make changes to the travel itinerary, the order of excursions, accommodation, flights or transfers if unforeseen circumstances arise during the trip (such as weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, political situations, etc.).

  • The tour organiser (UAB “Kelionės Jums”) is not responsible for any additional expenses resulting from such circumstances (e.g. replacement flight tickets, additional accommodation, transfers, etc.).

  • Any food allergies or other allergies must be disclosed before booking the trip.

  • Special restaurant recommendations for vegans and vegetarians will not be provided.

*In partnership with trip's organiser – UAB "Kelionės Jums".

Start your journey

Take a look at the itinerary, activities, and experiences.

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