We just finished our spring Japan tours 2024, and we’re excited to share the most memorable parts. We had a blast exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage with our guests. The weather was great, and the spring blooms were spectacular.

Spring Japan Tours 2024

Our small group tours are all about immersing ourselves in the local experience. We travel with our guests, offering assistance whenever needed, and making sure every detail is taken care of. From hand-picking top-notch hotels to finding the best off-the-beaten-path spots, we make it our mission to deliver an unforgettable journey.

Tokyo

Cooking Class

The Washoku cooking classes are always one of the highlights of our tours. We always have a blast because the instructors are fun, and really know their way around Japanese cuisine.

The cooking class was a great, hands-on way to immerse ourselves into the local culture. And at the end, we got to enjoy the fruits of our labor by sitting down together to feast on our creations.

Asakusa

In Asakusa we visited Sensoji Temple, one of the oldest and most famous Buddhist temples in Tokyo. Here we took in the beautiful architecture and learned the basics of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines.

We also strolled down Nakamise-dori, the lively shopping street leading up to the temple. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who loves unique souvenirs and Japanese crafts.

Cherry Blossoms

The cherry blossoms were late this year, but we still managed to catch them at their peak during our third tour. The March tours caught a little bit, but the cherry blossoms didn’t really bloom until April this year.

Mt. Fuji

We know how important it is to get those iconic shots of Japan’s most famous mountain, but Mt. Fuji can be a bit tricky. The weather doesn’t always cooperate, and you can end up seeing nothing but a mountain of clouds instead.

This year, the stars aligned, and we saw it time and time again. All of our Spring Japan tours in 2024 that went to see Mt. Fuji got great weather and unobstructed, postcard-perfect views. The perfect iconic silhouette standing tall against the sky.

There’s just something magical about being directly in front of Mt. Fuji, taking it all in. It’s the kind of moment that stays with you long after the trip is over.

Inuyama

Inuyama Castle is one of Japan’s original 12 castles that still has its original wooden structure. The main tower was built in the late 1500s. We got the chance to walk through the castle and appreciate the craftsmanship and endurance of this impressive structure.

Takayama

Takayama is always a delight for our guests. This year, the spring festival was timed perfectly with the beautiful weather and blossoming cherry trees. We also got to see the ancient, hand carved and lacquered floats up close.

Matsumoto

One of Japan’s most well-preserved historic castles, Matsumoto Castle is a true architectural marvel. Dating back to the 16th century, this impressive structure has weathered wars, fires, and the test of time.

This year, our April Discover Japan Tour got lucky because the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. There’s nothing quite like seeing cherry trees in bloom with the iconic black-and-white castle as a backdrop.

Kanazawa

In Kanazawa we checked out the Omicho Market, a bustling marketplace packed with fresh seafood, produce, and local specialties. We wandered through the stalls, taking in the sights, sounds, and delicious smells.

We also visited the Nagamachi Samurai District, to catch a glimpse into the lives of the samurai class. The narrow streets and well-preserved historical homes really transported us back in time.

The stunning Kenrokuen landscape garden is considered one of the three great gardens of Japan. We enjoyed a stroll through the meticulously manicured grounds, admiring the ponds, bridges, and centuries-old trees.

Hiroshima

The City of Peace is always a powerful and moving experience. We started out with a streetcar ride to the Peace Memorial Park where we saw the Atomic Bomb Dome.

From there, we made our way to the Peace Memorial Museum. The museum is a powerful and emotional experience, with exhibits that tell the stories of the bomb’s victims and the city’s recovery.

Miyajima Island

We caught the ferry to the enchanting island of Miyajima to see the iconic floating torii gate, one of the most photographed sights in all of Japan.

We strolled the streets and paths of Miyajima and visited The World Heritage Site of Itsukushima Shrine. Often called the floating shrine because it appears to be floating on the water at high tide.

Kyoto

No trip to Japan would be complete without a trip to Kyoto, the thousand-year capital of Japan.

We visited Kiyomizu-dera temple, a stunning wooden structure with sweeping views over the city. Then we dressed up in Kimono and walked around the gardens of Kodaiji temple.

We also visited the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its seemingly endless rows of vibrant orange torii gates winding up the mountainside.

Geisha Experience

The real highlight for our groups were the geisha experiences. We got to see authentic geisha and learn about the traditions and artistry behind this iconic part of Japanese culture.

Join One of Our Japan Tours

It’s always fun showing our tour guests the very best of Japan. If you’d like to experience Japan the way the locals do, we invite you to join one of our exclusive Japan small group tours. Do more than just see Japan, be a part of it with a Japan and more tour.