Fortuna Travel
The magic of the Japanese Spring
Everything you've dreamed of can come true at this very moment.
During the nine days of this tour, you will fully enjoy one of the most original countries in the world and the charm of its unique nature during the cherry blossom season, which is unique in its beauty! This is a vivid journey through the blooming Japan of superior comfort with accommodation in the most comfortable 4-star hotels. Our unique guides will do everything to give you the most complete picture of Japan, its culture and history, and technologies. Unforgettable contrasts of modernity and antiquity, fascinating nature, ancient temples and castles, soothing traditional gardens, masterpieces of applied art, and of course magnificent Japanese cuisine await you.
Tour route: Tokyo - Kamakura - Hakone (Fuji) - Nara - Kyoto - Himeji - Osaka
Tour route: Tokyo - Kamakura - Hakone (Fuji) - Nara - Kyoto - Himeji - Osaka
What awaits you
- Excursions, walks and shopping in the largest city on earth - Tokyo
- The Palace of the Emperor of Japan
- Museum of Digital Art
- Bulk island of Odaiba
- Buddhist temples of ancient Kamakura
- Skyscrapers of the city of Yokohama's future
- Cooking eggs in the thermal springs at the foot of the sacred Fuji
- Asi Lake Cruise
- Overnight in ryokan in Hakone National Park
- Amazing temples and stone garden of the ancient capital of Kyoto
- Feeding the sacred deer in Nara
- The unforgettable beauty of Himeji-jo Fortress
- The oldest and at the same time one of the most modern cities in Japan is Osaka
- Sakura is blooming everywhere!
DAILY PROGRAM
Day 1 (23.03): Arrival in Tokyo
Arrival in Tokyo, transfer and accommodation at The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome 4*, rest. In the evening, you can take short walks around the nearby neighborhoods to catch the rhythm and style of the largest city in the world, have a snack in the numerous restaurants or cafes adjacent to the hotel.
Arrival in Tokyo, transfer and accommodation at The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome 4*, rest. In the evening, you can take short walks around the nearby neighborhoods to catch the rhythm and style of the largest city in the world, have a snack in the numerous restaurants or cafes adjacent to the hotel.
Day 2 (24.03): The city of technology and bright personality
Morning meeting with a guide and departure for a sightseeing tour of Tokyo.
Japan's largest city never tires of impressing travelers with its cleanliness, convenience of the transport system and the goodwill of local residents who are ready, overcoming language barriers, to help their foreign guests. Tokyo attracts primarily those who are interested in modern Japan: lovers of modern architecture and art, street fashion, video games and unusual cafes.
This day will start with a visit to the Marunouchi district, where the Imperial Palace is located. In the waters of the canal surrounding the castle, you can see carp, which have been considered one of the symbols of imperial power since ancient times. Next, the way lies to elegant Ginza, the most luxurious area of the Japanese capital. Its name translates as "Silver Yard". There are flagship boutiques of the most famous fashion brands in the world, built by leading international and Japanese architects, as well as famous Tokyo depato department stores such as Isetan or Mitshukoshi.
Then you can head to the Asakusa area and explore the Sensoji Temple, which is one of the most visited temples in Tokyo by tourists. In the same place, near the temple, you can buy authentic souvenirs in exquisite craft shops and shops.
On request, for an additional fee, you can join contemporary art on this day in the recently opened stunning TeamLab Museum of Digital Art. This museum with its light installations made in the genre of virtual reality is very popular among the Japanese themselves nowadays.
Morning meeting with a guide and departure for a sightseeing tour of Tokyo.
Japan's largest city never tires of impressing travelers with its cleanliness, convenience of the transport system and the goodwill of local residents who are ready, overcoming language barriers, to help their foreign guests. Tokyo attracts primarily those who are interested in modern Japan: lovers of modern architecture and art, street fashion, video games and unusual cafes.
This day will start with a visit to the Marunouchi district, where the Imperial Palace is located. In the waters of the canal surrounding the castle, you can see carp, which have been considered one of the symbols of imperial power since ancient times. Next, the way lies to elegant Ginza, the most luxurious area of the Japanese capital. Its name translates as "Silver Yard". There are flagship boutiques of the most famous fashion brands in the world, built by leading international and Japanese architects, as well as famous Tokyo depato department stores such as Isetan or Mitshukoshi.
Then you can head to the Asakusa area and explore the Sensoji Temple, which is one of the most visited temples in Tokyo by tourists. In the same place, near the temple, you can buy authentic souvenirs in exquisite craft shops and shops.
On request, for an additional fee, you can join contemporary art on this day in the recently opened stunning TeamLab Museum of Digital Art. This museum with its light installations made in the genre of virtual reality is very popular among the Japanese themselves nowadays.
Day 3 (25.03): Excursion to Kamakura
Departure for an excursion to ancient Kamakura, a small resort town located just over an hour's drive from Tokyo. Once upon a time, this favorite beach holiday destination of Tokyites was an important political center of the country. In the 12th and 14th centuries, the Minamoto family of shoguns founded their headquarters here, and the majestic temples and shrines preserved here remind us of the former prosperity of the city.
You will certainly visit the main attractions of Kamakura: the Hasedera Buddhist Temple, where the famous nine-meter gilded sculpture of the eleven-faced Goddess of Mercy Kannon and Kotokuin is located, the Buddhist temple of the Pure Land sect, famous for the bronze statue of the Great Buddha standing here in the open air – a national treasure and one of the most famous symbols of Japan. The height of the statue, together with the base, is 13.35 meters - it is the second largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan.
After visiting the ancient capital of Japan with its preserved identity, return to Tokyo.
Departure for an excursion to ancient Kamakura, a small resort town located just over an hour's drive from Tokyo. Once upon a time, this favorite beach holiday destination of Tokyites was an important political center of the country. In the 12th and 14th centuries, the Minamoto family of shoguns founded their headquarters here, and the majestic temples and shrines preserved here remind us of the former prosperity of the city.
You will certainly visit the main attractions of Kamakura: the Hasedera Buddhist Temple, where the famous nine-meter gilded sculpture of the eleven-faced Goddess of Mercy Kannon and Kotokuin is located, the Buddhist temple of the Pure Land sect, famous for the bronze statue of the Great Buddha standing here in the open air – a national treasure and one of the most famous symbols of Japan. The height of the statue, together with the base, is 13.35 meters - it is the second largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan.
After visiting the ancient capital of Japan with its preserved identity, return to Tokyo.
Day 4 (26.03): Valley of Geysers and overnight under the shadow of Fuji
For a long time, Hakone has been a mountain resort for the Japanese, where you can wander along the trails among the hills under the shadow of Fuji-san, admire lakes or waterfalls, and in the evening enjoy a hot thermal bath in onsen.
This is exactly what this day in Fuji Hakone National Park will be for you. It will start with a visit to Ovakudani, the famous valley, from where many geysers burst directly from the ground. The very name "Ovakudani" means "big hell", because the temperature of the soil here is really, like in hell, very hot. You can even boil eggs in the local thermal water and, according to legend, each such egg, which turns black, prolongs life by seven years!
Next, you will have a cruise on a small stylized antique boat on the surface of Lake Asi. In good weather, the peak of Fuji is reflected in the lake — and this is one of the most textbook subjects of Japanese art. Hakone Outpost, which played an important role during the Tokugawa Shogunate era on the historical Tokaido Highway, is located nearby.
In the evening, you will check in and have a peaceful rest at the traditional Japanese ryokan Fuji View Hotel 4*, where you can drink sake and relax in your own hot spring with thermal water, as the Japanese have been doing since ancient times.
For a long time, Hakone has been a mountain resort for the Japanese, where you can wander along the trails among the hills under the shadow of Fuji-san, admire lakes or waterfalls, and in the evening enjoy a hot thermal bath in onsen.
This is exactly what this day in Fuji Hakone National Park will be for you. It will start with a visit to Ovakudani, the famous valley, from where many geysers burst directly from the ground. The very name "Ovakudani" means "big hell", because the temperature of the soil here is really, like in hell, very hot. You can even boil eggs in the local thermal water and, according to legend, each such egg, which turns black, prolongs life by seven years!
Next, you will have a cruise on a small stylized antique boat on the surface of Lake Asi. In good weather, the peak of Fuji is reflected in the lake — and this is one of the most textbook subjects of Japanese art. Hakone Outpost, which played an important role during the Tokugawa Shogunate era on the historical Tokaido Highway, is located nearby.
In the evening, you will check in and have a peaceful rest at the traditional Japanese ryokan Fuji View Hotel 4*, where you can drink sake and relax in your own hot spring with thermal water, as the Japanese have been doing since ancient times.
Day 5 (27.03): Transfer to Kyoto and excursion to the first capital of Japan, Naru
Today you will go to the amazing Kyoto – the most famous ancient capital of Japan, also called the city of a thousand temples. The Shinkansen high-speed train will depart at 14:00 and take you to your destination in just 2.5 hours.
Upon arrival in Kyoto, departure for an excursion to the neighboring city of Nara (about an hour by car) — the first capital of the country. It was here that the first emperor of Japan, Jimmu, came down to earth on his deer. According to legend, Nara was founded where his hooves hit the ground.
The majestic Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden structure in the world, is located in Nara. It houses a huge, Japan's largest bronze statue of the Buddha of Infinite Light. There are also several other temple complexes, including the "skyscraper of antiquity" - the Goju-no-to pagoda, the symbol of Nara. And, of course, in local parks you can always feed special rice biscuits to the sacred wild deer located here — the descendants of that divine deer!
In the evening, return to Kyoto and transfer to the hotel Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo 4*
Today you will go to the amazing Kyoto – the most famous ancient capital of Japan, also called the city of a thousand temples. The Shinkansen high-speed train will depart at 14:00 and take you to your destination in just 2.5 hours.
Upon arrival in Kyoto, departure for an excursion to the neighboring city of Nara (about an hour by car) — the first capital of the country. It was here that the first emperor of Japan, Jimmu, came down to earth on his deer. According to legend, Nara was founded where his hooves hit the ground.
The majestic Todaiji Temple, the largest wooden structure in the world, is located in Nara. It houses a huge, Japan's largest bronze statue of the Buddha of Infinite Light. There are also several other temple complexes, including the "skyscraper of antiquity" - the Goju-no-to pagoda, the symbol of Nara. And, of course, in local parks you can always feed special rice biscuits to the sacred wild deer located here — the descendants of that divine deer!
In the evening, return to Kyoto and transfer to the hotel Royal Park Canvas Kyoto Nijo 4*
Day 6 (28.03): Kyoto Temples and Geisha Abode
Departure for a sightseeing tour of Kyoto and a delightful day in the medieval capital of Japan, where the refined culture of the imperial court developed and flourished.
At Kinkaku-ji Temple, you will get acquainted with one of the main attractions of the city – the Golden Pavilion, immortalized in the novel "The Golden Temple" by the outstanding writer Yukio Mishima. Reflected in the clear water of the "Mirror Pond", this three-storey pavilion covered with sheets of pure gold, built at the very end of the XIV century by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu as a villa for receptions and recreation, has always inspired poets and artists with its beauty.
Then you will visit the Ryoan-ji Buddhist Temple, where the famous stone garden is located, which is considered one of the best in Japan and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For several centuries now, no one has been able to find a place in the garden from where one could see all 15 stones placed here.
From Ryoan-ji Temple, you will go to the Gion Geisha Quarter, the largest and most atmospheric geisha quarter in Kyoto. The origins of its history go back to the Middle Ages, when restaurants and tea houses began to open around Yasaka Temple for pilgrims visiting the temple. Traditional matiya houses with wooden facades still stand on the picturesque streets of the quarter, rickshaws run and geisha and their maiko students hurry about their business in special long-sleeved kimonos. All of them still live in Gion and entertain guests with their dances, conversations and exciting table games.
Departure for a sightseeing tour of Kyoto and a delightful day in the medieval capital of Japan, where the refined culture of the imperial court developed and flourished.
At Kinkaku-ji Temple, you will get acquainted with one of the main attractions of the city – the Golden Pavilion, immortalized in the novel "The Golden Temple" by the outstanding writer Yukio Mishima. Reflected in the clear water of the "Mirror Pond", this three-storey pavilion covered with sheets of pure gold, built at the very end of the XIV century by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu as a villa for receptions and recreation, has always inspired poets and artists with its beauty.
Then you will visit the Ryoan-ji Buddhist Temple, where the famous stone garden is located, which is considered one of the best in Japan and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For several centuries now, no one has been able to find a place in the garden from where one could see all 15 stones placed here.
From Ryoan-ji Temple, you will go to the Gion Geisha Quarter, the largest and most atmospheric geisha quarter in Kyoto. The origins of its history go back to the Middle Ages, when restaurants and tea houses began to open around Yasaka Temple for pilgrims visiting the temple. Traditional matiya houses with wooden facades still stand on the picturesque streets of the quarter, rickshaws run and geisha and their maiko students hurry about their business in special long-sleeved kimonos. All of them still live in Gion and entertain guests with their dances, conversations and exciting table games.
Day 7 (29.03): Excursion to Himeji
Meeting with the guide, transfer to the railway station and transfer by high-speed train to Himeji. Himeji city tour with Japanese cuisine lunch.
The walk starts with a visit to Himeji-jo Fortress. Anyone who has ever seen this beauty will simply not be able to forget it! The locals respectfully and affectionately call her Hime-Sama - Lady Princess. A castle fortress is usually associated with men, but not this one. Due to its dazzling white color and multi-tiered roofs resembling the wings of a huge bird, the fortress is also called the Castle of the White Heron.
The history of the fortress dates back to 1346, but it gained its current splendor in 1609, when the owner of the local lands, Prince Ikeda Terumasa, married a beautiful princess, the eldest daughter of the Great Tokugawa Shogun.
You will have a unique opportunity to see the interior of the largest surviving watchtower in Japan. You will be amazed at the scale of construction and the skill of the sons of the Land of the Rising Sun. The gigantic structure designed to protect the city is surprisingly harmonious and exquisite. You have to be Japanese to create a 230,000 square meter complex with such impeccable taste. Nothing superfluous, only fantastic islands of wildlife surround the universal favorite.
In spring, everything here is drowned in cherry blossoms, White, with large petals. There is so much of it that you can hardly see the sky and the earth. Cascades of pink flowers on a Weeping sakura and whole streams of Sakura Waterfall branches fall into the smooth mirrors of ponds. In the evening, when the torches are burning and the castle and gardens are illuminated, it is a truly mystical sight.
The proximity to the sea and the mineral-rich soil have always provided the city with a sufficient amount of food, and the local cuisine will not leave you indifferent. Tender 100-day-old grilled chickens, sea eel in a crispy "coat" of air dough, transparent slices of dorado and excellent sake. For noodle lovers, there is simply plenty here – udon, ramen, soba in Himeji have been rolled out since time immemorial.
After the tour, return by high-speed train to Kyoto, meet with the guide and transfer to the hotel.
Meeting with the guide, transfer to the railway station and transfer by high-speed train to Himeji. Himeji city tour with Japanese cuisine lunch.
The walk starts with a visit to Himeji-jo Fortress. Anyone who has ever seen this beauty will simply not be able to forget it! The locals respectfully and affectionately call her Hime-Sama - Lady Princess. A castle fortress is usually associated with men, but not this one. Due to its dazzling white color and multi-tiered roofs resembling the wings of a huge bird, the fortress is also called the Castle of the White Heron.
The history of the fortress dates back to 1346, but it gained its current splendor in 1609, when the owner of the local lands, Prince Ikeda Terumasa, married a beautiful princess, the eldest daughter of the Great Tokugawa Shogun.
You will have a unique opportunity to see the interior of the largest surviving watchtower in Japan. You will be amazed at the scale of construction and the skill of the sons of the Land of the Rising Sun. The gigantic structure designed to protect the city is surprisingly harmonious and exquisite. You have to be Japanese to create a 230,000 square meter complex with such impeccable taste. Nothing superfluous, only fantastic islands of wildlife surround the universal favorite.
In spring, everything here is drowned in cherry blossoms, White, with large petals. There is so much of it that you can hardly see the sky and the earth. Cascades of pink flowers on a Weeping sakura and whole streams of Sakura Waterfall branches fall into the smooth mirrors of ponds. In the evening, when the torches are burning and the castle and gardens are illuminated, it is a truly mystical sight.
The proximity to the sea and the mineral-rich soil have always provided the city with a sufficient amount of food, and the local cuisine will not leave you indifferent. Tender 100-day-old grilled chickens, sea eel in a crispy "coat" of air dough, transparent slices of dorado and excellent sake. For noodle lovers, there is simply plenty here – udon, ramen, soba in Himeji have been rolled out since time immemorial.
After the tour, return by high-speed train to Kyoto, meet with the guide and transfer to the hotel.
Day 8 (30.03): Free day in Kyoto
A free day in Kyoto for independent walks and shopping. You can once again visit the legendary historical geisha Gion quarter, slowly walk through the narrow streets of the ancient capital, go to numerous art and craft shops and souvenir shops.
A free day in Kyoto for independent walks and shopping. You can once again visit the legendary historical geisha Gion quarter, slowly walk through the narrow streets of the ancient capital, go to numerous art and craft shops and souvenir shops.
Day 9 (31.03): Osaka from ancient times to the present day and the end of the tour
Check out of the hotel and embark on an exciting tour of Osaka, which will introduce you to the amazing contrasts of Japan. In one day you will visit the most ancient and at the same time one of the most modern cities in Japan. Osaka is the most important historical center, which arose in the 5th century as the capital of Naniwa, where there was active trade with other Asian countries, ships from China and Korea arrived at the shores of the gulf. The geographical location of Osaka has largely determined its fate - a trading city, an international port, where life has always been in full swing.
Today, Osaka will greet you with skyscrapers and bright illumination, but in this ultra-modern metropolis there are also unique islands of antiquity, such as the famous Osaka Castle, which is a symbol of power and might. One of the most famous castles in Japanese history was erected at the end of the 16th century by the de facto ruler of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, as an example of the best fortification at that time.
During the tour, you will also visit the famous Kuromon-ichiba market, which has been delighting visitors with delicious delicacies for 200 years. The freshest seafood, fruits, vegetables, authentic restaurants - all this awaits you at Kuromon market. Cheerful, sociable sellers praise their goods, many of them speak English. The tantalizing aromas, fresh flavors and pure energy of Osaka will give you an unforgettable experience!
At the end of the tour from Osaka of the past, you will go to the observation deck of the modern Umeda Sky Building (173 m). Two forty-storey towers are connected at the top by a "soaring observation garden", from the glazed verandas of which beautiful views of the northern part of the city open.
At the end of the tour, evening transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Check out of the hotel and embark on an exciting tour of Osaka, which will introduce you to the amazing contrasts of Japan. In one day you will visit the most ancient and at the same time one of the most modern cities in Japan. Osaka is the most important historical center, which arose in the 5th century as the capital of Naniwa, where there was active trade with other Asian countries, ships from China and Korea arrived at the shores of the gulf. The geographical location of Osaka has largely determined its fate - a trading city, an international port, where life has always been in full swing.
Today, Osaka will greet you with skyscrapers and bright illumination, but in this ultra-modern metropolis there are also unique islands of antiquity, such as the famous Osaka Castle, which is a symbol of power and might. One of the most famous castles in Japanese history was erected at the end of the 16th century by the de facto ruler of Japan, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, as an example of the best fortification at that time.
During the tour, you will also visit the famous Kuromon-ichiba market, which has been delighting visitors with delicious delicacies for 200 years. The freshest seafood, fruits, vegetables, authentic restaurants - all this awaits you at Kuromon market. Cheerful, sociable sellers praise their goods, many of them speak English. The tantalizing aromas, fresh flavors and pure energy of Osaka will give you an unforgettable experience!
At the end of the tour from Osaka of the past, you will go to the observation deck of the modern Umeda Sky Building (173 m). Two forty-storey towers are connected at the top by a "soaring observation garden", from the glazed verandas of which beautiful views of the northern part of the city open.
At the end of the tour, evening transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
