JAPAN Inspiration Gallery 11 Japan
Back to Listing

Following the Cherry Blossom through Japan

14 days from £13,600 for 2025 per person

Kumamoto has one of Japan’s top three castles and is one of the first spots in the country where the blossom appears. From here you also have the opportunity to see the mighty caldera of Mt Aso and the charming little hot spring town of Kurokawa before taking a scenic coastal train to the historic bayside city of Nagasaki. With its long trading history, the mixture of Japanese and western architecture here makes for a unique experience and the tram system gives it a laid-back San Franciscan holiday feel.

Back on the bullet train, whizz on to Hiroshima where two hundred or so cherry blossom trees have been planted in the Peace Park and grow wild on the picturesque nearby island of Miyajima. A hidden gem that most foreign visitors miss is Rurikoji temple and pagoda on the way to Tsuwano town where koi carp still swim in streams along the traditional main street.

You’ll catch glimpses of blossom on the hillsides between the cities en route to Kyoto. It’s the world’s second most-visited city after Mecca and many Japanese people make a pilgrimage to see the blossom here, but even with the crowds it retains its majesty and charm. Walk along Philosopher’s Path from grand Nanzen-ji temple to the zen gardens of Ginkakuji silver temple, where locals set up little tea stalls under the boughs. Visit Japan's great wooden temple and the tame deer in Nara park, then go a little further on to Yoshino mountain with cherry blossom trees all the way up it. After nightfall, see the Kyoto blossoms lit by lanterns and explore the atmospheric old Geisha quarter of Gion where many of the best restaurants are located.

A journey through Japan would not be complete without a traditional luxury ryokan stay, and the Gora Kadan in Hakone Fuji national park is perhaps the finest of them all. This brings you finally to Tokyo where you can explore around the Imperial Palace, plumb the depths of Shibuya and Shinjuku with hundreds of stylish shops and restaurants, and stroll under the many cherry blossom trees in Ueno park. Japan is always a remarkable holiday experience, but never more so than during the blossom season.

This is purely a suggested itinerary so can be booked as it is, or used as a starting point for creating your own luxury tailor-made tour of Japan. If you'd like to see similar trips, take a look at our Epic Journey collection; as well as our favourite Spa & Wellness and Trains itineraries.


Itinerary details

14 days from £13,600 for 2025 per person

Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 11 Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 11
Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 9 Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 9
Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 10 Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 10
Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 12 Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 12
Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 8 Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 8
Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 7 Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 7
Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 6 Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 6
Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 5 Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 5
Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 4 Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 4
Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 3 Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 3
Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 2 Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 2
Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 1 Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan 1
Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan Following The Cherry Blossom Through Japan
Travel is the only thing that you buy that makes you richer.
Proverb

Client Testimonials

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences