Cherry Blossom & Snow Monkeys
23 March 2025 - 16 Nights
Today (01st May 2024) we are, at last, able to open our much awaited tour to Japan. We will be accepting reservations first from all who have registered in advance and, from Friday of this week, we can accept new reservations.
We have had unprecedented interest in this adventure and expect it to sell out almost instantly. Please keep an eye on the fares, though, as we expect them to increase dramaitcally with days.
We may make a few small alterations to this itinerary, but it will not affect the days or dates. We are still settling on some of the excursions.
For details of the hotels, scroll down or click here.
Day 1. 23 March 2025 - Sunday
Travel to Dublin Airport. Check in from 1.40pm
Fly Dublin to Osaka with Turkish Airlines
Dep Dublin 4.40pm - Arr Istanbul 00.10 (4 hrs- 30m)
Day 2. 24 March 2025 - Monday
Dep Istanbul 02.35 - Arr Osaka 20.05 (11hrs 30m)
On arrival, we will be met by our guide in Osaka. Our transfer to the hotel is by private coach. We should be checking in around 10.30pm.
Note: It's going to be quite late, so we suggest you eat on the flight, bring something with you or, if you are up for it, join your host, Alan, for a late-nite-bite at a local "isakaya". There is also a 24-hour "Seven-Eleven" convience store just 200 metres away, where you can get all sorts of snacks and drinks. You won't go hungry.
Day 3. 25 March 2025 - Tuesday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
Morning excursion to Osaka Castle, followed by a trip to Dotonbori and a short cruise on the river. Lunch break in Dotonbori. (Lunch not included)
Afternoon or evening excursion to the Umeda Tower, with panorama views of Osaka. (This visit may take place in the evening, before or after dinner - to be finalised)
If shopping is high on your agenda, today is a great opportunity. You will have a few hours to relax or visit a few of Japan's famous stores.
Dinner is included this evening. We will give you details later.
Day 4. 26 March 2025 - Wednesday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
Full day excursion to Yoshino and/or Nara
for Cherry Blossom. We will not be able to determine the exact itinerary for today until we are in Japan, or maybe a few days beforehand.
Dinner is not included this evening but we hope you will follow your host, Alan, for some of Osaka;s famous street food. If you wish to eat at the hotel, we can arrange that for you, but at your own expense.
Day 5. 27 March 2025 - Thursday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
Morning train to Kyoto departing hotel at 10.15am
(Taxi to station, train departs 11.00, arrives 11.30am.)
Walk across the road to the hotel. (We cannot check in until 3.00pm earliest in Kyoto, but we can leave our bags)
4 nights in 4* Kyoto Hotel, B&B basis
We will offer a short afternoon excursion to Kyoto Railway Museum. It's 25 minutes walk from the hotel. Alternatively, we will show you where you can get some lunch. do a bit of shopping or do some sightseeing on your own.
Dinner at hotel or local restaurant (TBA)
Day 6. 28 March 2025 - Friday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)The Gion District, famous for Geishas and tea houses, is now "off-limits" due to over tourism and bad behaviour of tourists! Don't worry! We have other plans for you to enjoy authentic Japanese culture, later in the programme.
Good walking shoes are recommended today.
Depart 10.00am. Morning visit by taxi to Kiyomizu Temple and Sanjusangen-do Temple, famous for its 1001 golden warriors. (No photography allowed at Sanjusangen-do).
Travel by taxi to Nishiki Market. Lunch on your own.
Afternoon free or visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, noted for it's 1000 bright red Torii Gates.
Dinner at hotel or local restaurant (TBA)
Day 7. 29 March 2025 - Saturday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
Full day excursion to Hiroshima and Himeji on the "Bullet Train)
This will be a long but memorable day!
Sorry, but it's an early start this morning, departing the hotel at 07.30am. (Early breakfast - open from 06.30am). The direct daily Shinkansen (Bullet Train) departs at 08.01....and we don't want to miss it. On arrival in Hiroshima, we will transfer to a local train and then the ferry to Miyajima Island. Greeted by the local, friendly Sika deer, we have a chance to visit the beautiful Itsukushima-Jinja shrine. (Let's hope the tide is in for best views!). Maybe grab a quick snack, as it'll be another 4 hours before you have a chance to do so again!
A different ferry takes us directly to the Peace Park and the epi-centre of the infamous A-Bomb. We have time to explore the park, the memorials and then the museum. This will be an experience you will never forget!
We set off towards Kyoto late afternoon but we have one more stop before we get there - Himeji.
Himeji by night! Another experience you 'll remember!
We'll get back to Kyoto late. Dinner is not included this evening but we'll ensure you have time and a place to eat.
(Most visitors on this day-trip buy a Bento Box from the station or sandwiches/snacks from a convenience store in the station. We should get back to Kyoto about 10.00pm.
Day 8. 30 March 2025 - Sunday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
This is a free day but we are planning a number of optional excursions, should you wish to join us.
Dinner on 11th Floor, Kyoto Station. The meal is not included tonight, as there is a huge choice of restaurants and you can take your pick. (More details later)
Day 9. 31 March 2025 -Monday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
Very early train to Kanazawa but no need to worry about your luggage. We're sending it on to Tokyo and you'll only need a small bag for three nights.
Depart hotel 07.45am latest to catch th famous "Thunderbird", which has been operating an express train service since the 1964 Olympics )new trains, of course!). We change at Tsuruga and board Japan's newest bullet train Shinkansen. Arrive Kanazawa at 10.03am.
Visit to Kenrokuen Gardens and Kanazawa Castle by taxi. (We'll deposit our hand luggage at the station) You will have 2-3 hours to explore, mostly on your own. (Kenroku-en Gardens were featured recently on a Monty Don BBC programme....at Cherry Blossom time. We suggest you check it out on i-Player)
Lunchtime and afternoon at Omicho Market. Walk or 2 minute taxi ride to the station. We'll have a designated meeting time and place.
Late afternoon train departs 4.48pm or 5.10pm and arrives just over one hour later.
2 nights in 4* Nagano Hotel
Dinner at local restaurant or hotel (TBC)
Day 10. 01 April 2025 - Tuesday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
Full day excursion to see the Snow Monkeys and, if there is time and the weather permits,Shiga-Kogen. Winter clothing and sturdy, warm, comfortable footwear is essential.
Subject to availability and schedules, we plan to take the 09.00 bus to the Monkey Park. If we can't get tickets, we'll take the train and the shuttle bus from the station. Either route is fine.
There is about 1.5 miles of walking each way, over uneven paths but tyhe snow and ice should have been cleared.
Weather and time permitting, we may venture on to Shiga Kogen winter resort, or simply return to Nagano.
Dinner at hotel or local restuarant. (TBA)
Day 11. 02 April 2025 - Wednesday
Japanese Alps & Niigata
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
We had hoped to offer a full-day circular excursion through the Alps and back to Nagano. That will not be happeneing, as the route doesn't open until 15 April. We have a great alternative, though, transitting the Alps as far as Niigata, known as "City of Water" and also "City of Willows". We will spend one night here at a 4* hotel with an evening meal.
Our train departs at 09.32am and after two changes, we arrive in Niigata at 12.17pm, just in time for a bite of lunch.
Taxi to the hotel (10 minutes away).
We are working on the excursions for Niigata currenntly but will update you in due course. We are sure you won't be disappointed.
Evening meal at a local restaurant or hotel. (TBA)
Day 12. 03 April 2025 - Thursday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
We have been excluded from visiting the Gion District in Kyoto, but mass tourism has not hit Niigata and even many Japanese don't know about Furumachi - Japan's other Geisha district. Today we plan to show you some of this culture. (Optional excursion TBA) After lunch, we will take the Shinkansen to Tokyo, where we will spend the remaining four nights.
Depart Niigata hotel around 2.30pm (TBC) and join the bullet train to Tokyo. We change to the local trains and should be at our hotel around 5.30pm
Dinner at local restaurant or hotel
Day 13. 04 April 2025 - Friday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
Full day excursion to Fuji. Depart hotel latest 07.00am
We plan to travel by train to Kawaguchiko, from where we have a short boat trip on the lake. If the weather is good to us, we should have a good view of Mt. Fuji - but, please note, this famous mountain often goes into hiding and even a thin mist can obscure the view totally! For that reason, we must start very early in the morning. There will be time for lunch. Times to be confirmed. We will return to Tokyo early afternoon.
Dinner is not included this evening.
Day 14. 05 April 2025 - Saturday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
Free day to relax or visit some of Tokyo's famous stores. Optional morning excursion to Skytree and Senso-Ji Temple & Asakusa
Afternoon and evening visit to Shibuya and dinner in local restaurant.
Day 15. 06 April 2025 - Sunday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
Full day excursion to Nikko National Park by private coach.
We will depart the hotel around 09.30am and return late afternoon. This is a lovely excursion.
Dinner at local restaurant.
Day 16. 07 April 2025 - Monday
Breakfast at the hotel. 06.30 - 10.00am (L.O. 09.30am)
Free day to relax. Depart hotel around 5.30pm (TBC)
Flight departs Haneda Airport at 9.55pm for transfer at Istanbul. If you have decided to add a few days in Istanbul, see the separate itinerary below.
Day 17. 08 April 2025 - Tuesday
Arrive Dublin Airport 08.35am
Fares: £5,880 sharing double or twin
Single supplement £960
Upgrades to Seats with extra legroom £320
Upgrades to Business Class £3450
Deposits and interim payments
At time of booking £1750 per person, plus any flight upgrades requested. Flights will not be confirmed until this is received.
(We have no option but to pay for the flights in full at the time of booking, thus the deposit amount)
Interim payment of £1000 on or before
23 November 2024 for hotel deposits.
Hotel Upgrades
If you'd like to add a bit of extra special comfort to your holiday, please check the hotels featured opposite for upgrade options. Although we only have eight deluxe rooms available, we highly recommend those in the Hotel Nikko Daiba in Tokyo.
Stopover in Istanbul on return.
If you would like to break your journey and add a short break, we can offer this in Istanbul. We can tailor this to your budget but for a guideline, we have estimated a few hotel rates. They are not actually on sale yet, but they will give you an idea of what to expect.
3 Nights (We'll actually book four nights, as you'll arrive in the middle of the night)
4 * hotel, B&B basis Double sharing £260
Single room £400
5* hotel, B&B basis Double sharing, from £360
Single room from £500
The Osaka Excel Tokyu is a first class hotel, centrally situated with good facilities. It features a restaurant, fitness suite and a bar. Air-conditioned rooms include a flat-screen TV, electric kettle and refrigerator. The en suite bathroom includes a bath, hairdryer, toothbrushes and free amenities.
Guests at the hotel can enjoy a buffet breakfast.
The rooms we have on allocation are superior double or twin rooms, measureing approx 245 sq.ft.
We have a small number of upgrade rooms available, with temple view and measuring approx 354 sq. ft.
Upgrade cost for three nights - £150 per room
We inspected the Vischio Hotel Kyoto by Granvia in 2023, after being recommended it by our local guide, whose groups have used it often. It is a first class hotel, in an enviable location directly opposite the main Kyoto Station. The hotel features a restaurant, gym, sauna and bar. En-suite rooms feature flat-screen TV, air-con/heating and a fridge.
Our rooms here ar standard twins, approx 230 sq ft.
We have a small number of superior rooms of approx 310sq ft.
Upgrade cost for four nights £210 per room
It's so close to the station that you could probably fall out of bed onto the platform. That is one of the reasons we chose it but it has other benefits, such as a choice of restaurants. Like our other hotels, the room facilities are good. They are, however, smaller at around 200sq ft.
All the rooms on our allocation are identical, double rooms.....because that's all we could get! For that reason, we have no upgrade options.
Offering great views of Japan Sea and Nothern Alps mountains, Hotel Nikko Niigata offers elegant guests rooms located on the 22-29th floors. Free Wi-Fi is provided.
Each room at Niigata Nikko Hotel features large windows offering views and plenty of sunlight. A flat-screen TV with pay-per-view programmes and a fridge are provided. An electric kettle with tea bags is also included.
We have a selection of rooms here, all between 300 and 345 sq ft.
We do not have any upgrade options here and rooms will be allocated by the hotel. We are only one night here, though, and you'll only be carrying hand luggage.
We conclude our tour of Japan with a bit of class. We have secured rooms in the stunning 5* Grand Nikko Hotel Daiba, Tokyo. It's a little bit away from Tokyo central, 22 minutes in fact from the main station. It is, however, a great resort hotel with lovely facilities and offers an opportunity to unwind...if you can fine the time.
We have selected superuor double and superior twin rooms, all measuring 320-350 sq ft.
We have a number of deluxe twin rooms with views of the bay. Very nice. Approx 450 sq ft.
Upgrade cost for four nights - £260
What's included and what's not!
Return flights from Dublin to Japan with Turkish Airlines
Seating of your choice aboard all flights
14 nights accommodation with breakfast each morning
9 Evening meals
1 Lunch
First Class "Japan Rail Pass" for 7 days
Pre-loaded "Suica" card for all local transportation by public transport
All excursions mentioned on itinerary (other than optional excursion TBA in Niigata)
Entrance to all sites, museums, etc., mentioned.
Full ATOL Protection
Escorted throughout by Alan and Ann Couser
