Japan Cherry Blossoms

• Return international flights (economy class), surcharges may apply

• 8 nights of quality hotel accommodation

• Enjoy daily breakfast

• Local English-speaking guides
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by A/C private vehicles

• Return airport transfers

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes (does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class (see checkout for details)

Today fly from Australia to one of the most captivating cities in the world, Tokyo. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel accommodation in nearby Yokohama for check-in before you head out touring the following day.

Please note: • The Cherry Blossom can be difficult to predict. Every year is different and there are variations across the country. What’s more, there are multiple sakura varieties, each coming into flower at a slightly different time and lasting for a different period (most stay for around two weeks). Therefore we cannot guarantee the trees will be blooming in locations visited on this itinerary.
• Due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on Day 0. Affected customers must be available to depart the day before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks before departure.

Overnight: APA Yokohama or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: In-Flight

Today you'll drive to Mt Fuji’s 5th Station (weather permitting). Located 2300m above sea level, it offers a commanding view of the Fuji Five Lakes area below as well as featuring shrines, torii gates and souvenir shops.

Afterwards, continue onwards to Lake Kawaguchiko to admire the scenery as you enjoy a short cruise across the lake. The surrounding mountains, including Mt Fuji and Mt Komagatake, overlook the waters.
 
In the afternoon you'll arrive in Hamamatsu where you can check into the hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: Grand Hotel or similar, Hamamatsu

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll head to Nara Park to spot more than a thousand deer which are considered the messengers of the gods. These deer have become a symbol of the city and have been designated natural treasure status. Deer crackers are for sale around the park and you'll find that some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed.

You'll then visit the famous Todaiji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. The temple was constructed in 752 as the head temple of all provincial Buddhist temples in Japan.

It's then time to make your way to Osaka where you'll enjoy some free time in Dotonbori. This is a lively entertainment area that's renowned for its gaudy neon lights, extravagant signage and the enormous variety of restaurants and bars. You'll finish the day at your hotel where you will check in for an evening at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Sobial Osaka Dome, Osaka or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Osaka to explore this vibrant city at your own pace, or you can take the opportunity to join an optional tour to Hiroshima (not included).

Optional Activity: Hiroshima Tour - 55,000 JPY
This morning, transfer to Shin-Osaka train station where your bullet train awaits. Climb aboard and marvel at the train’s incredible velocity during a 2-hour ride to Hiroshima. On arrival, continue the journey to Miyajimaguchi by coach or train then board a boat travelling to the majestic Miyajima Island, otherwise known as Itsukushima or Divine Island and often hailed as one of Japan’s most beautiful landscapes.

Disembark and discover the natural and cultural treasures of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed island for 45 minutes with your guide. Here you'll see the shimmering Itsukushima Shrine before refuelling with a delicious lunch in a local eatery (not included).

Hop back on the boat and cruise back to Hiroshima to reflect on the history of the region. Take a moment of contemplation at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, a historical site near where the atomic bomb exploded. See exhibitions that articulate the destruction the bomb caused and marvel at the city’s regenerative recovery. Finally, board a bus to the Atomic Bomb Dome (Genbaku Dome), a skeletal structure that miraculously survived the 1945 attack. Return to the train station for the exhilarating return journey to Osaka on the bullet train where the tour concludes.

Overnight: Hotel Sobial Osaka Dome or similar, Osaka

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning you'll depart Osaka for Kyoto. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the ancient capital or take the opportunity to join an optional tour of Kyoto (not included). Afterwards, you'll leave Kyoto to travel onwards to Nagoya/Toyohashi Region.

Optional Activity: Kyoto Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: 6,000 JPY
The tour includes a stop at Fushimi Inari Shrine, an important Shinto shrine in southern Kyoto. It’s famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. which straddle a network of trails behind its main buildings. The tour continues with a visit to Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), a zen temple in northern Kyoto that has gold leaf-covered floors on the top two floors. The last stop of the tour is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of Kyoto’s top sights as you'll find yourself standing amid these soaring stalks of bamboo which is like being in another world.

Overnight: Comfort Hotel or similar, Nagoya/Toyohashi Region

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you can relax at the hotel or take part in an optional tour to Shirakawa-go and Takayama (not included).

Optional Activity: Shirakawa-go & Takayama Sightseeing Tour: 9,900 JPY
Today is a fun day to visit the countryside of Japan and see how local people live. You'll drive to Shirakawa-go which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. It's famous for its traditional gasshozukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Your last visit is to Takayama Old Town where you can walk along Sannomachi Street which survives in a beautiful state with many old homes, shops and restaurants.

Overnight: Comfort Hotel or similar, Nagoya

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll visit Toyokawa Inari which is one of Japan’s “Big Three” Inari shrines. With literally a thousand stone foxes dressed in bright red bibs perched throughout this massive multi-faith shrine, Toyokawa Inari is one of Japan’s most picturesque religious sites.

You'll then visit Sankeien Garden, a spacious Japanese-style garden that exhibits a number of historic buildings from across Japan. You'll arrive in Tokyo in the afternoon where you will check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Villa Fontaine Ueno or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: Breakfast

Today enjoy a free day to explore the vibrant metropolis of Tokyo or join an in-depth optional tour of Tokyo (not included).

Optional Activity: Tokyo Sightseeing Tour - 8,500 JPY
First, you will visit Tsukiji Outer Market where you can encounter many kinds of traditional Japanese cuisine. Next, you'll visit the stunning Meiji Shrine, a Shinto religious site that was dedicated to the Imperial Family in 1926. Here you can walk among the serene gardens that surround the shrine as you listen to more details about its importance from your guide. Lastly enjoy the sweeping views of this vast city from the observation decks at the famous Tokyo Tower, the landmark of Tokyo (entry included).

Overnight: Hotel Villa Fontaine Ueno or similar, Tokyo

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, you'll visit Ueno Park which is home to over a thousand cherry trees. You'll find that Ueno Park transforms into a sea of pink blossoms in late March and early April (weather dependent). The Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the biggest and most famous in all of Japan.

You'll then be transferred to Tokyo Airport for your homebound flight to Australia.

Please note: The Ueno Park visit will be moved to Day 7 if booked on a morning flight.

Meals included: Breakfast

Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.

On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.

Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.

Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.

We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.

Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated).

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 28th of March 2024.

This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.

Single Traveller Supplement

For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $1,100 applies.

Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.

Departure Dates

2024

March 13, 14, 16, 18*, 20*, 22^, 24^, 26^, 28^

Surcharges

Please note: 

• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $400 per person.

• Dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $700 per person.

Please note: The Cherry Blossom can be difficult to predict. Every year is different and there are variations across the country. What’s more, there are multiple sakura varieties, each coming into flower at a slightly different time and lasting for a different period (most stay for around two weeks). Therefore we cannot guarantee the trees will be blooming in locations visited on this itinerary.

Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Departure Cities

Sydney, Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth, *Auckland

Departure City Surcharges

*Brisbane: $400 per person

*Adelaide: $300 per person

*Perth: $350 per person

*Auckland: $750 per person

International Full-Service Airline(s) Used

• Cabin Class: Economy Class

• Airlines: Cathay Pacific, Philippine Airlines, China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, Qantas, Eva Air, Vietnam Airlines, Fiji Airways, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and partners. 

Please note: One-way flights can not be accommodated. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 

Arrive early in Tokyo

$350 per person, subject to availability.

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• Arrivals prior to your selected departure date are only able to be booked up to one month prior upon check-out. Should you wish to arrive earlier, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

Before 20 February 24

After 5 April 24

Stay Behind in Tokyo

$350 per person, subject to availability.

Please note:

• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.

• A stay behind is only able to be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.

• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.

• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.

• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:

Before 20 February 24

After 5 April 24

Stopover Packages 

Not available.

Flight Class Upgrades

Not available.

Accommodation Used:

Yokohama: APA Yokohama or similar

Hamamatsu: Grand Hotel Hamamatsu or similar

Osaka: Hotel Sobial Osaka Dome, Osaka or similar

Nagoya, Toyohashi Region: Comfort Hotel Nagoya or similar

Tokyo: Hotel Vila Fontaine Ueno or similar

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.

Extra Nights

Not available at check out. 

Maximum Room Capacity

2 people.

Child Policy

• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.

• Valid for Children 8 years old and over.

Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.

Triple Share

Not available.

Bedding Configuration

Twin or double bedding (subject to availability).(subject to availability).

Minimum group size 20, maximum group size 40 per vehicle.

Please note: A Small Group Tour is defined as a tour with no more than 20 travellers per vehicle.

Optional Tours/Activities

Day 4 - Hiroshima day trip: 55,000 JPY

Day 5 - Kyoto Half-Day Sightseeing Tour: 6,000 JPY 

Day 6 - Shirakawa go & Takayama Sightseeing Tour: 9,900 JPY 

Day 8 - Tokyo Sightseeing Tour: 8,500 JPY

Please note:

• Prices are based on per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable directly to the tour operator in the currency specified. 

• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

• Visa fees and requirements 

• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer

• Recommended gratuities/tipping 

• Optional activities/tours 

• Personal expenses

• Travel insurance

TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER

Tour Guide: 

Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 

Tour Leader: 

An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 

Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured.

CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES

Temperatures at the beginning of March typically remain low, but as the month progresses the weather across Honshu becomes more Spring like (avg temp: 10°C) and the much-anticipated cherry blossoms make an appearance by the end of the month in Tokyo, Kyoto and other central parts of the island. Despite warmer days, a jumper is still worth packing for cooler evenings and showers are more common throughout March. 

FLIGHTS

Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:

With this package, seat selection is unfortunately unavailable prior to travel.

Passport Validity:

Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.

COACH TOUR

Meals:

Daily breakfast is included in this package. For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements.

Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.

Luggage:

You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.

OTHER

Our vehicles are not equipped with wheelchair access, so, unfortunately, our tours are currently not suitable for wheelchair users and those less mobile. 

Please note: A general level of fitness will be required. If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.

Gratuities / Tipping:

Land:

Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is between 700 - 900 JPY per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 

Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.

Sightseeing:

Please note: If the entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).

Shopping:

Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 

Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

A tourist visa is not required for Australian or New Zealand citizens visiting Japan for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, visiting friends or relatives, etc. that does not include remunerative activities.

Important: Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. 

Some countries and airlines may also require you to obtain an additional visa prior to arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.

Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.

It is also important to note that some areas of employment such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations may have additional restrictions in applying for Visas. This may in turn affect the type of application required.

This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.

• Changes - $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Name Changes Due To Passenger Error

• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.

Supplier Fees

In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.