Japan — The Sakura Trail
Tokyo to Kyoto by shinkansen, timed to the blossom forecast.
Eight days from Tokyo to Osaka along the Tōkaidō line, scheduled against the Japan Meteorological Corporation's bloom forecast rather than a fixed date. Rail passes, pocket wifi and a briefing on how to behave on a train are all included — the last one matters more than people expect.
What you'll remember
- Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto, Fuji on the right
- Fushimi Inari at 6am, walked to the top
- Arashiyama bamboo grove before the gates open
- Dōtonbori and a night eating standing up in Osaka
The route
Day by day
What actually happens.
In via a Gulf or Singapore connection. Narita Express into the city, and an early night — the first evening is a write-off and pretending otherwise ruins day two.
Included
- Return flights from Colombo with one connection
- Seven nights: Tokyo, a Hakone onsen ryokan, Kyoto and Osaka
- 7-day Japan Rail Pass, ordinary class
- Pocket wifi and an IC travel card, loaded
- Visa documentation handled end to end
- Airport transfers at both ends
Not included
- Most meals except the ryokan kaiseki and breakfasts
- Attraction entries beyond those listed
- Excess baggage — and you will buy things
When to go
Blossom moves north from late March to mid-April and lasts about a week in any one city — we set your dates once the forecast lands in February. November is the alternative: the autumn colour through Arashiyama is arguably better and definitely quieter.
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