Follow the delicate cherry blossom trail as it blooms across Kyoto, Kanazawa, Nikko and Tokyo on a 14 day tour that takes you inside Japan’s great gardens. Experience a fascinating mix of
ancient Zen serenity and modernity that makes Japan such an exciting cultural destination.

DAY 1 FRI 28 Mar

sydney to Tokyo

Meet your Ross Tour Leader, Colin Barlow at Sydney International Airport for a Qantas evening flight to Tokyo.

DAY 2 SAT 29 Mar

Tokyo - Kyoto

Arrive in Tokyo and board the bullet train for Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital. Visit Heian Shrine, a Meiji-era strolling garden with unique architecture and hundreds of weeping flowering cherries. Welcome lunch included.

Brighton Hotel, Kyoto

DAY 3 SUN 30 MAR

Kyoto

Serene Zen this morning at Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) then nearby Hakusa Sonso. Learn the legacy of renowned artist Hashimoto Kansetsu. Traditional Tea Ceremony in the tea house. Hakusasonso garden is a designated National Site of Scenic Beauty, with an unparalleled aesthetic. Afternoon stroll along the Philosopher’s Path, lined with weeping cherries that were planted in 1922 by Hashimoto Kansetsu. Dinner included this evening.

Brighton Hotel, Kyoto

DAY 4 MON 31 MAR

Kyoto

Covered in brilliant gold leaf, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) shines above its reflecting pond. Now a Buddhist temple, it dates to 1397 built as the retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Ryoan-ji Temple is next with its fine example of Sekitaki (Rock and Raked Sand), founded 1450. The garden is made with an austere collection of 15 carefully placed rocks, ‘adrift’ in a sea of sand. Shabu Shabu Dinner included tonight.

Brighton Hotel, Kyoto

DAY 5 TUE 1 Apr

Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple (AD798) is our destination this morning, perched in the Higashiyama Mountains overlooking Kyoto. Nijo Castle is next, built in 1603 with imposing stone walls and ramparts, as the official residence of the first Tokugawa shogun, Ieyasu, Hidden behind we will find a superb palace surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Brighton Hotel, Kyoto

DAY 6 WED 2 Apr

Kyoto to Nagoya

Travel by bullet train to Nagoya to visit Honmaru Palace at Nagoya Castle, a newly restored masterwork, a fine example of Samurai residential architecture. Nabana No Sato, later this afternoon, a new concept in world-class show gardens. Stay for dinner and then illuminations after dark.

Marriott Associa Hotel, Nagoya

DAY 7 THU 3 Apr

Nagoya to Kanazawa

Express train eastwards this morning through mountains to Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan. Manufacturing developed from Kanazawa’s luxury traditions of gold, textiles, fine lacquer and Kutani porcelain. Visit Nomura Samurai House & Garden.

Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, Kanazawa

DAY 8 FRI 4 Apr

Kanazawa

Remnants of 300 years of Maeda rule with walls, gates and Kenroku-en Garden, our destination this morning. Formerly part of the Maeda Estate this fine example of a “Strolling-Style” garden is one of the three top gardens in Japan. Free afternoon.

Kanazawa Tokyu Hotel, Kanazawa

DAY 9 SAT 5 Apr

Kanazawa to awazu

Deep into the Shogawa River Valley today to Shirakawa-go, UNESCO site, famous for traditional 250 year-old gassho-zukuri farmhouses. Overnight Ryokan accommodation with onsen. Traditional banquet dinner tonight.

Manten-no Tsujinoya, Awazu

DAY 10 SUN 6 Apr

Awazu to nikko

Train ride again this morning to Takasaki, then coach to the small city of Nikko, within the Nikko National Park. Visit Tamozawa Imperial Villa, built in 1632, enlarged in 1899, used by Taisho Emperor, as a summer residence to escape Tokyo’s summer heat. Overnight in Nikko Kanaya Hotel, Japan’s oldest western-style hotel.

Kanaya Hotel, Nikko

DAY 11 MON 7 Apr

Nikko

First photo stop this morning is the elegant arched red lacquered bridge over the Daiya River. Climb the steps to Toshogu Shrine, resting place of the Tokugawa Ieyasu. Walk the ancient avenue of sacred Japanese Cedars that leads to the shrine.

Kanaya Hotel, Nikko

DAY 12 TUE 8 Apr

Nikko to tokyo

Travel to Tokyo with a stop at Omiya Bonsai Village, celebrating 90 years. Visit the Kato Family Mansei-en Bonsai Nursery now in its fourth generation. Check in to the luxurious New Otani Hotel. 

New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

DAY 13 WED 9 Apr

Tokyo

Rikugien Garden is first this morning, built in 1695. Nezu Shrine is next, one of the ten shrines of the Meiji Era, a cultural treasure. Farewell Dinner tonight in our hotel.

New Otani Hotel, Tokyo

DAY 14 THU 10 Apr

Tokyo

Free day with late checkout arranged. Evening transfer to Haneda Airport for overnight flight home.

DAY 15 FRI 11 Apr

Arrive Home