Cherry Blossom Season — Japan

Met and taken into the city, with the evening free. The route is arranged around where the blossom front has reached. · Tokyo · Private airport transfer

Ueno Park and the Chidorigafuchi moat, where the cherry trees lean over the water and boats can be taken out beneath them. · Tokyo

Meiji Jingu's forest, Asakusa and Senso-ji, then Shibuya and the view back over the city from a tower at dusk. · Tokyo

Up to Hakone and a ryokan above the cloud line, with the first onsen bath before dinner. · Hakone · Bullet train

Lake Ashi and the ropeway over the sulphur vents, with Fuji across the water when the weather gives it to you. · Hakone

South to Kyoto, with the rest of the day for Fushimi Inari at the hour the light comes sideways through the torii. · Kyoto · Shinkansen

The canal walk in full bloom between Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji — the best blossom hour in Kyoto — and a private tea ceremony in the afternoon. · Kyoto

The bamboo grove before the crowds, Tenryu-ji's garden, and the Hozu riverbank with the blossom overhanging the water. · Kyoto

Kiyomizu-dera and the Ninen-zaka slopes below it, then Gion and Maruyama Park, where the weeping cherry is lit after dark. · Kyoto

South for Todai-ji's Great Buddha and the deer park, returning to Kyoto in the evening. · Nara · overnight Kyoto · Local train

East to Osaka for the blossom-lined moat at the castle, and Dotonbori after dark. · Osaka · Rapid train

Himeji's white keep is an easy train away and is spectacular in blossom season; otherwise a slow last day in Osaka. · Himeji · overnight Osaka · Shinkansen

A last morning in Osaka before the transfer for your onward flight. · Osaka · Private transfer