2027 Crafts and Cherry Blossom Tour of Sea of Japan Coast

Welcome to Japan and the 2027 Crafts and Cherry Blossom Tour of the Sea of Japan Coast. On arrival at one of Tokyo’s international airports, you’ll be warmly greeted by a Journey to the East guide and escorted to your hotel by airport bus or train.

Today is an arrival day, and no group activities are scheduled. After settling in, you may wish to stretch your legs and explore the local neighbourhood around your hotel.

This tour is particularly popular with repeat Japan travellers, so the Tokyo experiences included in the itinerary focus on lesser-known neighbourhoods and cultural insights rather than the typical tourist sites. If this is your first visit to Japan and you wish to see iconic highlights such as Asakusa, Shibuya, or the Tokyo Skytree, we highly recommend arriving a couple of days early to explore the city before the tour begins. We would be delighted to create a custom pre-tour itinerary tailored to your interests.

Many guests choose to arrive a day or two early. Please contact us if you’d like assistance arranging additional nights’ accommodation.

This morning, you leave the bustling metropolis of Tokyo behind and travel by shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto, Japan’s historic and ever-popular old capital. Established in 794, Kyoto remains the cultural heart of Japan, renowned for its temples, gardens, and traditional crafts, as well as its refined dining and artisan boutiques.

Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon guided tour of Kyoto, visiting the majestic Nijo Castle, a former residence of the shoguns, and the iconic Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion), whose shimmering gold leaf façade and serene gardens are a highlight of the city.

In the evening, gather for a relaxed dinner in the heart of Kyoto, with the city’s streets softly illuminated to highlight the springtime cherry trees, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for a gentle evening stroll.

Today, you explore Arashiyama and Sagano, nestled in Kyoto’s picturesque western mountains. The day begins with a visit to Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage temple renowned for its superb stroll garden, which artfully incorporates the surrounding mountains into its design.

Next, you’ll admire the historic Togetsu Bridge, spanning the serene Katsura River, before wandering through the enchanting bamboo forest, where sunlight filters through towering bamboo stalks to create an ethereal atmosphere. Continuing on, you’ll visit Daikakuji Temple, known for its tranquil lake fringed by cherry trees, offering a peaceful contrast to the more frequented sites.

The day concludes with a traditional tofu lunch, a local specialty of Arashiyama. After lunch, you return to central Kyoto, with the afternoon and evening at leisure. Our team is happy to provide personalised suggestions and recommendations to help you enjoy your free time in Kyoto.

This morning, you leave Kyoto and travel by express train to Fukui Prefecture, entering the scenic Sea of Japan region. Your first stop is the city of Echizen, long celebrated for its rich artisanal traditions.

Begin with a visit to a washi paper workshop, where you’ll see skilled craftspeople create exquisite handmade paper using techniques passed down for centuries. After lunch, continue to a family-run knife factory, renowned for producing precision blades prized by chefs across Japan. Your final stop of the day is a lacquerware studio, where artisans demonstrate the meticulous process of applying layers of lacquer to create elegant, enduring works of functional art.

In the evening, check into your hotel in Fukui City and relax, reflecting on a day immersed in Japan’s masterful crafts and artisanal heritage.

This morning, you visit Eiheiji (Temple of Eternal Peace), one of Japan’s most significant Zen Buddhist temples. Founded in 1244 by the renowned priest Dogen Zenji, Eiheiji is the spiritual heart of the Soto School, Japan’s largest Zen sect.

Next, travel by private transport to Maruoka Castle, one of Japan’s oldest surviving castles, famous for its cherry blossoms in spring. The castle’s picturesque grounds, framed by blooming sakura, offer an idyllic setting for photography and a gentle stroll, creating a perfect seasonal highlight.

Continuing along the Sea of Japan coast, you arrive at Tojinbo, where you take a short cruise to admire the dramatic rock formations from the ocean. These rugged cliffs, part of Echizen-Kaga Kaigan Quasi-National Park, have been sculpted over millions of years into spectacular honeycomb-shaped columns by wind and waves - a natural wonder and a photographer’s delight.

In the late afternoon, you reach Kanazawa, a city with a rich samurai heritage and a legacy as a wealthy castle town. After checking into your hotel, your guide will provide an orientation for the area, followed by dinner. You stay in Kanazawa for three nights, allowing a more relaxed pace to explore the city’s architectural gems, gardens, museums, and vibrant craft traditions at leisure.

Today, you explore Kanazawa, a city renowned for its rich samurai heritage and exceptional craft traditions. Begin with a visit to Kenrokuen Garden, a 17th-century castle garden celebrated as one of Japan’s three great gardens. Stroll through its carefully landscaped grounds and admire the ancient cherry trees, capturing the serene beauty that has inspired poets and painters for centuries.

In the afternoon, delve into Kanazawa’s artisanal heritage with a visit to a Kaga Yuzen kimono studio. The master artisan demonstrates the intricate dyeing techniques that produce kimonos adorned with designs inspired by nature and geometric patterns, a hallmark of this centuries-old craft. You will also visit a Kutani-style pottery kiln, founded in 1870, where a guided tour reveals the creation process behind these highly prized porcelain works. Marvel at the kiln’s exquisite pieces, celebrated for their vibrant colours and intricate designs.

This evening, enjoy a teppanyaki dinner featuring tender wagyu beef and seasonal vegetables expertly grilled on a hot plate - a perfect combination of fine dining and Japanese culinary artistry.

This morning, explore the Higashi Chaya District, Kanazawa’s historic geisha quarter, where elegant wooden teahouses line narrow streets. Here you can step back in time to experience the refined culture of the geisha and admire the traditional architecture that has been carefully preserved for centuries. As part of your visit, enjoy a hands-on gold leaf experience, a craft for which Kanazawa is world-famous, allowing you to try applying this exquisite material to a small souvenir.

Next, visit Omicho Market, a lively working market often called the “Kitchen of Kanazawa residents.” Stroll among fishmongers, fresh produce stalls, and local eateries, gaining insight into the everyday life and culinary traditions of the city.

The afternoon and evening are free to explore at your leisure. Wander Kanazawa’s backstreets to discover galleries and shops offering exquisite ceramics, gilded lacquerware, local sake, and traditional foods. Your guide is available to provide tailored suggestions based on your interests, helping you make the most of your independent exploration.

Leaving Kanazawa, you journey along the scenic Sea of Japan coast to Toyama Prefecture, a region celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and artisanal traditions. Your first stop is the UNESCO World Heritage site of Gokayama, renowned for its historic gassho-zukuri thatched farmhouses. These steeply slanted roofs were ingeniously designed to withstand heavy snowfall. Several farmhouses are open to the public, where you can learn about their history, construction techniques, and ongoing preservation efforts that keep this centuries-old architecture alive.

Next, explore the traditional woodworking town of Inami, set in Toyama’s picturesque countryside. While Japan has many towns with woodcraft traditions, Inami is widely recognised as the country’s premier centre for woodcarving. Its high level of craftsmanship has earned the official “Japan Heritage” designation by the Agency for Cultural Affairs. In the afternoon, take part in a hands-on woodcraft workshop, guided by a master artisan. Fashion a small dish or spoon while engaging with local craftsmen, gaining insight into their daily lives and artistic practices in a relaxed, welcoming studio setting.

Tonight, you stay at a boutique accommodation that has thoughtfully renovated the town’s historic buildings into charming villas, perfectly reflecting the day’s focus on craft and heritage.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at your charming accommodation in Inami, taking time to appreciate the town’s tranquil streets and artisanal heritage. Begin with a visit to Zuisenji Temple, considered the pinnacle of Inami woodcraft. Admire the intricate woodwork on the temple’s main hall and Sanmon gate, reflecting the skill and dedication of local craftsmen over generations.

Next, travel to the sparkling waters of Toyama Bay, renowned for its rich marine life and natural beauty. Recognised by UNESCO as part of the “Most Beautiful Bays in the World Club,” Toyama Bay is one of Japan’s premier locations for fresh seafood. You’ll have the unique opportunity to witness a live seafood auction at Shinminato Kittokito Market, gaining insight into local fishing traditions and culinary practices. Afterwards, enjoy a sushi lunch featuring seafood freshly caught from the bay.

In the afternoon, transfer to Toyama City, the prefectural capital, where you stay for two nights. This relaxed regional city offers abundant green space and a welcoming atmosphere, with your centrally located hotel providing the perfect base for gentle evening strolls. Tonight, gather for dinner at a local restaurant, enjoying the region’s fresh seasonal ingredients in a casual, inviting setting.

This morning, enjoy a scenic cruise along the canal, gliding through a stunning tunnel of cherry blossoms, a serene and unforgettable way to experience spring in Toyama. After the cruise, continue your exploration with visits to local studios, where you can observe skilled artisans at work and gain insight into the region’s rich craft traditions.

The afternoon and evening are at leisure, allowing you to explore Toyama City at your own pace. Discover its numerous art and craft museums, tranquil parks and gardens, and charming modern shopping streets. For those seeking nearby excursions, the historic port town of Iwase is highly recommended. You might also visit the Glass Art Museum, renowned for its contemporary displays, or the Hotaruika (firefly squid) Museum, a unique insight into one of Toyama’s most fascinating marine phenomena.

This morning, explore Toyama’s long history as a centre of traditional and modern Japanese pharmaceuticals with a visit to a historic medicine shop. Here, centuries-old remedies and medicinal herbs are still available, offering a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s enduring herbal medicine traditions.

In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to a seasonal natural spectacle along the Funakawa River, locally known as the “Spring Quartet.” Contrasting rows of vibrant rapeseed and tulips sit alongside delicate cherry blossoms, framed by the dramatic snow-capped Northern Alps - a striking scene unique to this time of year and a photographer’s dream.

Tonight, retreat to an authentic onsen ryokan in Unazuki, a charming hot spring town nestled in the foothills of the spectacular Kurobe Gorge. Relax in the natural hot spring baths, unwind in a traditionally furnished tatami-mat room, and enjoy a kaiseki multi-course dinner, showcasing seasonal ingredients and refined Japanese culinary artistry.

After a splendid Japanese-style breakfast at your ryokan, you leave the Sea of Japan Coast and travel by shinkansen back to Tokyo. Upon arrival, the day is at your leisure. Take the opportunity for last-minute shopping, revisit favourite neighbourhoods, or explore a few of the city’s countless cultural and historic sites. Our team is happy to provide personalised suggestions and directions to help you make the most of your free time.

This evening, gather for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers. Share stories, relive the highlights, and celebrate the rich experiences, artisan encounters, and stunning landscapes that have made your 2027 Crafts and Cherry Blossom Tour of the Sea of Japan Coast unforgettable.

After breakfast, you check out of your hotel, marking the conclusion of your 2027 Crafts and Cherry Blossom Tour of the Sea of Japan Coast.

For your departure, convenient options include the airport express train or limousine bus to Narita or Haneda International Airport. If you wish to extend your stay in Japan, we would be delighted to help plan a personalised post-tour itinerary, allowing you to explore another region, experience more cultural treasures, or enjoy further seasonal beauty.