Sacred Sakura Tour: Nagoya, Wakayama, Osaka Tour 2027
Destination Highlights for the Sacred Sakura Tour
Nagoya – Ise Peninsula – Kumano Kodo – Wakayama – Mt. Koya – Osaka – and more!
Tour Dates (Full Package):
March 25 – April 4, 2027
Full Package: $5,990/person
(includes roundtrip air tickets from HNL)
Land Package: $4,890/person
(does not include any air tickets)
Special Offer: Book by September 15, 2026 for $100 off!
Sacred Sakura Tour Overview
Combine the seasonal with the spiritual for a one-of-a-kind journey!
Breathe in the ancestral tranquility of UNESCO World Heritage sites like Wakayama’s Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Trail and Mt. Koya while the air is alive with the sweet fragrance of delicate cherry blossoms! Japan’s Wakayama Prefecture holds some of the country’s most spiritually significant destinations, but remains relatively uncrowded due to its isolation on the Kii Peninsula. In addition, a special highlight is spending two nights amidst the exclusive luxury of Kumanobettei Nakanoshima hot springs resort. You’ll ride a private boat to this premium onsen ryokan located on its own island! Come wander the Wakayama countryside to uncover delicate sakura blossoms floating alongside centuries-old, towering cedar trees that guard ancient travel routes, and touch the serene side of springtime in Japan.
What’s included on the Sacred Sakura Tour
Transportation
- Round-trip flights with Japan Airlines from Honolulu (Full Package only)
- A private driver and full-sized bus to spread out and relax in transit between adventures
- Ki-no-Matsushima ocean cruise around Katsuura Bay
- Cute “theme train” local train ride experience
Meals
- 23 delicious meals, carefully curated with local flavors and regional specialties
- No hidden fees! HIS includes more meals than any other travel agency!
Accommodations
- 9 nights at premium accommodations, including two nights at the luxurious Kumanobettei Nakanoshima onsen ryokan, only reachable using the hotel’s special shuttle boat!
- Tired of switching hotels all the time? We include consecutive stays multiple times throughout the tour. No unpacking and repacking every night!
And More!
- Portable Pocket WiFi to stay connected to family and friends back home (an HIS exclusive!)
- $200 repeater discount on all future HIS tours
Cultural Activities
- Highlights of UNESCO World Heritage sites Kumano Kodo and Mt. Koya
- Nagoya Castle cherry blossom festival, featuring almost 1,000 trees covering the grounds
- Hands-on experiences such as strawberry picking and ceramic tile “wreath making”
- Nabana no Sato cultural theme park spring illumination. Millions of LED lights create a magical atmosphere!
Sacred Sakura Tour Itinerary
March 25, 2027: Honolulu Departure (Day 0)
Begin your journey meeting your tour escort and fellow travelers at Honolulu Airport (HNL). Relax before your nonstop flight to Nagoya with Japan Airlines, known for their excellent in-flight service and surprisingly good food!
March 26, 2027: Arrival in Japan (Day 1)
Welcome to Japan! Arrive at Chubu International Airport, meet your local Japanese guide, and make a quick transfer to your comfortable hotel. Rest for the evening and prepare for the fun to come!
- Hotel: Hotel around Nagoya (TBA)
- Meals: Light dinner, plus two meals onboard your flight
March 27, 2027: Nagoya and Surroundings (Day 2) 🌸
Explore Tokoname, famed for its distinctive pottery. You’ll have the unique chance to make a “wreath” consisting of tokoname-yaki ceramic tiles! Take in the splendid cherry blossoms around towering Nagoya Castle, then witness the brilliant spring illumination of Nabana no Sato cultural theme park.
- Hotel: Hotel around Nagoya (TBA)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
March 28, 2027: Ise and Pretty Pearls (Day 3) 🌸
Step into the serene and mystical world of Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine, Ise Jingu, surrounded by ancient forests and centuries of tradition. Wander through the charming streets of Okage Yokocho, then enjoy panoramic coastal views from Asama Observatory Deck. At Mikimoto Pearl Island, discover Japan’s legendary Ama “women of the sea,” and finish the day watching these Ama traditional divers demonstrate their skills.
- Hotel: Nemu Resort (or similar)♨️
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
March 29, 2027: Kumano Exploration (Day 4) 🌸
Begin your UNESCO World Heritage journey along the Kumano Coast at Onigajo Cliffs, where stunning rock formations meet the sea. Visit the Kumano Hayatana Taisha Shrine before shopping for local specialties at the Katsuura Port Nigiwai Market. End your journey with a private boat ride to your exclusive island hotel where a relaxing onsen awaits!
- Hotel: Kumanobettei Nakanoshima (or similar)♨️
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
March 30, 2027: Deep into Kumano (Day 5) 🌸
Weave amongst sea caves and small islets on a picturesque ocean cruise around Katsuura Bay. Marvel at a whale and dolphin show at Taiji Whale Museum, then wander several of the Kumano Kodo’s most iconic locations, including Daimon-zaka Slope and Nachi Waterfall.
- Hotel: Kumanobettei Nakanoshima (or similar)♨️
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
March 31, 2027: Over to Wakayama (Day 6)
Start with a photo stop at Sandambeki Cliff and Senjojiki limestone plateau, whose appearance evokes thousands of stacked tatami mats. Shop for specialty shoyu soy sauce at a local producer, take in Kuroshio Seafood Market, and head up to Wakayama City.
- Hotel: Hotel Granvia Wakayama (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 1, 2027: Mt. Koya Mystique (Day 7)
Spend the day atop one of Japan’s most deeply spiritual peaks, UNESCO World Heritage Mt. Koya, which has been a center for Shingon Buddhism since the 9th century. Explore the inner sanctuary of Okunoin, the head temple Kongobuji, the impressive pagoda Konpondaito, plus more! Return to Wakayama in the evening.
- Hotel: Hotel Granvia Wakayama (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 2, 2027: Sakura Buddha to Osaka (Day 8) 🌸
Begin with a “theme train” local train ride, and meet a real “cat stationmaster” at Kishi Station. Enjoy superb strawberries at a local fruit farm, then take in the grand sight of Tsubosaka Temple’s “Sakura Buddha” statue. Savor a deluxe farewell crab dinner in Osaka to celebrate your trip!
- Hotel: Miyako City Tennoji (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
April 3, 2027: Full Free Day in Osaka (Day 9)
Enjoy a full free day in Osaka to dine, shop, and explore the city at your own pace. Need suggestions? Just ask!
- Hotel: Miyako City Tennoji (or similar)
- Meals: Breakfast
April 4, 2027: Return to Honolulu (Day 10)
Use your hotel room up until departure for the airport while spending the morning and afternoon at your leisure. Head to Kansai Airport and fly nonstop back to Honolulu with Japan Airlines. Welcome home!
- Hotel: —
- Meals: Breakfast, plus two meals served onboard your international flight
Pricing
Early-booking Special Offer:
Book by September 15, 2026 to SAVE $100!
Full Package
Land Package
Single Supplement
*includes economy-class air tickets. Please inquire for upgrade information.
$5,990.00*
$4,890.00**
$1,200.00
**international & domestic airfare not included
**customer must provide flight details to travel consultant for confirmation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What will the weather be like?
A: March and April around the Kansai region is generally quite pleasant, with temperatures hovering around the the low or mid 60s during the day. When traveling to higher elevation, such as visiting Mt. Koya, it would likely be about ten degrees cooler.
Q: Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?
A: Absolutely! We can accommodate all types of guests on this tour. If you require special consideration, such as a wheelchair, please let us know in advance.
Q: Will there be free time to explore on our own?
A: Yes. There are periods of unstructured time built into the itinerary, including a full free day to roam around Osaka at your own pace.
Q: Are all meals included in the tour?
A: The tour includes 23 exceptional meals: 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, and 7 dinners. Meals during free time are on your own so you can explore local specialties at your own pace.
Q: What kind of accommodations are included?
A: You’ll stay in a mix of premium, modern hotels and traditional onsen (hot springs) resorts, all carefully selected for comfort, location, and atmosphere. A special chance is two nights spent at Kumanobettei Nakanoshima, a luxurious hot springs ryokan reached using the hotel’s private shuttle boat!
Q: Are flights included?
A: Yes, roundtrip international tickets between Honolulu and Japan are included in the Full Package. If you would like to arrange your own airfare or are interested in extending your dates in Japan, you can select the Land Package.
Q: How big are the tour groups?
A: This group is limited in size (30 participants) to ensure the best accommodations and restaurants, a comfortable pace, and personalized service from your guide and escort.
