Traveling to Japan is an experience of a lifetime, but visiting Japan during cherry blossom season is a dream come true! The 8-day Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour begins in Tokyo, stops in Takayama, and ends in Kyoto. 

After 3 days in Tokyo where you'll visit the Harajuku District, check out one of the busiest intersections in the world., learn to make sushi, and sing karaoke. You'll take the iconic Bullet Train to Takayama. Where you can have an onsen experience in the comfort of your hotel. Next, you'll head to Kyoto where you'll wander the historic Gion district, take a Shobori class, visit the world-famous Fushimi Inari Shrine, and more. 

There are only 14 spots available on the Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour. Annual Members of The Fat Girls Traveling Network will receive early access and a 10% discount. 

Payment Plans are available. Please let us know if you want to create a payment schedule. 

Our Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit Japan in the spring. Not only will you get to experience nature's magic with a picnic in the park and nature walks. You'll immerse yourself in the culture and customs of the country. You will learn how to make sushi, experience traditional tea ceremonies, and more! 

This tour was curated for plus-size travelers and welcomes travelers of all sizes and gender identities. It is perfect for travelers who want to learn about Japanese art, food, culture, and history from the local community. 

Activity Level: 3 out of 5

Everyone has different mobility levels and we want to be as transparent about accessibility as possible. We also want to remind you that all of the activities are voluntary. 

There will be standing for more than 30 minutes during your cooking class. 

There will approximately 2-3 hours of walking daily while visiting temples and sight-seeing. The walking tours will have scheduled breaks.

All deposits are non-refundable. 

If you cancel within 150 days of the Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour, 50% of the total trip cost is non-refundable.

If you cancel within 120 days of the Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour, 75% of the total trip cost is non-refundable. 

If you cancel less than 90 days before the Japan: Cherry Blossom Tour, 100% of the total trip cost is non-refundable. 

If we cancel the tour you will receive a full refund. 

In the event of illness, injury, or other extenuating circumstances affecting the trip, the dates will be rearranged. If you can not attend during the new dates, your deposit will be transferred. 

By signing up for this trip, you acknowledge that Fat Girls Traveling LLC and Annette Richmond will not be held responsible for any issues that may arise from injury or Covid.

Konnichiwa! Welcome to Tokyo, Japan the starting point of your Cherry Blossom Tour. Tokyo is a dynamic, modern hub; the thriving capital of an ancient land. Contradictions are everywhere, as hi-tech gadgetry and neon lights play an integral part in the lives of a population steeped in tradition. 

Upon arrival at the airport, you'll meet your driver and then head to your hotel. Later in the evening, you’ll meet your group for the Welcome Meeting and dinner. 

Included Activities  

Arrival Transfer

Welcome Meeting

Welcome Dinner

Included Meal

Dinner

You'll start your day at the memorable Meiji Shrine surrounded by a tranquil forest. Here you'll get to see a beautiful display of sake barrels. Sake is consumed at the shrine during special occasions like rituals, ceremonies, and festivals.

Next, you'll explore Harajuku, the home of Japan’s quirky youth pop culture. Before heading to Yoyogi Park to see the cherry blossoms and enjoy a picnic lunch. Your group will visit a local 711 to stock up on food and snacks. 

Finally, you'll check out one of the busiest intersections in the world. Getting a birds-eye view of Tokyo from Shibuya Sky, a three-floor, 360-degree, open-air observation deck 46 stories above the city.

Included Activities 

Meiji Shrine

Harajuku Street
Yoyogi Park + 711 Lunch

Shibuya walking tour 

Shibuya Sky with a drink

One day metro & bus pass

Included Meals: 

Breakfast 

Lunch

Today begins at Tokyo's largest wholesale fish market. Get ready for a delicious experience at the famous Tsukiji Outer Market, where fresh seafood is delivered and ready to sample daily. 

Your Tour Guide will provide insight into the underwater treasures that go into the local cuisine. Then you'll learn how to make your own sushi for your lunch. You'll have the rest of the day to explore Tokyo. 

In the evening, your group will reconnect to enjoy Karaoke on your last night in Tokyo.

Included Activities 
Tsukiji Outer Market Tour
Sushi Making Class + Sushi Lunch

Evening Karaoke Experience

Metro & Bus Pass

Included Meals: 
Breakfast 
Lunch

Special Information

Tomorrow you will travel to Takayama for 2 days, but your luggage will be sent to Kyoto. 

Please prepare an overnight backpack with everything you'll need for 2 days in Takayama. 

One suitcase per person is included; if you wish to send more than one piece of luggage to Kyoto, the cost is around $20 per bag. 

Today, you'll travel approximately 5 hours from Tokyo to Takayama on the Shinkansen (bullet train). Takayama is a charming Edo-period town located in the Japanese Alps. Renowned for its traditional inns, sake breweries, and tranquil atmosphere, this riverside jewel of central Honshu might be one of the most enjoyable stops on your trip.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax. There is an Onsen hot spring is available at your hotel. Tattoos will need to be covered with a bandage to enter the onsen.

Included Activities

Travel to Takayama via Bullet Train 

Takayama – Orientation walk

Onsen Experience

Included Meal:  

Breakfast  

Your day will begin with a visit to the Takayama morning market. You'll learn how the town’s isolated location caused it to develop a unique culinary scene.

Your Tour Guide will take you through the market stalls selling colorful pickles, bags of miso wrapped in leaves, genkotsu ame (soy bean candy), preserved fish, spices, and the delicious marshmallow treat of owaratamaten. The Gifu region is known for its production of high-altitude vegetables, and local women have been traveling in from the countryside to sell their produce for more than 600 years. 

After the market, you'll visit Sake Brewery and taste Sake from Takayama and the neighboring region. Take the rest of the day to enjoy Takayama at your leisure.

Included Activities

Takayama  Morning Market + Orientation walk

Sake Brewery & Tasting

Included Meal:  

Breakfast  

This morning, you'll take the approximate 3.5 hour train ride from Takayama to Kyoto. Originally founded as Heian-kyo (literally 'tranquillity and peace capital') by Emperor Kammu in 794, Kyoto had its golden age during the imperial court's heyday from 794 to 1185. 

In the afternoon you’ll take a Shibori art class before you experience a traditional tea ceremony. In the evening, you'll go for a walk around Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district, and learn about the history of geisha culture as you explore old wooden teahouses and exclusive restaurants. You might spot geikos (geishas) or maikos (apprentice geishas) with their elaborate dress and make up on their way out to events.

Included Activities  

Travel from Takayama to Kyoto

Shibori Class 

Gion walk

Included Meal:  

Breakfast  

Start your day with an early morning visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its iconic torii gates. Explore the shrine and hike through the beautiful mountain trails, or take photos at the gates and make your way back down. 

For lunch, you'll participate in a hands-on cooking experience to prepare

obanzai, a traditional Kyoto home-style cuisine. Then, you'll head to Arashiyama to experience the tranquil Bamboo Forest. 

Later, you'll have a special tea ceremony followed by your farewell dinner to celebrate the end of your adventure in Japan.

Included Activities 

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Obanzai Cooking Experience

Arashiyama 

Tea Ceremony 

Farewell Dinner

Included Meals:  

Breakfast  

Lunch

Dinner

Your Cherry Blossom Tour comes to an end today but the memories will last a lifetime. Your airport transfer will be scheduled around your flight. 

Included Activity 

Departure Transfer

Included Meals:  

Breakfast