Japan In Bloom: Cherry Blossoms, Cultural Gems And Hiroshima | April 2028
17-Day Cruise | Osaka To Tokyo
April 12, 2028–April 28, 2028
Experience Japan at its most enchanting as the country transforms under a canopy of soft pink cherry blossoms. During sakura season, everyday landscapes become breathtaking works of art. This 17-day voyage from Osaka to Tokyo takes you deep into Japan’s rich history, natural beauty and lively modern culture during the most magical time of year.
Begin in vibrant Osaka, known for its food culture and nightlife, before sailing to Kochi, Kitakyushu and Sasebo — each offering a blend of natural beauty, historic sites and unique regional character. Continue to Hiroshima, a city that honors its past with moving memorials and peaceful gardens, and then on to Kanazawa, famed for its preserved samurai and geisha districts.
In Niigata, taste some of Japan’s finest koshihikari rice and traditional sake, and enjoy sweeping views of the Sea of Japan as you sail. The itinerary also includes a day in Busan, South Korea, offering an optional change of pace with its coastal scenery and bustling markets.
Conclude your journey in dazzling Tokyo, where neon-lit energy meets centuries-old shrines and world-class cuisine. From serene temples and timeless castles to bustling ports and scenic coastlines, immerse yourself in Japan’s culture, history and natural beauty.
Call To Learn More
US/Canada: 800-579-6178
International: +44 1524 386423
Our hours of operation are Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET.
Tour Snapshot
Stay
17 Days
16 Nights
Meals
16 Breakfasts
14 Lunches
15 Dinners
Activity Level
Activity Level: 2
Pace Level: Moderate
Learn More
Travel Style
Cruise
Trip Information
Trip Highlights
- Sakura (cherry blossoms) at the height of the season
- Historic Osaka and vibrant Tokyo
- A moving visit to Hiroshima
- Preserved samurai and geisha districts
- Ancient temples, pagodas and cultural traditions
- Iconic Kochi Castle
- The emerald islands surrounding Sasebo
- A full day in Busan, South Korea
- Regional culinary specialties including katsuo no tataki, bluefin tuna, udon and okonomiyaki
- Tastings of traditional Japanese sake
- Lively nightlife
- Extended time in ports of call
Tour Inclusions
- 9 Pick Your Experience excursions
- Beer, wine and spirits while on board
- Multiple dining venues plus 24-hour room service
- AzAmazing Evenings® featuring music, art and culinary traditions in unique settings
- Onboard pool and fitness center
- Unlimited onboard self-service laundry
- Gratuities
- HGV host
- Airport transfers on arrival and departure days
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Wednesday, April 12, 2028 | Arrive in Osaka, Japan
Welcome to Osaka. Settle in at your hotel before meeting your HGV host and fellow travelers this evening for welcome drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
Accommodations: 4-Star Hotel
Day 2: Thursday, April 13, 2028 | Kyoto Full-Day Experience
Explore Kyoto, Japan’s former imperial capital for more than a thousand years, renowned for its historic temples, atmospheric shrines and iconic scenery. The city’s refined traditions — from kimono-making to tea-ceremony bowls — originated here, and pristine groundwater lends exceptional flavor to Kyoto’s green tea and sake.
In the morning, meet your host and tour guide for a short walk to the Osaka train station. Take a quick and direct train ride to Kyoto. Visit Fushimi Inari Shinto Shrine, lavishly decorated and dedicated to the goddess of rice. Continue to Sanjusangendo, a Buddhist temple famous for its 1,001 statues housed in the world’s longest wooden building. Then visit Sanjo Market, a compact shopping street that offers a variety of regional delicacies and traditional snacks. In the afternoon, visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, located halfway up Mt. Otowa and dedicated to the deity of mercy and compassion — Kannon. From Kiyomizu-dera, enjoy a short walk along a traditional stone-paved pedestrian road to your next stop, Sannen-zaka.
In the evening, join your host and fellow travelers for a welcome dinner. Indulge in a multi-course Japanese dinner accompanied by an authentic maiko — the apprentice geisha still training to perfect their cultural and entertainment skills. Learn a traditional game, ask questions and engage in a cultural exchange.
Accommodations: 4-Star Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Friday, April 14, 2028 | Cruise Embarkation, Osaka, Japan
Day 4: Saturday, April 15, 2028 | Nara Deer Park
This morning, journey to Nara Deer Park, home to hundreds of friendly, free-roaming deer that you can feed. Wander scenic pathways, view the awe-inspiring Great Buddha of Nara and experience one of Japan’s most peaceful cultural settings.
Your cruise ship departs from Osaka this evening.
Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard Azamara Pursuit®
Meals Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 5: Sunday, April 16, 2028 | Kochi — Pick Your Experience
Day 6: Monday, April 17, 2028 | Hiroshima — Pick Your Experience
Arrive in Hiroshima, a city that honors its tragic history while embracing vibrancy and renewal. Visit Peace Memorial Park, a moving tribute to the victims of the atomic bomb in 1945, and view the preserved Atomic Bomb Dome. The region also offers natural beauty and culinary treasures.
Don’t miss one of Japan’s most popular sites, the Itsukushima Shrine — a Shinto shrine on the island of Itsukushima, best known for its “floating” torii, or local specialties like fresh oysters and momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped sweet cakes).
Pick Your Experience excursions will be available closer to travel.
Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard Azamara Pursuit®
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Tuesday, April 18, 2028 | Kitakyushu — Pick Your Experience
Spring in Kitakyushu is spectacular, with cherry blossoms, wisteria and azaleas in full bloom. The city effortlessly blends ancient architecture, lush nature and striking modern design, offering unique and beautiful sightseeing opportunities.
Pick Your Experience excursions will be available closer to travel. Possible excursions may range from strolling through serene gardens to a city tour highlighting the symbolic Kokura Castle.
Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard Azamara Pursuit®
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Wednesday, April 19, 2028 | Sasebo — Pick Your Experience
Day 9: Thursday, April 20, 2028 | Busan — Pick Your Experience
Welcome to Busan, South Korea’s coastal gem known for glistening beaches, rugged mountains and lively urban districts. Dating back almost 2,000 years, Busan has a rich cultural history and was one of two cities that remained in South Korea’s control during the Korean War. Explore the ancient Beomeosa Temple, take in the panoramic views from Busan Tower or wander through colorful markets. Taste local favorites such as dong-nae pajeon (a seafood and green onion pancake) or ssiat hotteok (sugar-filled, seeded griddle cake).
Pick Your Experience excursions will be available closer to travel. Possible excursions may range from cultural city tours to visiting ancient temples.
Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard Azamara Pursuit®
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Friday, April 21, 2028 | Sakaiminato — Pick Your Experience
Day 11: Saturday, April 22, 2028 | Kanazawa — Pick Your Experience
Kanazawa, translated to “marsh of gold,” enchants visitors with its preserved Nagamachi Samurai District, geisha culture and Edo-period gardens, earning it the nickname “City of Gardens.” The region is also Japan’s center of gold-leaf production, crafting 99% of the nation’s supply. Gold leaf is real gold beaten into an extremely thin, almost weightless sheet and used to decorate national treasures and cultural properties.
Pick Your Experience excursions will be available closer to travel. Possible excursions may range from strolling through beautiful Japanese gardens to meeting a geisha and experiencing the samurai lifestyle.
Accommodations: Stateroom Onboard Azamara Pursuit®
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Sunday, April 23, 2028 | Niigata — Pick Your Experience
Day 13: Monday, April 24, 2028 | Akita — Pick Your Experience
Day 14: Tuesday, April 25, 2028 | Aomori — Pick Your Experience
Day 15: Wednesday, April 26, 2028 | Cruising (Day at Sea)
Day 16: Thursday, April 27, 2028 | Hakone and Mt. Fuji Excursion
Day 17: Friday, April 28, 2028 | Adventure Ends
Points for Travel
Any combination of permitted points and cash or credit card may be used towards a Hosted Trip vacation.
- HGVClub Members, Members of The Club, Embarc and Extraordinary Escapes Members, click here to learn more.
- Bluegreen Vacation Club Members, click here to learn more.
Trip Cost
From $15,983.77/£11,815 per person, based on double occupancy
- Veranda from $20,150.12/£14,895
- Oceanview from $18,996.52/£14,040
- Interior from $15,983.77/£11,815
Book by March 26, 2027, to secure your spot.
Single, triple and quadruple accommodations may be available upon request; call for special pricing.
Call To Book Your Hosted Trip
US/Canada: 800-579-6178
International: +44 1524 386423
Our hours of operation are Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. ET.
Terms and Conditions
HOSTED TRIPS POINTS FOR TRAVEL: Reservations must be booked by March 26, 2027. Nonrefundable, nontransferable deposit of $2,500/£1,850 per person is due at the time of booking. Final payment due by September 24, 2027. Any combination of permitted points and cash or credit card is an applicable form of payment towards a Hosted Trip vacation. Point values applied under this benefit are subject to change and may vary based on tier level. All trips are subject to availability and will be conducted in English. All participants are required to sign the General Activity Release and Indemnification Agreement acknowledgement and to complete the Azamara Cruises E-Documentation online process. Price is per person based on double occupancy, cruise and land tour only, for select sailing date and stateroom category. Fares shown are in U.S. dollars and British pounds for new reservations only and are subject to availability. Prices, additional fees, itineraries and availability are subject to change without notice. Certain terms, conditions and restrictions may apply. Please call us at 800-579-6178 or +44 1524 386423 for additional information.
Hosted Trip package includes all Azamara Cruises inclusions plus these additional inclusions: all meals aboard ship; one ticket per paying passenger for included excursions as noted in itinerary which may require an extra waiver to participate and have other restrictions/qualifications based on height, age and weight; Farewell Cocktail Reception aboard ship for first and second guests in cabin; on-tour motor coach transportation; gratuities for Azamara Cruises representative, tour guides, drivers and cruise stateroom and main dining staff; port and security fees and taxes; airport transfers; and Beer, Wine, and Spirits for first and second guest in cabin. Osaka arrival transfers are included on the tour start date of April 12, 2028, and Tokyo departure transfers are included on the tour end date of April 28, 2028, provided that Guest arrival and departure flight or alternative travel details are received at least 90 days for domestic travelers and 120 days prior for international travelers before tour commencement. Not included: airfare; airline baggage fees; airport or departure taxes; travel insurance; car rental; gratuities for hotel housekeepers; alcohol, beverages and food outside the contracted Azamara Cruises or shore excursion menu as presented at a dining venue; optional excursions; and all other items of a personal nature.
Tour itinerary activities in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions. The highest elevation point for this tour is 2,527 ft (770m). It is recommended to dress conservatively, with clothes that cover your knees and shoulders, and remove your shoes before entering a shrine or temple. Alcoholic beverages are only available to travelers who are 18 years or older. Hotels may differ from those listed by the tour provider, but the accommodations selected are of equivalent standard. Your hotels will be available in your final documents approximately 2–3 weeks prior to departure. No compensation is provided for alternative hotel stays not listed in the tour provider’s documentation.
A passport valid for six months past the end date of this trip is required for all Guests. All visitors to Japan must provide fingerprints and have their photo taken upon arrival. Entry requirements may vary for passport holders from other countries. Entry visas for other nationalities may be required. Visa requirements are subject to change at any time. International visitor entry requirements are subject to change at any time. In addition to passport and visa requirements, some countries may have additional requirements. It is the responsibility of the traveler to obtain and pay for all required entry documents prior to travel. Some prescription drugs are illegal in Japan, even if you have a prescription from the United States. U.S. prescriptions are not honored in Japan. Some prescription drugs are illegal in South Korea and others require pre-approval from the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. U.S. citizens, please refer to the travel.state.gov website for additional information, and non-U.S. citizens, please refer to your country's authority. Any requirements imposed by countries visited or travelled through are the responsibility of each traveler, and Great Vacation Destinations, Inc. cannot be held responsible for failure to comply or qualify for entry.
PICK YOUR EXPERIENCE: One excursion per person unless otherwise noted. No refunds on unused excursion(s). At least one excursion choice will be included at no additional cost, some excursion choices will be available with a surcharge beginning at $50. Excursion choices will vary based on the tour and specific excursion details will be available 60–90 days prior to the tour departure date. Tour providers may require an extra waiver to participate and have other restrictions/qualifications (“Qualifications”) based on height, age and weight. Failure to meet applicable Qualifications may result in ineligibility for this offer with no credit or refund issued. Visiting and participating in excursions in this region may be subject to favorable weather conditions. Inclement weather and/or other factors beyond the control of the tour operator may result in excursion cancellation such that this benefit will be lost and not substituted or replaced and no credit or refund will be issued.
AZAMARA: This is a Azamara provided tour being sold by Great Vacation Destinations, Inc. Please visit Azamara’s website for full terms and conditions.
GREAT VACATION DESTINATIONS, INC. (GVD) is a full-service travel agency that is a Seller of Travel providing vacations to Hilton Grand Vacations Members and Guests located at 6355 Metrowest Blvd., Suite 180, Orlando, Florida 32835. GVD is a licensed Seller of Travel in Washington registration no. 602-283-711; Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST37755; ARC registration no. 15-72225-4; and California registration no. CST# 2068362-50 (registration as a Seller of Travel does not constitute approval by the State of California). Void where prohibited or restricted by law and/or where state registration requirements have not been met.
