Two Countries, One Incredible Journey: From Japan’s Sakura Season to South Korea’s City Energy

8th April 2026

A second group of our guests recently followed the same journey, but their experience felt just as fresh, exciting, and unforgettable. Starting in Tokyo, they arrived right in the middle of cherry blossom season, and the timing could not have been better. The city was alive with colour, from peaceful shrines like Meiji Shrine to the bright lights and energy of Shibuya Crossing.

The highlight in Tokyo was easily the sakura. Walking along Chidorigafuchi, surrounded by soft pink blooms, felt like something out of a movie. And just when it seemed like it couldn’t get any better, the group witnessed the rare “tree ice” phenomenon, a natural occurrence that happens only once every few years. It added a completely unexpected and magical twist to the trip.

Moving beyond Tokyo, the journey opened up into Japan’s scenic heart. Clear views of Mount Fuji gave everyone that classic postcard moment, while the quieter charm of Takayama and the traditional beauty of Shirakawa-go offered a slower, more cultural experience. In Kyoto, the group explored iconic landmarks like Kinkaku-ji and walked through the famous bamboo groves, taking in the calm and history that define the city.

The tour continued through Osaka, full of energy, great food, and lively streets, before a visit to Hiroshima added a meaningful and reflective moment to the journey.

For many in the group, the adventure didn’t stop there. They chose to continue on to South Korea, adding a completely different layer to the experience. In Seoul, they explored everything from the ultra-modern Lotte World Tower to traditional areas like Bukchon Hanok Village. The contrast between old and new made the city especially exciting to explore.

A visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone offered insight into the country’s history, while the high-speed journey to Busan brought a change of pace with coastal views, vibrant markets, and cultural landmarks like Haedong Yonggungsa.

Even though the itinerary was the same, this group’s journey had its own rhythm, its own stories, and its own unforgettable moments. From cherry blossoms and rare natural sights to cultural discoveries and modern cities, it was a trip that delivered on every level.

We really enjoyed the trip to Japan. Here is my feedback:

The tour guide, KYO, was excellent – a genuinely nice person, with a great sense of humor, very knowledgeable, and an all-round great tour guide. The coach was always very clean and tidy. I liked that they did not allow people to bring in ice creams and things that would make a mess.

The food choices were excellent. We tried so many different cuisines and especially loved having the opportunity to try some delicious Japanese food. This may not have been easy to navigate had we been traveling independently, as we would not have been able to communicate that we only eat vegetarian food, due to language barriers. So, that was a true bonus!

The hotels were all clean, and a few were really excellent. All the hotel breakfast offerings were amazing. A great selection!

Although I am not particularly interested in shopping, those who wanted to shop felt they did not have enough time to really shop. It requires longer than a few hours, as the language barriers alone take time to work through.

The highlights for me were the Tea Ceremony, dressing in a Kimono, Mount Fuji, and the Bullet Train to Hiroshima.

All in all, it was a great trip. I think we missed the peak of the Cherry Blossoms by about a week, but we still managed to see plenty.

Thank you for organizing a great trip.

Kusum Acharya & Sulochana (Sudha) Acharya