2025 Cherry Blossoms Grand Okinawa, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka Shopping

2025 Cherry Blossoms Grand Okinawa, Kyoto, Nara & Osaka Shopping

Enjoy spring blooms and cooler weather perfect for exploring the sights! Cherry blossoms are in bloom in much of Okinawa in February, adding extra beauty to the sights and attractions of the islands. February’s cooler temperatures and low humidity compared to Okinawa’s hot summers make it the perfect month to sightsee and explore.

• 10 Nights / 12 Days
• 18 Meals (10 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 5 Dinners)
• Escorted from Honolulu
• Includes English Speaking Local Guide

TOUR DATE AND MANAGER:

January 31 – February 11, 2025 • Tour Manager: Brenda Fischer

OVERVIEW:

Okinawa is home to a unique culture that differs considerably from that of mainland Japan. Until the islands were invaded by the Satsuma domain (present day Kagoshima Prefecture) in 1609, Okinawa existed as an entirely separate country from Japan, known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. After the invasion, the Ryukyu Kingdom served as a tributary state to Japan, but continued to be governed by the royal family from Shuri Castle. It was not until 1879, a few years after the Meiji Restoration, that the kingdom was abolished and incorporated into Japan as Okinawa Prefecture. The castles of Okinawa, known as “gusuku” in the Okinawan language, are among the most vivid monuments that testify to the unique cultural and historical heritage of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In the year 2000, five castles and four related sites were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites under the collective title of “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu.”

VISIT:

Itoman • Onna • Kitanakagusuku • Nago • Manza • Motobu • Nakijin • Nanjo • Kyoto • Nara • Osaka

OKINAWA HIGHLIGHTS (6 NIGHTS):

“Ryuzen Zome” Coral Dyeing Experience • Shuri Castle • Ryusou Ryukyu Kimono Dress-Up • San-A Main Place • Himeyuri Peace Museum • Okinawa Peace Memorial Park • Mabuni Hill • Ryukyu Mura • AEON MALL Okinawa RYCOM • Awamori (Rice Liquor) Factory Tour • Motobu Yaedake Sakura Festival • Churaumi Aquarium • Nakijin Castle Site • Michi-no-Eki KYODA • Okinawa World • Habu (Snake) Museum • Gyokusendo Stalactite Cave • Glass Factory • Shisa Painting Experience

HOTEL COLLECTIVE (OKINAWA):

Luxurious accommodations right on Kokusai-dori Shopping Street.

KYOTO, NARA & OSAKA HIGHLIGHTS (4 NIGHTS):

Kiyomizu Temple • Nijo Castle • Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) • Wagashi (Japanese Sweets) Making Experience • Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony • Fushimi Inari Shrine • Todaiji Temple • Nara Park • Kuromon Ichiba Market • Dotonbori Shopping • Shinsaibashi Shopping • AEON MALL

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES:

Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu • Kiyomizu Temple • Nijo Castle • Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) • Todaiji Temple