Limited to just 20 people, the tour has been timed to coincide with the ‘Spring Geiko Dances’ when all of the Kyoto Geisha and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) gather together to perform the time honoured ‘Miyako Odori’ (Cherry Blossom Dances).

The dances are just two components in a program which has been structured to fully immerse participants in the country’s unique culture with a comfortably paced itinerary designed to include many of the sights that so differentiate Japan from other destinations.

These include a Tokyo city tour, a full-day tour of Mount Fuji and Hakone, Takayama, Kanazawa and historical Kyoto, the venue for a night time cherry blossom tour.

A highlight of the tour includes a traditional Japanese style farm in Saitama where tour participants get to prepare their own country style lunches before taking part in a traditional ‘Ohanami’ (cherry blossom viewing).

Cultural activities en route include making traditional sweets using gold leaf, a visit to a Sake brewery, calligraphy lessons and a tea ceremony and the opportunity to sample prime ‘Wagyu’ beef unique to the Takayama region.

The program also includes an overnight stay in a traditional Ryokan Inn and hot spring baths, and dinner at a traditional restaurant complete with a ‘Maiko’ dance and music performance.

Departure date: 27 March 2009

URL: www.traveljapan.com.au/