Two weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto: Sakura itinerary

Spring is one of the most popular seasons to visit Japan, and for good reason. Pink cherry blossoms light up the city, symbolizing new life. But planning a trip that’s both efficient and stress-free can be daunting.

That’s why we created a two-week itinerary of Tokyo and Kyoto with accommodations in the most elegant neighborhoods: Shiba, the quiet area next to Tokyo Tower; Gion, the heart of Kyoto; and Ginza, Tokyo’s elegant shopping district. With one branch each, The Celestine Hotels is the ideal place to spend the most comfortable and sophisticated cherry blossom season.

Read on for a detailed daily schedule and how to best spend your two-week trip from Tokyo to Kyoto and back.

A grand welcome in Tokyo (Days 1-4)

During your first few days in Japan, we recommend you relax and visit some of the famous cherry blossom spots. During cherry blossom season, the city’s blossoming parks are packed with people, so it’s crucial to stay somewhere quiet and centrally located, such as a relaxing, convenient base like Hotel The Celestine Shiba. Its predecessor was the residence of the Shimadzu family who ruled the Satsuma Domain (now Kagoshima Prefecture) during the Edo period.

Day 1: Arrival and relax

Upon arrival in the capital, check into The Celestine Shiba Hotel. Relax with a cup of coffee in the guest lounge and terrace – much needed after a long flight. If you arrive before 3pm (check-in time), please leave your luggage at the front desk before departure.

The hotel is in close proximity to Tokyo Tower, Shiba Park and Zojoji Temple, all must-see attractions for first-time visitors. You can also see the cherry blossom trees in bloom around Shiba Park and Zojoji Temple, which beautifully complement the view from the tower. After you’re done shopping, head to the nearby shopping mall Azabudai Hills (itself a photo-worthy architectural marvel) for dinner and dessert.

Day 2: Imperial Palace Sakura Wonderland

Start your day with a quick workout in the hotel’s gym, which faces the tree-lined 14th-floor terrace. Then, enjoy breakfast at Celestine Dining La Prouse Tokyo, a luxurious restaurant on the first floor.

Heading to the Royal Palace and strolling through the historical beauty is perfect. In particular, the Chidorigafuchi moat is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The walk around the moat is lined with hundreds of pale pink trees, creating an ethereal scene. You can also rent a rowing boat to enjoy the view from the water, but keep in mind that competition for reservations is fierce.

Day 3: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Haven’t seen enough cherry blossoms yet? Then head to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Tokyo. The park combines three different garden styles – a traditional Japanese garden, an English landscape garden and a French formal garden – to create a lush paradise in the heart of the city’s busiest area.

The surrounding area is equally lively, with large shopping malls, numerous alleys offering delicious food, and Hanazono Shrine, famous for its annual Tori Noichi Market.

Day 4: Art and Flowers in Ueno

A perfect day in Ueno starts with a visit to one of the area’s world-class museums: the Tokyo National Museum, where you can delve into Japan’s rich history and art, or the National Museum of Western Art, a UNESCO World Heritage building showcasing European masterpieces.

In the afternoon, you can take a stroll under Ueno Park’s stunning canopy of cherry blossoms, or even wait until evening to see the trees illuminated with a pink glow. For dinner, the area has a variety of historic restaurants.

Back at the hotel, you can relax at Spa Amustas, a relaxing spa with a “Japanese comfort” concept that enchants guests with the calming scent of Kagoshima tea. The next day we packed our bags and headed to Kyoto.

Hotel Celestine Kyoto Gion

Explore the timeless charm of Kyoto (Days 5-10)

There’s a reason Kyoto is one of Japan’s most visited cities, especially during cherry blossom season; the city’s historic temples and shrines are shrouded in pink mist, and many cafes and restaurants offer cherry blossom-themed cuisine. Please be aware of your surroundings as large crowds may occur at popular attractions.

Day 5: Depart for Kyoto

Before checking out, take advantage of Celestine’s convenient luggage service: you can store some of your luggage at the hotel, making your bullet train trip to Kyoto even easier and more comfortable. After arriving in Japan’s ancient capital, head to Hotel Celestine Kyoto Gion, located in the heart of traditional Kyoto. The hotel has been awarded the Michelin Key Award in 2024 and 2025, a distinction awarded to properties that offer an exceptional stay, recognized for their character, charm and unique experiences.

Day 6: Arashiyama Cherry Blossoms

Although Arashiyama is famous for its stunning bamboo forests, not everyone knows that this lush mountainous area is also a stunning cherry blossom viewing destination. By April, the hillsides around the historic Togetsuki Bridge are covered with hundreds of cherry blossom trees.

After visiting Arashiyama’s iconic attractions, return to your hotel and check out he did ita gorgeous restaurant specializing in Tempura Made with the best ingredients of the season, each piece is fried to a crisp.

Day 7: Philosopher’s Path and Nanzenji Aqueduct

The next day, set out as early as possible to capture the cherry blossom branches blowing in the wind on the Philosophical Road. This scenic canal walk is lined with hundreds of cherry blossom trees, which transform into a lovely pink tunnel in early April. The entire trail can take anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour, depending on your speed.

At either end are two beautiful temples: Ginkakuji and Nanzenji, the latter a magnificent temple complex famous for its Roman-style brick aqueduct. During cherry blossom season, we recommend Nanzenji: it’s more spacious than most viewing spots, making for a relatively peaceful experience.

Relax at the end of the day Hotel Celestine Kyoto GionRelaxing large bath, Then enjoy a nightcap in the guest lounge, which transforms into the exclusive Omi Sakae Bar after dark.

bridge test

Day 8: One-day trip to Uji

Spend a full day exploring Uji, a small city south of Kyoto known for its excellent matcha and green tea. Visit Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featured on the 10 yen coin.

If you have more time or energy, take a train to Japan’s ancient capital of Nara and be greeted by deer and the massive bronze Buddha statue at Todaiji Temple.

Days 9-10: Kyoto’s hidden gems

After several days of packing go sightseeingslow down and visit some of the city’s lesser-known attractions. Spend the morning exploring the charming streets Gion, Under the guidance of the hotel concierge travel. The Gion and Higashiyama walking tour starts at 10:00 am and lasts 90 minutes, making it perfect for first-time visitors. Knowledgeable guides will take you not only to the area’s famous attractions, such as Nianninzaka and Yasaka Tower, but also to fascinating hidden spots, such as Anji Lane, a gathering place for local artists and craftsmen.

Especially during cherry blossom season, there are many relatively secluded spots to enjoy: Haratani Garden, filled with weeping cherry blossoms; Sotada Shrine, with its cherry blossom tunnel; and Shohoji Temple, famous for its plum blossoms and rock gardens. In the evening, prepare to return to Tokyo early the next morning.

Return to Tokyo: Shopping and Glamor (Days 11-14)

For the last part of your trip, relax – now that you’ve seen a lot of sights, shop and dine to your heart’s content. Hotel Celestine Ginza is ideally located in Ginza, Tokyo’s premier shopping district. The area is the epitome of Tokyo elegance, known for its flagship luxury stores, historic restaurants and theaters, and large department stores.

Day 11: Arrival in Ginza and retail therapy

After picking up your stored luggage from Hotel Celestine Ginza, go to Hotel Celestine Ginza, which is only a 10-minute taxi ride away. Spend the afternoon going to cafes and shopping; we recommend trying a historic Kissaten such as the Ginza Tricolore or the Flor de Café, frequented by John Lennon and Yoko Ono.

For shopping, head to Komatsu Ginza, home to Uniqlo’s flagship store, or explore the area’s countless strip malls and luxury stores. You can also consider looking for designer bags at some second-hand luxury goods dealers.

End the day in the hotel’s chic restaurant, Ginza Casita, known for its excellent service and contemporary cuisine, then enjoy a nightcap in the hotel’s stylish bar, overlooking the city lights.

Asakusa Nakamisetsu

Day 12-13: Gift shopping and free time

During your last two days, you may want to hunt for souvenirs or do some relaxing sightseeing. Explore trendy, boutique-lined neighborhoods like Daikanyama or Aoyama for stylish and practical gifts, from stationery and cosmetics to home décor.

You might also consider heading to Asakusa Nakamise Street to try some local delicacies and street food, and then head to Aptobashi Kitchen Town to buy some high-quality ceramics and knives.

Day 14: Departure

With easy access to Haneda Airport, Hotel Celestine Ginza will put your trip on a smooth note – a relaxing end to your Tokyo-Kyoto adventure.

More information

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