Spring is one of the most popular times to visit Japan, and for good reason; pink cherry blossoms brighten cities and symbolize renewal. But planning an itinerary that’s both efficient and relaxing can be daunting.
That’s why we’ve come up with a two-week itinerary across Tokyo and Kyoto, complete with stays in the most elegant neighborhoods: Shiba, a peaceful area by Tokyo Tower; Gion, the atmospheric heart of Kyoto; and Ginza, Tokyo’s elegant shopping district. With a branch in each, The Celestine Hotels offer the ideal base for the most comfortable and sophisticated sakura season.
Read on for a detailed day-by-day schedule, and discover how to best spend your two-week roundtrip from Tokyo to Kyoto.
A Blossoming Welcome in Tokyo (Days 1-4)
For your first few days in Japan, we recommend taking it easy and checking out some famed cherry blossom spots. During peak sakura season, the city’s blossoming parks can see enormous crowds, so it’s crucial to stay somewhere peaceful yet central, such as a relaxing, convenient home base like Hotel The Celestine Shiba. It was formerly the Edo-period residence of the Shimazu family, who ruled the Satsuma domain in what is now Kagoshima Prefecture.
Day 1: Arrival and Relaxation
Upon landing in the capital, start by checking into Hotel The Celestine Shiba. Take a moment to decompress with a cup of coffee at the Guest Lounge & Patio — much needed after a long plane ride. If you arrive before 3 p.m. (check-in time), feel free to leave your luggage at the front desk before heading out.
The hotel is located in close proximity to Tokyo Tower, Shiba Park and Zojoji Temple, which are all must-see sights for first-time visitors. You’ll also be able to spot cherry blossom trees around Shiba Park and Zojoji, beautifully framing views of the tower. After walking around, you can head to the nearby shopping complex Azabudai Hills — itself an architectural marvel to photograph — for dinner and dessert.
Day 2: A Sakura Wonderland at the Imperial Palace
Start your second day right with a quick work-out at the hotel’s gym, facing the greenery-framed 14th floor patio. Then, grab breakfast at the luxurious 1st-floor restaurant, Celestine Dining La Prouse Tokyo.
Venture to the Imperial Palace, perfect for a stroll amidst historic beauty. The Chidorigafuchi Moat, in particular, is a famed cherry blossom viewing spot; lined with hundreds of pale-pink trees, the walkway that surrounds the moat offers an ethereal sight. You can also rent a rowboat to admire the views from the water, but keep in mind that reservations can be quite competitive to secure.
Day 3: Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Still haven’t had enough of the cherry blossoms? Then head to Shinjuku Gyoen, one of Tokyo’s most popular sakura-viewing spots. The park blends three distinct garden styles — traditional Japanese, English Landscape and French Formal — creating a lush escape in the heart of the city’s most bustling area.
The surrounding area is just as lively with major shopping centers, plenty of alleys with great food options and Hanazono Shrine, known for its annual Tori-no-ichi market.
Day 4: Art and Blooms in Ueno
A perfect day in Ueno begins with a visit to one of the area’s world-class museums: Tokyo National Museum, where you can delve into Japan’s rich history and art, or the National Museum of Western Art, a UNESCO-listed building showcasing European masterpieces.
In the afternoon, you can stroll around beneath Ueno Park’s breathtaking cherry blossom canopies, or even wait until the evening to see the trees lit up in a pink glow. For dinner, the area is home to a variety of long-established eateries.
Back at the hotel, you can unwind at Spa Amustas, a “Japanese Comfort” concept relaxation spa, which beckons guests with a calming scent of Kagoshima tea. Pack your bags to travel to Kyoto the following day.
Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
Discover Kyoto’s Timeless Charm (Days 5-10)
Kyoto is one of the most visited cities in Japan for a reason, especially during cherry blossom season; the city’s historic temples and shrines are shrouded in a haze of pink, and many cafes and restaurants offer cherry blossom-themed treats. Be mindful of your surroundings, as popular sites can see dense crowds.
Day 5: Departure for Kyoto
Before checking out, take advantage of Celestine’s convenient luggage service: you can leave some of your luggage at the hotel, making your bullet train journey to Kyoto lighter and more comfortable. Once you arrive at Japan’s ancient capital, head to Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion, in the heart of traditional Kyoto. The hotel was awarded a consecutive Michelin Key in 2024 and 2025, a distinction reserved for accommodations that deliver an exceptional stay — recognized for their individuality, charm and unique experiences.
Day 6: Arashiyama’s Cherry Blossoms
Although Arashiyama is most well-known for its stunning bamboo forest, not everyone knows that the lush, mountainous area is also a breathtaking cherry blossom viewing spot. Come April, the historic Togetsukyo Bridge is framed by hundreds of cherry trees covering the surrounding mountain slopes.
After wandering around Arashiyama’s iconic sites, head back to the hotel to enjoy a spectacular meal at Yasaka Endo, a gorgeous restaurant specializing in tempura made with the season’s finest ingredients, each piece fried to crisp perfection.
Day 7: Philosopher’s Path and Nanzenji’s Aqueducts
The next day, head out as early as possible to catch the fluttering cherry blossom branches of Philosopher’s Path. This scenic canal walk, lined with hundreds of sakura trees, transforms into a lovely pink tunnel in early April. It can take between 40 minutes to an hour to walk the whole path, depending on your speed.
At either end are two distinctly beautiful temples: Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion) and Nanzenji, a grand temple complex known for its Roman-style brick aqueducts. During cherry blossom season, we recommend Nanzenji: it’s more spacious than most viewing spots, making for a relatively calm experience.
End the day unwinding at Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion’s relaxing large public bath, then enjoy a nightcap in the guest lounge, which transforms into the guests-only Bar Omi Sakae after dark.
Uji Bridge
Day 8: Uji Day Trip
Dedicate a full day to exploring Uji, a small city just south of Kyoto, celebrated for its exceptional matcha and green tea. Visit Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site featured on the 10 yen coin.
If you have more time or energy, take the train to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, to greet the deer and the colossal bronze Great Buddha statue at Todaiji Temple.
Days 9-10: Kyoto’s Hidden Gems
After a few days of packed sight-seeing, slow down the pace to visit some of the city’s lesser-known sites. Spend the morning exploring the charming streets of Gion, with the guidance of the hotel’s Concierge Tours. Starting from 10:00 a.m. and lasting for 90 minutes, the Gion and Higashiyama Walking Tour is perfect for first-time visitors. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through not only the area’s famous sites, such as Ninenzaka and Yasaka Pagoda, but also charming hidden spots, such as Ajiki Alley — a hub of local artists and craftspeople.
During cherry blossom season specifically, there are many relatively hidden spots to admire: Haradani-en, bursting with weeping cherry blossoms; Munetada Shrine, featuring a sakura tunnel; and Shoboji Temple, famed for its plum blossoms and rock garden. In the evening, prepare to return to Tokyo the next morning.
Back to Tokyo: Shopping and Glamour (Days 11-14)
For the final part of your trip, take it easy — enjoy some shopping and dining now that you’ve done plenty of sightseeing. Hotel The Celestine Ginza is perfectly positioned in Tokyo’s premier shopping district, Ginza. The area is the epitome of Tokyo’s elegance, known for its flagship luxury stores, historic eateries and theaters and huge department stores.
Day 11: Ginza Arrival and Retail Therapy
After retrieving your stored luggage from Hotel The Celestine Shiba, head to Hotel The Celestine Ginza, which is only a 10 minute cab ride away. Spend the afternoon cafe-hopping and shopping; we recommend trying long-established kissaten like Ginza Tricolore, or Flor de Café, which John Lennon and Yoko Ono famously frequented.
For shopping, head to Ginza Komatsu, home to Uniqlo’s flagship store, or explore the myriad high street and luxury stores in the area. Consider also checking out some second-hand luxury dealers to hunt for designer bags.
End the day at the hotel’s chic restaurant Ginza Casita, known for its excellent service and contemporary fare, followed by a nightcap at the hotel’s stylish bar overlooking the city lights.
Nakamise-dori in Asakusa
Days 12-13: Gift Shopping and Free Time
For your last two days, you may want to look for souvenirs, or do some relaxed sightseeing. Explore trendy, boutique-lined neighborhoods like Daikanyama or Aoyama for stylish and practical gifts from stationery and cosmetics to home decor.
You might also consider heading to Asakusa Nakamise-dori to try some local delicacies and street food, then make your way to Kappabashi Kitchen Town for some high-quality ceramics and knives.
Day 14: Departure
With an easy commute to Haneda Airport from Hotel The Celestine Ginza, your journey concludes smoothly — a fittingly effortless end to your Tokyo-Kyoto adventure.
More Information
For more information about The Celestine Hotels, click here.
Book a stay at Hotel The Celestine Shiba.
Book a stay at Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion.
Book a stay at Hotel The Celestine Ginza.
Updated On December 11, 2025
