Cherry Blossom Buddha and Mt.Yoshino With Strawberry Picking Tour

Springtime in Japan is nothing short of magical, and the "Cherry Blossom Buddha and Mt. Yoshino With Strawberry Picking Tour" promises to whisk you away to a realm of natural wonder. Imagine strolling amidst the delicate pink blossoms adorning the slopes of Mt. Yoshino, a sight that has captivated visitors for centuries. But the true gem of this experience lies in the mystical Tsubosaka Temple, home to the enigmatic "Cherry Blossom Buddha." What secrets does this remarkable statue hold? Prepare to uncover them, all while indulging in the sweetest of treats – fresh, juicy strawberries plucked straight from the vine.

Key Points

• The tour features a visit to Tsubosaka Temple, home to the "Cherry Blossom Buddha," and multiple viewpoints around the cherry blossom-covered Mt. Yoshino.
• Travelers can enjoy a picnic bento lunch amidst the cherry blossoms and participate in a strawberry picking experience.
• The tour is rated 4.5 stars and showcases Japan’s stunning springtime scenery, with a group size limited to 40 for a personalized experience.
• Tour inclusions comprise an English-speaking guide, admission to Tsubosaka Temple, and the boxed bento lunch, but dietary substitutions are not available.
• Potential accessibility limitations and tour cancellation policies due to natural disasters or minimum participant requirements should be considered when planning the tour.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The "Cherry Blossom Buddha and Mt. Yoshino with Strawberry Picking" tour is a captivating spring experience in Osaka, Japan.

With a 4.5-star rating, this seasonal tour immerses you in the beauty of cherry blossoms, the serenity of a Buddhist temple, and the delight of strawberry picking.

Explore multiple viewpoints around Mt. Yoshino, a renowned cherry blossom hotspot.

Visit the Tsubosaka Temple, known for its "Cherry Blossom Buddha."

Savor a boxed bento lunch amidst the pink petals.

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Japan’s springtime wonders, from natural landscapes to cultural highlights – all conveniently accessible from Osaka.

Inclusions and Meeting Details

To start, this tour includes an English-speaking guide, a boxed bento lunch, admission to Tsubosaka Temple, and a strawberry picking experience.

The meeting point is at the Mainichi Newspaper building in Osaka, where you’ll want to arrive 15 minutes early for an 8:30 AM departure. The tour concludes back at the same spot.

The bento lunch features sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, fried food, Japanese rolled omelet, and a seasonal side dish with green tea.

Just keep in mind that dietary substitutions aren’t possible, so you’ll need to opt-out of lunch if you have allergies.

Lunch Details

Picnic Bento Lunch comprises four pieces of Kakinohazushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves), fried food, Japanese rolled omelet, a seasonal side dish, and green tea.

This quintessential Japanese lunchbox offers a delightful sampling of savory and sweet flavors.

The menu includes:

• Kakinohazushi – sushi wrapped in the leaves of the persimmon tree for a unique presentation and flavor.
• Crispy fried delicacies to tantalize the taste buds.
• Fluffy Japanese rolled omelet, a breakfast staple elevated for lunch.
• A seasonal side dish highlighting the freshness of the region.
• Refreshing green tea to cleanse the palate.

Tour Conditions and Important Information

Not everyone may be able to fully enjoy this tour due to certain accessibility limitations.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. However, children are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

The group size is capped at 40 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

And while the tour may be canceled if minimum participants (10) aren’t met 14 days prior, you can get a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours beforehand.

Mother Nature can be fickle, so the tour will be canceled in natural disasters like typhoons, with a full refund.

Travel Considerations and Guidelines

Though the schedule is subject to change, delays due to traffic are possible on this tour.

Once underway, travelers must buckle up and stay seated – seatbelt use is mandatory on the bus. No smoking or standing while in motion is allowed.

It’s also important to keep a close eye on your belongings, as any lost items will be promptly disposed of by staff.

And while the guides do their best, their English proficiency can vary, so they’ll use whiteboards to aid communication when needed.

Just keep these travel tips in mind for a smooth and memorable journey.

Cherry Blossoms at Mt. Yoshino

Mt. Yoshino is a mecca for cherry blossom lovers. Nestled in the Nara Prefecture, this mountain transforms into a breathtaking pink wonderland in spring.

Visitors wander the winding trails, awestruck by the sea of delicate blooms that carpet the landscape. From the iconic Yoshinoyama viewpoint, one can gaze out over a tapestry of cherry trees stretching as far as the eye can see.

The experience is heightened by the temple pagodas and shrines peeking through the floral display. This is the pinnacle of hanami, the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing.

No wonder it’s a cherished highlight of the tour.

Visiting Tsubosaka Temple

Tsubosaka Temple stands as a serene counterpoint to the vibrant cherry blossoms adorning Mt. Yoshino. Visitors are ushered into an atmosphere of tranquility, where the carved wooden Buddha statue commands attention.

The temple boasts:

1. Intricate carvings depicting stories from Buddhist scriptures.
2. A peaceful garden dotted with stone lanterns and a Zen-inspired pond.
3. The opportunity to light incense and offer prayers, immersing oneself in the temple’s spiritual essence.

This sacred site offers a moment of calm reflection, a welcome respite from the stunning natural display unfolding just outside its gates.

Strawberry Picking Experience

After exploring the tranquil temple grounds, the tour takes a delightful turn as participants venture to a nearby strawberry farm. Strawberry picking is a beloved springtime tradition in Japan, and this farm offers a chance to savor the season’s sweetest harvest. As visitors roam the lush rows, they’ll pluck ripe, ruby-red berries, relishing their juicy burst of flavor. The experience evokes a sense of childlike wonder and connects travelers to Japan’s agricultural roots.

Sensory Experience	Emotional Impact
The cool breeze rustling the strawberry leaves	A feeling of pure delight and tranquility
The vibrant red hue of the perfectly ripe berries	A sense of connection to Japan’s pastoral heritage
The sweet, tangy aroma filling the air	A renewed appreciation for the simple pleasures in life
The satisfying crunch as each berry is gently pulled from the vine	A moment of mindfulness and connection with nature

Since You Asked

How Long Is the Entire Tour Duration?

The entire tour duration is not specified in the provided information. However, the tour begins at 8:30 AM and concludes back at the meeting point, so it’s likely a full-day excursion lasting several hours to accommodate the various activities mentioned.

Is There a Discount for Seniors or Children?

The tour doesn’t seem to offer any discounts for seniors or children. The inclusions are the same for all travelers, regardless of age. You’ll need to pay the full price, but the experience might be worth it.

Can the Tour Be Done in Other Seasons Besides Spring?

The tour is only available during spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. It can’t be done in other seasons as the key highlights – seeing the cherry blossoms and strawberry picking – are seasonal activities.

Are There Any Restroom Stops During the Tour?

Yes, the tour includes restroom stops along the way. You’ll have a chance to use the facilities at the temple, farm, and during the bus ride. So you can relax and enjoy the sights without worrying about finding a restroom.

Can I Extend My Stay at Mt. Yoshino After the Tour Ends?

You can’t extend your stay at Mt. Yoshino after the tour ends. The tour has a fixed itinerary and schedule, so once it concludes back at the starting point, there’s no opportunity to linger on your own at the mountain.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a truly exceptional experience, blending the breathtaking beauty of Japan’s spring landscapes with culture and delightful activities. From the serene Cherry Blossom Buddha to the iconic cherry blossoms of Mt. Yoshino, and the delightful strawberry picking, it’s a day filled with unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a nature lover, culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a memorable adventure, this tour won’t disappoint.