Spend X days in Japan to see that Cherry Blossom Festival in Kyoto.

Attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is the former capital city of Japan and a wonderful place to see the famous cherry blossoms in Spring.  The last week of March through to the middle of April is the ideal time to see the blossoms, but keep in mind that this can be hard to pinpoint due to natural occurrences such as heavy rain, etc. that could damage blossoms or weather that could make their bloom timing change.

Pack accordingly for the weather, it could be cool or even a bit warm. The lows for April are around 47 F and highs are around 68 F.

Kyoto, Japan

I would recommend staying at the Linq, the Flamingo or MGM Grand. All are close to the action and not terribly pricey. Also, if booking last minute, be sure to check the hotel websites for deals on your stay! You could stay at one of the pricier hotels (Aria/Cosmopolitan) for a week day and then move to another for the weekend as well.

Attractions don't necessarily have to be a specific thing like a museum in Vegas; just wandering through the beautiful hotels is an adventure. I would recommend heading off strip for the day and then returning for dinner and a show/night out.

Hotels I would recommend walking through (all on the strip): Bellagio (check out the conservatory - updated seasonally), MGM Grand (shops in the basement level, fun country bar), Mandalay Bay (shops and exhibits), Luxor (wild building shape and exhibits), Caesars Palace (light and bright interior that is just fantastic to view, shops and wonderful restaurants, the Omnia club), Venetian (gondola rides!).

Some other Attractions I'd recommend (choose a few depending on your interests!):

There is so much good food to taste in Las Vegas; I can't list all the restaurants but here are some of my favorites or options that are very popular, for you to check out!

I would be remiss if I did not include a whole section for bars in Las Vegas. You have my permission to skip this section if you're not into the party vibes, but some of these are just beautiful and fun to grab one drink from! 

Ensure you're ready to travel! Input your travel info in the Sherpa site to get more information. 

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The train ride: The JR Haruka Limited Express takes around 70 minutes to get from Kansai Airport to Kyoto and there are departures every 30 minutes. It is the quickest way and it’s covered by the Japan Rail Pass. 

Japan Rail Pass - Buy In Advance & Travel by Train

The bus ride: 

The easiest way is the Airport Limousine Bus. It takes you directly to JR Kyoto Station and you are bound to get a seat, even in peak hours. At 55 minutes it is marginally quicker than any train combination (59 minutes) and the bus stop is closest to your luggage carousel in the Arrival lounge. Tickets can be purchased from the ticket vending machines. 

Kyoto Sta. | Osaka (Itami) Airport Route | Timetable/Rate | Airport Limousine Bus | Hankyu Kanko Bus

Kansai Airport is where travelers arriving on international flights land. It isn't the airport nearest to Kyoto, though it's an easy 70-minute train ride away. If you're traveling to Kyoto via a domestic flight, Itami Airport will be the closest and most convenient option. 

Attend the Cherry Blossom Festival in Kyoto, Japan

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