14-Day Autumn in Japan Tour

Welcome to Tokyo, the charming capital of Japan. Today, you will arrive at Narita or Haneda Airport and meet your private tour guide and driver, who will help you transfer to your hotel and check in. Have a nice rest for the following Japan fall foliage itinerary.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Tokyo

After breakfast, you will enjoy Japan fall colors at Shinjuku Gyoen. Taking a walk in gardens of different styles (Japanese Landscape Garden, English Landscape Garden, and French Garden), you will appreciate Japanese and Western aesthetics. Fiery foliage in autumn is perfect for photography. You will have an opportunity to enjoy a Chrysanthemum Flower Exhibition in November.

In the afternoon, you are free to explore Tokyo or rest at the hotel.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

Today, you will head to Rikugien Garden, a traditional garden inspired by waka poetry. You can stroll through the trails and appreciate the man-made hills and colorful forests. Enter a teahouse, like the Tsutsuji Chaya tea house, by the lake for rest and tea. The night lights illuminate the lake and autumn leaves in the garden, creating another beautiful scene.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

Today, you will transfer to Nikko, which is known for its picturesque beauty and World Heritage sites.

Your first stop is Omiya Bonsai Village, where you can visit outstanding bonsai nurseries and appreciate bonsai art. Continue to Omiya Bonsai Art Museum, where you can supplement your knowledge about bonsai art and visit ancient bonsai displays. Then, wander along Cryptomeria Avenue, lined with thousands of ancient Japanese cedar trees on both sides.

Travel to Nikko Kanaya Hotel History House, built for samurai warriors. You can appreciate the architecture of the late samurai residence. Tonight, you will stay overnight at Nikko Kanaya Hotel. Nikko Kanaya Hotel is also the oldest Western-style resort hotel in Japan, with a unique historical atmosphere. Enjoy your dinner at the hotel.

Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Nikko Kanaya Hotel

After breakfast, walk to nearby Nikko Toshogu, a shrine honoring Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. Pause to admire the attractive five-story pagoda with the intricate carvings of animals. Continue visiting other magnificent structures and meaningful carvings, such as Yomeimon Gaten and the main shrine building.

Make your way to the Shinkyo Bridge, leading to Nikko's shrines. The vermilion-lacquered bridge spans the Otani River. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere and take beautiful pictures of the Shinkyo Bridge and the surrounding vibrant autumn foliage.

In the afternoon, you will visit a group of historical buildings and stunning gardens at Nikko Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park. Explore Japanese imperial culture with your guide's explanation and appreciate the fiery colors of maple leaves.

For the remaining time, you can freely arrange on your own to explore more.

Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Nikko Kanaya Hotel

After breakfast, you will take a Shinkansen train to Kanazawa. Along the way, take in the colorful trees and scenery passing by outside the train window.

After arriving at Kanazawa, you will visit Nomura Samurai Residence. Delight in the serenity of strolling in the tranquil garden or sitting in the tea room for matcha tea. Discover some historic samurai swords and heirloom antiques.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Kanazawa

In the morning, you will travel to Kenrokuen Garden. You can enjoy fiery, yellow fall colors everywhere in the garden. The Kotojitoro Lantern is a unique spot in the garden. Walk just a few steps to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, where you can appreciate artistic works such as paintings, calligraphy, and photography.

Then, you will explore Kanazawa Castle Park, the former residence of the Maeda family. Visit the castle's architecture with your private guide and trace its long history. Explore the interior of the castle and enjoy the spectacular views from upstairs.

After the tour, return to the hotel to rest. You can relax freely for the rest of the day.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Kanazawa

Today, we will venture deep into the Japanese Alps and explore Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can visit the famous Gassho-style house, which is famous for its steep thatched roofs. Step into the house and get to know the local people's lives. Head to the observation deck located at a high place and enjoy the autumn scenery of the village.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Shirakawa-go

After breakfast, you will transfer to Kyoto by Shinkansen. After arriving, travel to a UNESCO World Heritage site, Nijo Castle. The gorgeous castle is adorned with autumn hues of red, orange, and yellow. Walking on the nightingale floors at the Ninomaru Palace, you will hear a squeaking sound.

After dinner, you will experience Japanese unique culture, including a geisha/maiko performance and Shamisen (a kind of traditional Japanese musical instrument)

Meals: B
Accommodation: Kyoto

Start your day at Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji Temple). The autumn leaves set off the elegant temple. Stroll around the grounds and admire the plain temple buildings and exquisite gardens.

Continue to Hakusasonso, the former home and studio of Kansetsu Hashimoto (Nihonga artist). It is now both a garden and a museum. You will learn about Japanese culture and experience a tea ceremony. Stroll in the Japanese-style garden to explore the natural beauty. Head to the Hashimoto Kansetsu Museum, which collects the works of Hashimoto Kansetsu.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto

In the morning, you will head to Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). The exterior of the Kinkaku-ji Temple is covered with gold foil and sparkles in the sunlight. The crystal-clear pool in front of the temple reflects the striking Kinkaku-ji Temple and the beautiful autumn leaves around it.

In the afternoon, travel to Ryoanji Temple, which is famous for its rock garden. Explore the purpose behind the carefully arranged fifteen stones with moss.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Kyoto

This morning, you will travel to Nagoya Castle and discover the classic architecture and ornate decorations. Explore the renovated Honmaru Goten and praise the superb craftsmanship and the exquisite artworks.

Make your way to Nabana no Sato Flower Park and enjoy stunning views of autumn hues and late-blooming flowers, including cosmos, dahlias, and roses. Stand on the Fuji Island observatory for a 360-degree panorama of the park. At night, enjoy a visual feast at the impressive show of light with a 200-meter illuminated tunnel.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Nagoya

In the morning, you will take the Shinkansen to Tokyo and pass by Mount Fuji. After arriving, you will check into your hotel and have a break. For the remainder of the day, you will have some free time at your disposal.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

You will enjoy some leisure time in Tokyo in the morning. Visit the places you missed earlier before ending your autumn trip to Japan. You can hang out at the Ginza shopping district, Hibiya Park, or other shrines and temples. Late check-out service is included today.

In the evening, you will head to Haneda Airport and take a night departure flight.

Meals: B
Accommodation: on your flight