12-Day Japan Autumn Leaves Tour

Welcome to Tokyo, the capital of Japan! Tokyo is a bustling city that combines modern elements and ancient traditions. You will arrive at Haneda or Narita Airport and meet your local guide and driver. After checking in at the hotel, you can explore the surroundings by yourself.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Tokyo

Begin your day with a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine, a Shinto shrine for Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. You can visit the scenic forest and appreciate the beautiful buildings and sake barrels. Make your way to Meiji Jingu Gaien, where you can stroll along brilliant Icho Namiki Avenue (Ginkgo Avenue).

In the afternoon, travel to Shinjuku Gyoen for a breathtaking Chrysanthemum Flower Exhibition. You can admire various beautiful chrysanthemum flowers and the autumn foliage in the garden. If you visit Japan from late October to early November, you will have a chance to participate in the Tokyo Ramen Festa held at Komazawa Olympic Park.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

Spend your morning at Sensoji Temple and take a photo with the grand Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate). You can see your fortune through an omikuji. Take a leisurely stroll through Nakamise-dori Street from store to store. You will be enticed by traditional snacks, unique souvenirs, and handicrafts.

At noon, head to Tsukiji Outer Market for a satisfying meal. You can taste the freshest seafood, fruits, seafood, rice balls, and more street food. In the afternoon, you will head to Rikugien Garden, a historic Japanese garden. The bright red of the maple leaves and the golden yellow of the ginkgo leaves interweave, dyeing the garden with the stunning autumn colors.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

Today, you will drive about 2 hours and visit Mt. Fuji. Oshino Hakkai at the foot of Mt. Fuji offers an idyllic autumn view. From Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine, you can find the best panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and Chureito Pagoda.

Strolling around the lakes of Mt. Fuji, you may have an opportunity to see upside-down Fuji reflecting on the clear and peaceful lakes. Head to Lake Kawaguchi, where you can appreciate gradient red and orange maple leaves at the famous Maple Corridor (Maple Tunnel). In November, you may encounter the Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival. Take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway for a bird's-eye view of Mt. Fuji's autumn hues.

After the tour, you will you will transfer to Hakone and stay overnight at a Japanese ryokan with hot springs.

Meals: B, D
Accommodation: Hakone

In the morning, you will head to Odawara Station for a Shinkansen train to Nagoya (about 1 hour and 20 minutes). And then transfer to Takayama Station by Limited Express Trains. After checking in, you can freely enjoy the rest of the day.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Takayama

This morning, you will travel to Miyagawa Morning Market and savor local fruits, vegetables, and local specialties. You can wander around the town and appreciate the well-preserved traditional houses. Walk across the Nakabashi Bridge and admire the changing of the leaves.

Next, continue to Takayama Matsuri Yatai Kaikan and visit the 11 floats, which are used at the Takayama Festival (October 9 and 10). Make your way to Kusakabe Folk Museum, where you can learn about a collection of folk art and exquisite craftsmanship. Spend some time traveling on Sanmachi Suji. You can explore lots of small museums, sake breweries, galleries, cafes, handicraft stores, and historic buildings.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Takayama

In the morning, you will drive about one hour to Shirakawa-go (Shirakawa Village), one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can appreciate the picture-perfect scenery with beautiful paddy fields in autumn and explore traditional gassho-zukuri (thatched-roof houses). Most of the houses have a history of more than 200 years.

Overlook the entire Shirakawago village and the surrounding mountains decorated with colors at the Shirakawago Observation Deck. Then, you will visit the Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum to discover more distinctive cultural traditions.

Afterwards, continue driving for 1.5 hours to Kanazawa.

Meals: B, L, D
Accommodation: Kanazawa

After breakfast, you will head to the charming Kenroku-en Garden, where you will see vivid colors of zelkovas, cherry, and maple trees. You can also enjoy traditional Japanese snacks and tea at a historic teahouse. Stroll to the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and marvel at daring, imaginative art pieces.

After the tour, your tour guide will take you to Kanazawa Station, and then you will transfer to Kyoto by Shinkansen. After arrival, head to the hotel to rest.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto

Today, spend about one hour heading to Arashiyama for splendid autumn colors. Enjoy a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train, which will bring you to Hozugawa River Valley with beautiful fall foliage. Leisurely stroll through the path of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Travel to Jojakkoji Temple and Tenryuji Temple, where you can admire the awesome maple leaves and the temple's buildings. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere. Walk across the famous Togetsukyo Bridge to capture the colored forested mountain. Relax in the fall colors during the Hozugawa River Cruise.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto

Begin today's journey by exploring Kinkaku-ji Temple. Walk around this golden temple to appreciate its outer layer covered with gold foil and the beautiful reflection on the pond. Wander through the Sembon Torii tunnel at Fushimi Inari Shrine and pause to take photos with the striking red torii gate.

Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple in the fall. Fiery colors of the sea of maple leaves will attract your attention when you stand on the Stage of Kiyomizu. Enjoy the stunning views of the city of Kyoto and the impressive three-storey pagoda.

After the tour, transfer to the hotel in Osaka for rest.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Osaka

In the morning, you will head to Nara and explore Kasuga Taisha Shrine, which is well-known for its thousands of stone lanterns and bronze lanterns. Visit the large statues of Buddha and the wooden building at Todai-ji Temple. Enjoy a walking tour at Nara Park to appreciate autumn colors in the park and have a close encounter with docile deer.

In the afternoon, you will return to Osaka and explore Osaka Castle Park. You can discover the castle tower and the internal museum. Enjoy casual time in the surrounding gardens and admire vibrant displays of autumn leaves.

In the evening, head to Shinsaibashi-suji and Dotonbori, where you will lose yourself in the lively nightlife with tantalizing street food and excellent street performances.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Osaka

This is the end of your 12-day Japan autumn leaves tour itinerary. After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport and fly home. Safe travels!

Meals: B
Accommodation: N/A