10-Day Charm of Japan Autumn Tour

On the first day of your tour, you will arrive in the vibrant capital, Tokyo. With a private transfer to your hotel, you can have a nice rest after checking in and get ready for tomorrow's Japan fall foliage itinerary.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Tokyo

In the morning, enjoy a Meiji Jingu Shrine tour to experience autumn in Japan. Walk in the path in the vast forests to a display of sake barrels. Then, you can pray at the main shrine and buy an omikuji (fortune). There will be a Japanese wedding procession at times. At Meiji Jingu Gaien, you can see a 300-meter-long Icho Namiki Avenue (Ginkgo Avenue) become fantastic golden in autumn.

Next, travel to Shinjuku Gyoen, where you can marvel at the Chrysanthemum Exhibition and catch the vivid colors of maple, zelkova, and ginkgo trees. Stepping into the iconic Kaminarimon Gate, you can check out the wide variety of stores along Nakamise-dori Street. Then you will explore Sensoji Temple (Asakusa Kannon Temple). The red and orange autumn foliage creates a captivating backdrop.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

Today is all about the beauty of Mt.Fuji. You will start the day with a drive to Oshino Hakkai, which becomes a gorgeous wonderland in autumn with amazing views of Mt. Fuji. Then venture to Arakurayama Sengen Park, a famous spot to overlook the crimson pagoda, towering Mt. Fuji, and vividly hued leaves.

Travel to Lake Kawaguchi planted about 400-500 maple trees. Dozens of trees create a colorful Maple Corridor, and you can take a leisurely stroll. Vibrant hues of the leaves and Mt. Fuji reflect on the calm lake. You might take part in the autumn leaves festival from late October to mid-November.

Take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway up to an observation deck, where you can enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Fuji and the lake below. After today's tour, go back to the hotel in Tokyo.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

Today, you can enjoy a relaxing morning by exploring Tokyo at your own pace. Have a cup of coffee and taste delicious snacks at a local cafe. Stroll around a garden or park. Shop to the fullest at buzzing Shibuya or Ginza.

In the afternoon, travel by Shinkansen bullet train to Kanazawa. After arriving, you will head to the hotel on your own.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Kanazawa

After breakfast, you will travel to Shirakawa-go village in Gifu Prefecture, which is surrounded by colored mountainsides and gradient autumn leaves. Shirakawa-go village is famous for its unique, well-preserved Gassho-style houses. The steep thatched roofs look like praying hands. Some of them are more than 250 years old.

From the Shirakawa-go Observation Deck, you can get a broad view of Shirakawa-go. Visit Gasshozukuri Minkaen Outdoor Museum to explore a display of 26 buildings and learn more history and culture of Shirakawa-go.

After visiting, you will return to Kanazawa. You can explore more for the remainder of the day.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Kanazawa

Today, enjoy a private guided tour of Kenrokuen Garden. You can stroll around the spacious garden and admire impressive landscapes adorned with vibrant autumn leaves. Explore a teahouse and enjoy traditional Japanese sweets.

Walk to the nearby 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art to see artworks created by famous contemporary artists. Travel to Kanazawa Castle Park, where you can appreciate breathtaking views of fall colors and the massive castle.

After the tour, you can return to the hotel for rest or continue discovering by yourself.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Kanazawa

In the morning, you have a bit of time on your own. You can relax or explore the surroundings. Later, you will board a train to Kyoto at Kanazawa Station by yourself, but you need to change trains at Tsuruga Station. After getting off the train, head to the hotel in Kyoto.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Kyoto

In the morning, embark on a tour of Fushimi Inari Shrine, which boasts a striking path of thousands of torii gates. After exploring the main shrine, you can wander through the thousands of red torii gates winding up toward Mt. Inari. At the mountain summit, you will enjoy the breathtaking views of all of Kyoto City. For lunch, you will enjoy Kaiseki, a Japanese multi-course dining experience, and savor local, seasonal ingredients.

After lunch, continue today's tour to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where you can take in the best Kyoto autumn leaves. Take photos of the iconic wooden stage and three-storey pagoda in the fall. Take a walking tour along the sloping roads of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Visit various souvenir shops, craft shops, and historic Japanese-style buildings along your way.

Travel to Gion and explore geisha culture. Explore Hanamikoji Street to immerse yourself in the essence of Kyoto's traditions and culture. You may encounter exquisite geishas in kimonos and makeup. Conclude your day with an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. You can experience matcha-making dressed in traditional kimonos and then drink the tea with Japanese sweets.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto

Arashiyama is a tranquil place for an autumn leaves hunting tour outside Kyoto. You will appreciate the spectacular views of attractive foliage and valleys from the Sagano Romantic Train.

Get off the train to find a peaceful area at Bamboo Grove. Travel to two temples in Arashiyama: Jojakkoji Temple and Tenryuji Temple, which provide incredibly brilliant colors of red, yellow, and orange.

Standing on the famous Togetsukyo Bridge, you can get a great view of the surrounding colorful mountains. Hop on a boat on the river and enjoy a different view of the autumn leaves.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto

Your Japan fall foliage tour comes to an end this morning. After breakfast, you need to pack your suitcase and transfer to the airport for the departure flight.

Meals: B
Accommodation: N/A