8-Day Classic Japan Autumn Tour: Golden Route from Osaka to Tokyo

Welcome to Osaka! Osaka is praised as "the nation's kitchen" with diverse cuisine. During your Japan tour, you will taste many mouth-watering Japanese culinary delights. After arriving at Osaka's Kansai International Airport, you will be welcomed by your local tour guide and driver. Once settled in, you can have a break or explore the surroundings.

Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Osaka

Start your day with a drive to Nara and visit Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Led by a path with hundreds of stone lanterns, you will head to the main shrine area. Then take in Todaiji Temple's autumn and visit a 15-meter-tall Daibutsu statue, which is the world's largest bronze Buddha. Stroll around Nara Park and appreciate the vivid colors of red and yellow. You will encounter free-roaming deer.

In the afternoon, return to Osaka and head to Osaka Castle Park. Look for flaming red Japanese maple and blazing yellow ginkgo. In the evening, make your way to Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori areas, where you can enjoy famous dishes and street performances.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Osaka

In the morning, you will head to Kyoto and explore Fushimi Inari Shrine. Walk through the endless striking red torii gates and continue your adventure to Mt. Inari. Along the way, you will have a chance to discover some beautiful foliage and small shrines. For lunch, you will enjoy Kaiseki Ryori (traditional Japanese meal). Kaiseki Ryori uses seasonal ingredients, such as persimmon, chestnut, or luxurious matsutake mushrooms in autumn.

Make your way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site usually on lists of the best places to enjoy autumn in Japan. From its wooden stage, you will marvel at panoramic views of the changing colors of the leaves and Kyoto city. Next, walk to the streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, where you can feel the quaint vibe of Kyoto.

Continue to explore Gion and wander along Hanamikoji Street. You might see Geishas dressed in exquisite kimonos and makeup. At the end of the day, you will experience Japanese tea ceremony at a Japanese Machiya house. You can wear kimonos for an immersive experience. After finishing your matcha, taste it with some desserts.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto

After breakfast, drive about one hour to Arashiyama in the far west of Kyoto. You will take the Sagano Romantic Train and travel through a track lined with colorful, beautiful trees. Stop at Torokko Arashiyama Station and head to the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Feel a sense of calm from the rustling sounds of swaying bamboo.

Head to Jojakkoji Temple, which is surrounded by over 200 maple trees. Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tenryu-ji Temple, and stroll through the garden with a stunning display of autumn leaves. Hop on a traditional boat near Togetsukyo Bridge to tour the winding Hozu River.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto

Today, you will transfer to the modern cultural center of Japan, Tokyo, by Shinkansen (Japanese bullet train). When you arrive in Tokyo, your guide and driver will pick you up at the train station and bring you to the hotel. After checking into your hotel, you can enjoy leisure time for the rest of the day.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

This morning, you will visit Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine). You can worship at the main hall like locals. Meiji Jingu is also a popular place for celebration events. You will have a chance to see a Japanese wedding ceremony. Head to the Icho Namiki Avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien and take pictures of the bright golden yellow. For lunch, you can enjoy fragrant ramen.

In the afternoon, you will visit Sensoji Temple, a historically famous Buddhist temple. Entering the Kaminarimon Gate, you can explore various shops selling snacks and crafts at Nakamise Street. Then, you can explore bustling Akihabara Electric Town for Japanese manga culture and Ginza for department stores and high-end brand stores. Next, get a view of Tokyo Tower, a landmark of Tokyo.

Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Tokyo

In the morning, embark on a one-day Japan autumn tour of Mt. Fuji. At Oshino Hakkai, you can see colorful leaves around the eight ponds and magnificent Mt. Fuji. Head to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine for a view of Mt. Fuji and the five-story pagoda.

Next, travel to the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, where you can take a walk through the famous Maple Tunnel. If you visit in late October to mid-November, you will have an opportunity to take part in the Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival.

The next stop is Itchiku Kubota Art Museum, where you can appreciate elaborate kimonos displays. The traditional tearoom offers a beautiful view of Lake Kawaguchi and Mt. Fuji. Leave the museum and take a boat trip on Lake Kawaguchi or enjoy a bird's-eye view of Mt. Fuji from Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway. In sunny autumn, you might see the view of "upside-down Fuji" reflected on the lake.

Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo

Today is the end of your Japan autumn tour. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will conclude your tour with a transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Safe travels!

Meals: B
Accommodation: N/A