Follow our 14-day Japan autumn leaves tour for the first glimpse of Japan's vibrant autumn. You will travel from bustling Tokyo to onsen town Hakone and enjoy unbeatable views of Mt. Fuji with red maple leaves. Continue to explore famous temples and shrines adorned with colorful fall foliage in Kyoto. Spend 3 days hiking along Kumano Kodo and immerse yourself in nature. Finally, conclude your adventure with Kobe and Osaka.
Highlights
Experience autumn combined with modern Tokyo city and the iconic gardens and shrine.
Visit Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi, surrounded by the beauty of autumn colors.
Wander through Nijo Castle and Kiyomizu-dera Temple to explore ancient traditions.
Relish in a train and boat ride at Arashiyama with Japan's breathtaking autumn views.
Dive into the beautiful nature in autumn by hiking through the Kumano Kodo.
Appreciate autumn leaves at Himeji Castle with Japanese gardens.
A free day in Osaka to search for the traces of autumn and seasonal cuisine.
Itinerary
Welcome to Tokyo! Today, you will arrive at the airport in Tokyo and meet your local tour guide and driver. They will bring you to the arranged accommodation. After checking in, you can enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Have a nice journey!
Meals: N/A
Accommodation: Tokyo
Today is the first day of your Japan fall foliage itinerary. You will start with Meiji Jingu Shrine, which enshrines Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Walk through large wooden torii gates and enter the vast forest. You can make offerings and wish for good luck like locals. Next, continue to Ginkgo Avenue at Meiji Jingu Gaien for the stunning golden views.
In the afternoon, you will head to Shinjuku Gyoen and appreciate the Chrysanthemum Flower Exhibition. You can stroll through the beautiful garden in the colorful autumn in Japan. From late October to early November, there is a Tokyo Ramen Festa at Komazawa Olympic Park. You can enjoy every kind of ramen you like.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo
In the morning, you will visit Sensoji Temple and take pictures of the iconic Kaminarimon Gate and the five-storied pagoda. Try some tempting Japanese food and select interesting crafts and souvenirs at bustling Nakamise-dori Street.
Travel to a local market, Tsukiji Outer Market, where you will enjoy your lunch. After lunch, take a walking tour at Rikugien Garden and immerse yourself in red and orange autumn foliage in Japan. You can also have some tea at a teahouse by the lake.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Tokyo
After breakfast, drive about 2 hours to the famous Mt. Fuji. You appreciate the idyllic scenery at Oshino Hakkai. And then discover the best spot to enjoy the breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, Chureito Pagoda, and the red leaves in the same frame at Arakurayama Sengen Park.
Visit Lake Kawaguchi, the most beautiful spot for viewing Mt. Fuji and maple trees in autumn. At the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi, you can walk through Maple Corridor, created by 60 huge maple trees.
In November, there is a Fuji-Kawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival held by Lake Kawaguchi. If you're lucky, you may the the rare view of upside-down Fuji. Then you can take the Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway to look out over Mt. Fuji with the fall colors.
After the day tour at Mt. Fuji, you will transfer to Hakone and stay overnight at a ryokan.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Hakone
Today is a free day at Hakone. You can explore Hakone at your own pace. You can take the following itinerary as a reference.
Take a boat trip on Lake Ashi and appreciate the sight of vibrant colors and Mt. Fuji. Enjoy leisurely time at a lakeside cafe. You can also board the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani. You can appreciate volcanic landforms and taste the kurotamago (black eggs) cooked in hot springs. Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum or hang out in the town of Hakone.
Later, head to the train station by yourself and take the Shinkansen bullet trains to Kyoto.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Kyoto
This morning, you will head to Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Marvel at the surrounding autumn leaves and the dazzling gold leaf exterior reflected on the pond. Make your way to Nijo Castle, the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. You can visit the palace buildings and gardens. You can walk on the squeaky nightingale floors at the Ninomaru Palace.
For lunch, you will enjoy delicious Japanese edibles at Nishiki Market. After lunch, continue your tour to Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is famous because of its mysterious sembon torii gate tunnel and the movie "The Memoirs of a Geisha". Enjoy a visual feast at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, offering a sea of flaming red leaves and the view of Kyoto in the distance. You can also wander around to explore Jishu Shrine and the Otowa Waterfall near the main hall.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Kyoto
Today, you will embrace stunning autumn colors in the mountains. Drive about one hour to Arashiyama in western Kyoto. Then you will take a Sagano Romantic Train traveling through the trail lined with bright red, orange, and yellow foliage.
Stop at Torokko Arashiyama Station and be at peace in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Discover impressive courtyards at Tenryu-ji Temple and Jojakkoji Temple, hidden in the autumn scenery. Enjoy a boat ride and admire the Togetsukyo Bridge and the surrounding gradient-colored mountains from the river.
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Kyoto
Today, you will hike along Kumano Kodo, the ancient pilgrimage trails. You will head to Kii-Tanabe Station by train first and then head to TANABE Tourist Information Center. Take a bus to Takijiri-oji, which will take you about 40 minutes (except for on-site payment).
On this 4-km hiking route, you will pass by Takahara Village, known as "Village in the Mist". The lush trees along the route turn into a beautiful scene of interwoven red, yellow, and green in autumn. Explore historical relics, hot springs, and waterfalls on the way. Conclude your hiking tour at Takahara Kumano-jinja Shrine.
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: near Takahara Kumano-jinja Shrine
Today, you will continue your Kumano Kodo hiking tour to Tsugizakura-Oji (about 14 km). You can appreciate the awesome mountain views, statues, and Tsugizakura-oji Shrine surrounded by tall cedars.
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: near Tsugizakura-Oji
This morning, you will climb up and down the trail towards Kumano Hongu Taisha (about 21 km). Climbing up the long stone steps, you will reach the shrine with a large torii gate and wooden shrine buildings. Visit Wakayama World Heritage Center and learn more history and culture of Kumano Kodo.
The last stop of today is Oyunohara Sanctuary, which is famous for its 33.9-meter-tall torii gate, the largest torii gate in Japan. You can admire the incredibly picturesque autumn. Then, spend about 10 minutes traveling to Yunomine Onsen by bus.
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: near Yunomine Onsen
Your Kumano Kodo pilgrimage tour comes to an end here. Today, you will take a bus to Kii-Tanabe Station (about 1 hour and 40 minutes). And then take a train to Osaka. After arriving, you can check in at the hotel and have a break. For the rest of the day, you can explore on your own.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Osaka
After breakfast, your local guide and driver will take you to Kobe and visit Himeji Castle (White Heron Castle), a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Around the Himeji Castle, trees turn gorgeous colors. You can also climb up to the top floor of the castle tower, where you can overlook the beautiful gardens and Himeji city.
Taste world-famous Kobe beef for lunch. Then venture to Mount Rokko. You can take the cable car to the observation platform, offering panoramic views of abundant autumn foliage and the city of Kobe. Late in the afternoon, you will return to Osaka for the night.
Meals: B, L
Accommodation: Osaka
Today, you can explore Osaka's highlights at your own pace. You can visit Universal Studios Japan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Osaka Castle Park, and more. Discover local markets or hidden restaurants for local culinary delights, such as takoyaki (iconic octopus), matsutake mushrooms, roasted chestnuts, etc.
Meals: B
Accommodation: Osaka
This is the end of your 14-day Japan itinerary in autumn. After breakfast, you will pack up and head to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
Meals: B
Accommodation: N/A
Include/ Exclude
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Private local English-speaking tour guide and driver service
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Private air-conditioned car with ample space
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Private transfers from hotel to attractions, airport or train station
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All admission fees and expenses mentioned in the itinerary
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Hotel accommodation with breakfast
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Meals mentioned in the itinerary. Meals specified in itinerary as B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner.
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Our 1-on-1 travel consultation and tailor-made service
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International flights not included in the itinerary
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Visa fees, if required
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Meals not included in the itinerary
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Optional excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
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Personal expenses
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Gratuities for guides and drivers
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Customs taxes, overweight baggage fees, baggage storage fees
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