11-Day Japan Autumn Splendor Tour

Upon arrival at Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airport, a private transfer will whisk you to your Tokyo hotel.

Settle in and unwind, preparing for an incredible journey through Japan's vibrant capital and beyond. The evening is yours to relax at leisure, perhaps exploring your hotel's surroundings.

Tokyo City

• Your Tokyo exploration begins at the Kokyo Gaien National Garden, a historic public space where you can view the famous Nijūbashi (Double Bridge) and capture iconic photos against the backdrop of the Imperial Palace.
• Next, immerse yourself in a living work of art at Rikugi-en Garden, where hills and ponds are crafted to recreate scenes from classical Japanese poetry, stunningly framed by vibrant autumn colors.
• The afternoon brings an exclusive cultural treat: a two-hour Sumo Show and Experience. Gain rare insights into the life of a wrestler, watch an actual demonstration, and even engage in a friendly match with a retired professional.
• You'll cap the day by ascending the Tokyo Skytree, where the observation deck provides an incredible, panoramic perspective of the sprawling capital, with the possibility of seeing Mt. Fuji on a clear day.

Kokyo Gaien National Garden

Rikugi-en Garden in autumn

• Start your day at the Nezu Museum, a serene art oasis in the wealthy Aoyama neighborhood, known for its exceptional pre-modern Asian art collection and its spectacular, sprawling Japanese garden. This is a perfect spot for autumn leaf viewing combined with high-art appreciation.
• Continue to historied Tsukiji Outer Market, a bustling hub where you can sample fresh seafood and other Japanese delicacies from a variety of stalls.
• The highlight of the afternoon is a hands-on sushi-making experience guided by a sushi master. You'll learn the techniques and traditions of crafting perfect nigiri before enjoying your own creations for lunch.
• In late afternoon, immerse yourself in Japan's most celebrated classical performing art at the Kabuki-za theater in Ginza.

Nezu Museum

A hands-on sushi-making experience

• Transition from the metropolitan pace of Tokyo to the tranquil, mountainous beauty of Hakone.
• Your scenic journey starts with a delightful 30-minute Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi. Aboard a pirate ship-themed vessel, you'll capture iconic views of Mt. Fuji and the famous torii gate of Hakone-jinja Shrine rising from the lake, all framed by autumn foliage.
• Next, ascend to the summit of Mount Komagatake via the Komagatake Ropeway. This seven-minute cable car ride offers truly breathtaking views of the surrounding Hakone mountains, the vast lake below, and majestic Mt. Fuji.
• Finally, explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Japan's first outdoor gallery. This sculpture park beautifully integrates nature and art, allowing you to appreciate world-class masterpieces against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains' brilliant fall colors.

Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashit

The Komagatake Ropeway

• You'll transition from the mountains of Hakone to Japan's thousand-year capital, Kyoto.
• After taking local transport to Odawara, board the high-speed Shinkansen (bullet train). Settle in for a comfortable, two-hour journey along the historical Tokaido route. On clear days, you may enjoy another spectacular, fleeting glimpse of Mount Fuji from the train window as you speed toward the cultural heart of Japan.
• Upon arrival, the rest of the day is free to settle in and relax.

A Shinkansen Journey to Kyoto

• Begin your Kyoto day with unparalleled tranquility and refinement: This luxurious Zen Meditation Program, set within Kyoto's most prestigious temple, blends Zen tradition with modern elegance for deep mindfulness.
• Indulge in an exquisite Taste of Autumn Kaiseki Lunch. This refined, multi-course meal showcases seasonal-exclusive delicacies, including a special focus on premium, aromatic matsutake mushrooms.
• Visit the Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the Edo era (1603–1868), exploring its magnificent Ninomaru Palace and intricate gardens.
• Immerse yourself in Japanese elegance by experiencing the art of kimono wearing, perfect attire for strolling through the feudal-era Gion district.
• The day culminates at Eikan-do Temple, Kyoto's premier spot for fall colors, where you will witness the unforgettable Luminous Dream of Autumn Night Illumination.

The Nijo Castle

Witness the Eikan-do Temple Night Illumination

• Your journey begins with an exclusive, "Zen" experience at the UNESCO-listed Saiho-ji Temple and its famous moss garden. Access is highly limited, ensuring a tranquil experience that includes the calming ritual of sutra copying and a peaceful garden stroll.
• Bask in the exquisite, compact beauty of Hōgon-in Temple's Lion's Roar Garden, set against a backdrop of magnificent autumn foliage in Arashiyama.
• Then have a relaxing one-hour Arashiyama pleasure boat ride (Yakatabune), offering a tranquil, water-level view of the surrounding mountains and foliage.  Stroll through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where the dappled light and rustling stalks create a truly magical atmosphere
• Spend the afternoon soaking up the distinct autumn beauty as you tour the stroll garden at Kinkaku-ji Temple and the celebrated rock garden at Ryoan-ji Temple.

The Kinkaku-ji Temple

The Moss Garden of Saiho-ji Temple

• Begin your visit by visiting Kifune Shrine, nestled in the mountains. There, the vibrant maples beautifully contrast with the mystical atmosphere and the iconic stone steps flanked by red lanterns, which are especially enchanting as the trees are illuminated at night
• The journey leads you directly to The journey leads you directly to Sanzen-in Temple, a tranquil sanctuary nestled in Ohara, renowned for its magnificent moss gardens and serene atmosphere.
• Next, step into a breathtaking autumn wonderland with a leisurely stroll along the Metasequoia Avenue near Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake. This scenic 2.4-kilometer path, located just a short distance from Kyoto, is lined with approximately 500 towering metasequoia trees.
• Conclude your day with a visit to Shirahige Shrine, most famous for its stunning, large vermilion torii gate that appears to float serenely on the surface of Lake Biwa.

The Kifune Shrine

The Shirahige Shrine on Lake Biwa

• Begin your journey with a deeply engaging Matcha Making Experience. You will participate in the traditional ritual, including hand-grinding the tea leaves into fine powder before savoring a perfect cup of freshly prepared matcha.
• Next, immerse yourself in history at Byōdō-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a stunning example of Heian-period architecture.
• Afterwards, stroll down Omotesando Street, to indulge in Uji's famous green tea cuisine—from matcha ice cream and matcha soba noodles to exquisite matcha desserts.
• Discover a cultural experience at Eshin-in Temple by crafting your own Uji matcha incense, releasing the  sweet aroma in a smoke-free ritual that serves as a peaceful, lasting souvenir of your journey.
• Head to Nara Park, a massive natural setting famous for its hundreds of friendly, free-roaming wild deer.
• Having wandered through the serene landscapes of Nara, we'll then embrace the dazzling energy of Osaka.

Crafting Your Own Uji Matcha Incense

Nara Park

• Begin your day with a visit to Osaka Castle, the city's most prominent landmark. Explore the meticulously reconstructed main tower and the museum of its history inside, then enjoy the surrounding park, a vibrant hub of green space.
• Take Osaka's oldest tram to Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine. With luck, experience the special autumn prayer atmosphere and see local families attending the 7-5-3 ritual. 
• Next, embark on a walking tour starting at Kuromon Market, known as "Osaka's kitchen," before stepping into the hidden, serene alley of Hozenji Yokocho.
• Learn the secrets of local cuisine with a hands-on experience, making and savoring your own authentic takoyaki (octopus balls).
• Witness the dazzling spectacle of Dotonbori’s neon signs from Nipponbashi Bridge, culminating in a river cruise along the illuminated canal.

The Osaka Castle in Autumn

The Dotonbori Canal Night Cruise

Your incredible autumn journey through Japan concludes on day 11.

Enjoy a final Japanese breakfast before your private driver arrives to provide a comfortable transfer to Osaka airport. Carry vibrant memories with you as you depart — crimson maples, seasonal cuisine, and cultural wonders.

The Kansai Airport