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 Meiji Jingu Shrine, a tranquil urban oasis where you can witness a traditional Shinto wedding procession and participate in timeless rituals.
• 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.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

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.

The Tsukiji Outer Market

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

• Your day in Kyoto begins at the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine, where you will walk through the surreal, winding tunnel of thousands of bright red torii gates.
• Next, find inner peace at Shourin-ji temple, a serene sub-temple of Tofuku-ji. There, you will engage in a profound Zazen meditation experience led by a monk, harmonizing your mind and body amidst the surrounding autumn splendor.
• 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.
• Post-lunch, immerse yourself in Japanese elegance by experiencing the art of kimono wearing, perfect attire for strolling through the feudal-era Gion district.
• Stroll through the streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka before visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
• 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 Fushimi Inari Shrine

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple in autumn

• Start with an exclusive experience at Saiho-ji temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a sanctuary renowned for its moss garden. Access is highly limited, so your experience will be tranquil and "Zen", including the calming ritual of sutra copying in the main hall followed by a peaceful stroll through the exquisite garden.
• Then have a relaxing one-hour Arashiyama pleasure boat ride (Yakatabune), offering a tranquil, water-level view of the surrounding mountains and foliage.
• Pause to admire the famed Togetsu-kyo Bridge, a historical landmark spanning the Katsura River.Stroll through the iconic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where the dappled light and rustling stalks create a truly magical atmosphere.
• Conclude the day with a visit to Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the Edo era (1603–1868), exploring its magnificent Ninomaru Palace and intricate gardens.

Saiho-ji temple in autumn

The ancient and enigmatic moss covering Saihoji Temple

• Day 8 is dedicated to Kyoto's deeply spiritual and hidden autumnal gems.
• Begin your visit by boarding the Eizan Railway's Maple Tunnel Train. The journey slows and the lights dim as the train passes through a corridor of approximately 280 brilliant maple trees, creating a magical, slow-motion passage through a fiery-red and gold wonderland.
• The journey leads you directly to 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.
• 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.

Eizan Railway's Maple Tunnel Train

The Kifune Shrine

• Escape the city for a deep dive into Japanese tea culture in the Wazuka Tea Village. This half-day Wazuka Tea Experience takes you through lush, terraced tea fields where you can hand-pick leaves and savor them as fresh tempura. You'll also explore the factory, participate in a matcha grinding workshop, and conclude with a special tea-themed lunch — a true taste of regional Japanese agriculture.
• In the afternoon, head to Nara Park, a massive natural setting famous for its hundreds of friendly, free-roaming wild deer. The deer are considered messengers of the gods, adding a unique cultural charm to your visit. The park is home to Todai-ji temple, one of Japan's most famous and significant temples.
• Having wandered through the serene landscapes of Nara, we'll then embrace the dazzling energy of Osaka.

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.
• Next, engage in a hands-on culinary experience with a Soba Making Experience at Tsukushi Osaka. Your host will guide you through the process of sifting, kneading, and cutting the buckwheat dough, including a special lesson on making soba sushi.
• The afternoon is dedicated to soaking up Osaka's vibrant atmosphere. Explore the famous Dotonbori Canal, a lively vein of the city adorned with neon signs, and make sure to stop for a takoyaki tasting — sample the city's beloved octopus snack.
• Stroll through the history-laden Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street. Step into a serene slice of old Osaka at Hozen-ji Yokocho, a stone-paved alley lined with traditional izakayas and centered around moss-covered Hozen-ji temple.

The Osaka Castle in Autumn

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