Autumn Colors in Japan
Price: TBA*
duration: 15 Days
* price for a group of 20 people or more (on basic package)
Tour dates:
14-26 November 2024
Added value:
- Timed to the colorful foliage in Japan.
- Walking tours in Kiso Valley in the heart of the mountains, between beautifully preserved ancient villages
- Esoteric ceremonies in hidden temples in the heart of the big city
- The Digital Museum in Tokyo – a unique experience
- An in-depth look into Japanese culture in and out of the beaten path.
Tour dates
Recommended group size
tour type
Notes
14-26 Nov 2024
20-28 people
Culture in-depth
Ask us for upgrade options
Intro
The colors of autumn fill the eye on the mountain slopes overlooking the ancient towns. Delve into the inner workings of Japanese culture on authentic in-depth excursions outside the usual tourist areas. Japan at its finest, during one of the seasons most identified with the land and its people.
Day 1 – Nov 14 | Osaka and Kyoto
We will be greeted by our local team in Osaka and embark on a 1.5-hour journey to Kyoto. After a brief stop at the hotel, we explore the traditional Gion district, where the movie “Memoirs of a Geisha” was filmed. In the evening, we return to the hotel for our due rest.
Stay in Hyatt Regency Hotel Kyoto (5 star hotel) or similar
Day 2 – Nov 15 | Kyoto
For over a millenium, Kyoto has served as an imperial capital. Its myriad wooden temples and gardens from that era have been collectively designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
We start with the impressive Sanjusangendo Temple with its 1001 Buddha statues. From there we move on to Kiyomizu Temple, offering a panoramic view of the ancient city of Kyoto.
After lunch, continue with a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and proceed to Fushimi Inari, an impressive complex of shrines and Torii gates creating a maze-like structure.
At the end of our visits, return to the hotel.
Stay in Hyatt Regency Hotel Kyoto (5 star hotel) or similar
Day 3 – Nov 16 | Kyoto
Engage in a deep Zen meditative sensation in the the elegant Zen rock garden at Ryoanji, exploring the Japanese dry landscape garden and its profound meanings. A short bus ride will take us to the iconic Kinkakuji, or “temple of the golden pavilion”.
On exit from the breathtaking garden, wo head towards Nishiki Market, a narrow shopping street with over a hundred shops and restaurants specializing in Kyoto’s cuisine.
After lunch in the market, we visit Nijo Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful castles, initially built by the first shogun of the Edo period. We will spend the night in Kyoto.
Stay in Hyatt Regency Hotel Kyoto (5 star hotel) or similar
Day 4 – Nov 17 | From Kyoto to Nagoya
After breakfast, we first visit the imposing Kyoto Station, the architectural tour-de-force of Hiroshi Hara. Followed by a visit to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the Zen temples adjacent the serene green plantation of bamboos.
We head out of Kyoto in the direction of the impressive Miho Museum, built as part of and within its natural surroundings.
Keep on driving through the autumn colored mountains separating Kyoto from the city of Nagoya, where we will camp for the night.
Stay in Marriott Associa Hotel Nagoya (5 star hotel) or similar
Day 5 – Nov 18 | From Nagoya to Kiso Valley and Matsumoto
After breakfast, we will embark on a 1.5-hour journey to the town of Magome. Magome was an important town on the Nakasendo, a historic route during the rule of the Shoguns in Japan, facilitating crucial information exchange between Tokyo and Kyoto. The town retains a special atmosphere with small villages scattered along the ancient path. Walk through small villages and enchanting forest landscapes towards the beautiful town of Tsumago. From Tsumago continue north to the city Matsumoto. Visit the Matsumoto Castle park, and continue to our hotel.
Stay in Matsumoto Buena Vista Hotel (3.5 star hotel) – Best available
Day 6 – Nov 19 | From Matsumoto to Nikko
After breakfast, we take the Romantic Road, through dense forests, extinct volcanoes and breathtaking views that will lead us to the town of Nikko. Known for its rich history, stunning shrines, and breathtaking natural beauty, Nikko offers a completely different view of Japan.
Upon arrival, we will stop momentarily at the Kegon Lake for a brief photo-op.
From there we head on to what is considered the most impressive and majestic edifice in all of Japan – the Tōshō-gū shrine dedicated to the first Shogun of the Tokugawa era – Tokugawa Ieyasu. Scale the majestic trail leading to the imposing shrine, explore its treasures, and head down the train in the direction of the bus that will lead us to our hotel, nestled in the mountains.
Stay in Nikko in Kinugawa Onsen Hotel (a Hot Spring Resort) or similar
Day 7 – Nov 20 | From Nikko to Tokyo
After breakfast, drive 1.5 hours journey from Matsumoto towards Japan’s capital and largest city, Tokyo. Upon arrival in Tokyo, head first to the bustling and vibrant labyrinth of alleys encircling the magnificent Senso-Ji, Tokyo’s oldest and largest Buddhist temple. After a visit to the temple, and free time for shopping and lunch, we will move on to the other parts of Tokyo.
One of the most celebrated parts of Toyo, etched in so many films and photos is Shibuya. We’ll walk through its maze of small alleys and broad streets, walk by huge stores and tiny shops and restaurants, nestled in the web of small alleyways, dotted with small restauramts.
We will cross the famous crosswalk of Shibuya, and take a photo next to the statue of the most famous dog in Japan – Hatchiko.
Stay in Tokyo in Groove Hotel Shinjuku (5 star hotel) or similar
Day 8 – Nov 21 | Tokyo
Of all of Tokyo’s quarters and boroughs, there no second to Ginza. There us simply no end to the beauty of the architecture and style of Ginza.
We start the day with a tour of its most celebrated buildings, stores and historical sights. Will make the inevitable stop at the largest Uniqlo shop in the world, and rejoin after lunch to continue our tour.
Afternoon will be consecrated to yet another hidden gem of Tokyo – Aoyama. we will walk from the celebrates Omotesando Boulevard, the Champ Elyssys, or Oxford Street if you will, of Tokyo. Moving from the well-known Omotesando to the lesser known, more charming Aoyama, with its archiectural masterpieces. From Stella McCartney to Prada to the flagship store of Issey Miyaki, culminating in the Kengo Kuma masterpiece – The Nezu Museum.
After the visit, drive to one of the most bustling and vivacious areas of Tokyo – Shinjuku.
A stroll through the streets and alleyways of Kabukicho will have us enshrouded in the nightlife, street-food and special atmosphere of what Tokyo is all about!
Stay in Tokyo in Groove Hotel Shinjuku (5 star hotel) or similar
Day 9 – Nov 22 | Tokyo
After breakfast, we’ll explore the Roppongi Art Triangle, visiting three major art museums within walking distance in the Roppongi district. These museums form the “Art Triangle of Roppongi” (ATORO). Following this, we’ll visit Kiyosumi Garden, considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan and a source of inspiration for renowned haiku poets. Afterward, we’ll proceed to Fudo-do-do Shrine, known for its intense Shinto and esoteric Buddhist rituals. We’ll continue the tour in the Ginza district, known for its beautiful and adorned architecture, visiting the Tokyo Forum, one of Japan’s architectural masterpieces.
Stay in Tokyo in Groove Hotel Shinjuku (5 star hotel) or similar
Day 10 – Nov 23 | Tokyo
After breakfast, we’ll explore the Ueno Park area, a place so beautifully built by the first wmperor of the modern era, with lines of Ginko trees. An area of all of Japan’s most renowned art museums, and one of the most beautiful “Westernized” areas of Tokyo.
From there we head to the Tokyo Skytree, for a birds-eye view of the city, and if lucky enough, catch a glimpse at the imposing Mt. Fuji, towering over the city.
Stay in Tokyo in Groove Hotel Shinjuku (5 star hotel) or similar
Day 11 – Nov 24 | From Tokyo to Kawaguchiko and Hakone
After breakfast, we’ll embark on a journey to the area surrounding Mount Fuji, reaching the Kawaguchiko area for a visit to the Chureito Pagoda, offering a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji. We’ll then visit the Kimono Museum showcasing the revitalized art of Tsujigahana silk dyeing. Continuing to Lake Saiko, we’ll admire the beauty en route to the preserved village of Iyashi no Sato, a former agricultural village that was destroyed by a natural disaster and transformed into a traditional artist village. Finally, we’ll travel through various viewpoints of Mount Fuji to the town of Hakone for our overnight stay.
Stay in Hakone in Fujiya Hotel (special boutique hotel) or similar
Day 12 – Nov 25 | Hakone
After breakfast, we’ll visit the Mishima Sky Walk, a picturesque viewpoint where we can see the beautiful Mount Fuji from a giant suspension bridge, followed by a visit to the viewpoint designed by the photographer Hiroshi Sugimoto. We’ll then tour the Hakone Open Air Museum, the first modern sculpture park in Japan, featuring works by renowned artists. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a festive farewell dinner.
Stay in Hakone in Fujiya Hotel (special boutique hotel) or similar
Day 13 – Nov 26 | Hakone to Narita Airport and back home
After breakfast, we’ll complete our tour of the Fuji area as time permits. We’ll head to Narita Airport for our afternoon return flight back home
The Price Include:
- Accommodation in 4-5 stars hotels on a bed-and-breakfast basis
- 9 Dinners
- Tea ceremony in Kyoto
- Bullet-train (Shinkansen) rides as indicated in the program
- All sites and activities mentioned in the program, including entrance fees
- Travel in an air-conditioned bus
- English speaking local guides accompany the trip
- Mineral water on the bus
The Price does not Include:
- International Flight
- Tips for service providers
- Meals that are not included in the itinerary
- Drinks during meals
- Personal expenses (shopping, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Everything that is not under the section “The Price Include”
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