Fall Foliage Journey

Arrival
Welcome to Tokyo - the ultramodern and the traditional at the same time capital of Japan! Your driver meets you at the arrivals hall and transfer you to your hotel.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you check in and have the rest of the day at leisure to relax after your trip or start exploring the vibrant city on your own. 

Tokyo Autumn Foliage Tour 

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Tokyo’s autumn foliage, starting with a private guide at Ueno Park, a large and popular public park known for its cultural institutions and stunning autumn colours. Stroll through tree-lined pathways, enjoy Shinobazu Pond, and admire the historic temples and museums. 

Next, visit the Imperial Palace East Gardens in central Tokyo. These meticulously maintained gardens offer a peaceful retreat with historical remnants of Edo Castle surrounded by beautiful seasonal foliage. The vibrant maple and ginkgo trees create a picturesque setting against the ancient stone walls.

After enjoying lunch, conclude your tour at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, one of Tokyo’s oldest and most beautiful gardens. This garden blends Chinese and Japanese design elements and features picturesque ponds, stone bridges, and traditional teahouses framed by brilliant autumn foliage. The central pond, surrounded by vibrant maples and ginkgo trees, offers a mesmerizing view.

Mt. Fuji & Ashi Lake Cruise
Take a full-day tour of Ashi Lake and Mt. Fuji.

Throughout this tour, you will have the opportunity to experience the beauty of Japanese nature and landscapes.

Located in Japan's Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in the country. Since Mount Fuji is a sacred mountain, it is surrounded by temples and shrines, even at the crater's edge. The atmosphere of this place is reminiscent of Japanese culture.

Finish your splendid tour by admiring Ashi Lake, formed by volcanic activity 3,000 years ago.

Departure from Tokyo
Today in the morning private guide/driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and takes you to the train station to continue your amazing trip!

Arrival in Kyoto
Upon arrival in Kyoto, a private driver meets you at the train station and takes you to the hotel.

The rest of the day you can enjoy free time and some independent sightseeing or feel free to book any optional activities with us.

Kyoto Fall Serenity Journey & Tea Ceremony
In the morning after breakfast, you meet your private guide and start the tour at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of the Imperial Family. Here you have a chance to explore the palace buildings (from the outside) and the gardens, which was just recently opened to the public.

Head to Arashiyama, the second-most important sightseeing district in Kyoto that is filled with temples and shrines. The highlight of the district is the famed Bamboo Forest, one of the most photographed sights in Kyoto. The towering bamboo and colourful autumn leaves create a breathtaking and otherworldly experience.

Your tour continues with visiting Kinkakuji, one of the top UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most remarkable Buddhist temples, and a gorgeous golden must-see attraction! Admire the stunning golden temple and its surrounding garden, enhanced by the fall colours and the reflective pond.

Conclude your day with a Japanese tea ceremony experience, that provides an engaging induction to the traditional tea ceremony. This activity dates back hundreds of years and is the most idealistic pastime of ancient Japan. In this ceremony, you will have an opportunity to wear traditional kimono robes, taste the green matcha tea and eat unique Japanese sweets specifically made to match the tea's flavour.

After the ceremony, you return to your hotel and have the evening at leisure.  

Kyoto Foliage Highlights Tour

Experience the enchanting beauty of Kyoto in the fall and start your tour at Kiyomizu-dera, perched on a hillside with panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple is especially beautiful in autumn, with vibrant reds and oranges surrounding the historic site.

Next, visit Tofuku-ji Temple, renowned for its spectacular autumn foliage. The Tsutenkyo Bridge offers breathtaking views of the maple-covered valley below.

In the afternoon, explore Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion, known for its elegant gardens and serene atmosphere. The autumn colours enhance the beauty of this tranquil site.

Conclude your tour at Eikando Temple, famous for its stunning autumn colours and evening illuminations. The vibrant maples create a mesmerizing display.

Departure  

After breakfast, you meet your guide and driver and continue your trip to Osaka, visiting Nara on the way. 

Arrival 
Upon arrival in Osaka, your driver takes you to your centrally located hotel, you check in and have the evening at leisure.

Osaka Fall Foliage Adventure
Start your day at Osaka Castle Park, the most convenient and appealing foliage spot in the city. Stroll through the spacious park, admiring the colourful maple and ginkgo trees. The historic Osaka Castle provides a stunning backdrop, especially when viewed through the autumn leaves.

Next, head to Midosuji Boulevard, Osaka’s main street, lined with ginkgo trees that turn a brilliant yellow during the fall. After lunch, take a short trip to Banpaku Memorial Park, known for its fantastic fall foliage. The spacious park is perfect for a leisurely walk, and the nearby Expo City dining and entertainment complex makes a nice add-on to the trip.

Conclude your day with a visit to Minoo Park, located about half an hour by train from central Osaka. This mountain park offers the best foliage in Osaka, with a scenic hike along the river to the picturesque Minoo Falls. Enjoy the tranquil natural beauty as the sun sets over the colourful leaves.

Himeji and Himeji Castle Exploration

Begin your tour with a visit to the ancient Yamadera/Enkyoji Temple, a site with a storied past stretching over a millennium in Himeji, just an hour's train journey from Osaka.. As you wander through the temple’s serene precincts, including the municipal hall, the expansive auditorium, and the solemn dining hall, you'll be surrounded by the stunning fall foliage that transforms the area into a picturesque landscape. This revered traditional temple is a nationally recognized cultural asset and has served as a picturesque filming location for Hollywood movies.

Next, step into the world of the samurai at Himeji Castle, Japan's premiere UNESCO World Heritage site. The rich tapestry of Japan's feudal era comes alive as you explore the castle’s awe-inspiring architecture and hear captivating tales of warriors and battles past. The castle is especially magnificent during the fall, with its majestic exterior framed by vibrant autumn leaves, making it an ideal spot for photography and appreciation of Japan's natural beauty.

After the tour, you return to Osaka by train and have the evening at leisure. 

Departure
After breakfast and check-out your private driver transfers you to the Osaka airport or train station depending on where you go next.