Japan Autumn Leaves
Koyo & Momiji
14 Days / 13 Nights – Tokyo / Nikko / Hakone / Kyoto / Nara / Hiroshima / Osaka / Kanazawa
From USD700 per person per day
Fall Foliage Japan Tour
Japan is famous for its four distinct and breathtaking seasons. Colorful leaves – Koyo are to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms are to spring.
If you plan a trip to Japan between October and December, you absolutely cannot miss the many beautiful spots for autumn leaves. Taking a trip to some areas where leaves have turned red & yellow, especially in the mountains, public parks, or temple & shrine grounds is called momijigari in Japanese.
Join us in a colorful journey through modern and traditional Japan.
On this Japan Autumn Leaves Tour you will view magnificent autumn foliage in some of the most famous gardens, temples, shrines, and nature spots in Japan.
- A tailor-made itinerary crafted personally for you
- English-Speaking resident tour director and local guides
- Hand-Selected Luxury accommodations
- Large choice of exclusive experiences
- Airport Meet and Greet with private transfers
- Internet access
- Thoughtful customer service
- And more !
- Explore Japan’s destinations and travel highlights like a local with your own private tour guide.
- Explore the heart and soul of Japan through curated experiences and gain deeper insight into Japanese culture.
- Step into a world, a unique culture that fascinates many to which even some Japanese people have no access.
Perfect for
- First-time visitors to Japan
- Those who want to discover the beauty and essence of Japan in a short time
- Travelers who wish to immerse themselves into Japanese culture while exploring the must-sees spots
When to Visit
- This trip can be enjoyed from ~ Mid-October to early December
Day 1 – Tokyo Arrival
Yokoso 日本へようこそ！– Welcome to Japan !
After clearing customs and immigration, transfer by private car to your ideally located hotel.
Then you’ll likely spend your first day in Japan just getting settled.
You might want to lock down some of the best food in Tokyo and enjoy a truly unique meal! A multi-course kaiseki, an omakase sushi experience…
Or follow the lead of our food-obsessed expert and spend an early evening hopping between Izakaya! and discover the delights of small-plate dining and sake.
Overnight at your hotel.
After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel.
Tokyo is a huge, wealthy and fascinating metropolis which brings high-tech visions of the future side by side with glimpses of old Japan, and has something for everyone.
Most visitors to Tokyo will visit the most well-known sights – Asakusa, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Harajuku and the Meiji Shrine.
These are all of course worth visiting, but Tokyo also offer a multitude of choices for travelers looking for a less touristy and typical Japanese experience.
The real charm of Tokyo is more discreet. We can discover it in the maze of streets behind the main one, with a village atmosphere, miles away from urban life.
It is warm and simple, full of nice shops with clean design as well as charming cafes and small bars…
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 3 – Tokyo
Witness for another day the beauty of autumn leaves against the backdrop of Tokyo attractions.
Or escape Tokyo’s urban jungle for a day of autumn splendor!
Hike through the fiery foliage of Mount Takao, taking in panoramic views from the summit.
Then, wander the golden ginkgo avenues of Showa Kinen Park, where fallen leaves create a breathtaking carpet. The park is especially great to visit for Koyo because of the many different trees and flowers they have all throughout the park.
A perfect autumn escape for nature lovers!
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 4 – Nikko
Start your day with a scenic train ride to Tobu-Nikko and enjoy the views of the changing landscapes as you head north.
Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the cultural splendor of Nikko Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the intricate carvings and vibrant colors adorning the shrine buildings, set against a backdrop of fiery autumn foliage.
Cross the Shinkyo Bridge, a picturesque vermilion-lacquered bridge spanning the Daiya River. The bridge, surrounded by autumn leaves, is a quintessential Nikko scene.
With your driver take a scenic ride along the Irohazaka Winding Road, enjoying panoramic views of the mountains and valleys draped in autumn colors.
Arrive at Lake Chuzenji, a serene lake surrounded by stunning foliage, where an overnight stay at a ryokan/onsen is recommended.
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 5 – Tokyo / Hakone
Travel by shinkansen (bullet train) or Romance Car to Hakone. There are various spots, such as gardens and museums, to enjoy the autumn leaves
Much of the area surrounding Hakone is part of a national park with spectacular views of Mount Fuji (if the weather permit). It is a resort town that boasts a number of museums including the Hakone Open Air Museum with its Picasso exhibit.
You will be charmed by the magnificent scenery of this spa resort. Lake Ashi and its view of Mount Fuji (in good weather!). Not forgetting the volcanic site of Owakudani, accessible by cable car.
At night at the ryokan, you will be treated to a tasty traditional Japanese dinner before retiring to your room and your private hot spring bath.
Overnight at your ryokan.
Day 6 – Hakone / Kyoto
If not done the day before, visit one of the hot spring baths found across the hills and valleys of Hakone.
Transfer to Odawara, then take a shinkansen to Kyoto.
In the evening with your guide, you will visit Gion, part of the Higashiyama or “Eastern Mountain” area of Kyoto.
Gion is a captivating blend of traditional wooden machiya houses, exclusive teahouses (ochaya), and high-end restaurants. Its narrow, lantern-lit streets exude an air of timeless elegance.
As dusk falls, you might catch a glimpse of a geiko (Kyoto’s term for geisha) or a maiko (apprentice geiko) gracefully hurrying to an appointment, their elaborate kimonos and white makeup adding a touch of mystique to the enchanting atmosphere.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple’s autumn illumination is a magical spectacle where the temple and its vibrant foliage are bathed in golden light, creating an unforgettable nighttime experience.
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 7 – Kyoto
After breakfast your guide and private car will pick you up at your hotel.
Visit of Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, considered by many as Japan’s most beautiful city.
Kyoto (京都) was the capital of Japan for over a millennium, and has the reputation of being its most beautiful city. However, visitors may be surprised by how much work they will have to do to see Kyoto’s beautiful side.
The first impressions will be of the urban sprawl of central Kyoto, around the ultra-modern glass-and-steel train station, which is itself an example of a city steeped in tradition colliding with the modern world.
Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto was able to keep the customs and traditions of the Old Japan, as it was spared from the bombing of the Second World War and was never affected by earthquakes and other natural disasters.
Nonetheless, the persistent visitor will soon discover Kyoto’s hidden beauty in the temples and parks which ring the city center, and find that the city has much more to offer than immediately meets the eye.
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 8 – Kyoto
In the morning you may want to visit Nishiki Market, also known as Nishiki Ichiba or Kyoto’s Kitchen, a vibrant and historical marketplace located in the heart of Kyoto, dating back over four centuries.
Or explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and hike or ride the Sagano Scenic Railway through the colorful Hozukyo Gorge.
Garden lovers can visit Tenryuji Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple for serene landscapes and golden reflections.
And in the evening head to Tofuku-ji Temple. While famous for its Tsutenkyo Bridge and the Sengyokukan gorge sea of red maple leaves, Tofuku-ji also offers a captivating nighttime illumination.
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 9 – Nara
After breakfast your guide and private car will pick you up at your hotel to visit Nara.
Experience Nara’s autumn magic! Wander through Nara Park with friendly deer amidst fiery foliage. The many trees in Nara Park, including cherry, maple, and ginkgo, form a glowing tapestry, a visually stunning display of color.
Nara was in the 8th century the first fixed capital of Japan, under the name of Heijo-kyo, as before, according to the Shinto beliefs, death was impure and it was necessary to destroy everything that was related to the Emperor after his death.
Nara is home to many important historical sites, such as Todai-ji Temple, the world’s largest wooden structure, with its Daibutsuden (Hall of the Great Buddha).
Don’t miss this captivating blend of history, nature, and autumn colors!
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 10 – Kyoto / Hiroshima
After breakfast board a shinkansen to experience Hiroshima’s autumn beauty! .
Capital of the prefecture of the same name, Hiroshima is the most important city of the Chugoku region.
The most recognizable memorial in Hiroshima, the Atomic Bomb Dome is also known for its its golden ginkgo trees. The beautiful scenery, along with the presence of the dome, create a peaceful yet haunting reminder of the horrors of war.
You will spend the rest of the day and evening in Itsukushima. Popularly known as Miyajima, famous for its giant torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water. The sight is ranked as one of Japan’s three best views and is lit up from sunset to 11 pm all year.
Also with a name meaning “maple viewing valley park”, Momijidani park on the island is one of the best spots to see autumn colors in Japan.
Overnight at your ryokan.
Day 11 – Hiroshima / Himeji / Osaka
In the morning travel by shinkansen to Himeji.
Himeji is a small town located at the western end of the Kansai region famous for its wooden castle.
The castle grounds Himejoi-jo, nicknamed (White Heron Castle) and its pristine white walls of the castle provides a striking contrast to the vibrant autumn foliage that surrounds it.
Next to the castle lies Koko-en Garden, a traditional Japanese landscape garden with nine distinct sections, each offering a different ambiance. In autumn, the garden transforms into a tapestry of red, orange, and yellow hues.
In the afternoon you will take another shinkansen to Osaka.
Enjoy the evening in Osaka, the underestimated, nevertheless the capital of Japanese cuisine and a city for gourmets who is proud of its reputation as kuidaore (eat until you drop).
We never get bored in Osaka and its real treasures are in its bustling street life, neon-clad streetscapes, its arcades, markets and and this is after dark Osaka really comes to life, when locals come out for tasty eats, sake and good times.
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 12 – Osaka / Kanazawa
After breakfast travel by train and shinkansen to Kanazawa.
Kanazawa, with its rich history and cultural heritage, is a hidden gem that truly shines in autumn.
Kanazawa’s importance grew in the 15th century, when the powerful and militant Ikko sect established its new headquarters there after being chased out of Kyoto by the monks of Mont Hiei.
You will begin your journey at Kenrokuen, justifiably classified as one of Japan’s “three most beautiful landscape gardens” alongside Mito’s Kairakuen and Okayama‘s Korakuen. As autumn descends, the maples, ginkgoes, and other deciduous trees transform the garden into a painter’s palette of vibrant colors.
In the evening explore the Geisha districts after dark, hear the tales of what actually went on in this district during the Edo period.
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 13 – Kanazawa / Tokyo
You may want to skip breakfast at your hotel and get one at Omicho Market which has been Kanazawa’s largest fresh food market since the Edo Period.
Take your pick from squid, octopus, ikura (salmon roe), and even fresh iwagaki (rock oysters) and uni (sea urchins) that you can eat right on the spot.
And before heading back to Tokyo, you may want to do some shopping.
Kanazawa is particularly well known for confectionery, sake rice wine, goods decorated with gold leaf, kutani-yaki style ceramics, and shikki style lacquerware.
Then in the afternoon take a shinkansen for Tokyo for your last evening in the land of the rising sun.
Overnight at your hotel.
Day 9 – International return flight
Depending on your departure time, you may want to do some last shopping.
Tokyo is a shopper’s paradise with several famous shopping districts.
With world-class shopping districts found across Tokyo, ensure you head home with plenty of gifts alongside an unforgettable experience.
Transfer by private car to Haneda or Narita airport for your flight back home.
Customized sightseeing tours
Explore Japan’s destinations and travel highlights like a local with your own private tour guide.
Experience Japanese Culture
Explore the heart and soul of Japan through curated experiences and gain deeper insight into Japanese culture.
Curated Insights Japan
Step into a world, a unique culture that fascinates many to which even some Japanese people have no access.
Accommodations
Japan is home to some of the most diverse accommodation options in the world, blending centuries-old architecture with modern luxury.
Here are some of our suggestions.
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