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Autumn Leaves in Japan
16 days from £13,500 for 2025 per person
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Japan’s autumn colours on this 16-day tailor-made itinerary, perfectly crafted to showcase some of the country’s most picturesque locations during the autumn season. This carefully curated itinerary takes you through vibrant cities and tranquil landscapes, offering a blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty.
Begin your adventure in Tokyo, where can step away from the neon-lit bustle and explore vibrant gardens and iconic shrines surrounded by golden fall colours, before heading to the scenic beauty of Nikko in the foothills of the Japan Alps. Yomeimon gate and the burial shrines of the Tokugawa shoguns are amongst the most ornate and detailed Japanese creations, with an added air of mystery, set against a backdrop of stunning autumn foliage. Nikko is also the start of Japan’s ‘romantic road’; a picturesque drive to the mighty Kegon falls and the shores of the tranquil Lake Chuzenji, a favourite weekend retreat for well-heeled Tokyoites.
Journey on to the historic town of Kanazawa where one can experience a wealth of quintessentially Japanese crafts and customs, before continuing back to the Japan Alps, via the charming hamlet of Shirakawa-go to Takayama, where atmospheric old wooden buildings line the main streets. The Alps are perhaps at their most beautiful in autumn when the prime leaf viewing spot of Kamikochi lake plateau is open, along with the Kurobe Alpine route and its snow corridor. You can reach Kamikochi lake plateau by taxi, an area of outstanding natural beauty, suitable for everyone from strolling families to hardened hikers.
No trip to Japan would be complete without a few days in Kyoto, which you can reach by train from Takayama. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of historic temples, bamboo groves and scenic trails, where the autumn colours create a mesmerising atmosphere. Your penultimate stay is in Hakone, with its natural hot springs, tranquil lakes and panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, framed by the vibrant autumn landscape. Complete this grand loop of central Japan by catching the bullet train back to Tokyo.
This comprehensive itinerary not only highlights Japan’s autumn beauty but also offers an authentic cultural experience, from ancient temples and peaceful gardens, to traditional villages and scenic hiking paths, this tour will leave you with lasting memories of Japan at its most colourful.
Itinerary details
16 days from £13,500 for 2025 per person
- Day 1 - The Okura Tokyo - Tokyo
Arrive in Tokyo and private transfer to the hotel. Afternoon explore Shinjuku or Ginza for a first taste of the city's vibrant atmosphere. - Day 2 - The Okura Tokyo - Tokyo
Morning visit Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and the Meiji Shrine. Afternoon visit Ueno Park and Tokyo National Museum. - Day 3 - The Ritz Carlton, Nikko - Nikko
Morning travel to Nikko. Afternoon visit Toshogu Shrine followed by a stroll to see the autumn colours. - Day 4 - The Ritz Carlton, Nikko - Nikko
Morning visit Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls. Afternoon visit Rinnoji Temple and Shoyo-en Garden. Evening enjoy a local onsen. - Day 5 - The Ritz Carlton, Nikko - Nikko
Day trip to Kinugawa Onsen. - Day 6 - Hyatt Centric - Kanazawa
Morning shinkansen to Kanazawa. Afternoon visit Kenroku-en Garden followed by a stroll through the Higashi Chaya District. - Day 7 - Hyatt Centric - Kanazawa
Day trip to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage village famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses. - Day 8 - Hanaougi Bettei Iiyama - Takayama
Morning train to Takayama. Afternoon explore the old town of Takayama and the Sanmachi Suji district. - Day 9 - Hanaougi Bettei Iiyama - Takayama
Independent day trip to Kamikochi located in the Japanese Alps, renowned for its stunning natural beauty. - Day 10 - The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu - Kyoto
Morning train to Kyoto. Afternoon visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple from your hotel. - Day 11 - The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu - Kyoto
Morning visit Arashiyama, Tenryuji Temple and Okochi Sanso Garden. Afternoon at leisure. - Day 12 - The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu - Kyoto
Day trip to Nara and visit Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park. - Day 13 - Gora Karaku - Hakone
Morning shinkansen to Hakone. Afternoon visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum followed by a traditional onsen at your hotel. - Day 14 - Gora Karaku - Hakone
Day at leisure to explore Hakone. Visit Lake Ashi, take a cruise or ride the Hakone Ropeway to see the autumn colours and volcanic landscape. - Day 15 - Palace Hotel Tokyo - Tokyo
Morning travel back to Tokyo. Rest of day at leisure to explore Tokyo at your own pace. - Day 16 - In transit.
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home.
Places of Interest
AccommodationThe first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.
Rudyard Kipling
