“Koyo” Season of Foliage: Autumn in Japan is a magical season characterized by vibrant colours, pleasant weather, and a sense of tranquillity. From late September to early December, the country’s landscapes transform into breathtaking displays of red, orange, and gold as the leaves change. This phenomenon, known as “Koyo” or autumn foliage, attracts both locals and tourists alike to witness the stunning natural beauty.
During autumn, temperatures become milder, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The crisp air is perfect for strolling through parks, gardens, and countryside trails while enjoying the picturesque scenery. Popular destinations for leaf-peeping include Kyoto‘s historic temples and gardens, Nikko‘s UNESCO World Heritage site, the iconic Capital of Tokyo with its parks, rivers and the unmissable Fujiyama Region with its amazing landscapes in every season!
Autumn is also a season of celebration in Japan. The arrival of autumn is marked by the Mid-Autumn Festival, where people gather to admire the moon, share delicious mooncakes, and participate in traditional cultural events. Additionally, Japan’s harvest festivals, showcase local traditions, music, dance, and food.
You can travel fast throughout all Japan by iconic high speed train “Shinkansen” that will make your journeys more sustainable and relaxing.
Japan is not only cherry blossoms, is known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage, and visiting during the Autumn allows you to immerse yourself in the country’s traditions, festivals, and customs, including tea ceremonies, traditional dance performances and historical sites. Don’t miss this unexpected season of Japan and explore it with us!
Tokyo & Hiroshima Tour
“Koyo” Season of Foliage: Autumn in Japan is a magical season characterized by vibrant colours, pleasant weather, and a sense of tranquillity. From late September to early December, the country’s landscapes transform into breathtaking displays of red, orange, and gold as the leaves change. This phenomenon, known as “Koyo” or autumn foliage, attracts both locals and tourists alike to witness the stunning natural beauty.
During autumn, temperatures become milder, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. The crisp air is perfect for strolling through parks, gardens, and countryside trails while enjoying the picturesque scenery. Popular destinations for leaf-peeping include Kyoto‘s historic temples and gardens, Nikko‘s UNESCO World Heritage site, the iconic Capital of Tokyo with its parks, rivers and the unmissable Fujiyama Region with its amazing landscapes in every season!
Autumn is also a season of celebration in Japan. The arrival of autumn is marked by the Mid-Autumn Festival, where people gather to admire the moon, share delicious mooncakes, and participate in traditional cultural events. Additionally, Japan’s harvest festivals, showcase local traditions, music, dance, and food.
You can travel fast throughout all Japan by iconic high speed train “Shinkansen” that will make your journeys more sustainable and relaxing.
Japan is not only cherry blossoms, is known for its rich and diverse cultural heritage, and visiting during the Autumn allows you to immerse yourself in the country’s traditions, festivals, and customs, including tea ceremonies, traditional dance performances and historical sites. Don’t miss this unexpected season of Japan and explore it with us!
Highlights
Location: Japan
Date: Customizable dates on request
Duration: 13 days - 12 nights
Tour Price: On request
Mood: Nature and Culture
Participants: 4-12
Best Season: From late September to early December
Suggestions: Easy city walking, outdoor activities, sightseeing
Additional: Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility
Tour Description
Autumn in Japan
Please note that we suggest to purchase your inbound flight to Tokyo and outbound flight from Osaka.
Contact us to check availability and ask for a quotation for families and private groups based on your special needs.
Passport with at least six months of validity is mandatory; One Life Journeys does not provide any service and assistance related visa requirements and processing.
We highly recommend purchasing a personal travel insurance at the time of booking.
Flexibility: Possibility to change dates, name of participant or tour until 75 days before departure (a supplement cost might be requested during high season, or for flight quotations if requested)
Reservation: 40%deposit at confirmation.Full payment is due 75 days prior departure.*
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your centrally located hotel in Tokyo. You will have some free time to recover from jet lag before heading to enjoy the Sumida boat cruise, Japanese style dinner and all you can drink. Night in Tokyo
Day 2 – Tokyo
This morning you will enjoy a full day guided tour of Tokyo city center among its iconic district such as Meiji Jingu-Omotesando, Asakusa, and Akihabara, Akihabara, Senso Temple, Ueno park, Imperial Palace, Meiji Shinto Shrine, Shibuya etc. from your hotel lobby with Licensed English Guide. You will also visit the fish market where you have the chance to have delicious sushi for lunch. In the afternoon you can visit the unmissable Tokyo Sky Tower to admire a breathtaking view of city from the second tallest building in the world! Night in Tokyo
Day 3 – Fujiyama Region
This morning you will be heading to Hakone district, and, with a little bit of luck, you could admire the majesty of Mount Fuji the most photographed monument in Japan. You will enjoy a stunning view from the hill via the Fuji Panoramic Ropeway, a mini cruise at Ashi Lake and a Japanese style lunch. Night in Tokyo
Day 4 – Tokyo
Today you will enjoy a Tokyo Tasting guided tour (10 tastings of authentic food and beverage such as sushi, gyoza and street food walking around Tokyo with guide). In the afternoon Afterwards, in the afternoon you will enjoy a special tasting of “Sake”, the world-renowned Japanese drink based on the fermentation of the rice. Finally, You will visit to Team Lab Planet, an immersive digital experience created by art collective TeamLab. Leisure time on your own to visit Iconic Odaiba District. Night in Tokyo
Day 5 – Nikko
This morning you will reach Nikko via Tobu Railways to explore its picturesque region where “untouched nature meets religious fusion.” On the way to Nikko, you will explore lake Chuzenjiko and Kegon waterfalls. Upon arrival in Nikko, you will get to see its magnificent attractions, such as UNESCO site Toshogu shrine and Shinkyo Bridge, considered to be Japan’s oldest bridge. Afterwards, you will be heading back to Tokyo to enjoy your evening. Night in Tokyo
Day 6 – Heading towards Kyoto
This morning you will enjoy a thrilling trip on the iconic high-speed train “Shinkansen” that will bring you to the ancient city of Kyoto in less than three hours. In the afternoon, after some free time, you will enjoy a special “Tea Tasting”, an ancient Japanese ritual, and for sure a must-see experience while in Kyoto. The tea ceremony is a meditative experience that involves the preparation and serving of matcha tea. Afterwards you will enjoy your dinner in Kyoto city center. Night in Kyoto
Day 7 – Kyoto
Today is entirely dedicated to Kyoto, a city rooted in history and cultural heritage, known as the city of thousand temples! During your bicycle guided tour, you will discover the iconic Kinkaku-ji Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site), also known as the Golden Pavilion, covered in gold leaf, and set in a stunning garden surrounded by a pond. We will go around the Gion district, one of Kyoto’s most famous neighborhoods for the presence of geisha and maiko, the Tofuku-ji Temple, and Fushimi Inari-Taisha the famous Shinto sanctuary known for its thousands of torii gates leading up to the top of a mountain. Night in Kyoto
Day 8 – Nara
This morning you will move to Nara, the ancient capital of Japan. Here you will visit its park, home to many wild Sika deer which, according to the Japanese mythology, are considered sacred messengers of the gods. The park covers an area of over 500 hectares and is one of the largest urban parks in Japan. In addition to the deer, the park also features several historical sites, including the Tōdai-ji Temple and Kasuga-taisha Shrine. Night in Kyoto
Day 9 – From Kyoto to Hiroshima
This morning you will move to Hiroshima by Shinkansen high speed train. You will check-in at a centrally located hotel. Free time in the afternoon and evening. Night in Hiroshima
Day 10 – Hiroshima
This morning you will have a complete Guided tour of Hiroshima World Heritage sites, Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, Atomic Bomb site, Shukkeien Park, Miyajima island with an English speaking guide. known worldwide for the devastating atomic bombing that took place on August 6, 1945, during World War II, The city holds significant historical and symbolic importance as the first city to experience the destructive power of nuclear weapons. Night in Hiroshima
Day 11 – Osaka
Today you will move to Osaka where after check-in at your hotel or Ryokan, you will have time to visit Osaka castle, the Tennoij park and enjoy the street food of the lively Dotombori district. Upon availability, you will have the chance to spend the last night in a Ryokan, the traditional Japanese house, a unique cultural experience. You will immediately get used of tatami mat floors, futon bedding, and private hot springs (onsen). Night In Osaka
Day 12 – Osaka
Today You will be attending a fun Japanese cooking class where you will learn the secrets of Sushi and original local food! In the afternoon free time to discover the secret Osaka. Night In Osaka
Day 13 – Flight Back Home
Today you will be transferred to the Osaka airport on time to catch you flight back home.
*Excursions and activities might be subject to changes due to reason beyond our control. In such case, valid alternatives will be offered.
⇒Airport transfer at arrival and departure
⇒ Accommodation in charming, carefully selected hotels
⇒ All breakfasts
⇒ Japan Rail Pass (included high speed train Shinkansen)
⇒ Guided tasting tour in Tokyo
⇒ Guided full day tour in Tokyo
⇒ Entrance ticket to Sky Tree Tower
⇒Team lab Experience
⇒ Guided tour in Nikko (lunch and admissions)
⇒ Guided tour to Fujiyama (lunch and admissions)
⇒ Guided bicycle tour in Kyoto (lunch and admissions)
⇒ Tea tasting ceremony in Kyoto
⇒ Guided afternoon tour in Nara (Transport and admissions)
⇒ Sake tasting in local Brewery
⇒ Guided tour in Hiroshima (Transport and admissions)
⇒ Guided tour in Osaka
⇒ Cooking class and tasting in Osaka
⇒ All Activities and Entrances as per Itinerary
⇒ Professional travel consulting before and throughout the trip
ΧInternational airfare (book your flight INTO Tokyo and OUT OF Osaka)
Χ All local transports NOT included in JR Pass (metro, bus, rope line etc.) nor in the itinerary
ΧMeals and transfers NOT mentioned
Χ Travel insurance and local taxes
Χ Personal expenses
Χ Tips for tour leader, drivers and local guides
Χ All NOT mentioned in “Included”
Tour Map
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What Our Fellow Travelers Said
" Since 2014 I have worked and travelled on 4 different tours with Betta, they have all been amazing, all customized to what my group enjoys to do. I don’t have to tell her our preferences any more, they are just understood.
On each trip we are treated to special tours that you would not see with a large tour company. She personally makes each trip a pleasure and we all feel that we are with a family member when we get together with her. Can’t wait for our next trip."
Jayne Meissell Washington, NC, USA
Jayne Meissell Washington, NC, USA
" Having been on group trips to Northern & Southern Italy, Sicily, Portugal & Spain led by Benedetta, we can recommend her enthusiastically.
For our private trips, she made all our rail, air, private car & hotel arrangements, chosen based on the quality we requested; selected knowledgeable and informative guides to assist us at multiple locations; & stitched it all together into a cohesive itinerary from beginning to end. The trip was a delight. Besides her professional side, Benedetta is an upbeat “foodie” with a mind for fun, & she’s flexible, on the client’s side & doesn’t push an agenda. Finally, as we’ve traveled abroad, we’ve known she’s had our back should help be needed while away."
Mark and Vicki Hyde Wailea, Hawaii, USA
Mark and Vicki Hyde
Wailea, Hawaii, USA
" Thank you One Life journey!!! My wife and I had a life time trip in Italy (from Sicily to Alba and its truffles) thanks to you. The level of service you provided was the highest. Your travel experience, knowledge, understanding and passion made the trip truly unforgettable. Can’t wait for next summer with other one."
Arash Malekzadeh, Sydney Australia
Arash Malekzadeh Sydney, Australia
" Your professionalism and attention to every and each single details was above and beyond any expectations. Betta and Ray tailored the trip based our personal agenda and preferences, it was the best travel experience we have ever had. Looking forward to our next trip with you.
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Asia Spilotros, USA
Asia Spilotros
USA
"Betta was our Tour Manager on my trip to Croatia and Slovenia and I can’t say enough wonderful things about her! She was outstanding in every way – professional, prepared, passionate, friendly, approachable, and informative. Our journey was a stress-free experience and she made us feel completely safe and well taken care of throughout the entire trip.
Betta was very organized and a great manager of our schedule but was flexible and accommodating enough to balance the prescribed schedule against different things members of the group wanted to see or experience. She went out of her way to make sure we saw not only the tourist sites, but also several that were off the beaten track as well. Betta was always there for us if we had any questions, and the group engaged in many interesting conversations. You cannot go wrong if Betta is your Tour Manager!"
Karen, Chicago
"When traveling, you’ll need a generous amount of good humor, patience and flexibility while expecting the unexpected. There will always be a need to alter plans on the fly. The key to success when traveling is managing these usually stressful surprises. And this is where Betta shines. After three separate tours with Betta, I can cite numerous occasions where I saw her planning and attention to detail in evidence. Daily schedules were well communicated and, always with smiles, Betta kept the tour group together for our various comings and goings. However, Betta’s real talents were displayed when needed to improvise. More important than simply planning, Betta would easily “roll with the punches” when required or asked to deviate from her original plans. She could do this based on her intimate knowledge of several options she could utilize to meet the needs of the moment. Betta’s personality to be much more than pleasant."
Carl Robbins - USA
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Anna, Milan, Italy
Anna, Milan, Italy
"Hi, my name is Bob, and my wife Elizabeth and I want to highly recommend Betta. We traveled with Betta as our tour director on two Italian tours. She is wonderful, always upbeat, and very professional, a pleasure to be with. An excellent communicator, Benedetta was always well prepared and very knowledgeable about the areas we visited.
Every day she provided us with extraordinary experiences. Betta was able to adjust the day’s schedule and activities to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. She also managed special dietary requests with patience. We both look forward to traveling with Betta again soon."
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