Special features
See glorious Autumn Colours across Japan.
Visit Sensoji Temple in Tokyo.
Try traditional indigio dyeing in Asakusa.
Stay in an onsen village in the central highlands.
Visit the world heritage listed village of Shirakawago.
Wander through Kenroku-en in Kanazawa, one of Japan's best gardens.
Visit the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art and the Ninja Temple in Kanazawa.
Experience the beautiful autumn colours in Nara Park, the ancient capital.
Enjoy a tour of Kyoto with Riki in his home town.
Visit Japan's best castle at Himeji.
Take a day-walk from Kibune to Mt Kurama in the hills of northern Kyoto.
See the wonderful private collection at Ohara Museum of Art in Kurashiki.
Visit the Hiroshima Peace Park.
Stay on the island of Miyajima by the floating red O-Torii and walk Mt Misen.
Inclusions
Transport and entry to all places described
Accommodation and meals described
The services of Riki Inamura, the tour escort
Airport-hotel transfers in Japan
Hotels
Tokyo: Asakusa Tobu Hotel
Gero: Yamagataya (onsen hotel)
Kanazawa: Hotel Sanraku Kanazawa
Nara: Nikko Hotel
Kurashiki: Royal Art Hotel
Miyajima: Seaside Hotel (ryokan)
Kyoto: Solaria Nishitestu Kyoto
Travel to Tokyo by Fri 15 Nov 2024
Arrive at Narita or Haneda by own arrangement with transfers provided into Tokyo.

Tokyo   BD
We’ll visit the old downtown area of Tokyo to wish a safe journey ahead at Sensoji Temple, and try indigo dyeing at a local store. Enjoy a welcome dinner at an izakaya (Japanese pub).

Tokyo (or optional day-tour)   B
Enjoy your day in Tokyo, or join an optional tour. Riki recommends the Kamakura tour, however the Nikko or Mt Fuji tours would also be worthwhile depending on the weather.

Tokyo to Gero Onsen   BD
Take the Shinkansen passing by Mt Fuji, then a train into the hills for the onsen town of Gero. Soothe your feet and enjoy our kaiseki dinner.

Gero Onsen to Kanazawa via Shirakawago   B
We’ll head further into the mountains for Kanazawa via the world heritage listed village of Shirakawago with its thatched roof houses.

Kanazawa   BD
Enjoy this lovely city with Riki. We’ll visit the Ninja Temple and 21st Century Museum, and also Kenrokuen, one of Japan’s best gardens.

Kanazawa to Nara   B
Take a train to Nara, once the ancient capital of Japan where we’ll see the giant bronze Daibutsu-san (Buddha) and wander through the park.
Nara to Kurashiki via Himeji Castle   B
Today, we’ll take a train and Shinkansen to Kurashiki, stopping by Japan’s best world heritage listed castle at Himeji.

Kurashiki   BD
We’ll visit the Ohara Museum of Art, then explore the charming canals and warehouses. Alternatively, garden lovers may want to visit Okayama for Korakuen garden, while those into ceramics may want to try a Bizen pottery experience.

Kurashiki to Miyajima via Hiroshima   BD                
Travel by train and Shinkansen to Hiroshima for the peace park and museum, which should have lovely autumn colours. Then it’s a ferry over to Miyajma for the floating red O-Torii.

Miyajima to Kyoto (Mt Misen day-walk)   B
Relax for the morning, or walk up Mt Misen. The views of the inland sea are stunning. Take a ferry, train and Shinkansen to Kyoto.

Kyoto   B
Enjoy a tour of Kyoto with Riki to visit Ryoanji (zen garden), the Golden Pavilion and Arashiyama for the Bamboo Forest and other sites.

Kyoto (Kurama day walk)   BD
A free day in Kyoto, or join Riki on a 4km walk in Autumn colour from Kibune to Kurama in the northern hills of Kyoto, his hometown area. At night, enjoy our farewell dinner.

Kyoto travel home on Thu 28 Nov 2024   B
Relax in Kyoto before transferring to Itami or Kansai Airport for your flight home.
Day-walks
Kibune to Mt Kurama in the northern hills of Kyoto (2-3hr)
Mt Misen on Miyajima Island (1-2hr)