Best of Japan Tour
Fall Foliage & Cherry Blossoms: Japanese Alps & Mt. Koya
13
Days
12
Nights
Perfect for experiencing Japan’s fall foliage and cherry blossoms together
This tour offers an exceptional journey through Japan, featuring iconic sites, stunning autumn leaves, and the rare combination of fall foliage and cherry blossoms. Visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, and more.
Itinerary
Arrive in Tokyo
Welcome to Tokyo! You will be met at the arrival gate by our representative holding a name sign.
NOTE 1: The meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available on the first day of the tour after 11 AM. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, we will provide full instructions in advance for you to transfer to your hotel on your own.
NOTE 2: If you wish to stay extra nights before the tour starts, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.
Tokyo
Visit Tsukiji Outer Market, a bustling outdoor street market known for its fresh seafood, produce, and kitchenware. From there, drive by the Imperial Palace and enjoy splendid views of the front lawn, moat, and stone walls.
Next, enjoy a fun Sushi-Making Experience, creating and eating your own sushi. Visit Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest temple complex, featuring the Kaminarimon Gate and Nakamise Street.
End the day by ascending Tokyo Skytree for a panoramic 360-degree view of the city.
NOTE3: For Sushi Making Experience, if you are vegetarian, on gluten-free diets, have seafood allergy, or don't eat raw fish, please contact us for other ingredient options.
Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Shinkansen Bullet Train Ride
Depart from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji on a private coach. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery. Stop at Mt. Fuji 5th station (weather permitting) to admire the world-famous peak.
Travel to Hakone, view the forested slopes of Hakone National Park, and take a 20-minute ropeway ride from Togendai to Owakudani. Experience hot springs, hot rivers, and splendid views of Mt. Fuji. Take a Shinkansen bullet train ride reaching speeds up to 300 km/hr.
Stay at the Onsen Hotel at Hamanako Kanzaiji Onsen, where you can soak in the therapeutic waters of a spa bath.
Obara - Takayama
Obara Shikizakura Festival
Head to Obara and visit the Obara Shikizakura Festival, the only place in Japan where you can see both fiery red and orange autumn leaves and soft pink cherry blossoms simultaneously. Continue to Takayama, explore the old town, and visit Takayama Jinya, a traditional local government office.
Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kanazawa
Enjoy the lively city market in Takayama before heading to the World Heritage-listed rural area of Shirakawa-go.
Tour the Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, an open-air museum of farmhouses and other structures. Depart for Kanazawa to visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's three most beautiful strolling gardens.
Continue to Kyoto, a historical city preserved for its cultural and historical value.
Kyoto
Tour Kyoto, starting with the Arashiyama district to see Tenryuji Temple and its famous Zen Garden.
Visit the Sagano Bamboo Forest, Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), and experience a traditional Green Tea Ceremony hosted by a Maiko (apprentice Geisha).
Tour Kiyomizu Temple and end the day in the Gion Geisha District.
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of bright vermillion torii gates. Travel to Nara to visit Todaiji Temple and Nara Deer Park.
Continue to Osaka to explore the Dotonbori district and Shinsaibashi, Osaka's largest shopping district.
Himeji, Kurashiki
Take a private coach to Himeji to visit Himeji Castle, known as "White Heron Castle" for its brilliant white exterior.
Continue to Kurashiki, a scenic town with historic architecture and stone-lined canals. Travel to Hiroshima in the afternoon.
Hiroshima, Shimanami Kaido
Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Museum in Hiroshima. After lunch, take a ferry to Miyajima Island to see the famed vermilion torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Drive through the Shimanami Kaido to Shikoku Island.
Oboke Gorge, Takamatsu, Kobe
Continue to Oboke Gorge, enjoying a relaxing boat ride. Visit Ritsurin Park in Takamatsu, then cross Awaji Island through a series of spectacular bridges. In the evening, savor Wagyu beef in Kobe.
Hotel Elsereine Osaka features stylish accommodations and modern amenities in the heart of Osaka. Its central location provides easy access to the city's vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment districts.
Osaka, Kashihara
Begin with a visit to the Osaka Cup Noodles Museum, celebrating the invention of instant ramen noodles by Momofuku Ando.
Visit Kashihara Shrine, the resting place of Japan's first emperor, Jimmu. Travel to Koyasan for an overnight stay in a local temple and dine on shojin ryori (monks' food).
Mt. Koya
Early Meditation with Monks / Okunoin Temple / Kongobuji Temple / Danjo Garan
Start the day with early morning meditation with the monks. Tour Okunoin, Japan's largest cemetery, and Kongobuji Temple. Visit Danjo Garan, the main temple complex of Koyasan. Return to Osaka for your last night.
NOTE 4: If you wish to stay in the center of Osaka for the last night instead of Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport, we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Elsereine Osaka (or similar class). In this case, airport transfer is not included, but we will provide full instructions for you to get to the airport in advance.
NOTE 5: If you will be flying out from Itami Airport (ITM) instead of Kansai International Airport (KIX), we can arrange for you to stay at Hotel Elsereine Osaka (or similar class) instead of Hotel Nikko Kansai Airport. In this case, airport transfer is not included but we will provide full instructions for you to get to the airport in advance
Tour Ends
After breakfast, our tour officially ends. Checkout time is 11 AM. Osaka Kansai Airport is a three-minute walk from the hotel.
NOTE 6: If you would like to stay longer in Japan, please contact us to book hotel accommodations.
Accommodations
Stay in comfort with 4 nights in handpicked accommodations, blending Western comfort and Japanese tradition, ensuring a restful experience throughout your floral journey.
Tokyo
Hotel Mystays Premier Narita / Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro or similar
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro offers convenient access to Tokyo's shopping, dining, and entertainment. It features modern rooms, diverse dining options, fitness facilities, and meeting rooms. Its central location and proximity to transport links make it an ideal base for exploring Tokyo.
Shizuoka
Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa or similar
Grand Mercure Lake Hamana Resort & Spa features serene lakeside views, luxurious rooms, and a variety of spa services. This resort offers an ideal retreat with its tranquil setting and extensive amenities.
Takayama, Gifu
Mercure Hida Takayama or similar
Mercure Hida Takayama combines traditional Japanese design with modern comforts, located in the historic city of Takayama. Guests can enjoy easy access to local attractions and cultural sites.
Kyoto
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel or similar
Kyoto Tokyu Hotel offers a blend of traditional Kyoto elegance and modern luxury, providing comfortable accommodations and fine dining options. It is conveniently located for exploring Kyoto's cultural landmarks and attractions.
Osaka
Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar class
Hotel Elsereine Osaka features stylish accommodations and modern amenities in the heart of Osaka. Its central location provides easy access to the city's vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment districts.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima Grand Prince Hotel or similar class
Hiroshima Grand Prince Hotel offers waterfront views, luxurious rooms, and a range of dining options. Its location provides convenient access to Hiroshima's key attractions and historical sites.
Ehime
Imabari Kokusai Hotel or similar class
Imabari Kokusai Hotel combines comfort and convenience with modern facilities and amenities. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the Shimanami Kaido and surrounding areas.
Osaka
Hotel Elsereine Osaka or similar
Hotel Elsereine Osaka features stylish accommodations and modern amenities in the heart of Osaka. Its central location provides easy access to the city's vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment districts.
Notes
This part serves as a guide to prepare travelers for their journey, ensuring a smooth and informed experience.
Accommodations: 1 night temple lodging, 10 nights Western-style, 1 night Japanese-style
Admission Fees & Activities: All entry fees to listed sites and activities
Meals: Breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 6 dinners
Guides: Comprehensive tour with a professional English-speaking guide
Private Coach Transfers
International Airfares
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses (e.g. telephone, laundry)
Tour Pricing, Occupancy, and Flight Details
All prices are per person, based on twin (double on request) or triple occupancy.
International flights are not included in our tours - this allows you the flexibility to choose your own departure.
We can arrange international flights for US/Canada customers if needed, please ask for details.
Additional Information
Deposit
We require a NON-Refundable US$200 deposit per person to hold the space at the time of booking. The final payment is due 2 months prior to departure.
Transport
Travel by private coach between destinations, with hassle-free baggage handling.
Arrival Departure Airports
Airport Transfers (Arrival and Departure) included: We provide airport transfers on arrival and departure days.
This tour starts and finishes in Tokyo, with arrivals and departures at Narita Airport (NRT) or Haneda Airport (HND).
Meal Requests
Vegetarian or special meals can be arranged upon request.
Meet and Greet
Our representative will meet you at Narita Airport.
Please note that the meet and greet and airport transfer to the first hotel is ONLY available on the first day of the tour after 11 AM. If you plan to stay extra nights before the start of the tour, we will provide full instructions in advance for you to transfer to your hotel on your own.
Tour#: AJT3942521
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