13 Day Autumn Colours of Japan

Welcome to Tokyo! Upon arrival at the airport, you will make your own way to the hotel to check in and relax after your journey. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to begin exploring this incredible city, ready for the adventure ahead. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.

After breakfast, we begin our day with a coach journey into central Tokyo, where we'll have a welcome meeting on the way. Our first stop is the serene Asakusa Sensoji temple, which is the oldest temple in Tokyo. Next, we visit the beautiful and historic Japanese garden of Koishikawa Korakuen, which offers a peaceful escape despite being in the center of the metropolis. Finally, we visit the significant Meiji Shrine. Tonight is at your leisure to enjoy the sights and sounds of Tokyo. Inspiring Highlights Asakusa Sensoji temple Koishikawa Korakuen Meiji Jingu Shrine

After breakfast, we continue exploring Tokyo, beginning our day with a visit to the Imperial Palace East Gardens and Shinjuku Gyoen. Shinjuku Gyoen is a meticulously planned park with a wide variety of trees that show beautiful autumn colours early. In the afternoon, we visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum, which uniquely blends Edo-era houses into a beautiful park setting. The evening is free for you to explore. Inspiring Highlights Imperial Palace East Garden Shinjuku Gyoen Edo Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum Special InformationIn case of bad weather, we will do a drive-by Imperial Palace

After breakfast, we travel to Kawaguchiko. Depending on the road conditions, we will visit Mt Fuji 5th station when the Subaru road is open, or if it is not open we will visit Fujisan World Heritage Centre instead. Afterwards, we head to Oishi Park, a fantastic spot to see both the stunning autumn leaves and a view of Mt. Fuji in the background. Tonight, we enjoy dinner together. Inspiring Highlights Mt. Fuji 5th Station or Fujisan World Heritage Center Oishi Park Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

After breakfast, we head towards Takayama, a charming Edo period town nestled in the Japanese Alps. En route, we'll visit the magnificent Matsumoto Castle, famously known as Crow Castle due to its black exterior. Upon arrival in Takayama, your tour leader will guide you on a walk through the old part of town, pointing out examples of the beautiful traditional architecture. The evening is free to relax and enjoy the beautiful town. Inspiring Highlights Matsumoto Castle Takayama Historical Quarter walk Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, we travel to the unique village of Shirakawa-go. This enchanting village is famous for its charming thatched-roof cottages built in the distinctive gassho-zukuri style. Here, you'll learn about ancient countryside life as you explore this fairy-tale village, set against the magnificent backdrop of the Japanese Alps. Afterwards, we continue to Kyoto, where the afternoon is yours to explore this cultural capital at your own pace. Inspiring Highlights Shirakawa-go Village Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, we visit Tenryuji Temple, which boasts arguably one of the most elaborate gardens in Kyoto. The garden's design incorporates the landscape of the surrounding mountains. Next, we take a leisurely stroll through the famous Arashiyama bamboo grove, followed by some free time for lunch in the area. In the afternoon, we continue to the extravagantly decorated Kinkaku-ji temple, known as 'The Golden Pavilion'. The evening is free for you to explore. Inspiring Highlights Tenryuji Temple Arashiyama Bamboo grove Kinkaku-ji temple Special InformationPlease note - entrance to the garden at Tenryuji Temple is included, but entrance to the temple interior is not.

Today is a free day to explore the incredible city of Kyoto on your own. You might like to visit the famous Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, which is known for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates that snake up the mountain. You could also take a gentle walk through the historic Gion district, Kyoto's famous geisha district, where you might spot a geiko or maiko in the early evening. For a peaceful moment, consider visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a magnificent wooden stage that offers stunning views over the city. Tonight, the time is at your leisure.

After breakfast, we will travel to Nara. Our first stop is the impressive Todai-ji temple, where a huge Great Buddha statue is enshrined in one of Japan's biggest wooden buildings. Afterwards, take a walk through Nara Park, a unique experience where tamed deer wander freely among visitors. Later in the day, we make our way to the dynamic city of Osaka. Tonight is at your leisure to enjoy the vibrant and lively city. Inspiring Highlights Todai-ji temple Nara deer park Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After breakfast, we head to Himeji Castle. Known as White Heron Castle, this iconic structure has stood strong through earthquakes and war since the mid-16th century, having been meticulously restored in 2015. We will explore the castle grounds, which were once home to over 10,000 samurai families. We then continue to Kurashiki, roughly meaning "town of storehouses". Kurashiki is famous for the characteristically Japanese white walls of its houses, offering a historically attractive atmosphere of calm and harmonious life. Our day concludes as we make our way to Hiroshima. The evening is free to relax and take in the sights of Hiroshima. Inspiring Highlights Himeji Castle grounds Kurashiki Historical Quarter walk Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

After breakfast, we hop on a coach and head toward Miyajima Island. We take a ferry to get to the island, which is famous for its iconic floating torii gate. On the island, we visit the Itsukushima Shrine, which was originally built in the 12th century. In the afternoon, we return to the mainland and visit the Atomic Bomb Dome and the Peace Museum to learn about the historical events that occurred in Hiroshima. Tonight is at your leisure to further enjoy the city. Inspiring Highlights Miyajima Island & Itsukushima Shrine Peace Museum Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 3 hours

After breakfast, we board the incredible Shinkansen bullet train for our journey from Hiroshima to Osaka. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour of Osaka by coach. We first visit the grounds of Osaka Castle and then move on to explore the Kuromon market and Dotonbori areas. To celebrate our last night together, we will enjoy a group farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Inspiring Highlights Shinkansen bullet train from Hiroshima to Osaka Osaka Castle grounds (NO entry to castle keep or castle museum) Dotonbori Walk Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 2 hours

After a wonderful journey exploring the beautiful autumn leaves and cultural highlights of Japan, your tour concludes this morning. There are no activities planned, and you are free to depart at any time after check out at 10 am. We hope you leave with unforgettable memories of the Land of the Rising Sun! Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special InformationAirport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.