Autumn Colors of Japan

Days 1 - 2 - Travel to Japan

We arrive at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, where we’re warmly welcomed by our English-speaking guide. A private transfer takes us to our hotel in Tokyo, where we check in and have time to relax and settle in. The rest of the day is free for us to rest or explore the local area on our own.

Day 3 - Tokyo

After a buffet breakfast at the hotel, we begin our full-day tour of Tokyo. We start at Skytree – Japan’s tallest structure at 634 meters (2,080 feet) with the observatory deck at 450 meters (1,476 feet). Then we visit Senso-ji Temple and walk through the lively Nakamise-dori shopping street. Lunch is a delicious set menu at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we enjoy Tokyo from a different perspective on a Sumida river cruise from the futuristic flagship. We sail to Odaiba for iconic views of Tokyo and Statue of Liberty. In the evening, we come together for a welcome dinner, then return to the hotel for free time.

Meals Included: (B, L, D)

Day 4 - Tokyo

We enjoy another buffet breakfast before heading out on our second day of exploring Tokyo. Today’s tour begins with the vibrant Shibuya area, where we visit the famous Hachiko statue and cross the iconic Shibuya Crossing. We also visit the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest museum and largest art museum in Japan. For lunch, we indulge in a teppanyaki meal featuring premium Wagyu beef at a stunning 51st-floor restaurant. In the afternoon, we stop by the Imperial Palace and Nijubashi Bridge for photos, and admire the historic façade of Tokyo Station. We return to the hotel in the evening. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Meals Included: (B, L)

Day 5 - Hakone & Shuzenji

After breakfast, we check out and begin our journey to Hakone and Shuzenji. With our guide and private transportation, we set off to explore Hakone. We visit the historic Hakone Checkpoint and walk a portion of the old Tokaido Road. Lunch is a seasonal set menu featuring local ingredients. We ride the Hakone Ropeway for stunning views of Mt. Fuji (weather permitting), visit the dramatic Owakudani volcanic valley, and end the afternoon at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where we enjoy modern art in a beautiful natural setting. From there, we transfer to Shuzenji and check in to a traditional Japanese hotel with hot springs (ryokan). Dinner is a plentiful buffet with Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes, and we can relax in the hot springs or reserve a private bath for a more intimate experience.

Meals Included: (B, L, D)

Day 6 - Shuzenji Onsen

We begin our morning with breakfast at the ryokan, then take a guided walking tour of Shuzenji Onsen town. We stroll through the peaceful streets, visit historic temples, dip our feet in a traditional footbath, and try a local specialty—wasabi ice cream! Lunch is on our own during our free time. In the afternoon, we visit Shuzenji Niji-no-Sato, a cultural theme park with beautiful gardens and seasonal autumn colors. Dinner at the ryokan is once again a buffet feast (included), followed by another chance to enjoy the hot springs and relax before bed.

Meals Included: (B, D)

Day 7 - Bullet Train to Kyoto & Arashiyama

After breakfast, we check out and transfer to Mishima Station to board the Hikari No. 505 bullet train for Kyoto. Upon arrival, our guide meets us at the platform, then we tour Kyoto’s Arashiyama and northern areas. We enjoy a group lunch, then explore the iconic Golden Pavilion, the Zen-inspired Ryoanji rock garden, the scenic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and the famous Togetsukyo Bridge. After visiting Arashiyama’s shopping district, we check in to our Kyoto hotel and enjoy the evening at our own pace. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Meals Included: (B, L)

Day 8 - Kyoto

Following breakfast, we set out on a full-day tour of Kyoto. Our first stop is Fushimi Inari Shrine with its endless red torii gates. Here we dress in traditional kimono for the experience. We have free time for lunch and shopping, then continue to the majestic Kiyomizu-dera Temple with panoramic views of the city, followed by Nijo Castle. In the evening, we enjoy a truly special experience: a kaiseki dinner accompanied by geisha entertainment in a former samurai residence. After this cultural highlight, we return to our hotel.

Meals Included: (B, D)

Day 9 - Uji & Bullet Train Kyoto to Hiroshima

After breakfast and checking out, we spend the day exploring the matcha town of Uji. We visit the Tale of Genji Museum, try our hand at grinding matcha and enjoy a tasting, then stroll through Byodoin Omotesando Street to discover unique matcha-based treats and souvenirs. We have time for lunch on our own before heading to Kyoto Station for the bullet train to Hiroshima. Upon arrival, we transfer to our Hiroshima hotel and settle in for a relaxing evening. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Meals Included: (B)

Day 10 - Miyajima Island

After breakfast, we head out for a full-day guided excursion to Miyajima Island using public transport and the ferry. We visit the famous Itsukushima Shrine and its floating torii gate, then take in the serene atmosphere of the Daishō-in Temple. A local-style group lunch is included, and we enjoy free time to shop or explore before returning to Hiroshima. The evening is free for us to enjoy as we wish. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Meals Included: (B, L)

Day 11 - Hiroshima & Bullet Train to Osaka

We begin our final day in Hiroshima with breakfast, followed by hotel check-out. We then explore the city with our guide. Our first stop is Saijo, Hiroshima’s sake brewing district, where we learn about sake production and enjoy tastings. Lunch is included at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and see the haunting remains of the Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Following, we board a bullet train to Osaka. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel and have the evening free. Dinner tonight is on our own.

Meals Included: (B, L)

Day 12 - Nara

After breakfast, we take a day trip to historic Nara. We visit the awe-inspiring Todaiji Temple and meet the friendly deer at Nara Deer Park. Lunch is included. After returning to Osaka, we attend a sumo show, which includes a bento box dinner and drink. The rest of the evening is free to relax or explore.

Meals Included: (B, L, D)

Day 13 - Osaka

We begin our last full day in Japan with breakfast before a guided tour of Osaka. We visit the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic city views, then head to the lively Dotonbori district. For lunch, we participate in a fun and interactive okonomiyaki (savory pancake) cooking workshop, or choose a regular okonomiyaki lunch without the workshop. In the afternoon, we walk around Osaka Castle and its surrounding gardens (we don’t enter the castle due to stair access issues). Following, we return to our hotel for a short break, then gather for a festive farewell dinner, celebrating the memories we’ve made throughout the journey.

Meals Included: (B, L, D)

Day 14 - Return to USA

After our final breakfast together, we check out of the hotel and transfer to Kansai International Airport for our departure. We say goodbye to Japan, carrying unforgettable experiences and new friendships with us.

Meals Included: (B)