Japan Autumn Group Tour

Arrive in Tokyo and meet our local representative, who will guide you to the airport shuttle for a smooth transfer to your hotel. This first day is all about settling in and getting your bearings. As you travel into the city, you’ll get an early sense of Tokyo’s scale - modern, efficient, and full of contrasts.

• Hotel Description

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out on a full-day guided tour of Tokyo by public transport - a great way to experience the city like a local. Begin in Asakusa, home to Sensoji Temple, Tokyo’s oldest and most colourful Buddhist temple. Wander along Nakamise Street, where traditional shops sell everything from handmade sweets to souvenirs. Next, explore the peaceful grounds of the Imperial Palace, set among moats and manicured gardens. End the day in Shibuya, known for its famous Scramble Crossing and lively street scene. Lunch is included during the tour, followed by a welcome dinner to cap off the day. (B,L,D)

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After breakfast, head out on a full-day guided tour to Hakone by private coach - a region known for its hot springs, mountain views, and connection to Mt. Fuji. Begin at Owakudani, a dramatic volcanic valley where steam rises from the earth and the landscape feels otherworldly. Continue by ropeway, gliding above the treetops and volcanic terrain for sweeping views of the region. Weather permitting, catch sight of Mt. Fuji’s iconic silhouette, a striking backdrop to Hakone’s natural beauty. End with a peaceful cruise on Lake Ashi, where calm waters reflect the surrounding hills and shrines. It’s a day of fresh air, striking scenery, and a very different side of Japan. (B)

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Enjoy a free day in Tokyo to explore the city in your own way. This is a great opportunity to dive deeper into what interests you most - whether it’s discovering local food spots, browsing independent shops, relaxing in a quiet garden, or exploring museums and galleries. You might choose to take a river cruise, visit lesser-known neighbourhoods, or simply wander and soak up the city’s rhythm. Tokyo rewards curiosity, so take the time to follow your instincts and uncover a different side of the city. (B)

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Travel by bullet train to Kanazawa, a city known for its rich history, preserved districts, and craftsmanship. After arriving, join a guided afternoon tour starting at the lively Omicho Market, where you’ll see a colourful mix of seafood, produce, and local delicacies. Then head to the atmospheric Higashi Chaya district, an elegant area of traditional teahouses once used by geisha for performances of music and dance. As you explore its narrow lanes and wooden facades, you’ll get a glimpse into the city’s refined past. Visit artisan shops and take part in a gold leaf experience - Kanazawa’s signature craft, known for its beauty and precision. (B,L)

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Today’s full-day guided excursion takes you deep into the Japanese Alps, starting with Takayama, a town known for its beautifully preserved old streets and deep-rooted traditions. Wander through its historic merchant district, where wooden buildings, craft shops, and sake breweries reflect the town’s Edo-period charm. Then continue to Shirakawago, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its steeply thatched gassho-zukuri farmhouses, designed to withstand heavy alpine snowfall. Explore the village and step inside one of the homes to see how families once lived and farmed in this remote mountain region. It’s a day of rural beauty, timeless architecture, and a slower pace of life. (B)

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Start your day with a hands-on temari sushi-making experience in a traditional Kanazawa townhouse. Guided by a local expert, you’ll learn the techniques behind these delicate, ball-shaped sushi made with seasonal ingredients and beautifully presented. It’s an opportunity to connect with Kanazawa’s rich food culture and gain a deeper appreciation for the care and precision behind Japanese cuisine. After enjoying your own creations for lunch, travel by bullet train to Kaga Onsen, a peaceful hot spring town. Settle into a ryokan, where you’ll end the day with a multi-course kaiseki dinner - an elegant expression of regional flavours served with traditional hospitality. (B,L,D)

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After breakfast at the ryokan, take the bullet train to Kyoto, known for its temples, gardens, and deep cultural heritage. In the afternoon, join a guided tour that introduces you to some of the city’s most iconic sites. Start at Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, where gold-covered walls reflect over a peaceful pond, offering one of Japan’s most recognisable views. Then head to Arashiyama, a quieter corner of Kyoto known for its natural beauty. Walk through the bamboo grove, where tall stalks create a striking and atmospheric setting, and visit Tenryuji, a Zen temple with a garden designed for quiet reflection. (B,L)

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Today’s tour covers some of Kyoto’s most striking autumn sights. Start at Tofukuji Temple, where vibrant fall colours contrast beautifully with its simple Zen architecture. At Sanjusangendo, you’ll see an extraordinary hall filled with 1,001 statues of the thousand-armed Kannon, impressive in scale and detail. Then head to Kiyomizu Temple, set on a hillside with sweeping views over Kyoto and its changing leaves. Walk through Gion’s old streets, where traditional buildings and quiet corners show a different pace of city life. Later, take part in a tea ceremony hosted by a geisha or apprentice maiko offering a rare, close-up look at one of Kyoto’s most iconic cultural traditions. (B)

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Travel to Nara and Osaka for a final look at two very different sides of Japan. Start at Todaiji Temple, a major historic site housing the Great Buddha - a huge bronze statue that’s as impressive as it is significant. Take a walk through Nara Park, where deer roam freely and have become a well-known part of the landscape. Then continue to Osaka and explore the Dotonbori district, known for its bold neon signs, busy streets, and deep love of street food. Finish the day with a farewell dinner, your last chance to reflect and enjoy the trip with the group. (B,D)

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Enjoy a free day in Osaka to make the most of your final full day in Japan. This is your time to explore the city however you like - whether that means diving into its food scene, discovering local neighbourhoods, or taking it slow and soaking up the atmosphere. Osaka is known for its laid-back energy, so feel free to wander, eat well, and enjoy the contrast to the more formal pace of Kyoto and Tokyo. It’s a flexible day, perfect for personal interests or simply enjoying your surroundings before the journey home. (B)

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After breakfast, you’ll be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight home. (B)