Japan Autumn Odyssey

Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Kansai or Itamil Airport , our representative will welcome you and assist you to transfer by airport bus to Kyoto station.  Check into your hotel and the rest of the day is free at leisure.

Accommodations: Rihga Gran Kyoto 

Today spend the day in the foothills of Northern and Western Kyoto. You will visit Kinkaku-ji, a Zen temple also known as the Golden Pavilion. The top two floors of the building completely covered in gold leaf. Our guide will lead you through the beautiful gardens to the tea house where you will exit the temple.
A short walk down the street is Ryoan-ji. The attraction of this temple is its famous rock garden with its deceptively simple and clever arrangement of 15 stones. After some contemplative moments at the rock garden, you will leave the area and travel to the western side of Kyoto.
In Arashiyama, you will tour Tenryu-ji Zen temple with one of the finest gardens in Kyoto. You will exit the temple by the north gate which brings you right onto the famous verdant bamboo groves of Arashiyama.

After a short rest and refresh at the hotel, the group will head out on foot to a local restaurant to enjoy a welcome dinner.

Today, start the day with a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine, renowned for its iconic torii gates, captivates visitors with its mystical allure. Afterward, immerse yourself in the vibrant hues of autumn at Eikan-do (Zenrinji) Temple, a serene sanctuary adorned with breathtaking foliage. Continue with a visit Kiyomizu temple known for its stunning panoramic views and traditional Japanese architecture.
In the afternoon enjoy some free time to rest and recharge, before heading out to explore the Gion district, where the mesmerizing Kodaiji Temple beckons with its illuminated beauty amidst the autumn foliage.

Today, journey to Nara, where you can delve into the rich history and cultural splendor of Todai-ji Temple. Here, marvel at the magnificence of Japan's largest bronze Buddha statue, a testament to ancient craftsmanship and spiritual reverence. Afterward, wander through the tranquil grounds of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, renowned for its enchanting ambiance illuminated by thousands of sacred lanterns, each one whispering tales of bygone eras.

Later, travel by Bullet train from Kyoto to Nagoya.

Accommodation: Nagoya Tokyu Hotel

Today, travel from Nagoya to Nakatsugawa, where you'll step back in time to explore the charming historic post towns of Magome and Tsumago. Delve into the nostalgia of yesteryears as you explore these two picturesque settlements, once bustling stops along the Nakasendo route. Dating back to the Edo Period, this historic path meanders through the enchanting landscapes of the Kiso Valley, connecting Tokyo with Kyoto.
Optionally, walk a portion of this ancient trail, where each step whispers tales of bygone travelers and ancient traditions.

Today, travel by Limited Express train from Nagoya to Matsumoto
Upon arrival, start your tour at Matsumoto Castle which is one of the most complete and beautiful among Japan's original castles. A short walk from the castle, Nakamachi-dori is a small section of Matsumoto's town center with streets lined by nicely preserved, old buildings. The buildings include a number of warehouse-type buildings (kura) with large white-painted walls.

Afterwards, travel to Azumino city for a visit to Daio Wasabi Farm. Immerse yourself in the verdant landscapes as you meander along trails weaving through lush wasabi fields, nourished by the pristine waters of the Japanese Alps. Gain insight into the intricate cultivation process of this prized plant, essential to Japanese cuisine. Conclude your visit with a delightful stop at the farm shops, where an array of tantalizing wasabi-related products beckon for sampling and purchase, from fresh wasabi to delectable wasabi paste, pickles, and crackers, each offering a unique taste of this beloved condiment.

Accommodation: Matsumoto Marunouchi  Hotel

Today, travel by private coach to Kanazawa with stops in Takayama and Shirakawago

Discover the charm of Takayama Old Town, adorned with historic buildings and winding streets that harken back to its heyday as a bustling hub of affluent merchants. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of bygone eras as you wander through this well-preserved district. Additionally, indulge in the local flavors by visiting a selection of sake micro-breweries, where you may partake in sampling some of the finest sakes the region has to offer.

Enjoy delectable wagyu beef lunch, savoring the unparalleled flavor and tenderness of this renowned Japanese delicacy. Wagyu, derived from several meticulously bred cattle varieties, embodies the epitome of culinary excellence. Each region of Japan boasts its own distinct wagyu brand, with Hida beef standing out as a prized example of Kuroge Wagyu Beef originating from the picturesque Gifu region in central Japan.

Later, visit Shirakawa-go a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled within the serene landscapes of Japan's mountainous terrain, Shirakawa-go is a historic mountain settlement, once shrouded in wilderness and mystery. Shielded by towering peaks and abundant snowfall, this secluded enclave remained relatively isolated from its neighboring regions, fostering the emergence of distinctive cultural traditions and ways of life.

Accommodation: ANA Crowne Plaza Kanazawa

Today, immerse yourself in the rich history of the Nagamachi Samurai District as you stroll along its narrow lanes, flanked by traditional residences that housed samurais and their families during the Edo period. Explore the meticulously restored Nomura Samurai house, where an exquisite tiny garden awaits your admiration, best observed from the tranquil confines of the second-floor tea room.
Kenrokuen Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design, beckons with its harmonious blend of spaciousness, seclusion, serenity, subtlety, panoramic vistas, and meandering watercourses. As you wander through this strolling park-like oasis, each corner reveals a new dimension of beauty and tranquility.

Following a brief bus ride, you'll arrive at the impeccably preserved Higashi Chaya Geisha District, a testament to Kanazawa's cultural heritage. Admire the graceful wooden tea houses where geishas once entertained nobility and affluent merchants. While the number of geishas has diminished over time, a handful of tea houses still host nightly entertainment for their discerning clientele. Your guide will point them out and offer insight into the enduring allure of geisha culture in this enchanting district.

Today you will also have the opportunity to get hands on and create your own gold leaf masterpiece. A gold leaf is made by beating gold into an extremely thin sheet with a thickness of 0.1 to 0.125 millionths of a meter. It is so thin that it will disappear when you rub it with your fingers. The production of gold leaf started in Kanazawa at the end of the 16th century.

Today, visit Omicho market, a bustling market offering a feast for the senses, showcasing an array of fresh seafood, seasonal produce, and artisanal goods. Afterwards, join a temari sushi making course where you will learn to make your own temari sushi at a Kanazawa machiya house (traditional Kanazawa syle house). Lunch today will be the result of your own creation, and also a mini-tea ceremony to finish off the lesson.

In the afternoon, travel by bullet train from Kanazawa to Tokyo.

Accommodation: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo

A full day in Tokyo exploring the city like a Tokyoite, by public transportation. Start with a visit to Meiji Jingu Shinto shrine,  dedicated to the deified spirit of Emperor Meiji and a popular place for traditional Japanese weddings. Then walk around the trendy high fashion district of Omotesando and Shibuya. After lunch we visit Tokyo's old town area where you can soak in the atmosphere of old Tokyo. Visit Sensoji, Tokyo's oldest temple, and wander down Nakamise, a shopping street that has been providing temple visitors with a variety of traditional, local snacks and tourist souvenirs for centuries. 

Today, enjoy Tokyo at leisure, where every street corner offers a new discovery, from tranquil gardens to bustling markets. Explore the city's vibrant energy as you adventure into its diverse neighborhoods and iconic landmarks at your own

In the evening, enjoy a final group farewell dinner .

Sayonara, farewell, our tour concludes today. You will be transferred to Haneda or Narita airport for your departure flight.