JAPAN
JAPAN 2026
September 30- October 12 2026
Fall is one of the best times to visit Japan — the weather’s cool and comfortable, the food is amazing, and the whole country lights up with stunning autumn colors. Stroll through Tokyo’s lively neighborhoods, then slow things down in Kyoto, where temples and shrines are surrounded by brilliant red and gold leaves. Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park feels especially moving in the quiet beauty of fall, Experience the infamous snow monkeys, see Mt Fuji and crimson maples and golden ginkgo trees., Plus, seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and warm bowls of mushroom soup make exploring even better. If you’re after a mix of culture, nature, and unforgettable scenery, Japan in the fall is hard to beat.
ITINERARY IN BRIEF
01 Oct 26 Tokyo Accommodations Keio Plaza Hotel 3 Night(s)
02 Oct 26 Tokyo Sightseeing Tokyo Highlights Private with car hire
Tokyo Ground Transport Private Coach Hire
03 Oct 26 Tokyo Itinerary Sumo Morning Training watching
Tokyo Sightseeing Sumo Morning Training watching
Shared Experience plujs full day in
Ginza and Shinjuku
Sightseeing Half Day Stroll and Snack Tour: Kichijoji
Tokyo Ground Transport Private Coach Hire
04 Oct 26 Hakone Accommodations Gora Kadan 1 Night(s)
Tokyo Sightseeing Scenic Hakone 8hrs by Car from
Tokyo end Hakone Private Tour
Odawara Miscellaneous Hakone 2-Day Free Pass from Odawara
Odawara Miscellaneous Hakone 2-Day Free Pass from Odawara –
05 Oct 26 Nagano Accommodations Hotel Metropolitan Nagano 2 Night(s
06 Oct 26 Ngano Sightseeing Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple
Tokyo Ground Transport Private Coach Hire
07 Oct 26 Kyoto Itinerary Train Ride from Odawara to Kyoto.
Geisha Performance at Gion Corner with car hire and dinner
Kyoto Accommodations Hotel Granvia Kyoto 4 Night(s)
Hakone Ground Transport Odawara St PVT One-Way Transfe
– Rail Transport Odawara to Kyoto, Shinkansen
– Rail Transport Odawara to Kyoto, Shinkansen – Guide
Kyoto Ground Transport Kyoto Train Station to Kyoto Central / Private Transfer
Kyoto Ground Transport Private Coach Hire
Kyoto Sightseeing Geisha Performance at Gion Corner
08 Oct 26 Kyoto Sightseeing Kyoto World Heritage FD Private Tour with car hire
Kyoto Ground Transport Private Coach Hire
Kyoto Sightseeing Tea Ceremony Private Experience
09 Oct 26 Kyoto Ground Transport Kyoto Central to Kyoto Train Station / Private Transfer
Hiroshima Sightseeing Hiroshima Afternoon Private Tour
from Kyoto with car hire
Hiroshima Ground Transport Private Coach Hire On Request
– Rail Transport Kyoto to Hiroshima, Shinkansen On Request
– Rail Transport Hiroshima to Kyoto, Shinkansen On Request
Kyoto Ground Transport Kyoto Train Station to Kyoto Central / Private Transfer
11 Oct 26 Osaka Sightseeing Osaka Big Sights Private FD Tour with car hire
Kyoto Ground Transport Private Coach Hire
ITINERARY IN FULL
Day 1: Thursday, 01 Oct 26
Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel
Plaza Superior South With Breakfast
01 Oct 26 Check-out: 04 Oct 26 Duration: 3 Night(s)
The Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is the ideal location to
explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Only minutes
away from the most popular shopping and
entertainment spots in Shinjuku, Hotel provides
stunning views over central Tokyo. In 2021, Keio Plaza
Hotel will be celebrating their 50th anniversary. As a
hotel that welcomes guests from around the world and
offer services close to your heart, “Feature 100” will
present 100 mini-stories hidden behind our
hospitality.
Day 2: Friday, 02 Oct 26
Tokyo Highlights Private
Embark on a Tokyo exploration from your hotel with your guide. Begin at Meiji Shrine,
steeped in Shinto tradition, before delving into Shibuya’s vibrant youth culture. Then, marvel
at the Imperial Palace gardens at Kokyo Gaien and immerse yourself in Asakusa’s historic
charm. Don’t miss Sensoji Temple and Nakamise Street’s delights. Conclude your day atop the
Tokyo Skytree, savoring panoramic city views. Reflect on Tokyo’s diverse allure as you return
to your hotel, memories in tow.
Start Time: 9am Duration: 8 hours Meal(s): Lunch
Day 3: Saturday, 03 Oct 26
This morning, meet up with your guide for a short transfer to the venue for watching sumo
training.
Sumo Morning Training watching Shared Experience
This is a great opportunity to watch sumo wrestler’s serious practice and training from a short
distance. Feel the sumo world and how the practice is usually done. This experience will
certainly be unforgettable.
Please observe the following rules while inside the sumo stable:
– No eating/drinking
– No flash photography
– No talking
– You will sit on the floor
Please note that there may be other people joining to watch the practice.
Please note that the duration varies depending on the tournament season: from 30min to
120min
Start Time: • 8:30am Duration: 2 Hours Meal(s): No meal
Ginza Architecture Tour– *can purchase a light lunch
Starts: 11:00 hrs
Duration: 4 hrs
Tokyo, largest metropolis in the world with a long and rich history, is the place where old
meets new. Its architecture is a result of its past and a look into its future. In recent history,
Tokyo has been scared twice: the great Kanto earthquake of 1923 left it in ruins, and the
extensive bombing of World War II damaged it further. Facing high risks of natural disasters
such as earthquakes and typhoons, its constructions had to adapt. Today, the city’s
architectural landscape features an incredible variety of unique buildings from all centuries.
In this tour you will explore with your guide one of the most interesting neighbourhoods
when it comes to architecture: Ginza. You will see and learn everything about iconic buildings
such as Tokyo International Forum and its bold structure accentuating space, Tiffany Ginza
and its movable Glass Panel façade, or Okuno building, the first apartment building of the
area. Enjoy this unique display of architecture from all eras, guided by a professional
architect.
Shinjuku Omoideyokocho, Kabukicho and Goldengai Food Tour
Starts: 4:00 hrs
Duration: 3 hrs
Let’s enjoy Shinjuku nightlife by starting our foodie tour in Omoide yokocho (literally
“Memory Lane”). Omoide Yokocho is littered with rustic food stalls and bars from the 1950s.
It will be like stepping back in time! We will have a drink together and some skewers in one
of the most charming parts of Tokyo; it will give you a very authentic feeling of Japan as you
dine mostly with locals. After Omoide yokocho, Kabukicho awaits! Kabukicho is Asia’s largest,
yet safest, red-light district. Learn more about this very famous area as your guide explains
to you Japanese izakayas, the amazing world of karaoke as well as other hidden gems of
Kabukicho. You will enjoy two delicious famous foods. Our last stop will be Shinjuku’s Golden
Gai: this is a glimpse back to what Tokyo was like during the early and middle of the 20th
century. The neighborhood is the most popular spot for unique izakaya and pub-nightlife.
The area is filled with over 200 small pubs, stalls, and karaoke bars where most are only big
enough for five to seven people.
Day 4: Sunday, 04 Oct 26
Hotel: Gora Kadan
Standard Room Type B Half-BoardCheck-in: 04 Oct 26 Check-out: 05 Oct 26 Duration: 1 Night(s)
Gora Kadan is located on the grounds of Kan’in-no-miya
Villa, the former summer villa of a member of the
Imperial Family in the town of Gora in Hakone. In this
villa, which blends Japanese tradition along with
modern design elements, we offer hot spring waters
that flow freely from the source and an authentic
kaiseki cuisine prepared with strictly selected seasonal
ingredients.
Breakfast and Dinner (HB) included
Scenic Hakone 8hrs by Car from Tokyo end Hakone Private Tour
This morning get ready to depart to Hakone National Park for a day of fresh air and
sightseeing at one of Japan’s most iconic parks in the shadow of Mt. Fuji. Throughout the tour
you will have a chance to take a glimpse at this awe-inspiring mountain, but please bear in
mind that it needs to be a clear day. Meet your guide and driver at your hotel.
Transfer to Hakone Machi-ko where you’ll board a pirate ship and sail across Lake Ashi to
Togendai. A crater formed by a volcano nearly three-thousand years ago, these charming
waters offer beautiful views of the enveloping mountains and even Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
Now, ride in a cablecar to the Hakone Ropeway, soar above the active volcanic site,
Owakudani, which translates to the Great Boiling Valley. Watch the steam rising from the
mountain, as thermal water grazes just under the rocky façade at extraordinarily hot
temperatures. Stop amongst the steamy rocks, and see if you can spot Mt. Fuji in the distance
before trying kuro-tamago, or a black egg. Boiled in the sulfuric hot springs each egg turns
black as its cooked; it’s rumored that eating it will add several years to your life. Finally, take
Cable car to Gora Station.
At the end of the day, the driver and the guide will leave you at your accommodation in
Hakone.
Start Time: 9am Duration: 8 hours Meals: Lunch
Hakone 2-Day Free Pass from Odawara
Local Transportation Pass.
Day 5: Monday, 05 Oct 26
Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Nagano
Superior Room With Breakfast
Check-in 05 Oct Check -out 07 Oct Duration: 2night(s)
Day 6: Tuesday, 06 Oct 26
Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple
See two of the top attractions near Nagano on this full-day excursion. Explore the
tranquil grounds of the 1400-year-old Zenko-ji Temple, one of Japan’s most
important temples.
Day 7: Monday, 07Oct 26
Evening: Travel to Kyoto by shinkansen (~3 hrs)
Hotel Granvia Kyoto
:Double with Breakfast
Check-in: 07 Oct 26 Check-out: 11 Oct 26 Duration: 4 Night(s)
Rail Transport
Odawara to Kyoto, Shinkansen
Rail Transport between your designated locations.
Kyoto Train Station to Kyoto Central Private Transfer
Geisha Performance at Gion Corner
Gion Corner is a place where you can take in seven kinds of performing arts, most notably
kyo-mai dance performed by maiko dancers. Here you can see Japan’s traditional performing
arts in ‘digest’ form all on one stage.
Start Time: 6pm Duration: 50 Min Meal(s): Dinner (at restaurant nearby)
Day 8: Thursday, 08 Oct 26
Kyoto World Heritage FD Private Tour with car hire
Your guide will meet you to take you to visit two beautiful and iconic UNESCO World Heritage
Sites, Ginkakuji and Kiyomizudera. Begin with Ginkakuji, also known as the Silver Pavilion,
a Zen temple with a beautiful moss garden and a unique dry sand garden. Then, take a walk
on the Philosopher’s Path, a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto’s
Higashiyama district, which follows a canal lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Next make a
stop at Yasaka Shrine where you will have your own lunch break. Founded over 1350 years
ago, the shrine connects the Geisha District of Gion with the beautiful Higashiyama Temple
District. Walk through Higashiyama to partake in a Japanese Tea Ceremony called Sado or
Cha-no-yu which has more than 400 years of history. The tea ceremony is conducted in the
decorated rooms of a traditional house. You will then have some free time to explore
Ninenzaka which is a preserved area with restored shop houses where you can imagine what
Kyoto looked like before modernity descended. Next you will visit Kodaiji Temple. Established
in 1606 and belonging to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, the lavish main buildings and richly
decorated interiors are surrounded by beautiful Zen gardens. You will also see two tea houses
set amidst the gardens and a small bamboo grove. Finally, move on to Kiyomizudera, to
admire the temple’s panoramic views of Kyoto from the 13 metre high veranda.
Start Time: 9am Duration: 8 hours Meal(s): Lunch
Tea Ceremony (Traditional Old House) Private Experience
In this 1hour private experience, you can try making a cup of tea under an English-speaking
instructor’s guidance as well as learn a wide range of Japanese culture including tea room
and tea tools, along with the history of the Way of Tea. Please make your own way to and
from the venue.
Start Time: 1pm Duration: 1 hour Meal(s): No meal
Day 9: Friday, 09 Oct 26
Kyoto Central to Kyoto Train Station Private Transfer
Hiroshima Afternoon Private Tour from Kyoto
The city of Hiroshima, now the largest city in the Chugoku Shikoku region, is also referred to
as the “City of Water”. After arriving at Hiroshima Station from Kyoto and an Okonomiyaki
lunch, our guide will take you to The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, which is located at the
centre of Hiroshima City. The A-Bomb Dome, also known as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial,
is what remains of the former Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall. The building served as
a location to promote Hiroshima’s industries. When the bomb exploded, it was one of the few
buildings to remain standing, and remains so today. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the A-
Bomb Dome is a tangible link to Hiroshima’s unique past. Get a birds eye view of the Peace
Park from the new Orizuru Tower. On a clear day you can see all the way to Miyajima so both
world heritage sites in Hiroshima can be viewed from here.
Start Time: 12 pm Duration: 4 hours (tour time only)
Meal(s): Lunch
Private Coach Hire (for tour in Hiroshima part)
Rail Transport
Kyoto to Hiroshima, Shinkansen
Rail Transport between your designated locations.
Rail Transport
Hiroshima to Kyoto, Shinkansen
Rail Transport between your designated locations.
Duration: 100mins
Ground Transport (Private)
Kyoto Train Station to Kyoto Central Private Transfer
Day 10: Saturday, 10 Oct 26
Osaka Big Sights Private FD Tour with car hire
Over 400 years of history fusing the old and new, towering skyscrapers abounded cherry
blossom trees and soundings waterways, Osaka has many impressive sights to enjoy in any
season. Today is a full guided day by local transport. Your guide will meet you at your hotel
and then start your adventure by taking you to Osaka Castle. Osaka castle was built in 1583
as the intended capital of Japan before the capital was moved to Edo (now known as Tokyo).
It is now a symbol of Osaka. The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is a remarkable facility
located in the North-eastern part of the Kita Area. The museum has re-created buildings and
streets that show what life was like in Osaka in the past. Then head to Umeda Sky Building
and go up to the observatory. While enjoying the breathtaking sights, you can also directly
feel the wind, which at 170 meters off the ground can get quite strong. Here, not only you can
see all of Osaka but also you can see as far away as Awaji Island. The basement of the building
houses the Takimi-Koji gourmet street with old fashioned images of Osaka from the 1920s.
Finish the afternoon on Dotonbori, a downtown dining and nightlife mecca along the south
bank of the Dotonbori-gawa Canal. Masses of neon lights and the atmosphere of the 17th
century coexist in the area. Finish the tour here, or be dropped off back at your hotel as you
wish.
Start Time: 8am Duration: 9 hours Meal(s): Lunch
Day 11: Sunday, 11 Oct 26
Ground Transport Private Coach Hire- Airport Transfer
$ 9,775.00 Per pax sharing
*(I will collect an additional $300 cash pp for tips for the guides and drivers at the beginning of the trip)
Single Supplement $3,530.00 Per single
room
The deposit is $3500 pp non refundbale and may be made via a CC. **I suggest getting trip insurance to cover the cost of the deposit at the time of booking. You can adjust your insurance coverage at the time of final payment due on July 1, 2026.
Air parameters will be given approximately 10 months before the trip. You are free to make your own air arrangments as long as they meet the time requirments. I can also help you with your air booking if needed.
-Copy of each traveler’s passport
-Residential address, cell phone number and email address for passengers
-Nonrefundable Land deposit of 35%
- INCLUSIONS
Tour Price Inclusions:
• Admission fees, sightseeing costs and licensed tour guides as specified in the itinerary
• Accommodation as listed
• Meals as listed - Tips for guides for tours
• Transportation including rail/train travel, water travel/ferries, and ground
transportation where listed in the itinerary.
Tour Price Exclusions:
• In/out international airfares & regional/domestic airfare unless specified
• Drinks with meals unless specified in the itinerary
• Visa fees (if required)
• Travel insurances
Cancellations:
180 days or more prior to departure: loss of deposit
91-179 days prior to departure: 50%
From 90 days prior to group departure: 100%
Hotels may vary based on availability but will be the same level or better as hotels mentioned. Order of tours might vary due to unforseen circumstances.
