Fall Colors of Japan with Kumano Kodo

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo

  Welcome to Japan!

  Land in Tokyo airport and feel the order, efficiency, and hospitality the country is famed for. Outside the arrival hall, your private driver will welcome you and take you to the hotel for check-in.

  • Tokyo

• Day 2: Tokyo, Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

  Ready to feel the vibe of autumn in Japan?

  Start today's journey from Meiji Shrine. Strolling along Jingu Gaien Ginkgo Avenue, the golden leaves bloom dazzlingly under the blue sky, bringing the breath of autumn to Japan. Then head to Meiji Jingu Inner Garden and Meiji Jingu Museum to experience the ingenious design of architect Kengo Kuma.

  Afterward, set off to Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden to enjoy different autumn colors in the chrysanthemum flower exhibition. The sycamore and maple leaves are gradually dyed yellow and red, and chrysanthemums of different colors and postures compete to bloom, offering you a unique autumn visual treat.

  In late October and early November, there is also the opportunity to attend the Tokyo Ramen Show at Komazawa Olympic Park and sample ramen from various regions of Japan.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 3: Tokyo, Sensoji Temple, Rikugien Garden

  Today's journey begins at the Sensoji Temple. Marvel at the giant red lanterns, pass through Kaminarimon Gate, squeeze through Nakamise-dori Street, and sample various snacks. If time permits, you can also draw lots in the main temple to try your luck. After leaving the majestic temple, head to Tsukiji Outer Market, glimpse into local life and try to make sushi under a chef's direction.

  Today's highlight is the red leaves in Rikugien Garden. The garden is like an inverted color palette in the fall. You will see yellow, orange, and red maple leaves all over the branches, combined with the stone lanterns, ponds, and ancient stone to create a peaceful autumn picture. Take out your camera and record this moment.

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  • Tokyo

• Day 4: Tokyo - Hakone, Mt. Fuji, Kawaguchiko Lake

  Today we will drive about 2.5 hours to the Kawaguchiko area to explore the beauty of the surroundings.

  At Oshino Hakkai, you can observe fish of various colors swimming in the emerald green pond and undulating aquatic plants at the bottom of the pond. Afterward, set off to Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine. Climbing nearly 400 steps, you will see a beautiful picture of the nearby red and green Chureito Pagoda and the blue sky.

  Finally, take a boat tour to Lake Kawaguchi or take a panoramic ropeway to overlook the magnificent scenery of Mount Fuji. Weather conditions permitting, you may see the magnificent scenery of Mount Fuji reflected in the lake.

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  • Hakone

• Day 5: Hakone - Kyoto

  This morning, explore Hakone on your own. Take a sightseeing boat on Lake Ashi to enjoy the stunning scenery or ride a cable car to visit Owakudani and taste a black egg. If you or your children are fans of EVA, the EVA-themed store near Hakone Yumoto Station is the best choice for you.

  In the afternoon, get to the railway station on your own to catch the bullet train to Kyoto.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 6: Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera, Nijo Castle

  Today's journey starts with Nijo Castle. Be amazed by the ornate chrysanthemum decorations on the gates and the lifelike carvings of cranes. The palace of the castle with its magnificent appearance is deeply influenced by the style of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) of ancient China.

  At noon, proceed to Nishikidori Market, also known as "Kyoto's Kitchen". Follow the bustling crowd, taste various snacks, and feel the atmosphere of the Japanese market. Today's tour ends with Kiyomizu-dera. Backgrounded by the bright blue sky, the leaves on maple trees, with brilliant hues of red, give a flaming tribute to the wooden stage. Don’t forget to press the shutter and capture the beauty of autumn in Kyoto.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 7: Kyoto, Arashiyama

  Let's enjoy the beauty of Arashiyama today! Start with Jojakko-Ji Temple. In this hidden temple, appreciate red maple, lush pines, and golden ginkgo overlapping each other, forming the unique autumn splendor. Afterward, stroll through the Sagano Bamboo Grove. The towering bamboo is intertwined into a dark green corridor, each step enfolding you in the quiet sounds of the bamboo forest.

  Then explore the temple gardens of Tenryuji. Ponds, red leaves, strange rocks and pines, and the colorful Arashiyama create a landscape painting, with a sense of Zen. Immerse yourself in the serenity of the Tenryuji temple.

  End the journey today by boarding a traditional cruise ship to see the long Togetsukyo Bridge and the maple leaves all over the mountains that complement each other.

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  • Kyoto

• Day 8: Kyoto - Takahara, Kumano Kodo Trail Hiking

  Today we will explore the pilgrimage route of the East. Board a train to Kii Tanabe Station and proceed to the Tanabe Tourist Information Center. Then take a local bus to Takijiri (about 40 minutes, except for on-site payment) and hike two to three hours (about 4 km) to Takahara, a small village on a ridge known as the "village in the mist".

  Walk in the greenery step on the ancient path covered with mossy stone steps. You may see historical sites and stone monuments left along the way, and it is possible to see various hot springs and waterfalls. In the silence of the mountains, you can get a feel for sacred rituals. Today's tour ends at Takahara Kumano-jinja Shrine.

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  • Takahara

• Day 9: Kumano Kodo, from Takahara to Tsugizakura-Oji

  After a night of rest, continue your hiking tour today to Tsugizakura-Oji. The whole journey is about 13 kilometers, and it is expected to take 6 to 8 hours, mainly based on the road walking.

  Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the valley and visit Chikatsuyu and Tsugizakura-oji shrines. The latter is surrounded by tall cedars where you can feel the power of nature and the gods.

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  • Nonaka Area

• Day 10: Kumano Kodo, from Tsugizakura-Oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha

  Today you will hike from Tsugizakura-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha with three options, varying from 2 hours to 11 hours. When you step onto the final stone steps leading to Kumano Hongu Taisha and see the magnificent shrine, all fatigue will be swept away. Be impressed by the wooden facade, which combines natural texture, and a simple, rustic design. Afterward, visit the Kumano Hongu Heritage Center.

  The last stop is Osaihara, located in the lush nature of Wakayama. You may admire the giant torii gates reflected in red and yellow autumn leaves in fall. Finally, take a local bus from Hongu to Yunomine Onsen (about 10 minutes).

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  • Tanabe

• Day 11: Kumano Kodo - Kii-Tanabe - Osaka

  Your pilgrimage comes to an end today. Take a local bus from Yunomine Onsen to Tanabe-Kii (about 100mins) for your train to the next destination.

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  • Osaka

• Day 12: Osaka - Himeji - Kobe - Osaka

  In the morning, meet your driver at your hotel lobby and take a two-hour drive to visit the UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle. The pure white stucco walls of Himeji Castle look like white herons flying with wings. If you are confident in your physical fitness, you can go up and down the stairs to explore the internal structure.

  Afterward, proceed to Kobe and try Kobe beef if you wish. Ready for a 360-degree panorama of Kobe City? Hopping on an aerial cable car, you may see red leaves all over the mountain along the way. If you are interested in plants, why not head to the herb garden and see all kinds of fragrant herbs and flowers? Once you reach the top, don't forget to take in the magnificent view of Kobe from the observation deck. Finally, transfer back to Osaka for the night.

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  • Osaka

• Day 13: Leisure Day in Osaka

  Today you are free to arrange your itinerary in Osaka. Enjoy the breathtaking view of Osaka Castle in the Nishinomaru Garden, or go up to the fifth floor of Tsutenkaku for a panoramic view of Osaka, and search for delicious food in Shinseikai. If you are looking for a more exciting experience, challenge the TOWER SLIDER and slide from a height of 22 meters to the first basement floor.

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  • Osaka

• Day 14: Osaka, Departure

  Your Japan tour comes to an end today. Transfer to the airport on your own (the airport express line is highly recommended) and board your flight.

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