13 nights – Tokyo | Matsumoto | Takayama | Kanazawa | Kyoto | Hakone | Tokyo
From: £4,780pp | $6,214pp | AU$9,082pp (Exclusive of flights)
What to expect?
Cherry blossom may hog the headlines, but the vivid colours of autumn are arguably an even more attractive backdrop to this classic tour of Japan.
Not far from Tokyo, the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is a haven of natural splendour. With stunning views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi and a profusion of volcanic hot springs, you'll have the opportunity to relax and unwind in a traditional onsen bath and visit a world-class sculpture park in an unbeatable setting. Kanazawa offers a glimpse of life in a small, beautifully preserved traditional city. Three days in Kyoto, meanwhile, will induct you into another great Japanese city. The highlights here are taking a boat ride on the river in Kyoto's western Arashiyama district instead - an area of Kyoto particularly famous for autumn leaves. In the Japanese Alps, the city of Matsumoto and the craft town of Takayama offer a trip to the iconic "Black Crow" castle and an excursion to Hida no Sato respectively.
The former is one of Japan's most impressive samurai castles, while the latter is an open-air museum showcasing the steeply thatched "praying hands" farmhouses typical of the region.
No trip to Japan would be complete without seeing something of the big city, and your tour will be bookended by stays amongst the skyscrapers of Tokyo. Here you'll receive an introduction to Japanese cuisine at a local restaurant and visit the tranquil Hamarikyu Gardens by Tokyo Bay.
This is an active tour packed with opportunities for exploration, good value mid-range accommodation and a variety of meals included. With your Insider to steer you through the most fascinating aspects of these superb destinations, this tour offers a classic sightseeing experience at a fantastic time of year.
Be dazzled by vibrant autumn leaves
With a perfectly timed trip, you'll see the blazing colours of Japan in autumn
See the famous historic Matsumoto castle
Enjoy a visit to one of only 12 surviving original Japanese castles, known as the Black Crow
Soak up ancient samurai history
Explore Kanazawa's highlights - the scenic samurai district and Nomura samurai house
INSIDER TOP TIP
Nobody knows our trips as well as our Insiders, the expert guides that run them, do. If you're thinking about joining us on Autumn Elegance, here are Brandon's highlights.
"Cherry blossom season gets a lot of hype - and for good reason. But for me, there's something really magical about seeing a different side to the Japanese scenery, and the vibrant colours of the autumn leaves are really something to shout about.
We've designed this tour so that there are plenty of opportunity to see the colours blazing - with lots of parks and gardens, as well as an outdoor museum at the Hida no Sato folk village in Takayama, and the ever-popular Open Air Sculpture Museum in Hakone.
It's a beautiful time to visit, and one of my favourite tours."
"Brandon was an excellent tour guide. He was patient with us, great at explaining history and what our plans were going to be, flexible, fun to talk to. I can't say enough wonderful things about Brandon--you have a winner!"
Susan - UK, July 2023
Ready to find out more or book a Small Group Tour?
Call:
0117 244 3380 (Bristol, UK)
07 3186 8800 (Brisbane, Australia)
303 952 0379 (Broomfield, Colorado)
Email:
info@insidejapantours.com