10-Nights Japan Odyssey: Autumn Colours Edition - Festivals & Special Events, Odysseys by Goway, Escorted Tours from $7,999

Day 1: Arrive in Tokyo

Upon arrival at Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND) or Narita International Airport (NRT), you will be greeted by our representative, who will assist you with getting to your shared transfer that will take you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (4 Star Rating)

The Keio Plaza Hotel is the ideal location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Only minutes away from the most popular shopping and entertainment spots, the luxury hotel provides stunning views over central Tokyo. The Keio Plaza Hotel offers a wide variety of home-away-from-home hospitality, with 1,435 guest rooms to choose from to accommodate your every need. Located in Shinjuku, in the very heart of the Tokyo metropolis, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo extends top rated services and facilities, features that guests come to expect of a world class hotel.

Today, explore the dynamic neighbourhoods of Shibuya, and Asakusa, each offering its own unique charm. Begin your journey by learning the traditional purification ritual at the entrance of the Meiji-jingu Shrine. Then, wander through Harajuku's vibrant Takeshita Street, known for its youthful, trendy vibe and Kawaii culture. You might even encounter cosplayers dressed as their favorite anime characters. Continue to the sophisticated Omotesando Avenue, where tree-lined streets feature striking modern architecture and luxury designer boutiques. Next, head to the historic Asakusa district in the city's northwest, home to the iconic Senso-ji Temple and its towering five-story pagoda. Amidst clouds of fragrant incense, worshippers gather as tourists capture selfies. Let our guide help you interpret your fortune from an Omikuji, a wonderful keepsake from Tokyo. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (4 Star Rating)

The Keio Plaza Hotel is the ideal location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Only minutes away from the most popular shopping and entertainment spots, the luxury hotel provides stunning views over central Tokyo. The Keio Plaza Hotel offers a wide variety of home-away-from-home hospitality, with 1,435 guest rooms to choose from to accommodate your every need. Located in Shinjuku, in the very heart of the Tokyo metropolis, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo extends top rated services and facilities, features that guests come to expect of a world class hotel.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

Begin your day with a trip to Chureito Pagoda. Perched on the hillside above Fujiyoshida, the Chureito Pagoda is one of Japan's most iconic viewing spots, offering a stunning panorama of Mount Fuji (when weather is clear) framed by traditional architecture. This five-story pagoda, part of the Arakura Sengen Shrine, is especially enchanting in autumn, when vibrant maple leaves set the scene ablaze with color. A short climb up nearly 400 steps rewards visitors with breathtaking views that blend cultural heritage and natural beauty. Enjoy lunch before continuing to Lake Kawaguchiko, which is located in the town of Fujikawaguchiko in southern Yamanashi Prefecture near Mt. Fuji. It is the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of surface area. Nestled at the foot of Japan's iconic Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is a breathtaking destination that combines natural beauty with cultural charm. Known for its mirror-like waters reflecting the snow-capped peak, the lake offers spectacular views year-round - cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and serene snowscapes in winter.

Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (4 Star Rating)

The Keio Plaza Hotel is the ideal location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Only minutes away from the most popular shopping and entertainment spots, the luxury hotel provides stunning views over central Tokyo. The Keio Plaza Hotel offers a wide variety of home-away-from-home hospitality, with 1,435 guest rooms to choose from to accommodate your every need. Located in Shinjuku, in the very heart of the Tokyo metropolis, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo extends top rated services and facilities, features that guests come to expect of a world class hotel.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

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. Our guide will be on hand to recommend personalized activities tailored to your interests.

Hotel: Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo (4 Star Rating)

The Keio Plaza Hotel is the ideal location to explore the delights of the city of Tokyo. Only minutes away from the most popular shopping and entertainment spots, the luxury hotel provides stunning views over central Tokyo. The Keio Plaza Hotel offers a wide variety of home-away-from-home hospitality, with 1,435 guest rooms to choose from to accommodate your every need. Located in Shinjuku, in the very heart of the Tokyo metropolis, the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo extends top rated services and facilities, features that guests come to expect of a world class hotel.

Meal(s): Breakfast

This morning, we travel by bullet train from Tokyo to Kanazawa. Upon arrival, vist Omicho Market. Established during the Edo Period, Micho Market has formed an essential part of Kanazawa's food culture for more than 300 years. The sprawling market features more than 170 stores, including a large number of fishmongers that sell freshly caught seafood from the Sea of Japan. There are also fruit and vegetable stores that sell unique local produce, marine product stores, clothing stores, grocery stores and restaurants. Next up, head to the impeccably preserved Higashi Chaya 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. Our guide will point them out and offer insight into the enduring allure of geisha culture in this enchanting district. We 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.

Hotel: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa (4 Star Rating)

Discover the best of Kanazawa at Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, an upscale lifestyle hotel that embraces the rich culture of this historic city, known for its distinctive cuisine and its geisha and samurai heritage. Conveniently located just steps from Kanazawa Station, the hotel serves as the ideal starting point for exploring the city's authentic art, shops, restaurants, and attractions. Unwind in one of the 253 hotel rooms and suites, where modern, light-filled spaces are adorned with art by local artists and eclectic touches that reflect the spirit of the historic city.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today, immerse yourself in Kanazawa's rich history and culture as you explore its iconic landmarks. Begin your journeywith a private tea ceremony to learn about the cultural significance of the Japanese tea ceremony. Under the guidance of an instructor, try your hand at making your own cup of tea, deepening your appreciation for this timeless tradition. Next, visit Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan's most renowned landscape gardens, designed to embody all six elements of classical garden design: spaciousness, seclusion, serenity, subtlety, panoramic views, and water features. Stroll along its meticulously curated paths and admire the vibrant hues of cherry blossoms in spring, the lush greenery of summer, the fiery foliage of autumn, and the serene winter landscapes adorned with snow. Continue to the Nagamachi Samurai District, where narrow cobblestone lanes are lined with traditional samurai residences, preserving the historic atmosphere of the Edo period. Tour the restored Nomura Samurai House, featuring a stunning miniature garden best appreciated from its second-floor tea room.

Hotel: Hyatt Centric Kanazawa (4 Star Rating)

Discover the best of Kanazawa at Hyatt Centric Kanazawa, an upscale lifestyle hotel that embraces the rich culture of this historic city, known for its distinctive cuisine and its geisha and samurai heritage. Conveniently located just steps from Kanazawa Station, the hotel serves as the ideal starting point for exploring the city's authentic art, shops, restaurants, and attractions. Unwind in one of the 253 hotel rooms and suites, where modern, light-filled spaces are adorned with art by local artists and eclectic touches that reflect the spirit of the historic city.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we drive from Kanazawa to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site set amidst the stunning Japanese Alps. Explore this charming village, famous for its iconic Gassho-Zukuri houses - traditional thatched-roof structures unique to the region. With steeply pitched roofs resembling hands folded in prayer, these architectural marvels reflect the ingenuity of the villagers in withstanding the region's harsh winters. Take time to wander through this picturesque setting and immerse yourself in its timeless beauty. Afterwards, we travel to Kaga Onsen, a small hot spring town. Upon arrival at the ryokan, the staff will warmly welcome us, offering the traditional Japanese hospitality known as Omotenashi, where guests are cared for with heartfelt attention. Your stay will provide a truly unique Japanese experience, from the way you dress, sleep, and bathe. Relax, embrace the tradition, and immerse yourself in the local customs. In the evening, experience a Japanese kaiseki style group dinner. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dining experience, regarded as the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine. This culinary art form highlights seasonal ingredients, exquisite presentation, and a delicate balance of flavors. A typical kaiseki meal features a series of small dishes, each highlighting a unique element of Japanese cooking. The courses are served in a specific sequence, beginning with light appetizers, followed by more substantial dishes, and concluding with a dessert.

Hotel: Mori no Sumika Resort and Spa (3 Star Rating)

At Mori no Sumika Resort & Spa, the guest rooms are crafted to immerse you in a tranquil environment, blending seamlessly with nature. You can unwind in two different types of baths, allowing your fatigue to melt away as if you were in a secluded forest hot spring, embraced by the natural world. The rooms also offer a serene atmosphere where you can experience the seasonal beauty of the garden.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch

This morning, enjoy the onsen baths and ryokan before we take the train to Kyoto. In Kyoto visit Kiyomizudera, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the scenic hills of Eastern Kyoto. Marvel at the exquisite wooden architecture that stretches over a steep hillside, offering sweeping views of Kyoto's landscape. The day concludes in the atmospheric Gion district, Kyoto's renowned Geisha quarter. Here, you'll find traditional wooden machiya houses, many of which serve as tea houses where Geishas entertain their distinguished guests.

Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station Hotel (4 Star Rating)

DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station is a stylish, modern hotel located just a short walk from Kyoto Station, providing easy access to the city's renowned temples, shrines, and cultural landmarks. The hotel features contemporary guest rooms, a fitness center, and on-site dining options that blend international flavors with local cuisine. Combining convenience, comfort, and traditional Japanese hospitality, it’s an ideal choice for leisure travelers.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today, head to the foothills of Northern and Western Kyoto, beginning with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, the Zen Buddhist temple also known as the Golden Pavilion. The temple's top two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf, creating a stunning sight. Your guide will escort you through the beautiful gardens to the tea house, where you will exit the temple. In Arashiyama, explore Tenryu-ji, a Zen temple known for one of the finest gardens in Kyoto. Upon exiting the temple through the north gate, you'll stroll through narrow alleys lined with dense bamboo groves, offering a serene and atmospheric experience.

Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station Hotel (4 Star Rating)

DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station is a stylish, modern hotel located just a short walk from Kyoto Station, providing easy access to the city's renowned temples, shrines, and cultural landmarks. The hotel features contemporary guest rooms, a fitness center, and on-site dining options that blend international flavors with local cuisine. Combining convenience, comfort, and traditional Japanese hospitality, it’s an ideal choice for leisure travelers.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Today, enjoy Kyoto at leisure, a city where tradition meets tranquility at every turn. Wander through serene temples, stroll along peaceful bamboo groves, and experience the beauty of historical gardens. Explore the charming streets of Gion, where ancient teahouses and traditional architecture come to life. Take in the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, all at your own pace. Our guide will be on hand to recommend personalized activities tailored to your interests. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers.

Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station Hotel (4 Star Rating)

DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station is a stylish, modern hotel located just a short walk from Kyoto Station, providing easy access to the city's renowned temples, shrines, and cultural landmarks. The hotel features contemporary guest rooms, a fitness center, and on-site dining options that blend international flavors with local cuisine. Combining convenience, comfort, and traditional Japanese hospitality, it’s an ideal choice for leisure travelers.

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Sayonara, farewell, our tour concludes today. You will be transferred to Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka International Airport (ITM) for your departure flight.

Meal(s): Breakfast