Autumn in Japan: Temples, Waterfalls & Thermal Waters

Welcome to Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun! Upon arrival at either of Tokyo’s airports (Haneda or Narita), pass through immigration, collect your luggage, and clear customs. If you’ve arranged an arrival transfer with us, our assistant will meet you outside the secure area and escort you to the hotel in a private van. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or an Uber to our hotel. 

Settle into our 4-star, Michelin-recommended hotel, The Blossom Hibaya, located in the vibrant Ginza neighborhood. We'll meet for drinks around 6 pm at the hotel, then walk to dinner at Kappou Ukai Nikutakumi, which specializes in the highest-quality Wagyu beef. After a welcome meal, rest up and relax, our journey through Japan begins tomorrow. 

Because it's a long flight, consider arriving a day early to recover from jet lag; you can select this option under our Add-on section. 

Our day starts with a breakfast spread at the hotel to fuel us for today's adventures. At 10 am, we'll gather for a tea ceremony in the beautiful gardens of HAPPO-EN. We'll be guided through the proper etiquette for a traditional tea ceremony, an important part of Japanese culture. Hint: It's not about the tea!

Afterwards, we'll head over to the Sengakuji Temple, home to the graveyard of 47 Ronin, also known as the "masterless samurai from Ako". We'll visit the museum showcasing artifacts related to the 47 samurai, including letters and armor, and learn about the temple's history of the loyal retainers. 

Next, we'll savor lunch at Kitaohji, a warm and inviting restaurant where an expert chef will prepare our meal with fresh, seasonal ingredients. We'll have our own private room to enjoy the multi-course meal. 

In the afternoon, we'll stroll around the Hama Rikyu, an expansive garden chock full of beautiful maple, ginkgo, and other trees that will be in full fall color. Originally built as a feudal lord's Tokyo residence and duck-hunting grounds during the Edo Period (1603-1867), the property and all its old buildings are now open to the public for exploration. 

Our next stop is Ginza, Tokyo's premier shopping district. Take some time to explore the numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, and cafés at your leisure.

Finally, we'll return to the hotel for some downtime before our dinner reservation at Mantetsu, a teppanyaki Japanese restaurant with spectacular views from the 46th floor of the Caretta Shiodome.

We’ll start the morning with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading to the train station. At around 9 am, we’ll board the 909 Special Train and enjoy a scenic ride through the countryside on our way to Nikko, arriving just before 11 am. 

Our first stop will be the Shinkyo Bridge, one of Nikko’s most photographed landmarks, known for its striking red color set against lush natural surroundings. From there, we’ll sit down for lunch at Myogetsubo, a local favorite serving traditional dishes with an emphasis on steaks and grilled meat.

Afterward, we’ll continue to the Toshogu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. The ornate carvings, gilded details, and peaceful forest setting make it one of Japan’s most impressive shrines.

In the afternoon, we’ll take in sweeping mountain views from the Akechidaira Plateau and then visit the dramatic Kegon Falls, framed beautifully by autumn foliage at this time of year. 

We’ll check into Hoshino Resorts KAI Kinugawa, where each room blends modern comfort with traditional Japanese design and offers tranquil views of the surrounding forests and the Kinugawa River. 

Dinner tonight will be at the hotel’s elegant restaurant, where we can unwind and enjoy the serene atmosphere after a full day of sightseeing.

We’ll ease into the morning with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, enjoying the calm of Lake Chuzenji before setting out to explore. 

Our first stop is Chuzenji Temple, a lakeside sanctuary known for its peaceful atmosphere and views stretching across the water. From there, we’ll continue to the Italian Embassy Villa and British Embassy Villa. These two beautifully preserved summer residences showcase international ties and architectural styles against the backdrop of Nikko’s natural beauty.

Midday, we’ll pause for a traditional lunch at Mizunara before heading to the Ryuzu Cascades, where twin streams flow through the forest, with autumn leaves creating a fiery border around the rushing water.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Mt. Futara Shinto Shrine, an important spiritual site nestled in the forest, before enjoying a walk along the shores of Lake Chuzenji. 

As the day winds down, we’ll return to the hotel to rest and refresh before transferring to Nantai for dinner, savoring their seasonal, meticulously crafted rotating menu of delicious Japanese cuisine. 

We’ll start the day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and getting ready to see a few more of Nikko’s natural wonders before heading off to Gifu. 

Our first stop is the Yudaki Cascades, a stunning waterfall surrounded by autumn foliage, where we can enjoy the crisp mountain air and the rushing sound of water. 

Next, we’ll take a ride up the Nikko-Shirane Ropeway, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and valleys, giving us a unique perspective on the region’s dramatic landscapes.

At the end of the ropeway, we'll arrive at our lunch spot: Restaurant Plateau. We'll enjoy simple, hearty dishes at this cozy mountain eatery while taking in panoramic views. After lunch, we’ll visit the Fukiware Ravine, a striking gorge with rushing waters and natural beauty that’s especially vivid against the fall colors.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Takasaki Station to catch the bullet train to Nagano, arriving in time to check into the 4-star Kokusai Hotel, the headquarters for the 1998 Olympics in Nagano. 

We’ll have some time to settle into our comfortable rooms before gathering for a Teppanyaki dinner at the hotel, rounding out a day full of nature, scenic views, and memorable experiences.

We’ll begin the morning with breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks.

Our first stop is Matsumoto Castle, a beautifully preserved “black crow” castle that dates back to the 16th century. We’ll also spend time in the surrounding samurai district, where old streets and historic homes offer a glimpse into the town’s rich past. 

For lunch, we’ll enjoy a meal at Obuse Kurabu, a cozy eatery serving Yoritsuki cuisine. This type of food is simple, hearty, and locally sourced, inspired by the meals served to sake brewers who worked through the harsh winter months.

Afterward, we’ll visit the Hokusai Museum, dedicated to the famous ukiyo-e artist best known for “The Great Wave.”

From there, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through Obuse’s old town, where traditional storehouses, galleries, and charming shops line the streets. By late afternoon, we’ll make our way back to the hotel for some free time to rest.

We'll come together around 7 pm for a Kaiseki dinner at the hotel restaurant, where we can relax and savor another delicious Japanese meal.

Our day begins with a nourishing breakfast before we check out and set off toward Ogisawa Station, the gateway to the iconic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. 

Around mid morning, we'll board our train to begin the adventure through one of Japan’s most scenic mountain crossings, passing through dramatic landscapes that include towering peaks, deep valleys, and panoramic vistas that are especially stunning in autumn.

Once we reach Tateyama, we'll pause for lunch at Cafe Rindo before heading up to Murodo, the highest point along the route. Here we’ll take a light hike around Mikurigaike Pond and the Enmadai Observatory, where the combination of crisp mountain air and brilliant fall colors will make for a picturesque afternoon.

Next, we’ll transfer to Tateyama Station and continue on to Kanazawa, arriving by early evening. We’ll check in at the 5-star hotel Sanraku Kanazawa, featuring traditional Japanese decor and a beautiful garden.

Dinner tonight is a fun treat. We'll indulge in a Shabu-shabu meal where thin slices of meat and fresh vegetables are quickly swished in a pot of simmering broth, then dipped in flavorful sauces before eating.

Our hotel is known for it's elaborate breakfast buffet, so be sure to try a few new things this morning before we start the day. We’ll set out by private car toward Takayama, a charming mountain town known for its preserved Edo-period streets and lively atmosphere. 

We’ll arrive in time to stroll through the local morning market and the old district, where traditional wooden merchant houses, sake breweries, and small shops create a wonderfully nostalgic feel.

For lunch, we’ll dine at Suzuya before continuing to Takayama Jinya, the only remaining government outpost from the Edo period, where we can walk through tatami rooms and learn about its role in regional administration.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses with steep thatched roofs designed to withstand heavy snow.

We’ll return to Kanazawa for a short rest at the hotel. In the evening, we’ll gather for our final meal together at the hotel's best restaurant where we’ll enjoy a memorable meal focusing on seasonal delights and reminiscing about an incredible week in Japan. 

We’ll start our final day with breakfast at the hotel before checking out and preparing for a full morning of sightseeing. 

Our first stop is Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most celebrated gardens. A short walk away, we’ll visit the Kanazawa Castle, an impressive example of feudal architecture with restored gates and stone walls that tell the story of the region’s history.

At noon, we’ll pause for lunch, enjoying a traditional Gozen meal at Kanazawa Suju. Gozen is typically a bento box-style meal served on a tray with rice, soup, and side dishes.

Afterward, we’ll head to the Nagamachi Samurai District for a guided tour, walking through narrow streets lined with preserved samurai homes and learning about the lifestyle and culture of these historic residents.

Our final stop will be the Higashi Chaya District, where old teahouses and charming streets reflect Kanazawa’s cultural past. 

Our tour concludes at Kanazawa Station around 5:30 pm, where we’ll prepare to continue our travels onward to either Tokyo or Kyoto for connecting flights home.